Endoglucanase fragmentation of cellulose sulfates derived from different synthesis concepts

Nine cellulose sulfates, derived from different synthesis concepts, were characterised regarding the degree of substitution, substituent distribution in the anhydroglucose unit, molar mass distribution, intrinsic viscosity and solubility. The degree of substitution ranged from 0.37 to 1.46, and the degree of polymerisation amounted from 160 to 350. All samples were intensively incubated with an endoglucanase, and the degradation was monitored using multi-detected size exclusion chromatography. For samples with a degree of substitution up to 0.8 a severe fragmentation occurred, while for samples with higher substitution at least a significant modification of the derivatives could be achieved. The enzyme altered not only the molar mass distribution and viscosity but also its water solubility. vestigations on cellulose sulfates with different substitution pattern indicated that a homogeneous substituent distribution resulted in the best solubility of the derivatives. Investigation of samples after enzymatic fragmentation suggested that the C6 position inhibited the enzyme most effectively.