This paper summarizes the current research results on the chain conformations of the fungi polysaccharides in solution and characterization methods.The molecular weight

particle size

and chain conformation of various polysaccharides exacted from mushrooms including Lentinus edodes

Poria cocos

Ganoderma lucidum

Auricularia auricula-judae

Xanthomonas

Schizophyllan

etc.in solution are introduced

and the relationships between the bioactivity and the chain conformation are outlined.It is concluded that extended chain

charged groups and moderate molecular weight of the polysaccharides are beneficial to enhance the antitumor activities

as results of the increasing the interaction between polysaccharide molecules and immune system.It is indicated the importance of understanding the relationship between polysaccharide chain conformation and biological activity.Polysaccharides mainly exist as random coil

double helix

triple helix

the worm-like and rod-like chain conformations

as well as aggregates in solution

depending on the type of monosaccharide and glycosidic link

the branch chain structure and intermolecular interactions.The major characterization methods include light scattering

viscosity

microscopy(TEM

SEM and atomic force microscope)

microcalorimetry and small angle X-ray scattering.In addition

the polysaccharides solution theory and the calculation expression of chain conformation parameters are represented and discussed.