Photocatalyzed degradation of aqueous solutions of model polysaccharides pu
llulan and laminarin as well as natural mucous macroaggregates and monosacc
haride glucose in TiO2 suspensions was examined. The results of the present
study revealed similar reaction profiles in the case of photocatalyzed deg
radation of pullulan, laminarin and natural macroaggregates, that is an inc
rease in monosaccharide concentration in the first stage, followed by a dec
rease of monosaccharide concentration. The oxidative cleavage of glycosidic
linkages is probably the main reaction process involved in the initial sta
ge of photodegradation.