[Study on molecular chain morphology and chain parameters of konjac glucomannan].

Aim: To study the molecular chain morphology and chain parameters of konjac glucomannan (KGM).

Methods: Solution behavior was studied by using light scattering(LS), gel permeation chromatograph (GPC) and method of viscosity. The molecular morphology was observed directly by atom force microscope (AFM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM).

Results: The average molecular weight (Mw), root-mean-square ratio of gyration(1/2), second Viral coefficients (A2) and multi-disperse coefficients (Mw/Mn) are 1.04 x 10(6), 105.0 +/- 0.9 nm, (-1.59 +/- 0.28) x 10(-3) mol.mL.g-2 and (1.020 +/- 0.003) respectively; Mark-Houwink equation was established as [eta] = 5.96 x 10(-2) Mw0.73, the molecular chain parameters were as follows: ML = 982.82 nm-1, q = 27.93 nm, d = 0.74 nm, h = 0.26 nm, L = 1,054.11 nm.

Conclusion: Both the result showed by direct observation and the deduction drawn by solution behavior confirmed that the KGM molecular is stentering semi-flexible linear chain without branch.