Analysis of Biopolymers from Brazilian Seeds

Author(s): Joana Léa Meira Silveira, Neoli Lucyszyn, Clayton Fernandes de Souza and Carmen Lúcia de Oliveira Petkowicz

Pp: 194-223 (30)

* (Excluding Mailing and Handling)

Abstract

Polysaccharides, which can be obtained from a variety of different sources, have important industrial applications owing to their properties in solution. Considering the wide variety of plant species found in Brazilian flora, the achievement of these biopolymers from plant seeds is highly promising. In view of this potential, various research groups from Brazil have been investigating several plant species as a source of these natural polymers. These studies include structural elucidation, modification, and industrial application using several approaches. Therefore, the aim of this chapter is to review the results from studies of native Brazilian sources of polysaccharides, especially galactomannans and xyloglucans, to inspire commercial exploitation of these unconventional sources.

Keywords: Brazilian seeds, Carbohydrate, Galactomannan, Hemicellulose, HPSEC-MALLS, Hydrocolloids, Interaction, Leguminosae, Macromolecular analysis, NMR, Nonstarch polysaccharides, Physicochemical analysis, Polysaccharide derivatives, Polysaccharide interaction, Rheology, Structural analysis, Thickener agent, Vegetal polysaccharide, Viscosity, Xyloglucan.