Conformation and Hydrolytic Stability of Polysaccharide from Xanthomonas campestris

Xanthomonas campestris polysaccharide in the solid state is stable to 225°C in air and 250°C in inert atmosphere. In solution, even at moderate temperatures, the polymer undergoes hydrolytic degradation via the glycosidic linkages, and occurrence of main-chain scission results in lower solution viscosity. In solution, the polymer can exist in ordered and disordered conformations. In distilled water at temperatures ≤ 50°C, the polymer exists in the disordered conformation. In the presence of salt, acid, or base the polymer exists in the ordered conformation. In the ordered conformation the polymer exhibits a far greater hydrolytic stability. The higher stability of the ordered conformation is especially demonstrated when the polymer is aged in acid or base solutions. Contrary to the expected lower stability of the glycosidic linkages in acid or base than in water, Xanthomonas campestris polysaccharide shows higher stability in these media.