POLYSACCHARIDE RESEARCH IN TRONDHEIM

Current research on polysaccharides in Trondheim is summarized, with emphasis on the interests and activities of the individuals concerned. The present research activity has evolved mainly from early work on seaweeds and polysaccharides derived from them. Polysaccharides produced by unicellular and other planktonic algae were later added to the list of interests, and this has now expanded to include bacterial exopolysaccharides of special industrial significance, capsular proteoglycans of edaphic algae, and polysaccharides from mosses. The emphasis ranges from fundamental aspects of aquatic and edaphic ecology to practical problems such as biofilm formation. The preparation and use of well defined samples and development of new or improved instrumental methods of characterization of polysaccharides are other special features. The Norwegian Biopolymer Laboratory (NOBIPOL) is a new organization which functions within the University, initiating and coordinating multidisciplinary research programmes centred on polysaccharides. © 1990.