Читать книгу Polysaccharides - Группа авторов - Страница 65

Ulvan is a polysaccharide compound, derived from Ulva and Enteromorpha sp. with key constituents of rhamnose, xylose and glucuronic acid. The main repeating unit is a disaccharide known as ulvanobiouronic acid. Ulvans are typically known for the broad distribution of molecular weight. Its solutions are with low viscosities, which is indicative of its polydisperse nature with a higher proportion of short chain polysaccharides or a branched structure. Ulvans are able to form gels; although the mechanism for it is still unknown. They are also known for their ion binding abilities, which contributes to UIva sp. being an effective heavy metal binder [49].