Polysaccharide analysis

analysis of polysaccharides is an essential analytical service for the characterization, quality control, and compliance of numerous industrial products. Polysaccharides, complex carbohydrate macromolecules, play a crucial role in the functional, nutritional, and technological properties of food, plant, and nutraceutical matrices. Their quantification and characterization require appropriate analytical methods capable of accounting for the structural diversity of these compounds and the complexity of the matrices being studied.

Principle of analysis

Polysaccharides are composed of chains of varying lengths of monosaccharides linked together by glycosidic bonds. Their analysis generally relies on an indirect approach, combining specific preparation steps with high-performance analytical techniques.
Depending on the study's objectives, the analysis may aim to determine the overall polysaccharide content, identify specific polysaccharides, or characterize their composition of constituent sugars.

A chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis step is often implemented to release the constituent monosaccharides, which are then quantified by chromatographic or spectrophotometric methods. In some cases, complementary techniques provide information on the structure or degree of polymerization.

Analytical methods used

The choice of analytical methods depends closely on the nature of the targeted polysaccharides, the matrix analyzed, and the requirements in terms of sensitivity and reproducibility.

The most commonly used approaches include high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which allows for the quantification of constituent sugars after hydrolysis, and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) when lower detection levels or greater specificity are required. Enzymatic methods can also be used for the targeted quantification of specific polysaccharide families.

The analytical protocol is defined in advance to guarantee reliable, comparable results adapted to industrial or regulatory objectives.

Measured parameters

Polysaccharide analysis can determine various analytical parameters, such as total polysaccharide content, constituent sugar composition, relative distribution of different monosaccharides, and comparisons between batches or formulations.
These results provide an objective basis for quality assessment, process control, and product conformity.

Matrices involved

This analytical service applies to a wide variety of matrices, including plant ingredients, plant extracts, powders, processed foods, beverages, nutraceuticals, and certain animal feeds.
Each matrix undergoes specific preparation to minimize interference and ensure accurate and reproducible quantification of polysaccharides.

Industrial applications

Polysaccharide analysis is used in numerous industrial contexts. It plays a key role in quality control of raw materials and finished products, functional characterization of ingredients, product development and reformulation, and batch or supplier comparisons. It
is also employed for investigating non-conformities, optimizing processing methods, and validating analytical data within a regulatory or contractual framework.

In the agri-food and nutraceutical sectors, this analysis is particularly strategic for controlling the texturizing, thickening or stabilizing properties of products.

Sectors concerned

Polysaccharide analysis is primarily aimed at stakeholders in the human food, nutraceutical, and animal nutrition sectors, as well as the plant and plant-based ingredient industries. It also concerns manufacturers involved in the formulation of functional ingredients or value-added products.

Regulatory issues and quality

Analytical characterization of polysaccharides helps meet regulatory and normative requirements applicable to food and nutraceutical products. Reliable analysis ensures accurate composition declarations, supports technical documentation, and reduces the risk of non-compliance during inspections.

Control of polysaccharides is also an important lever for ensuring consistent quality and reproducibility of products.

Other analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue

In the context of the characterization of carbohydrates and complex matrices, the analysis of polysaccharides can be complemented by other analytical services offered in the YesWeLab catalogue, in order to obtain a global view of the composition and properties of the products.

• The determination of total sugars and free sugars makes it possible to quantify the monosaccharides and disaccharides present naturally or after hydrolysis, and to establish a detailed profile of the sugars constituting food, plant or nutraceutical matrices.
• Starch analysis is particularly relevant for products rich in storage polysaccharides. It allows for a better understanding of the technological and nutritional behavior of raw materials and processed products.
• Dietary fiber analysis is an essential complement to polysaccharide analysis, particularly for nutritional characterization, quality control, and product labeling validation.
• HPLC chromatographic analyses are used for the separation and quantification of many carbohydrate compounds, whether they are simple sugars, sugars from hydrolysis or associated compounds.
• LC-MS analyses allow for higher levels of sensitivity and are suitable for complex matrices or advanced characterization needs.
• Finally, the nutritional analyses offered by YesWeLab allow the analysis of polysaccharides to be integrated into a complete approach to product composition, including carbohydrates, fiber and other key nutritional parameters.

YesWeLab Expertise

YesWeLab relies on a rigorously selected network of partner laboratories, most of which are certified and/or accredited according to recognized standards such as ISO 17025 and COFRAC. Each request is analyzed by our scientific team to direct samples to the analytical method best suited to the specific objectives and constraints of the project.

Thanks to its digital platform, YesWeLab enables centralized analysis management, optimized sample tracking, and fast, secure access to analytical results. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and research firms have trusted YesWeLab for their physicochemical and nutritional analyses.

For any quote request or to discuss your specific polysaccharide analysis needs, contact our team now.