Abstract:

The interaction between konjac glucomannan (KGM) and curdlan was evaluated by molecular dynamic simulation.
The viscosity and shear stress of KGM/curdlan sol were measured as a function of shear rate by a rotational rheometer at
25 ℃. The molecular morphology of KGM and curdlan in water solution were observed by transmission electron microscopy
(TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results of molecular dynamic simulation and rheological behavior showed
that hydrogen bond interactions existed between KGM and curdlan. The collaborative stress index increased from 1.43 to 1.97,
suggesting KGM/curdlan sol has synergistic viscosification due to the interactions between KGM and curdlan. TEM and
AFM results showed the formation of interpenetrating network structure between KGM and curdlan, which may be driven
by hydrogen bonding interactions, and this interaction was further confirmed by the microscopic level.

Key words: konjac glucomannan, curdlan, molecular simulation, molecular morphology, interaction