Some structural features of an insoluble alpha-D-glucan from a mutant strain of Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-1355

J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol. 1999 Jul;23(1):656-60. doi: 10.1038/sj.jim.2900678.

Abstract

Leuconostoc mesenteroides strain NRRL B-1355 produces two soluble extracellular alpha-D-glucans from sucrose: alternan and dextran. An unusual mutant strain derived from NRRL B-1355 has recently been isolated which produces practically no soluble polysaccharide, but significant amounts of an insoluble D-glucan. Methylation analysis shows it contains linear (1-->3) and (1-->6) linkages as well as (1-->2) and (1-->3) branch linkages. The insoluble glucan was partially digestible by endodextranase, giving rise to a series of oligosaccharides, a high-molecular weight soluble fraction and an insoluble residue. Treatment of the soluble dextranase-limit fraction with an alpha(1-->2) debranching enzyme led to further dextranase susceptibility. Methylation, FTIR and NMR analyses of the dextranase-treated fractions indicate a non-uniform structure with domains bearing similarities to L. mesenteroides strain NRRL B-1299 dextran and to insoluble streptococcal D-glucans.

MeSH terms

  • Carbohydrates / analysis
  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Glucans / biosynthesis
  • Glucans / chemistry*
  • Leuconostoc / genetics
  • Leuconostoc / metabolism*
  • Mutation
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
  • Optical Rotation
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared

Substances

  • Carbohydrates
  • Glucans