Search Results (281)

Our study aimed, for the first time, to comparatively characterize edible carob powder from the Imera and Platses cultivars in terms of phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity, providing the first comprehensive characterization of the underexplored Platses cultivar using an integrated multi-analytical approach. FT-IR fingerprinting, GC-MS volatile profiling and LC-MS phenolic analysis were performed, while total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were evaluated using Folin–Ciocalteu, FRAP, DPPH, ABTS and TSO assays. FT-IR indicated higher absorption in regions related to α- and β-glucans in Platses, while GC-MS identified 22 volatile compounds, with isobutyric acid being the dominant volatile in both cultivars. LC-MS revealed distinct phenolic profiles, with Imera exhibiting higher relative abundances of flavonoids, galloylated and flavanol derivatives, whereas Platses showed higher relative abundances of gallic acid, ferulic acid and kaempferol. Imera also exhibited significantly higher total phenolic and flavanol contents and antioxidant capacity (FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS; p < 0.05), while TSO did not differ between cultivars. Strong positive correlations were observed between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. These findings support the exploitation of Cretan carob cultivars as natural sources of bioactive compounds for functional food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

High-starch diets can impair gastrointestinal homeostasis in growing cattle by promoting dysbiosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the effects of a multi-active phytogenic blend containing Macleaya cordata extract, essential oils, live yeast, silymarin, bentonite, and beta-glucans on performance, inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers, volatile fatty acids (VFA) production, and microbiota composition in calves fed a high-starch diet. Twenty-eight 5-month-old Holstein males were assigned to a control diet (control group) or the same diet with addition of 15 g/animal/day of the additive (Phytogenic group) for 70 days. Calves fed with additives had greater weight gain and average daily gain (p = 0.05), whereas dry matter intake and feed efficiency were unchanged. The additive reduced total leukocytes and lymphocytes number, decreased of biomarker in serum as TNF-α, IL-1, C-reactive protein, ferritin, haptoglobin, creatine kinase, cholinesterase, TBARS, and reactive oxygen species. These animals of the Phytogenic group also have increased IL-10, IgA, IgG, total protein, and globulin concentrations compared to the control group. Ruminal and fecal VFA concentrations were higher in animals of Phytogenic group, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. In addition, intake of additives increased ruminal microbial richness and altered beta diversity, indicating a marked shift in rumen microbial structure, while altering the relative abundance of specific taxa associated with high-starch feeding. These findings indicate that this phytogenic blend improves growth performance and exerts immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and microbiota-modulating effects, supporting its use as a nutritional strategy to mitigate the metabolic challenges associated with high-starch diets in growing cattle. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sarcopenia is an age-associated skeletal muscle disorder that may be aggravated by a high-fat diet (HFD). Given the multifactorial pathogenesis of sarcopenia, single-nutrient interventions may be insufficient. This study investigated whether a specialized multinutrient formula could attenuate muscle dysfunction and intramuscular lipid accumulation in adult mice under standard-diet and HFD-fed conditions. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to five groups: young control (YC), adult control (OC), adult control supplemented with the nutritional formula (OCN), adult HFD-fed mice (OH), and adult HFD-fed mice supplemented with the formula (OHN). A specialized multinutrient formula containing enriched whey protein, β-glucan, antioxidant vitamins, and essential trace minerals was orally administered five times per week for 12 weeks. Body composition, muscle histology, grip strength, intramuscular lipid accumulation, inflammatory gene expression, and protein markers related to caspase-associated apoptosis, proteolysis-related signaling, and tissue remodeling were assessed. Results: Compared with YC mice, adult control and HFD-fed mice exhibited reduced muscle strength and fiber cross-sectional area, increased adiposity, intramuscular lipid deposition, elevated TNF-α expression, and alterations in selected protein markers related to caspase-associated apoptosis, proteolysis-related signaling, and tissue remodeling. Nutritional supplementation improved muscle strength and fiber morphology, reduced intramuscular lipid deposition, lowered TNF-α expression, reduced cleaved caspase marker abundance, decreased p38 MAPK and MuRF-1 expression, and increased collagen type III expression. Conclusions: HFD aggravated muscle dysfunction and sarcopenic obesity-related features in adult mice, as evidenced by impaired muscle function, reduced muscle fiber cross-sectional area, increased intramuscular lipid accumulation, and changes in selected inflammatory, cleaved caspase-, protein turnover-related, and remodeling markers. Nutritional supplementation mitigated these alterations and improved muscle structure and function. Full article

We carried out carbohydrate composition and carbohydrate linkage analyses on Neurospora crassa cell walls from vegetative hyphae, conidia (asexual spores), perithecia (female mating structures), and ascospores (sexual spores). We show that the composition and structure of the cell wall undergo dramatic changes during the N. crassa life cycle. All the cell walls contain β-1,3-glucan and mixed β-1,3-/β-1,4-glucan (lichenin). The conidia cell walls and perithecia cell walls also contain α-1,3-glucan. β-1,3-glucan was the most abundant polysaccharide in the vegetative hyphae cell walls and mixed β-1,3-/β-1,4-glucan was the most abundant polysaccharide in the perithecia and ascospore cell walls. Chitin was a major polysaccharide in the ascospore cell walls. Ascospore and perithecia cell walls also contained melanin as a structural element. We conclude that the composition and structure of the cell wall changes dramatically as cells proceed through the various stages of the N. crassa life cycle. Full article

A novel sulfated α-glucan (VpG), with an ultra-high molecular weight of approximately 2250 kDa and a sulfation degree of 18.6%, was previously isolated from Volutharpa ampullacea perryi and shown to alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in mice. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we further characterized the structural features of VpG using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and UV-Vis spectroscopy, and evaluated its immunomodulatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. SEM revealed a dense, porous surface with co-existing filamentous and flake-like structures, while AFM imaging showed that VpG adopted an irregular branched chain-like conformation. In functional assays, VpG significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that VpG downregulated LPS-induced expression of the M1 surface marker CD80, while Western blotting showed that VpG suppressed the phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2, and JNK1/2/3, indicating blockade of the MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, VpG exhibited potent radical scavenging activity against hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals, which is associated with its anti-inflammatory activity. Collectively, these findings indicate that VpG exerts its anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization and suppression of MAPK activation, with its antioxidant capacity potentially contributing to the overall effect. This study provides a mechanistic basis for understanding the anti-inflammatory action of VpG and supports its potential as a therapeutic candidate for ulcerative colitis. Full article

Starch-modifying glycoside hydrolases (GHs) typically operate via a retaining double-displacement mechanism, involving formation of a covalent glycosyl–enzyme intermediate. This intermediate can be resolved either by water, resulting in hydrolysis, or by a glucan acceptor, leading to transglucosylation. Many GHs exhibit both catalytic activities, although they are classified according to their predominant reaction. For example, branching enzymes (BEs) catalyse α-(1→4) bond cleavage and α-(1→6) branch formation via transglucosylation, while also exhibiting minor hydrolytic and disproportionation activities that broaden their catalytic repertoire. More recent research indicates that the different catalytic activities of BEs can be interconnected, thereby collectively determining the final α-glucan architecture. This challenges the classical view that the predominant branching activity of BEs is catalysed independently. Moreover, the balance between these coupled activities influences substrate specificity and can broaden the substrate scope to include chemically modified starches. Furthermore, the co-application of BEs with other GHs reveals synergistic interactions between catalytic activities, enabling the generation of α-glucan structures that cannot be produced by any of the enzymes individually. In this perspective paper, and based on recent developments, we argue that the catalytic framework of BEs provides multiple strategies for tailoring diverse α-glucan architectures. This enables modulation of structural features across hierarchical levels, from supramolecular to macromolecular organisation. As a result, BEs represent versatile tools for engineering starch functionality beyond digestibility, extending their potential toward pharmaceutical and non-food applications. Looking ahead, we discuss how enzyme-designed and chemically functionalised α-glucan polymers may emerge as a new class of sustainable materials. These materials could provide biodegradable, water-soluble, and renewable alternatives to petrochemical-derived polymers used in personal and home care products. Full article

This study introduces a novel food-grade protein–β-glucan nanoparticle system based on Fusarium venenatum protein isolate and Fuscoporia torulosa β-glucans, designed as a multifunctional ingredient for improving the physicochemical stability, bioaccessibility, and functional performance of peach juice beverages. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and evaluate a functional peach juice enriched with protein–β-glucan nanoparticles and to investigate their effects on physicochemical stability, gastrointestinal behavior, metabolic enzyme inhibition, antioxidant retention, and sensory acceptance. Protein–β-glucan nanoparticles produced from Fusarium venenatum protein isolate and Fuscoporia torulosa β-glucans were incorporated into peach juice formulations (V1–V4) and characterized using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In vitro gastrointestinal digestion was performed to assess β-glucan bioaccessibility, protein digestibility, antioxidant activity, and release kinetics, while α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, sensory evaluation, digital sensory analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and exploratory multivariate analysis were used to evaluate relationships among formulation characteristics and functional performance. The nanoparticles formed stable colloidal systems with mean particle sizes ranging from 176 to 229 nm and maintained structural integrity during 28 days of refrigerated storage. Nanoparticle-enriched formulations exhibited higher β-glucan bioaccessibility, improved antioxidant retention, and stronger α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, with the greatest effects observed in V4. Protein digestibility remained high across all formulations, while sensory evaluation revealed improved overall liking and purchase intention. PCA indicated that nanoparticle concentration was the main factor differentiating the formulations based on their physicochemical and functional characteristics. Overall, protein–β-glucan nanoparticles enhanced the physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties of peach juice, supporting their application as multifunctional ingredients for functional beverage development. Full article

Yeast hydrolysate (YH) is a yeast-derived functional feed ingredient containing bioactive peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, β-glucans, and mannan oligosaccharides, which may exert prebiotic-like effects by regulating nutrient metabolism, host health, and intestinal microbial homeostasis. However, its effects on lactating Dezhou jennies remain largely unclear. This study investigated the effects of dietary YH supplementation on body weight change, serum biochemical parameters, serum metabolomic profiles, and fecal microbiota composition in lactating Dezhou jennies. Sixteen healthy lactating Dezhou jennies were randomly assigned to a control group fed a basal diet (MCON, n = 8) or a YH supplementation group fed the basal diet supplemented with YH (MYE, n = 8) for 60 days. Compared with the MCON group, the MYE group showed numerically higher final body weight and body weight change. Serum biochemical analysis showed that YH supplementation significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities and increased triglyceride (TG) concentrations, while all measured biochemical parameters remained within physiological reference ranges. Serum metabolomic profiling identified 193 differential metabolites between the two groups, including 55 upregulated and 138 downregulated metabolites in the MYE group. These metabolites were mainly associated with amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, mineral absorption, ABC transporters, and protein digestion and absorption, indicating that YH supplementation reshaped nutrient-related metabolic pathways in lactating Dezhou jennies. Fecal microbiota analysis showed no significant changes in α-diversity or overall community structure; however, the MYE group displayed numerically higher microbial richness indices, more unique ASVs and genera, a lower relative abundance of Bacteroidota, and a higher relative abundance of Bacillota. LEfSe analysis further revealed enrichment of specific bacterial taxa in the MYE group, including Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Anaerovorax, and UCG-related taxa. Collectively, these preliminary findings suggest that dietary YH supplementation may alter selected serum biochemical indices and circulating metabolites and may selectively affect the relative abundance of certain fecal bacterial taxa in lactating Dezhou jennies. However, given the limited sample size, these results should be interpreted cautiously, and larger-scale studies are needed to confirm their reproducibility and practical significance. Full article

(1) Background: The global transition away from antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) requires effective, sustainable alternatives to maintain broiler performance and intestinal homeostasis. This study evaluated the effects of dietary wild thyme powder, administered alone or combined with a prebiotic or probiotic, as potential AGP alternatives on growth performance, serum oxidative status, immune response, cecal microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, ileal histomorphometry, and intestinal barrier integrity in broilers. (2) Methods: Five hundred forty-six male Ross 308 chicks were assigned to seven treatments (n = 13 replicates/group) for 28 d: T1 (basal diet); T2 (0.5 g/kg antibiotic Neoxyval); T3 (1.0 g/kg thyme); T4 (0.75 g/kg prebiotic); T5 (0.50 g/kg probiotic); T6 (prebiotic + thyme); and T7 (probiotic + thyme). Growth performance was measured, and one bird from each replicate was randomly sampled at 28 d for multi-endpoint biological analyses. (3) Results: Birds that received T3 to T7 had increased final body weight and weight gain. Cumulative feed conversion ratio was improved in the T3, T5, and T7 groups, with T7 displaying numerical superiority over individual additive groups without reaching statistical synergy. All-natural supplements (T3, T5, T6, T7) lowered serum malondialdehyde and enhanced interferon-γ. Birds receiving T6 showed increased tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas birds receiving T3 and T4 showed reduced levels. Probiotic-inclusive diets (T5 and T7) significantly increased cecal propionic acid, total SCFAs, and ileal villus surface area. Natural additive treatments broadly promoted cecal eubiosis by increasing Lactobacillus spp. while decreasing Clostridium spp. Crucially, combining thyme with prebiotics (T6) or probiotics (T7) synergistically upregulated ileal tissue occludin concentrations. (4) In conclusion, under the conditions of this trial, dietary supplementation with wild thyme powder, a MOS/β-glucan prebiotic, and a Bacillus licheniformis probiotic, particularly the thyme + probiotic combination, was an effective regimen for supporting growth performance, cecal eubiosis, and ileal barrier integrity in healthy broilers. However, these findings are limited to a single dose level (1.0 g/kg thyme), a single plant source, and non-challenged conditions; further research incorporating dose–response evaluations, disease-challenge models, and diverse phytogenic origins is necessary to confirm broader field applicability. Full article

As a microalga of significant economic value, the polysaccharide synthesis efficiency and bioactivity of Spirulina platensis are significantly influenced by the culture condition. In this study, S. platensis H11 obtained by space mutagenesis, was systematically compared to the growth characteristics, polysaccharide properties, and antioxidant activities between seawater and freshwater culture conditions. The results showed that the biomass concentration (8.87 g L⁻¹) and polysaccharide yield (5.46 g L⁻¹) of the strain in the seawater condition were increased by 16.1% and 14.7%, respectively, compared with that in the freshwater condition. Seawater-derived polysaccharides (SSPS) featured an α-configuration glucan backbone and exhibited higher molecular weight (466.19 kDa) and an additional β-configured anomeric signal compared with FSPS. Despite having lower contents of sulfate groups (0.56% DW) and glucuronides (4.92% DW) by 39.3% and 33.5%, respectively, compared to FSPS (0.78% sulfate group, 6.57% glucuronide), SSPS exhibited significantly enhanced hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity, demonstrated by a decreased IC₅₀ value of 2.53 mg mL⁻¹ as opposed to 3.07 mg mL⁻¹. The present study confirms that seawater cultivation is an effective strategy for inducing the synthesis of highly active polysaccharides in space mutant strains, and provides a theoretical basis for the targeted production of polysaccharides in S. platensis and their functional and precise application. Full article

Starch-based bioplastics are renewable and biodegradable, but their wider use is constrained by moisture sorption, humidity-dependent aging, insufficient tensile performance, and weak water- and oxygen barrier stability. This review critically synthesizes the peer-reviewed literature from 2020 to 2026 on enzymatically engineered starch for film, packaging, and thermoplastic applications using an architecture–property framework that links enzyme specificity, chain-length distribution, crystallinity, processing route, and material response. Controlled α-1,4 hydrolysis mainly improves processability by lowering molecular weight, viscosity, and gelatinization resistance. However, excessive hydrolysis can increase water uptake, solubility, and loss of cohesive strength. Debranching by pullulanase or isoamylase increases amylose-like linear chains and can promote B-type crystallinity or V-type starch–lipid complexes, with reported gains in tensile strength, contact angle, and water vapor barrier when the chain lengths and recrystallization conditions are controlled. Branching enzymes and transglycosylases increase branch density or redistribute glucan chains, suppressing retrogradation and improving flexibility, water retention, and aging resistance, but often with trade-offs in strength, crystallinity, and barrier performance. Lipase- and laccase-catalyzed functionalization expands starch functionality by increasing hydrophobicity, compatibility with hydrophobic phases, antioxidant activity, and active-packaging potential. The evidence indicates that enzymatic modification should not be generalized as uniformly improving starch bioplastics; performance gains are conditional on the starch source, amylose content, enzyme dosage, reaction severity, plasticizer composition, processing method, film conditioning, and storage humidity. Industrial implementation remains limited by enzyme cost and reuse, high-solids mass transfer, reaction time, enzyme stability under heat and shear, and reproducibility across botanical sources. Overall, enzymatic molecular editing is most promising when mechanistic architecture control is coupled with standardized structure–property reporting and scalable processing, such as immobilized-enzyme reactors, high-solids systems, and reactive extrusion. Full article

Indoor-air research has largely examined infection, microbial ecology, immune effects and antimicrobial resistance separately, leaving the pathway from indoor biological sources to chronic respiratory outcomes insufficiently integrated. This narrative review synthesises evidence on indoor airborne pathogens and non-viable microbial components as health-relevant biological exposures beyond acute infection. Literature published between 2000 and February 2026 was reviewed from PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, supplemented by guidance from WHO, ECDC, US EPA and ASHRAE. Viable microorganisms and non-viable components, including endotoxin, β-(1→3)-glucans, microbial DNA and extracellular vesicles, engage epithelial pattern-recognition pathways and promote inflammatory signalling. Findings included 6.5% higher TNF-α and 5% higher IL-8 per log-unit increase in fungal-spore exposure among sawmill workers; uncontrolled asthma in 45% of moisture- or mould-exposed versus 33% of non-exposed children; airborne resistance-gene and mobile-element loads of 0.55–479.44 copies/m³ in hospital departments; and a 32.8% reduction in viral diversity, but no significant reduction in high viral exposure, following classroom HEPA filtration. These findings support biological plausibility but reveal a fragmented evidence base dominated by observational studies, heterogeneous sampling and limited longitudinal exposure–response data. Indoor bioaerosols should be considered continuous exposures within the exposome, requiring research and regulation across microbiology, environmental engineering, medicine and public health. Full article

α-Amylase, ubiquitously distributed across diverse organisms, catalyzes the hydrolysis of the internal α-(1→4)-linkage of α-(1→4)-glucan including starch as an essential energy source. Insect α-amylases, which belong to the glycoside hydrolase family 13 subfamily 15 (GH13_15), are important for optimal larval growth and adult longevity. Honeybee (Apis mellifera) α-amylase (AMA) is expressed in the hypopharyngeal glands of forager bees and secreted into honey. AMA in honey, which is important for food quality control, has been partly characterized. However, its structure–function relationship is poorly understood. Herein, we present biochemical, structural, and mutational analyses of AMA. Kinetic analysis using p-nitrophenyl maltooligosaccharides and their 4,6-benzylidene-modified derivatives revealed a subsite affinity map of AMA. AMA contains high-affinity subsites −3, −2, +1, and +2, similar to those of the mammalian α-amylases of GH13_24. Most AMA substrate-binding residues are conserved in the GH13_24 enzymes. Mutational analysis revealed that Leu175 is crucial at subsites −3/−2 for reactions with oligo- and polysaccharides. Furthermore, Trp77 at subsites −3/−2 and Lys210 at subsite +2 are suggested to be involved in the proper binding of long-chain substrates. AMA shares a surface sugar-binding site with mammalian α-amylases, where Asn281, Trp285, and Trp293 are essential for the binding and degradation of starch granules. Full article

A polysaccharide with water solubility named RRBP was extracted from red rice bran (Oryza sativa L.), and its structural characterization was analyzed. The polysaccharide exhibited a monodisperse molecular weight distribution with an average of 51.4 kDa, and also comprised glucose (98.1%, w/w) and small amounts of arabinose, galactose, xylose, and mannose. Structural investigations using methylation analysis combined with UV and FT-IR spectroscopy demonstrated that RRBP is a structurally complex hyperbranched glucan characterized by an extensive branch with “→4)-α-d-Glcp-(1“→linkages constituting 30.6% of the backbone. RRBP demonstrated concentration-dependent stimulation of nitric oxide (NO) generation along with elevated secretion levels of IL-6 and TNF-α but showed minimal effect on IL-12 production in assays with RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Gene expression profiling verified the enhanced transcription of genes encoding iNOS and pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-12 following RRBP treatment. Moreover, it is important to note that RRBP was able to promote M1 macrophage activation and exhibited no cytotoxicity, and this implied that RRBP could serve as a biocompatible pro-inflammatory immunostimulant. In summary, these findings suggested that RRBP is a distinctive glucan that possesses selective immunomodulatory properties and could be applied in the development of functional food products designed for targeted immune system modulation. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of crude polysaccharide extraction from Thai-cultivated oats (Avena sativa L.) utilizing hot water extraction (HW) and ultrasound-assisted water extraction (UW) methods. Optimal conditions were determined by a response surface methodology (RSM). The influence of solid-to-liquid ratio, temperature or %amplitude, and extraction time on %yield and beta glucan content was investigated. Under optimal conditions, UW produced a superior %yield (82.72 ± 2.19%) and beta glucan content (1.75 ± 0.87 g/100 g extract) compared to HW (41.32 ± 0.98% and 1.25 ± 0.27 g/100 g extract). This finding may occur from acoustic cavitation, which effectively dismantles the cellular wall structure, supported by FTIR analysis finding more distinct β-glycosidic linkage peaks. SEM analyses indicated a greater surface area dispersion and porosity in UW extract relative to HW extract. Analysis of monosaccharide composition supported the properties of both crude extracts, demonstrating glucose as the predominant component. However, the functional and bioactive characterization demonstrated a distinct trade-off between the two extraction methods. HW extract demonstrated superior swelling capacity (6.2 vs. 2.7 g/g at pH 6.5), enhanced antioxidant activity compared to both ABTS (0.67 ± 0.04 vs. 0.58 ± 0.06 μmol TE/g), DPPH (0.53 ± 0.06 vs. 0.35 ± 0.06 μmol TE/g), and FRAP (0.05 ± 0.02 vs. 0.03 ± 0.01 μmol TE/g), total phenolic content (98.33 ± 7.68 vs. 87.79 ± 3.07 mg GAE/g). The crude extracts from the two methods had selective enzyme inhibitory activity, exhibiting considerable inhibition of α-glucosidase and markedly reduced inhibition of α-amylase. UW demonstrated slightly superior inhibitory activity compared to HW for both enzymes. The findings indicate that the determination of crude polysaccharides should principally take into account the purpose of the final product. UW is preferable for optimizing %yield and beta glucan content. Nevertheless, if the emphasis is on functional attributes like water absorption and antioxidant efficacy, HW has advantages that merit a consideration. This research provides a framework for identifying optimal extraction methods aimed at extracting crude polysaccharides from Thai-cultivated oats for use as a functional ingredient in health food products. Full article