Polysaccharides

Stability Hygroscopic
Applications Sugar composition of sake.
References Giri, N.Y., et al.: Arch. Biochem. Biophysics, 145, 505 (1971a

Applications Scleroglucan is a natural polymer produced by fungi, especially those of the genus Sclerotium. Scleroglucan fluids have been used to trap and treat Cr(VI) in environmental applications.
References Brigand, G.: Industrial Gums (Third Edition), pp. 461 (1993); Pensini, E.; et al.: Colloids Surf., A, 559, 191 (2018);

Laminaran is a polysaccharide that co-occurs with fucoidan and alginate in brown seaweeds such as Laminaria digitata, Laminaria cloustoni, Eisenia bicyclis and Thallus laminariae. It is a β-1,3-linked glucan which it is claimed stimulates the immune system in mammals and fish.
The image was kindly provided by Prof Mike Guiry from Cork who runs ‘The Seaweed Site’.

Nigeran is a polysaccharide found in the cell wall of lower fungi. In certain Aspergillus and Penicillium spp., nigeran was first isolated from Penicillium expansum and Aspergillus niger (illustrated). The polysaccharide contains unbranched α-D- glucopyranose residues linked 1,3 and 1,4. Nigeran is part of the hyphal cell wall, where it can contribute up to 40 % of the cell dry weight. The polysaccharide occupies several domains or location on the hyphal wall and is highly crystalline in vivo. Deposition of nigeran is primarily at the outer surface of the hyphal wall.