Evidence for a conformational transition in curdlan

Abstract Gelation occurred at a concentration of 0.3% curdlan solution at room temperature (25 °C). The curdlan showed a Newtonian behavior at 0.1%, but plastic behavior above 0.2% even at a temperature of 38 °C. The dynamic modulus remained at a constant value with an increase of temperature up to 40 °C., which was estimated to be a transition temperature, then it decreased rapidly with an increase of temperature until 55 °C; however, it increased gradually with a further increase of temperature. The dynamic viscoelasticity of curdlan solution remained at very low values on addition of urea (4 M) and decreased with increasing temperature. The optical rotation of curdlan (0.1%) increased with a decrease of temperature. Possible modes of intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding within and between curdlan molecules were proposed. A hydrophobic interaction might take place at high temperatures (>55 °C), the mode of which was also proposed.