By means of ultrasonication two fractions of the carboxymethylated chitin-g
lucan complex isolated from the cell walls of the filamentous fungus Asperg
illus niger were obtained. Elemental analysis as well as C-13 NMR investiga
tion of the high-molecular weight (M-w 680 kDa) and low-molecular weight (M
-w 75 kDa) fractions revealed their essentially different chitin content. H
PLC analysis of the fractions produced by ultrasonic treatment of different
duration, combined with nitrogen assay showed steadily increasing chitin c
ontent in the faster eluted fraction that allows one to suggest the differe
nt susceptibility of the two components of the chitin-glucan complex to the
ultrasonication. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.