Abstract
The CH-π bonding potential of a saccharide is determined primarily by the number of hydrogen atoms available for bonding and is reduced by side groups that interfere with the CH-π bond. Each hydrogen bond increases the total bond energy, while interfering hydroxyl groups and other side groups reduce the bond energy by repulsion. The disaccharide repeating units of Calcium-Spirulan (Ca-SP), a large exopolysaccharide sub fractionated from the supernatant of the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis, contain a unique monosaccharide that is completely devoid of hydroxyl groups and side groups on its entire beta surface, leaving five hydrogen atoms available for CH-π bonding in the planar conformation. While planar conformations of independent pyranose rings are rare-to-nonexistent, due to ring strain associated with that conformation, the binding site of a protein could provide the conformational energy needed to overcome that energy barrier. By enabling a planar conformation, a protein could also enable the sugar to form a novel 5-hydrogen CH-π bond configuration. One study of the anticoagulant property of Ca-SP shows that the molecule acts as an activator of Heparin Cofactor II (HC-II), boosting its anticoagulant kinetics by 10(4). In comparison, the longstanding anticoagulant drug Heparin boosts the HC-II kinetics by 10(3). The difference may be explained by this unique CH-π configuration. Here, we review current knowledge and experience on the isolation techniques, analytical methods, and chemical structures of Ca-SP. We emphasize a discussion of the CH-π bonding potential of this unique polysaccharide because it is a topic that has not yet been addressed. By introducing the topic of CH-π bonding to the cyanobacterial research community, this review may help to set the stage for further investigation of these unique molecules, their genetics, their biosynthetic pathways, their chemistry, and their biological functions.