Unlocking the Potential of Ulvan with Precision and Insight
Marine plant polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates from macroalgae with unique structures and properties that make them suitable for use in healthcare and biotechnology. Marine plant polysaccharide characterization services are essential to understand the structural, chemical, and functional properties of these polysaccharides to optimize their applications in various industries. CD BioGlyco provides professional Marine Plant Polysaccharide Characterization Services to companies, universities, and research institutes around the world. Ulvan is a complex sulfated polysaccharide derived from green algae. We use a range of sophisticated analytical techniques and methods to ensure a thorough understanding of the biochemical and biophysical properties of ulvan. Our services are as follows:
Extraction and Purification of Ulvan
After receiving the sample from the clients, the sample is pre-treated to remove phenols, free sugars, amino acids, lipids, and colored compounds. It is then dried and ground into a fine powder and extracted with hot water, with the help of acidic or alkaline conditions to increase the yield. After extraction, the solution is centrifuged and filtered to remove solid residues. The crude polysaccharide solution is further purified using ethanol or acetone precipitation, dialysis to remove low molecular weight contaminants, and freeze drying to produce ulvan.
Ulvan Characterization
- Sulfated content: Two common methods are used for the determination of sulfate content in ulvan. The first uses a colorimetric assay to quantify the amount of sulfate, such as the BaCl2-gelatin method. We also use the interaction of sulfate ions with the chromatographic column and their elution order to separate and quantify sulfate.
- UV-visible spectroscopy: The extracted ulvan is scanned using a UV-visible spectrophotometer at wavelengths from 200 nm to 800 nm to identify and quantify the presence of specific functional groups and impurities.
- Infrared spectrum: Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is used to analyze the molecular structure and composition of ulvan, examining the characteristic absorption bands corresponding to various functional groups such as sulfate, carboxylate, and hydroxyl groups present in ulvan.
- Monosaccharides composition: We start with acid hydrolysis of ulvan to break it down into its monosaccharide components. These monosaccharides are separated and identified using techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Common monosaccharides include rhamnose, xylose, glucose, galactose, and glucuronic acid. The precise composition and ratio of these monosaccharides influence the structural and functional properties of ulvan.
- Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy: NMR is used to analyze the chemical environment of hydrogen and carbon atoms in ulvan, determine the types of monosaccharides present, the sulfation pattern, and the connections between sugar units. NMR is a powerful tool for fully elucidating the structure of ulvan.
- Scanning electron microscope (SEM): SEM is used to reveal the surface morphology and structure of ulvan, providing detailed, high-resolution images that enable the researchers to analyze the microstructural features of ulvan, such as the size, shape, surface texture, and overall structure of the polysaccharides.
Publication
Technology: FTIR, GC-MS, 1H NMR, SEM, Antioxidant activity test, Antimicrobial activity test, Anti-arthritic test
Journal: Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali
IF: 2.1
Published: 2022
Results: The authors extracted ulvan from Ulva fasciata and chemically characterized it by FTIR, GC-MS, and 1H NMR analysis to ensure the structure of the extracted ulvan. The monosaccharide composition analysis showed that ulvan was mainly composed of rhamnose and fucose. The authors also used SEM spectroscopy to conduct morphological and elemental studies of ulvan. The antioxidant activity showed that ulvan had a scavenging rate of 84.93% against 2,2-diphenyl-1-trinitrophenylhydrazine radical (DPPH). Ulvan showed significant antimicrobial activity against human and fish pathogens and antifouling bacteria. In addition, ulvan also showed anti-arthritic properties with a maximum inhibition rate of 86.04%.
Fig.1 GC chromatogram represent the sugar compositions for the extracted ulvan. (Barakat, et al., 2022)
Applications
- Detailed insights into the structure, composition, and functional properties of ulvan allow researchers to elucidate its potential bioactive compounds, understand their interactions at the molecular level, and identify its beneficial properties.
- Understanding the structure of ulvan aids in the development of bio-based materials for medical and environmental applications, such as biodegradable films and hydrogels.
- Studying the ability of ulvan to promote plant growth and health to develop biofertilizers.
- Characterizing ulvan aids in the understanding of algal physiology and the ecological role of algae in marine ecosystems.
Advantages of Us
- Advanced analytical methods such as MS, NMR, and HPLC ensure an accurate understanding of the structure and composition of ulvan molecules.
- By choosing our ulvan characterization services, researchers gain access to cutting-edge technology and expert support to advance their research on marine polysaccharides and their diverse applications.
- Our team of experienced scientists has extensive knowledge of marine glycobiology and polysaccharide research and provides tailor-made solutions to meet specific research goals.
- We also provide ulvan-based downstream product development such as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and adjuvants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information can be obtained from ulvan characterization?
We utilize advanced analytical techniques to obtain a wealth of information from ulvan characterization, such as molecular structure, monosaccharide composition, molecular weight distribution, functional groups, surface morphology, antioxidant activity, anticoagulant activity, antiviral properties, etc.
How do you ensure the accuracy of the results?
CD BioGlyco uses a variety of rigorous strategies and quality control measures to ensure the precision and accuracy of results. Highly sensitive and specific analytical techniques are used to ensure data accuracy and reproducibility. Standardized procedures and reference materials are used to ensure data credibility. Instruments are calibrated regularly to ensure consistent performance. Our laboratory staff is well-trained in handling samples, and multiple replicate tests and cross-validation of different methods further enhance data reliability.
CD BioGlyco offers comprehensive ulvan characterization services using advanced analytical techniques to support a variety of applications in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural, and biomaterials sectors. Please feel free to contact us for quotes, sample requirements, and turnaround times for ulvan characterization.
References
- Barakat, K.M.; et al. Chemical characterization and biological activities of ulvan extracted from Ulva fasciata (Chlorophyta). Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali. 2022, 33: 829-841.
- From Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_algae#/media/File:Intertidal_greenalgae.jpg.
- From Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_algae#/media/File:Stigeoclonium_sp_zugespitzte_seitenzweige.jpeg.
