Abstract: Four kinds of polysaccharide including water extract (A), ethanol extract (B), radial flow-chromatography extract (C), and chemical deproteinization (D) were obtained from Sargassum horneri and added to the cut tobacco. The physical moisturizing property and biological safety were detected. In addition, the pyrolysis products of the four kinds of polysaccharides were analyzed by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The results showed that the polysaccharides from Sargassum horneri could effectively reduce the change of moisture content in tobacco under high humidity or low humidity condition. The moisturizing performance of polysaccharide extract A was the best within 6 h, followed by extract D. The pyrolysis products of the polysaccharide extracts were mainly heterocyclic, ketone and furfural. The tobacco smoke increased with the addition of the extract, and the taste of the smoked tobacco was improved to some extent, which indicated that the polysaccharide extract was a potential natural security protection.

Key words: Sargassum horneri polysaccharide, moisture retentivity, Py-GC/MS, pyrolysis, biological safety