*2.6. SEM Analysis*

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed with Zeiss Gemini 500 Field-Emission SEM (Carl Zeiss Microscopy, Oberkochen, Germany) at 5 kV. Polysaccharide samples of 50 mg were freeze-dried in a 100 mL Falcon tube. The dried samples where broken with tweezers, deposited on SEM adhesive tape and sputtered with gold to enhance conductivity.
