Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) from backwater clam Marcia opima (Gmelin)

Heparin was isolated from whole clam tissue Marcia opima . Purification of multimilligram quantities of heparin from this tissue sample permitted a thorough examination of its anticoagulant activity characterization, which was partially purified by fractionation by anion exchange chromatography using DEAE cellulose column. The isolated crude and partially purified fractionated sample showed metachromatic shift while using azure-A. The sample also exhibited prominent anticoagulant activity. Mobility was analyzed by two different buffer systems using agarose gel electrophoresis. The fractionated molluscan GAG was also found to have similar peaks as that of standard heparin when assessed by the FT-IR spectrum. The bivalve GAG was subjected to fractionation for further purification and its chemical components were analyzed. The fractionated clam heparin also showed substantial in-vitro anticoagulant activity compared to that of commercial heparins.