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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2021.07.13.451276

Inulin nanostructures: The sweet-spot of carbohydrate self-assembly

Arnon, Z. A.·Grabarics, M.·Kreiser, T.·Raveh, A.·Pagel, K.·Gazit, E.
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Abstract

Supramolecular architecture formation by the self-assembly of proteins and nucleic acids is well studied. Yet, the spontaneous organization of oligosaccharides, the most common polymers in nature, is less explored. Here, using inulin as a model, we identify the "sweet spot" length for oligosaccharide assembly. Inulin forms discrete spheres in a concentration-dependent manner. Size-based fractionation displayed markedly different aggregation morphologies. Based on these findings, we believe that carbohydrates could become an important source for novel self-assembling materials.

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Arnon, Z. A., Grabarics, M., Kreiser, T., Raveh, A., Pagel, K., Gazit, E.. 2021-07-13. Inulin nanostructures: The sweet-spot of carbohydrate self-assembly. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.07.13.451276

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