Inclusion complexes of slightly hydroxypropylated amylose with organic
guest molecules have been investigated by means of c.d. spectroscopy
and microcalorimetry in aqueous solution. From these results, the stru
cture of the complexes and the mechanism of their fomation are deduced
. It is concluded that amylose can adjust its helix conformation to th
e shape and structure of the guest molecule included. Investigations a
bout intramolecular and intermolecular crosslinking of amylose indicat
e that the complexing behavior of amylose can be manipulated specifica
lly.