Distinct gelation mechanism between linear and branched (1--3)- beta-D-glucans as revealed by high resolution solid state 13C NMR.

We have recorded high-resolution 13C-NMR spectra of linear (curdlan) and branched (lentinan, HA-beta-glucan and its polyol and aldehyde derivatives) (1----3)-beta-D-glucans in hydrate and gel states, in order to gain insight into their gelation mechanism. Network structure of curdlan turned out to be highly heterogeneous from its motional state, from liquid-like, through intermediate, to solid-like domains. They are studied by a variety of experiments, conventional high-resolution NMR by broad-band decoupling, high-power decoupling with magic angle spinning (MAS), and cross-polarization-magic-angle-spinning (CP-MAS). Nevertheless, we found that conformations of these distinct liquid-like and solid-like domains exhibit an identical single helix conformation with a small proportion of a triple helix form, supporting our previous view as to the gelation mechanism. In contrast, the network structure of branched (1----3)-beta-D-glucans in the gel state arises mainly from the triple helix conformation. This means that gelation of branched (1----3)-beta-D-glucan proceeds from partial association of the triple helical chains, previously proposed for gelation of a linear glucan. Furthermore, we found that conversion from the single chain to the single helix was not achieved readily by hydration of over 8 h at 96% R.H. for branched glucan but the triple helix form is obtained when these samples are hydrated fully as in gel state.