Polysaccharides

2024

Jump to: 2023, 2021

15 pages, 8142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bacterial Cellulose Purification with Non-Conventional, Biodegradable Surfactants

by Alireza Nikbakht, Elizabeth M. van Zyl, Stephen Larson, Sawyer Fenlon and Jeannine M. Coburn

Polysaccharides 2024, 5(4), 857-871; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides5040053 - 9 Dec 2024

Viewed by 596

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a versatile biopolymer with significant potential across biomedical, food, and industrial applications. To remove bacterial contaminants, such as protein and DNA, BC pellicles undergo purification, which traditionally relies on harsh alkali treatments, such as sodium hydroxide or strong surfactants, [...] Read more.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a versatile biopolymer with significant potential across biomedical, food, and industrial applications. To remove bacterial contaminants, such as protein and DNA, BC pellicles undergo purification, which traditionally relies on harsh alkali treatments, such as sodium hydroxide or strong surfactants, which present environmental concerns. In response, this study evaluates the efficacy of various non-conventional surfactants—both non-biodegradable and biodegradable—as alternatives for BC purification. Among the surfactants tested, sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI), a mild anionic and biodegradable surfactant, emerged as particularly effective, achieving an 80.7% reduction in protein content and a 65.19% reduction in double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) content relative to untreated samples. However, these advantages were not without additional challenges, such as the appearance of residual surfactants. Given SCI’s promising performance and biodegradability, it was further examined in two-step treatment protocols; additionally, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was also examined as a more traditional anionic surfactant as well as NaOH. For the two-step treatment protocol, BC pellicles were treated with one reagent for 3 h, followed by a second reagent for an additional 3 h. Notably, by using NaOH as the final step in the two-step treatment protocol, residual surfactant was not detected in the FTIR analysis. Overall, this work demonstrates that SCI, in addition to subsequent NaOH treatment, can be used as a surfactant-based approach for BC purification, representing a potential environmentally friendly alternative to traditional surfactant-based approaches for BC purification. Full article

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19 pages, 3304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Super Porous Carboxymethyl Cellulose–Tannic Acid (TA@CMC) Cryogels with Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and α-Glucosidase Enzyme Inhibition Abilities

by Mehtap Sahiner, Sahin Demirci and Nurettin Sahiner

Polysaccharides 2024, 5(4), 823-841; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides5040051 - 6 Dec 2024

Viewed by 444

Abstract

Here, super porous carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) cryogels were synthesized in 10–100% crosslinker and the presence of TA, at varying amounts of TA, e.g., 10 and 25 wt% of CMC under cryogenic conditions (−20 °C) as TA@CMCs. To control the degradation of CMC cryogel [...] Read more.

Here, super porous carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) cryogels were synthesized in 10–100% crosslinker and the presence of TA, at varying amounts of TA, e.g., 10 and 25 wt% of CMC under cryogenic conditions (−20 °C) as TA@CMCs. To control the degradation of CMC cryogel networks, the crosslinking ratio of divinyl sulfone (DVS:X) to CMC varied at 10, 25, 50, and 100% moles of the CMC repeating unit. Higher hydrolytic degradation was observed for CMC 10%X cryogels at pH 1.0 with 28.4 ± 1.2% weight loss. On the other hand, the TA-release studies from TA@CMC-based cryogels showed that higher TA releases were observed for both TA@CMC 10% and 25% cryogels at pH 7.4, with 23.6 ± 1.1, and 46.5 ± 2.3 mg/g in 480 min, which are equal to almost 24% and 18% of the TA contents of the corresponding cryogels, respectively. The antioxidant properties of TA@CMC cryogels were examined, and worthy antioxidant properties were observed due to the TA. The alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibition ability of the prepared cryogels was examined at different concentrations by grinding cryogels, and it was determined that TA@CMC 25% cryogel at 3 mg/mL concentration inhibited 70.4 + 1.3% of the enzyme. All bare CMC-based cryogels were found to be non-hemolytic with a less than 1% hemolysis ratio and also effective on the blood coagulation mechanism with blood-clotting index (BCI) values between 62.1 and 81.7% at 1 mg/mL concentrations. On the other hand, TA@CMC 25% cryogels exhibited a slight hemolytic profile with a 6.1 ± 0.8% hemolysis ratio and did not affect the blood coagulation mechanism with 97.8 ± 0.4% BCI value. Full article

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18 pages, 3359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Dual-Stage CIM^® CDI Reactor with Immobilized Glucuronan Lyases and Laccases for Sustainable Synthesis of Antioxidant Phenolized Oligoglucuronan

by Xiaoyang Hou, Pascal Dubessay, Gwendoline Christophe, Nicolas Bridiau, Pierre-Edouard Bodet, Mounir Traikia, Mugilan Damadoran Raja, Thierry Maugard, Aleš Štrancar, Fabrice Audonnet, Philippe Michaud and Guillaume Pierre

Polysaccharides 2024, 5(4), 743-760; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides5040047 - 15 Nov 2024

Viewed by 575

Abstract

Immobilized enzyme reactors (IMERs) are critical tools for developing novel oligosaccharides based on the enzymatic catalysis of polysaccharides. In this paper, a novel glucuronan lyase from Peteryoungia rosettiformans was produced, purified, and then immobilized on a CIM^® CDI disk for cleaving glucuronan. [...] Read more.

Immobilized enzyme reactors (IMERs) are critical tools for developing novel oligosaccharides based on the enzymatic catalysis of polysaccharides. In this paper, a novel glucuronan lyase from Peteryoungia rosettiformans was produced, purified, and then immobilized on a CIM^® CDI disk for cleaving glucuronan. The results showed that around 63.6% of glycuronan lyases (800.9 μg) were immobilized on the disk. The V_max values of immobilized glucuronan lyases did not significantly change (56.9 ± 4.7 μM∙min⁻¹), while the K_m values (0.310 ± 0.075 g∙L⁻¹) increased by 2.5 times. It is worth noting that immobilized glucuronan lyases overcame the catalytic inhibition of free enzymes observed under high glucuronan concentrations (0.5–2 g∙L⁻¹). circumscribed central composite design (CCCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) showed that glucuronan concentration, flow rate, and reaction time significantly affected the yield of oligoglucuronans. The degree of polymerization (DP) of degraded glucuronan ranged from DP 2–8 according to the results obtained by high performance anion exchange chromatography coupled with a pulsed amperometric detector (HPAEC-PAD). The IMER retained 50.9% activity after running 2373 column volumes of glucuronan. Finally, this glucuronan lyase reactor was tentatively connected to an immobilized laccase reactor to depolymerize, and gallic acid (GA) was added to glucuronan. Approximately 8.5 mg of GA was added onto 1 g of initial glucuronan, and the GA–oligoglucuronan conjugates showed notable antioxidant activity. Full article

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15 pages, 1701 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fenugreek Galactomannan and Its Versatile Applications

by Vanya Nalbantova, Niko Benbassat and Cédric Delattre

Polysaccharides 2024, 5(3), 478-492; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides5030030 - 6 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1542

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual, dicotyledonous medicinal plant which belongs to the Leguminosae family, and its leaves and seeds are widely used and cultivated throughout the world. Their widespread utilization is attributed to the great variety of primary and secondary [...] Read more.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual, dicotyledonous medicinal plant which belongs to the Leguminosae family, and its leaves and seeds are widely used and cultivated throughout the world. Their widespread utilization is attributed to the great variety of primary and secondary metabolites they contain, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, steroidal saponins, tannins, as well as carbohydrates, in particular galactomannan, which is the focus of the current study. The presence of an equal number of galactose and mannose residues (Gal/Man ratio of 1:1) prevents the formation of hydrogen bonds between the mannose ones. This determines the good solubility of fenugreek galactomannan in cold water, even at low concentrations. The water solubility would be significantly better than that of carob and even slightly higher than that of guar gum, precisely due to their structural characteristics, which contribute to their possible advantages. Moreover, it is a good alternative as an excipient for the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms, as well as in the preparation of food products, affecting not only their structure but also their shelf life. Furthermore, it has promising applications not only in the fields of medicine and pharmaceutics but also offers environmental benefits. All of the above-mentioned factors are of high interest and qualify fenugreek galactomannan as a versatile polysaccharide, which is the reason for summarizing its benefits in this review. Full article

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15 pages, 3857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation and Characterization of β-Glucan Containing Polysaccharides from Monascus spp. Using Saccharina japonica as Submerged Fermented Substrate

by Sharmin Suraiya, Won Je Jang, Monjurul Haq and In-Soo Kong

Polysaccharides 2024, 5(3), 435-449; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides5030027 - 31 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1180

Abstract

Beta-glucan (β-glucan), a naturally occurring complex polysaccharide, has drawn attention for its diverse health benefits, including immune system modulation. β-glucan was extracted from two fungi, Monascus purpureus (Mp) and Monascus kaoliang (Mk), cultured in Saccharina japonica via submerged fermentation. The yield, solubility, total [...] Read more.

Beta-glucan (β-glucan), a naturally occurring complex polysaccharide, has drawn attention for its diverse health benefits, including immune system modulation. β-glucan was extracted from two fungi, Monascus purpureus (Mp) and Monascus kaoliang (Mk), cultured in Saccharina japonica via submerged fermentation. The yield, solubility, total sugar, reducing sugar, protein content, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), in vitro free radical scavenging activity, and cytotoxicity were analyzed. A significant yield of β-glucans, with the contents of 51.30 ± 1.54% in Mp and 44.24 ± 1.18% in Mk was observed on a dry weight basis. Water solubility slightly varied, measuring 36.25 ± 1.14% in Mp and 31.25 ± 0.94% in Mk. Total sugar and reducing sugar content in Mp and Mk derived β-glucans were 114.75 ± 2.54 mg/g and 100.25 ± 1.86 mg/g, 7.38 ± 0.78 mg/g, and 8.39 ± 0.46 mg/g, respectively. FTIR spectra resembled the standard, and TGA confirmed heat stability. XRD patterns indicated that the extracted β-glucans, including the standard one, showed the most prominent diffraction peaks in the lower 2θ range, suggesting similar crystalline phases; however, they differed in crystallinity and degree of amorphous content. SEM images displayed characteristic rough and fibrous shapes and surfaces for extracted β-glucans but it was uniform and of a regular shape in the standard sample. The isolated β-glucans exhibited in vitro free radical scavenging and no cytotoxicity was observed in the MTS assay. Therefore, utilizing S. japonica as a substrate in the fermentation process by Monascus spp. presents a unique opportunity in the production and utilization of β-glucans. Full article

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13 pages, 659 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Glucans Mushrooms: Molecules of Significant Biological and Medicinal Value

by Giancarlo Angeles Flores, Gaia Cusumano, Roberto Venanzoni and Paola Angelini

Polysaccharides 2024, 5(3), 212-224; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides5030016 - 6 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1723

Abstract

Mushroom polysaccharides, key components of fungal cell walls, exhibit various biological properties and hold significant medicinal and industrial value. These polysaccharides are known for their medicinal properties like antitumor, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and antiviral properties. Mushroom polysaccharides, particularly β-glucans, α-glucans, and chitin, have [...] Read more.

Mushroom polysaccharides, key components of fungal cell walls, exhibit various biological properties and hold significant medicinal and industrial value. These polysaccharides are known for their medicinal properties like antitumor, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and antiviral properties. Mushroom polysaccharides, particularly β-glucans, α-glucans, and chitin, have been associated with various health benefits. β-glucans are well studied for their bioactivities, while α-glucans and chitin have gained attention for their prebiotic, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. The therapeutic effects of these polysaccharides are closely linked to their chemical structures, including molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic bond types. This work aims to review the studies on mushroom polysaccharides, with a particular focus on their structural composition to deepen medicinal properties of mushroom polysaccharides. Also, the extraction methods and the pharmaceutical application of polysaccharides will be revised in this work. Full article

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2023

Jump to: 2024, 2021

14 pages, 22559 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Encapsulation of Allergens into Core–Shell Chitosan Microparticles for Allergen-Specific Subcutaneous Immunotherapy

by Mariya Konovalova, Elena Kashirina, Kseniya Beltsova, Olga Kotsareva, Gulnar Fattakhova and Elena Svirshchevskaya

Polysaccharides 2023, 4(2), 142-155; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides4020011 - 15 May 2023

Viewed by 2012

Abstract

IgE-mediated allergic reaction occurs in response to harmless environmental compounds, such as tree and grass pollen, fragments of household microorganisms, etc. To date, the only way to treat IgE-mediated allergy is allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), which consists of a prolonged subcutaneous administration of allergen [...] Read more.

IgE-mediated allergic reaction occurs in response to harmless environmental compounds, such as tree and grass pollen, fragments of household microorganisms, etc. To date, the only way to treat IgE-mediated allergy is allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), which consists of a prolonged subcutaneous administration of allergen extracts or recombinant proteins. The long duration of the treatment, the cost and the risk of life-threatening adverse reactions are the main limiting factors for ASIT. The aim of this work was to develop allergen proteins encapsulated in chitosan-based microparticles that can be safely administered at high doses and in a rash protocol. The egg white allergen, Gal d 1 protein, was used as a model antigen. The protein was packed into core–shell type microparticles (MPs), in which the core was formed with succinyl chitosan conjugated to Gal d 1, subsequently coated with a shell formed by quaternized chitosan. The obtained core–shell MPs containing Gal d 1 in the core (Gal-MPs) were non-toxic to macrophage and fibroblast cell lines. At the same time, Gal-MPs were quickly engulfed by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells or RAW264.7 macrophage cells, as was visualized using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Encapsulated Gal d 1 was not recognized by Gal d 1-specific IgE in ELISA. Female BALB/c mice were immunized with Gal-MPs subcutaneously three times a week for 2 weeks. Immunization of mice resulted in IgG titers 1250 ± 200 without IgE production. Allergy in control and vaccinated mice was induced by low-dose Gal d 1 injections in the withers of mice. IgE was induced in control-sensitized but not in the vaccinated mice. Thus, preventive vaccination with the encapsulated allergens is safe and rapid; it significantly reduces the risk of IgE production induced by respiratory and oral allergens. Full article

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2021

Jump to: 2024, 2023

16 pages, 4128 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immunomodulatory and Antiviral Effects of Macroalgae Sulphated Polysaccharides: Case Studies Extend Knowledge on Their Importance in Enhancing Shellfish Health, and the Control of a Global Viral Pathogen Ostreid Herpesvirus-1 microVar

by Sharon A. Lynch, Rachel Breslin, Babette Bookelaar, Tawut Rudtanatip, Kanokpan Wongprasert and Sarah C. Culloty

Polysaccharides 2021, 2(2), 202-217; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides2020014 - 1 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3297

Abstract

Macroalgae are the primary source of non-animal sulphated polysaccharides (SPs) in the marine environment with fucoidans derived from brown algae (Phaeophyta) and carrageenans from red algae (Rhodophyta). Much research has been carried out on SP effects on Asian shrimp species (genera Penaeus and [...] Read more.

Macroalgae are the primary source of non-animal sulphated polysaccharides (SPs) in the marine environment with fucoidans derived from brown algae (Phaeophyta) and carrageenans from red algae (Rhodophyta). Much research has been carried out on SP effects on Asian shrimp species (genera Penaeus and Metapenaeus) but their effect on commercially important bivalve mollusc species is limited and in Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas is unknown. Knowledge of their impact on bivalve pathogens and Palaemon shrimp is unknown. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of Fucus vesiculosus (Phaeophyta), Mastocarpus stellatus (Rhodophyta) and algal derivatives (fucoidan and κ-carrageenan) on C. gigas performance, and on ostreid herpesvirus-1 microvar (OsHV-1 μVar) and bacteria Vibrio spp. development. Both pathogens have been associated with significant oyster mortalities and economic losses globally. The effects of sulphated galactan from Gracilaria fisheri (Rhodophyta) on European common prawn Palaemon serratus, an important fishery species, was also assessed. Findings indicate a rapid and prolonged increase in total blood cell count, lysozyme (enzyme that destroys pathogens), and a difference in the ratio of blood cell types in treated individuals compared to their control counterparts. A significantly lower OsHV-1 μVar prevalence was observed in treated oysters and κ-carrageenan was found to suppress viral replication (loads), while OsHV-1 μVar was not detected in the fucoidan treated oysters from Day 8 of the 26-day trial. No antibacterial effect was observed however, the oysters did not succumb to vibriosis. These findings contribute further knowledge to macroalgae sulphated polysaccharide biotherapeutic properties, their twofold effect on animal health and viral suppression. Full article

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17 pages, 5689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Capsular Polysaccharide from Lobochlamys segnis

by Gino Schiano di Visconte, Michael J. Allen and Andrew Spicer

Polysaccharides 2021, 2(1), 121-137; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides2010009 - 3 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3443

Abstract

In recent years there has been a significant effort from food, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries to discover and develop new natural ingredients. Microalgae have been recognised as potential sources of high value chemicals, with most attention focused upon antioxidants, pigments, and [...] Read more.

In recent years there has been a significant effort from food, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries to discover and develop new natural ingredients. Microalgae have been recognised as potential sources of high value chemicals, with most attention focused upon antioxidants, pigments, and specialty oils. An under-exploited group of biochemicals produced by microalgae are extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Lobochlamys segnis (formerly called Chlamydomonas segnis) was previously reported to produce a large amount of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) closely related to hyaluronan (HA) under stress conditions. In this work, the purified CPS was characterised and shown to have an average molecular mass (Mn) of about 3.7 MDa, and displayed a highly branched random coil structure unlike the simple repeating linear HA polysaccharide. Chemical analysis showed the presence of galactose, glucuronic acid, and glucose sugars confirming that the product has a different composition to that of HA. Mixotrophic growth and stress conditions were identified and improved upon with a pH control system using acetic acid solution to induce efficient production of CPS. Extraction and purification conditions were also identified exploiting the high Mn of the product. The CPS showed thickening properties and both significant antioxidant capacity and reducing power, which could have commercial applications. This is the first report on the characterization of this novel polysaccharide with non-Newtonian properties similar to HA. Full article

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8 pages, 560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Inulin on the Physical and Textural Properties of Biscuits Containing Jet Milled Barley Flour

by Antonios Drakos, Elpida Tsakiroglou, Vasiliki Evageliou and Ioanna Mandala

Polysaccharides 2021, 2(1), 39-46; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides2010003 - 19 Jan 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2567

Abstract

The quality properties of biscuits with partial replacement of sugar by inulin (at 0, 10, 20 and 30%) and wheat flour by barley flour (at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%) were studied. A commercial and a jet milled finer barley flour were [...] Read more.

The quality properties of biscuits with partial replacement of sugar by inulin (at 0, 10, 20 and 30%) and wheat flour by barley flour (at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%) were studied. A commercial and a jet milled finer barley flour were used. For all flour substitutions, elevated amounts of inulin led to increased weight and decreased spread ratio of the biscuits. Inulin biscuits, within the same flour composition, were softer than those with no inulin but inulin’s concentration was not statistically important. The incorporation of barley flour resulted in reduced lightness, more evident in the case of the finer barley flour. Inulin also affected the lightness of the biscuits. Phenolic content was affected by the presence of barley flour but no clear trend of inulin’s effect was detected. The interactions between barley substitution, inulin substitution and particle size of the barley flour were important for all studied properties, i.e., weight, spread ratio, hardness, total phenolic content and color. Full article

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15 pages, 1061 KiB

Open AccessReview

Are Structurally Modified Galactomannan Derivatives Biologically Active?

by Maurycyo Silva Geronço, Igor Frederico da Silveira Ramos, Edson Cavalcanti da Silva Filho, Márcia dos Santos Rizzo, Alessandra Braga Ribeiro and Marcilia Pinheiro da Costa

Polysaccharides 2021, 2(1), 1-15; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides2010001 - 8 Jan 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3688

Abstract

Galactomannans are versatile macromolecules with broad industrial potential. The influence of changes in the chemical structures and respective bioactivities of these polysaccharides have been extensively studied. The derivatives obtained by sulfation, complexation, and phosphorylation are the most studied biological properties in galactomannans. The [...] Read more.

Galactomannans are versatile macromolecules with broad industrial potential. The influence of changes in the chemical structures and respective bioactivities of these polysaccharides have been extensively studied. The derivatives obtained by sulfation, complexation, and phosphorylation are the most studied biological properties in galactomannans. The derivatives obtained have shown several pharmacological activities such as antiviral, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, chemopreventive, anticancer, antioxidant, chondroprotective, analgesic, immunomodulatory, and antileishmanial. Considering the relevance of these studies, we aim to provide an overview of studies that apply galactomannan modification or derivatization strategies to improve their properties for applications in the biomedical area. We identified the success of most modified galactomannans for pharmacological purposes. However, some studies found loss of bioactivity of the original polysaccharide after chemical changes to its original structures. Full article

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