*2.2.5. Gel preparation*

AX1 and AX2 solutions at 10% (w/v) were prepared in 0.1 M sodium acetate buffer pH 5.5. Laccase (1.675 nkat per mg polysaccharide) was used as a cross-linking agent. AX1 and AX2 gels were allowed to develop for 4 hours at 25°C. The measurements were performed in duplicate.
