Challenges for the modern analytical ultracentrifuge analysis of polysaccharides

This article reviews some of the recent advances in analytical ultracentrifugation and how these advances have impacted—and can impact—on our understanding of the size, shape through conformation modelling, interactions and charge properties of polysaccharides in solution, particularly when used in combination with other solution techniques and also imaging techniques. Specifically we look at (1) polysaccharide polydispersity and simple shape analysis by sedimentation velocity, and in particular using new approaches such as SEDFIT analysis; (2) polysaccharide molecular-weight analysis by sedimentation equilibrium and MSTAR analysis and how this complements analysis of size exclusion chromatography coupled to multi-angle laser light scattering; (3) polysaccharide conformation analysis using traditional procedures such as the Wales–van Holde ratio, power law or ‘scaling’ relations, more specialised treatments for rigid cylindrical structures, semi-flexible chains and worm-like coils and complications through draining effects; (4) Analysis of polysaccharide interactions and in particular complex formation phenomena, focusing on interesting applications in the areas of mucoadhesion and sedimentation fingerprinting; and (5) the possibilities for macromolecular charge and charge screening measurement.