Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.4
4.7
Journals
Foods
Special Issues
Natural Polysaccharides: Structure and Health Functions
share announcement

Natural Polysaccharides: Structure and Health Functions

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2025 | Viewed by 3003

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Zichao Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
Interests: polysaccharides; production and purification; structural characterization; bioactivity analysis
Dr. Baoming Tian

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Food Science and Technology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
Interests: natural polysaccharides; extraction; purification; structural analysis; health functions; gut microbiota

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polysaccharides, a vital bioactive component, have shown considerable promise in enhancing studies on and the development of functional foods.

As an important component in diet, polysaccharides have been found to have various biological activities, which have attracted extensive academic attention in the fields of biochemistry and medicine, and have broad development prospects. For example, polysaccharides can improve intestinal microecology by repairing the intestinal barrier, regulating intestinal flora composition, and regulating intestinal cytokine levels. More importantly, more and more studies have found that polysaccharides have a low toxicity and high efficiency against metabolic diseases. These functions are related to the structure, composition, and other features of polysaccharides.

In this context, we invite authors to contribute to this Special Issue with articles related to the extraction, purification, structural analysis, and regulation of gut microbiota and the nutritional function of polysaccharides, and/or natural polysaccharides for food applications. This includes their use as food or as a source of nutrients, or as ingredients with technological applications. Furthermore, the use of polysaccharide extracts from animals, plants, or microorganisms for food applications is also of interest to this Special Issue.

Dr. Zichao Wang
Dr. Baoming Tian
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • natural polysaccharides
  • extraction
  • purification
  • structural analysis
  • health functions
  • applications

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

20 pages, 5381 KiB  
Article
A Novel Polysaccharide Purified from Tricholoma matsutake: Structural Characterization and In Vitro Immunological Activity
by Shuangmin Liang, Qi Guo, Jun Li, Ping Zhao, Changrong Ge, Shijun Li and Zhichao Xiao
Foods 2025, 14(6), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14061031 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 303
Abstract
Tricholoma matsutake, as a rare wild edible mushroom, is popular due to its unique flavor and taste, as well as high nutritional and economic value. Investigating the relationship between the complex structure and in vitro immunological activity of TMP-2a, a novel polysaccharide [...] Read more.
Tricholoma matsutake, as a rare wild edible mushroom, is popular due to its unique flavor and taste, as well as high nutritional and economic value. Investigating the relationship between the complex structure and in vitro immunological activity of TMP-2a, a novel polysaccharide isolated from T. matsutake, was the aim of this study. The results showed that TMP-2a consisted of six monosaccharides, fucose, glucosamine hydrochloride, galactose, glucose, mannose, and glucuronic acid, with molar ratios of 8.8:0.6:23.4:48.1:15.1:4.0 and a molecular weight of 27,749 Da. Furthermore, TMP-2a was mainly composed of →6)-β-Glcp-(1→ with →3)-β-D-Glcp-(1→ forming the main chain, with a small amount of →2,6)-α-D-Manp-(1→ and →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→ structural units attached, and the branched chain was mainly composed of β-Glcp-(1→ or a small amount of α-L-Fucp-(1→ as a telosaccharide attached at the O-6 position of →3,6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→. TMP-2a enhanced the proliferation and phagocytic activity of mouse macrophage RAW264.7, as well as the secretion of NO and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) to a considerable degree, maybe attributable to its glucan structure and the elevated presence of (1→3)-β-D-Glcp glycosidic bonds. This study establishes a basis for the structural identification and comprehensive investigation of the functional activities of T. matsutake polysaccharides while also offering a theoretical framework for the creation of T. matsutake-related food products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polysaccharides: Structure and Health Functions)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 6202 KiB  
Article
Structure Characterization and Treatment Effect of Zingiber officinale Polysaccharide on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis
by Yongshuai Jing, Ziying Wang, Wenjing Cheng, Hanju Fan, Kaiyan Zheng, Yuguang Zheng and Lanfang Wu
Foods 2025, 14(5), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14050753 - 23 Feb 2025
Viewed by 628
Abstract
Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is on the rise all over the world. Zingiber officinale polysaccharide (ZOP-1) has good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but the therapeutic effect and mechanism of ZOP-1 on UC are still unclear. Methods: ZOP-1 obtained by water extraction and alcohol [...] Read more.
Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is on the rise all over the world. Zingiber officinale polysaccharide (ZOP-1) has good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but the therapeutic effect and mechanism of ZOP-1 on UC are still unclear. Methods: ZOP-1 obtained by water extraction and alcohol precipitation was analyzed by methylation and NMR. At the same time, the mechanism of ZOP-1 in the treatment of UC was clarified by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, metagenomics, immunohistochemistry, and protein blot (Wb). Results: ZOP-1 was the structure of the by →4,6)-β-Glcp-1→ and →3,6)-α-Galp-(1→ constitute the main chain, there were two branched chain by →4)-β-Glcp(1→, and α-Araf(1→ as the end group. ZOP-1 significantly improved the shortening and thickening of the colon, changed the index of immune organs, inhibited the production of inflammatory factors in mice with ulcerative colitis, changed the intestinal flora of mice, increased the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the intestine, and controlled the TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway, thus preventing and treating DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice. Conclusions: ZOP-1 alleviated UC by controlling the expression of cytokines, thereby reducing intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress, enhancing intestinal integrity, modulating intestinal flora, and regulating the levels of SCFAs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polysaccharides: Structure and Health Functions)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 4555 KiB  
Article
Involvement of Anion-Specific Effects in Changes in the Gelation and Thermodynamic Properties of Calcium Alginate Hydrogel
by Yuqiao Wang, Lin Li, Jiacheng Liu, Jianan Yan, Ce Wang, Bin Lai, Yu Dong and Haitao Wu
Foods 2025, 14(4), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14040634 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 598
Abstract
The gelation process and hydrogel properties of calcium salt-induced alginate hydrogels are influenced by anion-specific effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of CaSO4, CaI2, and Ca(C5H9O3)2 [calcium β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, CaHMB] on [...] Read more.
The gelation process and hydrogel properties of calcium salt-induced alginate hydrogels are influenced by anion-specific effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of CaSO4, CaI2, and Ca(C5H9O3)2 [calcium β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, CaHMB] on the gelation behavior of alginate hydrogels, using various mannuronic/guluronic acid (M/G) ratios to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of anion-specific effects. Here, at a high M/G ratio (2:1), the gelation time of CaSO4, as a low-solubility calcium source, delayed the formation of the calcium alginate hydrogel. The gelation time was 1.8 times that of the high-solubility calcium source CaHMB. Strongly hydrated ions (such as SO42− and C5H9O3−) caused the removal of water molecules from polysaccharide chains, resulting in the formation of small pores on the pore wall. Moreover, weakly hydrated chaotropic anions (I−) promoted the binding of alginate polysaccharide chains and water molecules, resulting in the slower thermal decomposition of water inside the gel. However, when the M/G ratio was reduced to 1:1 or 1:2, the influence of the three calcium salts on the water and thermodynamic properties of the hydrogels decreased, indicating that the anion-specific effect weakened. This study highlights the importance of anion-specific effects on the properties of alginate hydrogels and provides insights into the utilization of these effects to fabricate functional hydrogels with variable properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polysaccharides: Structure and Health Functions)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 3856 KiB  
Article
Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CICC 32883 Fermentation on the Structural Features and Antioxidant Protection Effect of Chinese Yam Polysaccharide
by Zichao Wang, Yi Zheng, Ziru Lai, Zhihao Kong, Xilei Hu, Peiyao Zhang, Yahui Yang and Na Li
Foods 2025, 14(4), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14040564 - 8 Feb 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 802
Abstract
In this study, Chinese yam polysaccharide (CYP) was fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae CICC 32883, and its structural features and antioxidant activities before and after fermentation were analyzed. S. cerevisiae CICC 32883-fermented CYP (CYP-SC) had higher carbohydrate content and lower protein content than the [...] Read more.
In this study, Chinese yam polysaccharide (CYP) was fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae CICC 32883, and its structural features and antioxidant activities before and after fermentation were analyzed. S. cerevisiae CICC 32883-fermented CYP (CYP-SC) had higher carbohydrate content and lower protein content than the nonfermented CYP (CYP-NF). The monosaccharide composition of CYP-SC was unaffected, but the proportion was changed. Compared with CYP-NF’s molecular weight and polydispersity of 124.774 kDa and 6.58, respectively, those of CYP-SC were reduced to 20.384 kDa and 3.379. Antioxidant results showed that CYP-SC had better effects than CYP-NF in scavenging DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, and superoxide radicals. Moreover, CYP-SC showed better activities in enhancing oxidation capacity and protecting HepG2 cells than CYP-NF. Furthermore, the effects of CYP-SC on alleviating and repairing H2O2-damaged HepG2 cells are superior to those of CYP-NF. This work offers a green and efficient method for enhancing the antioxidant activity of dietary plant polysaccharides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polysaccharides: Structure and Health Functions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

25 pages, 3300 KiB  
Review
Advancements in the Extraction, Characterization, and Bioactive Potential of Laminaran: A Review
by Kit-Leong Cheong, Amanullah Sabir, Min Wang, Saiyi Zhong and Karsoon Tan
Foods 2025, 14(10), 1683; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14101683 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Laminaran, a bioactive β-glucan derived from brown algae, has garnered significant attention due to its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and mucosal protective effects. Despite promising research highlighting its potential applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, the commercial utilization of laminaran [...] Read more.
Laminaran, a bioactive β-glucan derived from brown algae, has garnered significant attention due to its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and mucosal protective effects. Despite promising research highlighting its potential applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals, the commercial utilization of laminaran remains limited, primarily due to challenges in extraction efficiency, structural complexity, and a lack of standardized methodologies. This review critically examines recent advancements in the extraction, purification, structural characterization, and biological evaluation of laminaran. Both conventional and emerging extraction methods—including ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and enzymatic techniques—are evaluated for their efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. Analytical tools, such as high-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry, are discussed for their roles in elucidating key structural features, such as molecular weight, degree of polymerization, and glycosidic linkage patterns, which are closely tied to laminaran’s biological activity. Innovative extraction technologies have improved yield and purity, while structural insights have deepened the understanding of structure–function relationships. Interdisciplinary collaboration will be critical to advance laminaran from a marine-derived polysaccharide to a commercially viable bioactive compound for health, nutrition, and biomaterial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Polysaccharides: Structure and Health Functions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop