Proton conduction in biopolymer exopolysaccharide succinoglycan

Abstract

Protonic currents play a vital role in electrical signalling in living systems. It has been suggested that succinoglycan plays a specific role in alfalfa root nodule development, presumably acting as the signaling molecules. In this regard, charge transport and proton dynamics in the biopolymer exopolysaccharide succinoglycan have been studied by means of electrical measurements and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In particular, a dielectric dispersion in the system has revealed that the electrical conduction is protonic rather electronic. Besides, our laboratory-and rotating-frame H-1 NMR measurements have elucidated the nature of the protonic conduction, activation of the protonic motion being associated with a glass transition. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.