Chemical characterisation of the lipopolysaccharide from Erwinia carotovora

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Erwinia carotovora, strain IFO 14082 has been isolated and found to contain 0glucose, L-glycero-o-manno-heptose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-o-glucose and 3-deoxy-o-manno-octulosonic acid. The main fatty acid components of lipid-A of the LPS are CI2:0, 3-0H-CI2:0, CI4:0, 3-0H-CI4:0 and CI6:0. The O-specific side chain (PS), obtained from the LPS, shows the presence of o-glucosc and L-glycero-o-manno-heptose in a molar ratio of 7:3 . The primary structural features of the O-specific side chain have been established by methylation analysis and Smith degradat ion together with 'H and DC NMR spectral data.