Structure and aggregation behavior of tamarind seed polysaccharide in aqueous solution

Light‐scattering data from tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) very often result in different molar masses and dimensions. This effect is due to a strong tendency to self‐association of the polysaccharide. The relation between particle masses and radii of gyration indicates worm‐like chain behaviour of TSP at fairly low particle masses. The solution properties of TSP in this regime may conveniently be described by the model of bundle‐shaped lateral aggregates of single polymer chains, whereas the aggregates seem to attain more spherical shape at higher degree of aggregation. It is shown that the relation of thermodynamic and hydrodynamic behaviour of TSP is different from that of Gaussian coils and is rather that of polymers which are known to be of high chain stiffness.