Identification of monosaccharides in hydrolyzed Nautilus shell insoluble matrix by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

This study provides the first survey of the monomeric constituents of hydrolyzed Nautilus pompilius insoluble shell matrix by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Identifying the monomeric constituents of hydrolyzed Nautilus insoluble matrix is an important first step in identifying the larger molecules of which the matrix is composed and, ultimately, postulating their function. This study revealed the presence of five monosaccharides not previously reported in the hydrolyzed matrix. These are fucose, xylose, mannose, galactose, and glucose, which together constitute < 1% by weight of the matrix. The low concentration of these monosaccharides in not indicative of any structural role for these compounds. Three of these monosaccharides (galactose, mannose, and fucose) are monosaccharide residues often found in glycoproteins.