Curdlan and schizophyllan (β-1,3-glucans) can entrap single-wall carbon nanotubes in their helical superstructure

We have found that s-SPG and curdlan are capable of wrapping SWNTs and the periodical helical structure is created, reflecting the helical nature of the SPG main-chain, on the SWNTs surface. The novel SWNTs/beta-1,3-glucan composites were characterized by TEM and AFM, which consistently support the view that these beta-1,3-glucans wrap SWNTs, creating a helical higher-order structure.