Wouldn't you like to make better use of plant polysaccharides?
Keywords: polysaccharides, constituent sugars, sugar metabolism, functional foods, enzymatic degradation
Most of the biomass carbon (biologically derived carbon) on Earth exists as polysaccharides in plant cell walls, with cellulose being the most representative. The non-edible parts of plants are mostly polysaccharides from cell walls when moisture is removed. In addition to cellulose, plant cell walls contain pectin, arabinogalactan, glucomannan, and xylan. These have been recognized as "dietary fiber," but in recent years, their prebiotic effects in regulating gut microbiota have gained attention. There can be useful cell wall polysaccharides remaining in waste parts such as vegetable and fruit pomace and residues. We are researching how plants synthesize and metabolize various cell wall polysaccharides, while also being conscious of whether we can increase the production of useful polysaccharides or improve them to be of higher value. Additionally, we routinely investigate the structure and properties of polysaccharides and also prepare oligosaccharides through enzymatic degradation.
- Company:埼玉大学 オープンイノベーションセンター
- Price:Other