ADVANCES IN CONFORMATIONS AND CHARACTERIZATIONS OF FUNGI POLYSACCHARIDES (Special Topic)
菌类多糖链构象及其表征方法研究进展 （专题报道）

This paper summarizes the current research results on the chain conformations of the fungi polysaccharides in solution and characterization methods.The molecular weight,particle size,and chain conformation of various polysaccharides exacted from mushrooms including Lentinus edodes, Poria cocos,Ganoderma lucidum,Auricularia auricula-judae,Xanthomonas,Schizophyllan,etc. in solution are introduced,and the relationships between the bioactivity and the chain conformation are outlined.It is concluded that extended chain,charged groups and moderate molecular weight of the polysaccharides are beneficial to enhance the antitumor activities,as results of the increasing the interaction between polysaccharide molecules and immune system.It is indicated the importance of understanding the relationship between polysaccharide chain conformation and biological activity.Polysaccharides mainly exist as random coil,double helix,triple helix,the worm-like and rod\|like chain conformations,as well as aggregates in solution,depending on the type of monosaccharide and glycosidic link,the branch chain structure and intermolecular interactions.The major characterization methods include light scattering,viscosity,microscopy (TEM,SEM and atomic force microscope),microcalorimetry and small angle X\|ray scattering.In addition,the polysaccharides solution theory and the calculation expression of chain conformation parameters are represented and discussed.