Galactomannan

An overview of galactomannan, its structure, sources, and applications in medicine and industry.

Galactomannan

Structure of galactomannan

Galactomannan is a type of polysaccharide that consists of a mannose backbone with galactose side groups. It is a significant component of the cell walls of certain plants, particularly in the seeds of legumes. Galactomannans are known for their ability to form viscous solutions and gels, making them useful in various industrial and medical applications.

Structure

Galactomannans are composed of a linear chain of _-1,4-linked mannose residues with _-1,6-linked galactose residues attached as side chains. The ratio of mannose to galactose can vary depending on the source of the galactomannan. This structure allows galactomannans to interact with water, forming thick, viscous solutions.

Sources

Galactomannans are primarily found in the seeds of leguminous plants. Some common sources include:

• Guar gum from the seeds of the guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)
• Locust bean gum from the seeds of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua)
• Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Applications

Galactomannans have a wide range of applications due to their thickening and stabilizing properties.

Industrial Applications

In the food industry, galactomannans are used as thickeners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. They are commonly found in products such as ice cream, sauces, and salad dressings. In the paper and textile industries, they are used as sizing agents to improve the quality and durability of products.

Medical Applications

In medicine, galactomannans are used as diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents. The detection of galactomannan in blood can be used as a biomarker for invasive aspergillosis, a fungal infection. Additionally, galactomannans are explored for their potential in drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility and ability to form hydrogels.

Related pages

• Polysaccharide
• Guar gum
• Locust bean gum
• Aspergillosis