Xanthan gum - Structural properties and variations

3 important questions on Xanthan gum - Structural properties and variations

What are the building blocks of xanthan gum?

  • Cellulose backbone
  • Every second glycosyl residue at O-3
    • Mannosyl residue + 90% chance of acetyl group at O-6
    • Glucuronic acid
    • Mannosyl residue + 50% of 4,6-linked pyruvate acetal group

Why is the structure of xanthan gum so unique?

It has a stiff, cellulosic backbone, charged side chain (glucuronic acid and pyruvate) and apolar (neutral) acetyl groups.

The amount of acetyl and pyretic acid groups may vary in xanthan, what are they dependent on?

  • The Xanthomonas strain used
  • Fermentation condition
  • Final processing to obtain the pure polymer

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