Abstract: Physico-chemical properties such as the contents of total carbohydrates, sulfate and uronic acid and average molecular weight of polysaccharide PPS0, isolated from Pavlova viridi, and its two degradation products, PPS1 and PPS2, were determined. In addition, their total antioxidant capacity, hygroscopicity and water retention activity were investigated and correlation analysis between their physicochemical properties and bioactivities was performed. The results showed that total antioxidant capacity of PPS1 and PPS2 was better than that of PPS0 and comparable to that of vitamin C. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity of PPS0 and its degradation products was inversely proportional to molecular weight but directly proportional to uronic acid content. All three samples presented excellent water absorption and retention capacities which were significantly negatively related to molecular weight (P ＜ 0.05). The maximum hygroscopicity and moisture retention rate of PPS0 were 47.80% and 70.63%, respectively. Furthermore, the water absorption and retention capacities of PPS0 and its degradation products were significantly superior to those of chitosan (P ＜ 0.05).

Key words: Pavlova viridi polysaccharide, degradation, antioxidation, hygroscopicity, water retention