Polysaccharides

Fish processing by-products represent an abundant source of valuable biomolecules that can be valorized through sustainable extraction approaches. In this work, cod backbone hydrolysates obtained by subcritical water hydrolysis were incorporated into chitosan-based films for potential food packaging applications. The hydrolysis residue, rich in minerals, particularly hydroxyapatite (HAp residue), was also incorporated into the films to maximize the utilization of all hydrolysis-derived fractions. The effects of hydrolysate and HAp residue incorporation on the properties of the films were evaluated. The hydrolysate incorporation significantly improved the tensile strength of the films (from 11.56 to 24.39 MPa) and reduced water vapor permeability (from 4.93 to 2.89 (×10⁻¹¹) mol.m.m⁻².s⁻¹.Pa⁻¹), suggesting the formation of a denser and cohesive polymer network. However, the films also exhibited increased swelling and solubility (22–29% and 231–561%, respectively). When adding HAp residue, the films showed lower visible light transmittance and higher opacity, demonstrating improved light barrier properties. The addition of HAp residue also reduced swelling capacity but increased water vapor permeability and decreased tensile strength, suggesting the formation of a more heterogeneous film structure. Overall, the results demonstrate that cod backbone hydrolysates can be an alternative additive to chitosan films to tailor their functional properties for food packaging applications. The incorporation of hydroxyapatite-rich residues contributes to the full valorization of fish processing by-products, supporting the development of sustainable and biodegradable functional materials within a circular economy approach. Full article

The selection of appropriate materials is a critical step in designing an ideal wound dressing. One of the primary objectives of an ideal wound dressing is the prevention of bacterial infections. In this work bovine gelatine (BGE)–chitosan (CS) wound dressing films supplemented with propolis (PE) which is a well-known anti-bacterial agent were prepared by using solvent casting technique. The structures of the wound dressing films were characterized by FTIR and optical microscopy. Also, physical properties of the films such as thickness, mass, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), water absorption capacity, water content and dressing pH were determined. The water content of films incorporating propolis was found to range from 18.8% to 23%. The water absorption capacity of these films varied between 137% and 646%, while their WVTR was observed to be between 1228.12 and 1593.75 g/m²·day. Additionally, the pH values of the prepared films ranged from 5.86 to 7.34, aligning with the typical pH range of human skin. Furthermore, the antibacterial potential of the BGE-CS-PE films was preliminarily assessed using the agar disc diffusion method against Gram-positive (S. aureus, B. subtilis) and Gram-negative (S. Typhi, E. coli) microorganisms. The observed inhibition zones suggested the potential contribution of propolis incorporation to the antibacterial properties of the films. The combined physical properties and preliminary antibacterial observations of the prepared films indicate their potential for wound dressing applications. Full article

Water-based drilling fluid systems are gaining popularity for their environmental friendliness and low cost. These fluids are highly sensitive to products used to modify fluid properties and control fluid loss. Traditional additives like carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) work well but come with environmental issues and high costs and alternatives from agricultural sources are being sought. The potential of using acetylated yam peel starch (AYPS) and acetylated plantain peel starch (APPS) as substitutes for CMC in water-based drilling mud formulation under ambient and simulated downhole conditions of 27 °C and 150 °C, respectively, was investigated. The peels of yams and plantain, starchy foods, were chemically modified through acetylation and added to the drilling mud formulation at proportions of 0.2–1.0 g. FTIR confirmed the success of the modification by the presence of characteristic bands of carbonyl (C=O) absorption at 1730–1750 cm⁻¹ and by the increase in C–O bands after the modification, which means that acetyl groups were successfully incorporated. The highest mud density recorded was 9.16 kg/m³ (ppg) with 1.0 g of additives, and the pH values ranged from 8.10 to 9.50, which is good for drilling operations. The plastic viscosity was found to be 4–7 cP at 27 °C and 3–6 cP at 150 °C for AYPS and APPS, respectively, which were lower than the CMC value but still retained viscosity at high temperature. The yield point values for the samples were 2–5 lb/100 ft² at 27 °C and 1–6 lb/100 ft² at 150 °C, which were slightly better for AYPS. Thermal aging did not significantly affect gel strength, which increased upon exposure to high-temperature conditions, especially at high additive concentrations, indicating that the rheological properties were preserved. Filtrate losses were 12–16.8 mL for AYPS and 12.5–17.2 mL for APPS under low-pressure, low-temperature conditions, which are similar to CMC (11–16 mL). APPS was the most effective filtrate-loss control of the modified starch systems under the HPHT conditions. Rheological modeling showed that shear-thinning behavior is predominant, and the Herschel–Bulkley and Casson models provided the best fits. In general, the acetylated yam and plantain peel starches have shown promising properties as alternatives for CMC for enhancing rheological properties and controlling fluid loss in water-based drilling fluids. Full article

The escalating volume of agricultural waste presents not only a significant environmental challenge but also a substantial opportunity for resource recovery within a circular bioeconomy. This study investigates the feasibility of extracting high-quality cellulose from two underutilized agricultural residues: flower stems and tomato stems. Raw materials were subjected to a multi-stage chemical pulping process involving alkaline treatment, acid treatment, and hydrogen peroxide bleaching in order to remove lignin, hemicellulose, and other impurities. The resulting cellulose samples were comprehensively characterized for their yield, purity (α-cellulose content), degree of polymerization (DP), chemical structure (FT-IR), crystallinity (XRD), and inorganic elemental composition. The results demonstrate that both feedstocks can yield cellulose with an α-cellulose content exceeding 91% and a DP greater than 600, meeting the stringent quality requirements for dissolving-grade pulp intended for such applications as textiles, composite additives and others products. Flower stems showed a higher pulping yield (26.8%) compared to tomato stems (13.7%), highlighting their greater potential. This work validates agricultural residues, particularly flower stems, as a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional wood sources for cellulose production, offering a pathway to mitigate waste and add value to agricultural supply chains. Full article

Cherry tomatoes are highly susceptible to Salmonella contamination during pre- and post-harvest handling, leading to foodborne illness outbreaks and significant economic losses. Edible coatings incorporating natural antimicrobials offer a promising alternative to conventional chemical treatments for enhancing food safety while maintaining produce quality. This study developed and evaluated a pectin-based edible coating enriched with zinc nanohydroxide-thymol nanohybrids (ZnNH-T) for controlling Salmonella contamination and extending shelf-life of cherry tomatoes. ZnNH-T nanohybrids were synthesized via precipitation, followed by thymol intercalation, and characterized by SEM. Four coating formulations were prepared: pectin alone (P), pectin-thymol (PT), pectin-ZnNH (PNH), and pectin-ZnNH-T (PNHT). Antibacterial activity of the four coatings was first screened in vitro by disc diffusion against six S. enterica serovars; three serovars (Typhimurium, Enteritidis, and Montevideo) showing a statistically significant, coating-dependent inhibition response were selected for the postharvest assay. Cherry tomatoes were coated and dip-inoculated with three Salmonella serotypes (Typhimurium, Enteritidis, and Montevideo) at approximately 10⁵ CFU/mL and stored at 25 °C for 12 days. Antimicrobial efficacy, antioxidant activity (ABTS assay), and physicochemical quality parameters (weight loss, color, pH, and total soluble solids) were evaluated. Zinc nanohydroxides were successfully synthesized, as observed in SEM morphology. ABTS radical scavenging activity of filmogenic solutions was highest for PT (92.4%) and moderate for PNHT (65.9%), while P and PNH showed minimal activity (20.1% and 17.8%, respectively). PNHT coating achieved an approximately 2-log CFU/g reduction in Salmonella populations compared to uncoated controls over 12 days of storage, demonstrating sustained antimicrobial efficacy. Coated tomatoes exhibited significantly reduced weight loss (8% for PNHT vs. 13% for control), better color retention, lycopene content, maintained firmness, and stable pH and TSS values compared to uncoated controls. The pectin-ZnNH-T coating system represents a novel multifunctional approach for enhancing cherry tomato safety and quality. The use of thymol from the layered hydroxide structure, combined with zinc ion antimicrobial effects, provides sustained pathogen reduction while maintaining desirable physicochemical properties. This natural, biodegradable coating technology has potential for commercial application in fresh produce preservation. Full article

Pullulan, a natural microbial polysaccharide composed of repeating maltotriose units, is widely explored as a candidate for advanced cell culture configurations, tissue engineering (TE), and regenerative medicine (RM). Due to its excellent biocompatibility, lack of immunogenicity, and structural flexibility, it serves as a versatile base material. Pristine pullulan exhibits high water solubility and lacks intrinsic signals for cell attachment and proliferation. However, the presence of nine reactive hydroxyl groups per repeating maltotriose unit enables extensive chemical functionalization to address these limitations. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of multi-functional design strategies used to tailor pullulan into distinct structural forms, such as hydrogels, porous scaffolds, electrospun fibrous membranes, thin films, 3D-printed scaffolds, and self-assembling nanosystems. Polymer blending, chemical modification, and crosslinking strategies are discussed in relation to scaffold microstructure, pore size, degradation rate, and mechanical properties. In addition, these structural and physicochemical properties are correlated with biological performance, including cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Pullulan-based materials are particularly suited for applications requiring extensive chemical tunability, such as injectable hydrogels, bioinks, and multifunctional delivery systems. However, their intrinsic bioinertness and limited mechanical strength generally require combination with complementary components to achieve effective cell adhesion and structural stability. Finally, current processing limitations and future strategies are discussed for translating pullulan-based systems into clinical applications. Full article

Croscarmellose sodium (CCS) is a crosslinked cellulose-based superdisintegrant, widely utilized to enhance the disintegration and dissolution behavior of drugs from pharmaceutical solid dosage forms. In the present study, CCS was synthesized through controlled crosslinking of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) by one-step synthesis and optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on the Box–Behnken Design (BBD). The effects of four independent variables, namely isopropyl alcohol (IPA) concentration (70–100% v/v), reaction time (2–4 h), reaction temperature (50–70 °C), and concentration of crosslinking agent (CLA) (glycolic acid used as the CLA) (10–20% w/w of CMC weight), on swelling index (SI) and water retention capacity (WRC) of synthesized CCS were systematically evaluated. A total of 29 experimental runs, each representing a unique combination of reaction conditions generated by a three-level Box–Behnken Design (BBD) using Design-Expert^® software, were conducted to synthesize CCS samples. SI and WRC of each synthesized CCS sample were subsequently measured and used to develop statistically validated predictive models and identify the optimal synthesis conditions. The successful formation of croscarmellose sodium was critically confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that the developed models were statistically significant, with good predictive capability for both swelling index and water retention responses. A quadratic model adequately described the swelling index (R² = 0.9041, adjusted R² = 0.8083, p < 0.0001), whereas a linear model was selected for WRC (R² = 0.6112, adjusted R² = 0.5463, p < 0.0001). Reaction time and CLA concentration exhibited substantial influence on the functional properties of the synthesized CCS compared to other factors. The optimized synthesis conditions were identified as 93.23% IPA concentration, 4 h reaction time, 70 °C reaction temperature, and 10% CLA concentration. Under these conditions, the predicted swelling index and water retention capacity were 7.529 mL/g and 443.85%, respectively. Response surface analysis further revealed significant interaction effects among the synthesis variables, particularly between IPA concentration and reaction time. The findings of this study demonstrate that RSM-BBD is an effective statistical approach for optimizing cellulose-based superdisintegrant synthesis and provide valuable insights into the structure–property relationships governing the hydration and swelling behavior of CCS. The optimized CCS synthesized in this research thus shows potential for application as a high-performance pharmaceutical superdisintegrant in immediate-release tablet formulations. Full article

This work is focused on understanding how the properties of chitosan-g-poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide-co-N,N-dimethylacrylamide) and chitosan-g-poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide-co-N-ethylacrylamide) copolymers are affected by varying their compositions. Poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide), PDEAm, is a thermosensitive polymer with a reversible coil-to-globule transition in aqueous solution near the human body temperature. The transition temperature can be tuned by varying the amount of two more hydrophilic units: N-ethylacrylamide (NEAm) or N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAm). While the former can participate in hydrogen bonding as a proton donor or acceptor, the latter is only an acceptor and a very-well-known hydrophilic unit with no phase transition. The gelation process was followed by rheological measurements, showing the general features of the chemical gelation and the formation of a strong gel. A reaction autoacceleration was observed, which is interpreted by the high viscosity of the reaction mixture due to the presence of chitosan, although a greater effect was found in NEAm copolymers due to the higher hydrogen-bonding capacity of NEAm. A relationship was found between the compositions of both copolymers, the strength of the hydrogels, and the calculated pore size. The pore sizes range from 32 to 18 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis of the hydrogels showed the typical decomposition stages of polyacrylamides. Neither the temperature of the maximum decomposition rate nor the weight loss associated displayed a clear trend with the copolymer composition. There was an increment in the equilibrium swelling values with the content of NEAm units (from 16 to almost 28 g water/g polymer), but the copolymers with DMAm remained unaffected (swelling values around 23 g water/g polymer). The hydrogen-bonding interaction affected the gelation process and swelling behavior of the hydrogels. This can be explained by the greater ability of NEAm to form hydrogen bonds compared to DMAm. Full article

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from green seaweed species have been scarcely studied for the development of novel pharmaceutical, cosmetic or nutraceutical products. The present study aimed to investigate the physico-chemical characteristics of the sulfated polysaccharidic fractions isolated from Cladophora vagabunda green seaweed and to evaluate their anti-aging properties in vitro. SPF1 and SPF2 fractions were separated from the purified polysaccharidic extract by size exclusion chromatography. The content of neutral carbohydrates, uronic acids and sulfate was assessed, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis confirmed the presence of a functional group characteristic for sulfated polysaccharides. Capillary zone electrophoresis indicated the monosaccharides profile and the presence of bioactive fucose and uronic acids. The two fractions differed in sulfate content (22.59% and 29.44%). SF2 showed stronger collagenase inhibition (95.69%), whereas SF1 exhibited greater elastase inhibition (84.2%) in comparison with EGCG. Both fractions exhibited antioxidant, anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activities and also a good biocompatibility and capacity to modulate the cell cycle progression in human dermal fibroblast culture. They showed anti-inflammatory potential by inhibition of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-inflamed THP-1-derived macrophages. Also, the level of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-9 secretion was reduced after treatment with C. vagabunda fractions with MMP-1 reduced by ~95% in both fractions and MMP-9 reduced by ~79% in SF2 compared with the control. Both fractions stimulated the growth of probiotic cultures Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. rhamnosus. All these results demonstrated, for the first time, the anti-aging potential of sulfated polysaccharides isolated from C. vagabunda green seaweed. Full article

Composites based on bacterial cellulose (BC) and synthetic polymers are attracting research interest as promising functional materials due to the ability to control their properties. In this study, the interactions between BC and synthetic polymers, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polylactide (PLA), and polycaprolactone (PCL), were investigated using computer modeling, and the biosynthesis, characteristics, and protein sorption capacity of the resulting composites were evaluated. In silico analysis using dissipative particle dynamics predicted a decrease in compatibility with BC in the order PVA > PLA > PCL. The calculated Flory–Huggins interaction parameters for BC/PVA, BC/PLA, and BC/PCL systems were 1.75, 3.93, and 6.03, respectively, indicating a gradual decrease in thermodynamic compatibility. These predictions were experimentally confirmed by in situ biosynthesis of BC/synthetic polymer composites under static and dynamic cultivation conditions. BC/PVA composites exhibited homogeneous morphology with pore size below 100 nm and improved structural integrity. BC/PLA and BC/PCL systems showed phase separation and broader pore size distributions, reaching up to 900 nm. The functionalization of the obtained composites via adsorption of different proteins (bovine serum albumin, lysozyme, and His₆-organophosphate hydrolase) revealed a high dependence of the results on the polymer type, the conditions applied for composite synthesis, and the molecule size of the proteins. Estimations of protein–composite interactions were conducted in silico and confirmed in vitro. The maximal sorption capacity was revealed for composites obtained during the cultivation of BC-producing microorganisms under static conditions, with the addition of synthetic polymers to the nutritional medium. In the case of enzymes used for the functionalization of composites, a partial activity loss after sorption was revealed. In BC/PVA composites, the maximal decrease in enzyme activity (~30% from the activity level of the same enzymes in the BC samples) was observed. BC/PLA and BC/PCL composites demonstrated preferences in the sorption of large protein molecules, making them attractive platforms for enzyme immobilization and biocatalytic applications of the obtained catalytically active composites. Full article

This study evaluates the effects of germination on the composition, starch architecture, thermal profiles, short-range molecular order, and pasting behavior of wheat and rice flour systems and their corresponding isolated starch fractions. Germination significantly reduced total starch content in wheat flour (74.81–56.74%) and rice flour (85.55–64.00%). Additionally, amylose content decreased from 24.70 to 18.77% in wheat flour and from 20.83 to 19.69% in rice flour. Amylopectin A-chains increased in germinated wheat flour (33.98%) and germinated rice flour (31.49%), suggesting starch depolymerization and molecular restructuring. These structural changes are associated with lower gelatinization enthalpy values, which decreased from 8.82 to 4.78 J/g in wheat flour and from 9.99 to 6.90 J/g in rice flour, reflecting reduced thermal stability after sprouting. ATR-FTIR analysis showed that germinated flours had the highest short-range molecular order (1047/1023 ratios of 0.75 and 0.71 for wheat and rice, respectively), despite their lower starch content. Germination also affected the development of viscosity; peak viscosity decreased from 2482.5 to 217.0 cP in wheat flour and from 4830.0 to 1039.5 cP in rice flour. Germination influenced protein secondary structure: it increased relative α-helix content in flour systems (from 35.23% to 36.16% in wheat, and from 36.26% to 37.58% in rice) but decreased it in isolated starches (from 42.05% to 33.17% in wheat, and from 39.60% to 36.29% in rice), suggesting a matrix-specific response. Germination-induced depolymerization and reorganization altered starch structure, thermal properties, and viscosity. These findings provide an integrated structural and functional framework that links starch architecture, molecular order, gelatinization, and the development of viscosity in germinated cereal matrices for food applications. Full article

This study reports the fabrication of curcuminoid-loaded nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC)–alginate scaffolds via extrusion-based 3D printing, integrating supercritical CO₂ extraction with biofabrication. NFC–alginate inks were pre-crosslinked with CaCl₂ (1 to 10 mM) to tune structure and properties. Rheological analysis confirmed shear-thinning behavior suitable for extrusion printing. Mechanical testing revealed a non-linear dependence on crosslinking: optimal performance was achieved by Ink 2 (1 mM CaCl₂ with curcuminoid extract), with tensile strength increasing from ~0.60 to ~0.80 MPa and Young’s modulus from ~1.5 to ~3.0 MPa relative (Ink 1, 10 mM CaCl₂, without extract), reflecting the combined effect of extract incorporation and ionic pre-crosslinking rather than crosslinker concentration alone; higher crosslinking reduced stiffness (~1.15 MPa). SEM revealed porous architectures (Ink 1: 542 ± 63 μm; Ink 4: 398 ± 71 μm) with increasing structural heterogeneity upon curcuminoid incorporation. In vitro release exhibited biphasic, diffusion-dominated behavior, reaching ~50 to 60% in ethanol-containing media; PBS inclusion as a physiological reference confirmed minimal release (<5%), consistent with the known hydrophobicity and pH-dependent instability of curcuminoids and defining the physicochemical delivery boundaries of the system. The highest release (~372 ng/mL) was achieved at intermediate loading (10×). Kinetic modeling confirmed Higuchi-type diffusion as the dominant mechanism (R² ≈ 0.90 to 0.99). These results establish a clear structure–property–release relationship and position the scaffolds as a tunable, diffusion-controlled delivery platform for hydrophobic bioactives in topical or formulation-assisted applications employing co-solvents or solubilizing excipients. Full article

Hydraulic fracturing enhances productivity in low-permeability reservoirs. The introduction of nanomodified gels for hydraulic fracturing has raised the need to revise traditional approaches to their breakdown, as nanoparticles significantly change the kinetics and mechanisms of degradation. In this paper, for the first time, a systematic experimental study of the effects of chemical breakers on the rheological properties of nanomodified guar gels has been conducted. Two commercial oxidative breakers were used, which generate free radicals and cleave the guar polymer backbone, reducing viscosity. The effect of breaker concentration (0–1.82 wt%), as well as the concentration, size, and morphology of nanoparticles on gel breaking, has been studied. Guar gum was used as a gelling agent, and spherical SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles, as well as aluminum oxide nanofibers (ANFs), were used as additives. An increase in breaker concentration accelerates gel breaking. For instance, at 0.68 wt% breaker, complete degradation occurs in about 3 h, whereas at 1.82 wt% it takes only about half an hour, with the viscosity dropping to 30 mPa·s. While nano-additives can either slow down or accelerate degradation depending on their type, size, and concentration, the addition of 0.4 wt% ANFs prolong the degradation time to more than two hours even at the highest breaker concentration. These effects are attributed to the competition between polymer chain scission by free radicals and the formation of physical crosslinks mediated by nanoparticles. The results demonstrate the possibility of purposefully controlling the kinetics of breaking of nanomodified gels for hydraulic fracturing by optimally selecting the breaker composition and nano-additive parameters. Full article

Citrus peel, a major by-product of citrus processing, is a rich source of pectin and other bioactive compounds. In this study, pectin extracted from seven citrus species was comprehensively characterized for its structural, spectral, thermal, physicochemical, techno-functional, antioxidant, and anti-amylase properties. The extracted pectin (~50% methyl esterification) contained residual cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and proteins, with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) confirming typical galacturonic acid-based structures. Fluorescence analysis revealed emission shifts (420–500 nm) compared to standard pectin. Thermal analysis indicated multi-stage degradation, with major transitions linked to moisture loss, polysaccharide depolymerization, and lignin oxidation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed a predominantly amorphous structure with minor cellulose domains. The pectin solution showed negative zeta potential, shear-thinning behavior, and high conductivity. Functionally, it exhibited strong swelling, hygroscopicity, and water/oil holding capacity, but low foaming ability. Biologically, it demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity and α-amylase inhibition. These findings highlight citrus pectin as a promising sustainable ingredient for food and pharmaceutical applications, with future work needed to enhance its solubility and bioactivity. Full article

Encapsulation serves as a critical strategy for the preservation of sensitive bioactive compounds, ensuring their stability and functionality within complex food matrices. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) upcycled from by-products are being favoured as wall materials because they offer a sustainable yet powerful solution for maintaining compound stability. This study evaluated the encapsulation of fish oil (FO) within a nanocomposite matrix of garlic skin-derived cellulose nanocrystals (GCNCs) and soy protein isolate (SPI). The synergistic effects of FO loading and GCNC:SPI ratios on the microcapsules’ structural, physicochemical, and digestive properties were investigated. Higher FO loading significantly reduced the moisture content of the resulting microcapsule powders while increasing bulk and tapped densities by minimising internal porosity. Microstructural analysis showed irregularly shaped agglomerates. Higher FO loading also increased surface oil retention and inter-particle adhesion of the microcapsule powders; however, elevated SPI levels effectively counteracted these effects. Colour analysis further revealed that higher FO loading reduced powder lightness (L*) and increased yellowness (b*), while greater GCNC content positively influenced redness (a*). The formulation containing 10% FO, 3% GCNCs, and 7% SPI was identified as the optimal treatment. This ratio achieved the highest encapsulation efficiency (65.77% ± 1.10) and demonstrated superior flowability, characterised by the lowest Carr’s Index (20.65% ± 0.29) and Hausner Ratio (1.23 ± 0.05). Additionally, it maintained oxidative stability, with TBARS values (2.42 ± 0.08 mg MDA/kg oil) remaining consistently below the established 3 mg MDA/kg threshold. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the successful entrapment of FO within the GCNC–SPI matrix. According to the in vitro digestion assays, the wall material provided a durable barrier in acidic media because the gastric release (28.04–55.28%) was significantly lower than the intestinal release (64.38–77.62%). The predominant fatty acids identified in both encapsulated and unencapsulated products were myristic acid (saturated fatty acid), elaidic acid (monounsaturated fatty acid), and docosadienoic acid (polyunsaturated fatty acid). Superior nutritional quality index (NQI) values in the encapsulated samples underscore the effectiveness of the wall material in providing a critical defence against fatty acid degradation and preserving overall oil quality. These findings suggest that the GCNC/SPI binary system is a highly effective delivery vehicle for protecting sensitive polyunsaturated fatty acids in functional food applications. Full article

Salinity is a major abiotic constraint limiting strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) productivity by disrupting water relations, nutrient uptake, and photosynthetic processes. Biopolymer-based biostimulants have emerged as a sustainable strategy to enhance crop performance under stress conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a chitosan–maltodextrin (CHTMD) formulation on growth, physiological response, and fruit quality in strawberry plants under saline conditions at the Universidad Autonoma Agraria Antonio Narro in Saltillo, Mexico. A randomized complete block design with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement was established, including two salinity levels (0 and 45 mM NaCl) and four CHTMD concentrations (0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg L⁻¹). The application of CHTMD significantly mitigated the adverse effects of salinity and improved plant growth, biomass accumulation, gas exchange, yield, and fruit quality. Under saline conditions, 250 mg L⁻¹ increased total fresh weight by 148.5% compared with the saline control, while root length increased by up to 58.5% under non-saline conditions. Yield was enhanced by 87.3% and 71.4% with 250 and 1000 mg L⁻¹, respectively, whereas fruit number increased by up to 63.8% under salinity. Photosynthetic rate increased from 12.58 to 16.19 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ and stomatal conductance from 0.235 to 0.325 mol H₂O m⁻² s⁻¹. Fruit quality was also enhanced, with soluble solids increasing from 5.9 to 7.1 °Brix, vitamin C from 50.58 to 115.42 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW, and total anthocyanins from 65.7 to 106.2 C3G 100 g⁻¹ FW, indicating a substantial enhancement to the fruit’s nutraceutical quality, particularly at 500 mg L⁻¹ and 1000 mg L⁻¹. These findings demonstrate that the CHTMD system is an effective biostimulant capable of improving tolerance to salt stress by modulating key physiological and biochemical responses, as well as enhancing the functional quality of the fruit. This approach represents a promising and sustainable strategy for strawberry production in agricultural systems affected by salinity. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the world’s major staple foods. However, its production is severely constrained by rice blast disease, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, which leads to substantial yield losses. Conventional management relies on fungicides and chemical treatments; however, these methods raise concerns regarding the development of pathogen resistance and potential environmental impacts. This study evaluated carrageenan from Hypnea musciformis, collected from the coast of Saint Martin (92°19′21.28″ E and 20°37′38.12″ N), located in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, as a natural plant growth promoter as well as a biocontrol agent. Carrageenan was characterized by high sulfate (19–35%) and galactose (12–18%) contents, with FT-IR confirming characteristic κ-carrageenan functional groups. Application of 15% carrageenan significantly increased the germination of seed (27%), seedling vigor (93%), shoot and root lengths (54% and 47%), and biomass compared with untreated controls. Carrageenan markedly suppressed M. oryzae, inhibiting mycelial growth (83%), reducing conidiogenesis and conidial germination, and decreasing lesion length in detached leaves and potted plants. Treated rice seedlings exhibited improved soluble sugars, photosynthetic pigments, proline, phenolic and flavonoid contents, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities such as CAT (catalase) and POD (peroxidase), while lowering oxidative stress markers such as H₂O₂ and MDA (malondialdehyde). These results demonstrate that carrageenan from H. musciformis enhances rice growth and elicits defense responses against rice blast, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical-based fungicides for integrated M. oryzae management. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management via conventional monotherapy is often limited by poor transdermal flux and suboptimal articular accumulation. This study seeks to bridge a critical gap in monotherapy by engineering chitosan-coated nanobilosomal gel co-encapsulated with thymol and silibinin (CH-TH+SB-BG) in a 3:1 stoichiometric ratio. Compared with monotherapeutics, the CH-TH+SB-BG showed the highest drug content and a sustained drug release profile, accompanied by higher skin permeation and deposition, indicating the fluidizing effect of thymol and the dermal reservoir of silibinin. Interestingly, CH-TH+SB-BG was cytocompatible, owing to its higher IC50 than that of the pure drugs. A marked reduction in the paw volume and arthritic score and significant normalization of hematological, biochemical, and inflammatory biomarkers, compared with the monotherapeutics, indicate the synergistic anti-inflammatory potential of the developed gel. Furthermore, the dual loading effectively reduced oxidative stress, confirmed by a significant decrease in malondialdehyde level along with the restoration of glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels. The Bliss independence model mathematically validated pharmacological synergy. Radiographic and histopathological analysis confirmed the near-complete articular restoration and marked reduction in pannus formation. In conclusion, the developed transdermal gel can be a more effective and safer alternative to long-term oral administration, opening the way for novel topical management of RA. Full article

Polysaccharide–peptide conjugates are modular biomaterials that combine hydrated carbohydrate frameworks with peptide domains capable of mediating molecular recognition, degradability, antimicrobial activity, and biological signaling. In this review, we discuss how covalent, bioorthogonal, and enzymatic conjugation strategies regulate peptide density, orientation, accessibility, and stability within polysaccharide-based matrices. These chemical choices are analyzed in relation to network architecture, viscoelasticity, ligand presentation, degradation behavior, and cell–material interactions. Representative systems based on hyaluronic acid, alginate, chitosan, dextran, cellulose, and glycosaminoglycans are examined to illustrate how peptide functionalization can transform otherwise passive scaffolds into adhesive, degradable, antimicrobial, or therapeutically responsive platforms. We further highlight dynamic and enzyme-responsive materials, localized drug delivery systems, antimicrobial coatings, and antibiofilm interfaces as key biomedical applications of these conjugates. The review also addresses translational challenges associated with structural heterogeneity, stability, immunogenicity, sterilization, batch-to-batch reproducibility, and clinical feasibility. Taken together, the evidence discussed here indicates that the performance of polysaccharide–peptide conjugates depends on reproducible structure–function relationships linking conjugation chemistry, macromolecular architecture, and biological activity under application-relevant conditions. Full article