13Dglucan

13Dglucan is a term used in carbohydrate chemistry to describe a glucan that contains roughly thirteen D-glucose residues. It is not a standardized chemical name; more precise descriptors such as degree of polymerization (DP) 13 or oligoglucan DP13 are preferred. The structural details—whether the polymer is linear or branched and whether the glycosidic linkages are alpha or beta—depend on the synthesis method and source.

Preparation and sources: 13Dglucan can be prepared by stepwise chemical synthesis or by enzymatic polymerization ending at DP around 13. It also arises unintentionally when longer glucans are partially hydrolyzed to yield shorter oligomers. Isolation and purification are typically achieved by chromatographic methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography or size-exclusion techniques.

Properties: With about 13 glucose units, the approximate molecular weight is around 2100 Da, depending on linkage types and anomeric configuration. Solubility and conformation are influenced by linkage type; small oligoglucans are commonly water-soluble, but branching can reduce solubility and alter chain flexibility.

Applications: In research, DP13 glucans serve as model substrates for studying glucan-degrading enzymes (glucosidases, glucanases) and for calibrating carbohydrate analysis methods. They are also used as standards in chromatographic and spectroscopic measurements and as components in studies of polysaccharide interactions and carbohydrate-binding proteins.

Notes: Because 13Dglucan is not a standardized, widely used nomenclature, it is important to specify the exact features—degree of polymerization, linkage types, and branching—when communicating about the compound. See also glucan, oligoglucan, and carbohydrate analysis standards.