Note:: Characterisation of furcellaran samples from Estonian Furcellaria lumbricalis (Rhodophyta)

The structure of furcellarans obtained from red algae Furcellaria lumbricalis collected in Estonia was determined. Native and alkali-modified furcellarans were examined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and C-13-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and were compared with commercial furcellaran (FMC Food Ingredients). The polysaccharide preparation consisted mainly of ( 1 --> 3) linked beta-D-galactopyranose, (1 --> 4) linked 3,6-anhydro-alpha-D-galactopyranose and (1 --> 3) linked beta-D-galactopyranose 4-sulphate. Alkaline treatment removed the sulphate precursor sequences with formation of 3,6-anhydrogalactose that improved the furcellaran gelling ability.