Structure characterization and adhesive ability of a polysaccharide from tendrils of Parthenocissus heterophylla.

In order to reveal the structure of the polysaccharide and its contribution to the biological adhesion system of Parthenocissus heterophylla, a water-soluble polysaccharide (PT-A) was isolated from tendrils using DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-100 columns. PT-A mainly consisted of a backbone of (1-->3)-linked-beta-D-Galp residues and substituted at 0-6 with side chains of (1-->5)-linked-alpha-L-Araf residues and glucomannopyranosyl residues. Individual polysaccharide chains of PT-A with the approximately height of 0.75 nm were observed by AFM. The analysis of force curves indicated that PT-A was a kind of elastic polysaccharide with a maximum adhesion force of 279.98 nN, which could be applied as a potential bio-adhesive.