Quantitative branching of linear and branched polysaccharide mixtures by size exclusion chromatography and on‐line low‐angle laser light scattering detection

The quantitative branching characterization of polysaccharide via size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and on‐line low‐angle laser light scattering (LALLS) detection is presented from both theoretical arguments as well as direct experimental evidence. The two measurable branching parameters gv(m) [= (Ml/(Mn)m)v] and g′v(m) [ = (Ml/(Mw)m)v] of a sample mixture have been related theoretically to the mixture's composition. There exists linear relationships between gv(m) and Wb,v (the mass fraction of branched component in mixture) as well as between g′v(m)−1 and wb,v. The latter correlation has been demonstrated experimentally employing a combined SEC/LALLS technique, and displays excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions. Furthermore, this polymer branching characterization method has been applied to study enzymatic starch hydrolysates products. The molecular weight distribution and branching distribution have been obtained.