Search Results (21)

Chondroitin sulfate (CS), commonly derived from animal cartilages, is a glycosaminoglycan with various bioactivities. This study employed an alkaline-enzyme method to prepare CS derived from Channa argus (referred to as CCS), using the heads and spines, which are food processing byproducts, as raw materials. Following this, we characterized its structure using HPLC, GPC, FTIR, and NMR and evaluated its antioxidant activity based on a TBHP-induced oxidative stress cell model. Structural analysis revealed that the CCS had a molecular weight of 5.09 kDa and was primarily composed of glucose and galactose units, featuring acetylated glucuronic acid–galactan chains with mixed α/β-glycosidic bonds. In vitro cellular antioxidant assays showed that CCS (80 μg/mL) significantly protected ARPE-19 cells against TBHP-induced oxidative damage by reducing ROS and MDA levels while enhancing the activity of typical antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GSH-Px). These findings indicate that CS derived from the byproduct of Channa argus processing has notable antioxidant properties and could serve as a promising food supplement for health applications. Full article

Dendrobium denneanum Kerr, Dendrobium denneanum Kerr, an orchid in the food-medicine homology catalog, is traditionally used for stomach-nourishing, yin-tonifying, and immunity-enhancing. While its preventive effect on acute gastric ulcers is confirmed, variations among genuine producing areas remain underexplored. This study comparatively analyzed components of D. denneanum from 22 habitats and their polysaccharides’ (DDP) anti-inflammatory/antioxidant activities. Results showed habitat-dependent active components: total sugar (20–51.49%), crude polysaccharide yield (0.29–1.76%), and total phenol (~3%). In vitro, all extracts exhibited dose-dependent scavenging of DPPH (IC₅₀: 0.99–2.11 mg/mL), ABTS (0.61–1.62 mg/mL), and hydroxyl radicals (1.02–2.18 mg/mL), with Habitats 5 and 7 showing the strongest activity. GPC, ion chromatography, and FT-IR revealed DDP had a 5–11 kDa molecular weight, dominated by glucose (49.67–84.73%), plus mannose (8.29–12.25%) and galactose (0.96–16.41%), with shared hydroxyl (3400 cm⁻¹) and β-glycosidic bond (890 cm⁻¹) features. In ethanol-induced gastric ulcer rats, DDP exerted dose-dependent protection: low doses (100 mg/kg/d) reduced ulcer index, increased SOD/GSH-Px (1.5–1.8-fold), decreased MDA (30–35%), and elevated PGE₂; high doses (400 mg/kg/d) further inhibited serum TNF-α/IL-6 (25–40%) and improved histopathology. Conclusion: Despite habitat-dependent component variations, DDP maintains consistent structures. This study first confirms DDP protects gastric mucosa via antioxidant-anti-inflammatory synergism, supporting its development as a natural gastroprotectant. Future work may focus on standardized cultivation and clinical translation. Full article

This study aims to identify the chemical structure and immunomodulatory activity of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) from Acetilactobacillus jinshanensis BJ01 and suggest its potential applications in the pharmaceutical field and as functional food additives. The EPS-1 produced by A. jinshanensis BJ01 was purified using column chromatography. The lyophilized powder obtained by vacuum freeze-drying was used for structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity analysis. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) determined its molecular weight as 156.58 kDa. High-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) identified that the EPS-1 is composed of mannose, xylose, and glucose. The structural characterization of EPS-1 by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy demonstrated that EPS-1 is primarily composed of α-D-Manp-(1→, →2,6)-α-D-Manp-(1→, →2)-α-D-Manp-(1→, and →3)-α-D-Manp-(1→. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) illustrated that EPS-1 exhibited a round, flake-like morphology. In vitro experiments with RAW264.7 macrophages demonstrated the high immunomodulatory activity of EPS-1. Significant upregulation of iNOS, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA levels was confirmed by qRT-PCR (p < 0.05). Western blotting revealed that EPS-1 (6.25 μg/mL) induced phosphorylation of NF-κB (p65, IκBα) and MAPK (ERK) signaling proteins. This study provides the first structural and immunomodulatory characterization of an exopolysaccharide from A. jinshanensis BJ01, highlighting its potential as a novel immune adjuvant. Full article

In this study, novel triblock copolymers, including poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM-b-PCL-b-PNIPAM), poly(N-vinyl-pyrrolidone)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(N-vinyl-pyrrolidone) (PNVP-b-PCL-b-PNVP), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (P(DMAEMA-co-NIPAM)-b-PCL-b-P(NIPAM-co-DMAEMA)), and poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA-b-PCL-b-PDMA), were synthesized via a combination of ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The synthesis was performed using novel bifunctional PCL-based RAFT macro chain transfer agents (macroCTAs; MXTPCL-X1 and MXTPCL-X2) with a m-xylene-bis(2-mercaptoethyloxy) core. Initially, m-xylene-bis(1-hydroxy-3-thia-propane) (MXTOH), which has not previously been used in lactone polymerization, was synthesized via the reaction of α,α′-dibromo-m-xylene with 2-mercaptoethanol in the presence of sodium in ethanol. Subsequently, Sn(Oct)₂-catalyzed ROP of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) using MXTOH as an initiator yielded PCL-diol (MXTPCLOH). The resulting PCL-diol underwent further functionalization through esterification and substitution reactions, leading to the formation of PCL-based RAFT macroCTAs. Triblock copolymers were synthesized using these macroCTAs with AIBN as an initiator. The synthesized products, along with their intermediates, were characterized using FTIR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The number average molecular weight (M_n) and polydispersity index (Ð) of PCL-based macroCTAs were determined by using GPC analysis. The sensor capabilities of the synthesized novel triblock copolymers were investigated on the determination of syringic acid and it was determined that the most sensitive polymer was PNVP-b-PCL-b-PNVP (MXTP2). The working range was between 1.5 µg/mL and 15 µg/mL and the limit of detection (LOD) was found to be 0.44 µg/mL using DPV on MXTP2 polymer sensor. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), such as leishmaniasis, remain a global health challenge due to limited therapeutic options and rising drug resistance. In this study, we developed an advanced nanogel formulation incorporating curcumin (CUR) and Pectis brevipedunculata essential oil (EOPb) within an F127/Carbopol 974P matrix to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis (LLa) promastigotes. Methods: The chemical profile of EOPb was determined through GC-MS and NMR analyses, confirming the presence of key bioactive monoterpenes such as neral, geranial, $\alpha$-pinene, and limonene. The nanogel formulation (nGPC) was optimized to ensure thermosensitivity, and stability, exhibiting a sol–gel transition at physiological temperatures. Rheological analysis revealed that nGPC exhibited Newtonian behavior at 5 °C, transitioning to shear-thinning and thixotropic characteristics at 25 and 32 °C, respectively. This behavior facilitates its application and controlled drug release, making it ideal for topical formulations. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis demonstrated that nGPC maintained a stable nanoscale structure with hydrodynamic radius below 300 nm, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed strong molecular interactions between EOPb, CUR, and the polymer matrix. Biological assays demonstrated that nGPC significantly enhanced anti-promastigote activity compared to free CUR and OEPb. Results: At the highest tested concentration (50 μg/mL EOPb and 17.5 μg/mL CUR) nGPC induced over 88% mortality in LLa promastigotes across 24, 48, and 72 h, indicating sustained efficacy. Even at lower concentrations, nGPC retained dose-dependent activity, suggesting a synergistic effect between CUR and EOPb. These findings highlight the potential of nGPC as an innovative nanocarrier for daylight photodynamic therapy (dPDT) in the treatment of leishmaniasis. Future studies will investigate the underlying mechanisms of this synergism and explore the potential application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to further enhance therapeutic outcomes. Full article

Vegetables and fruits, high in starch and sugars, are promising substrates for bioethanol production, but can also yield valuable nootropic compounds, such as α-glycerylphosphorylcholine (α-GPC). This compound is a known cognitive enhancer that works by increasing the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for learning and memory. In this study, select root and tuber crops, as well as fruits, were subjected to Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation to observe the co-production of ethanol and α-GPC. The ethanol yields from these substrates were comparable to those from wheat (var. AC Andrew), ranging from 30.44 g/L (beet) to 70.04 g/L (lotus root). Aside from ethanol, α-GPC was also produced, with purple top turnip yielding 0.91 g/L, the second highest concentration after wheat (used as a reference), which produced 1.25 g/L. Although α-GPC yields in the tested substrates were lower than those from cereal grains (e.g., wheat and barley), a noteworthy observation was the production of methanol in many of these substrates. Methanol was detected in all feedstocks except wheat, with concentrations ranging from 0.10 g/L (cassava) to 1.69 g/L (purple top turnip). A linear regression analysis revealed a strong correlation between methanol and α-GPC content (R² = 0.876; slope = 0.52), suggesting a potential link in their biosynthetic pathways. These feedstocks not only proved effective as substrates for bioethanol production, but also showed potential for generating value-added compounds such as α-GPC. This dual-purpose potential presents new market opportunities for producers by leveraging both biofuel and nootropic compound production. Furthermore, the observed relationship between methanol and α-GPC production warrants further investigation to elucidate the metabolic pathways involved. Full article

Lactobacillus is a recognized probiotic and has been widely used in food and medicine. As a new type of low-temperature resistant Lactobacillus, the fermentation products of Dellaglioa algida have multiple physiological activities. This study focuses on the exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Dellaglioa algida. The composition of the EPS is analyzed by FTIR, UV, GPC, HPLC, NMR, and SEM, and its antioxidant and immune activities are explored. The experimental results show that the EPS is a polymer composed of nine monosaccharides such as rhamnose, glucose, and mannose, connected by $\alpha$- and $\beta$-glycosidic bonds, with an average molecular weight of $2.163\times {10}^4$ Da. When the EPS concentration reaches 100 μg/mL, the scavenging activities of DPPH and ABTS⁺ are 60.0% and 51.2%, respectively. The EPS promotes the secretion of NO by regulating the iNOS/NO pathway, reduces oxidative damage, and reduces the secretion of inflammatory factors such as IL-6, IL-1$\beta$, and TNF-$\alpha$, and downregulates the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors, thereby alleviating the cell inflammation stimulated by the cold-resistant bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas fragi. By virtue of these properties, the EPS produced by Dellaglioa algida fermentation has the potential to act as an antioxidant and immunomodulator. Full article

Currently, the demand in the food market for oligosaccharides with biological activities is rapidly increasing. In this study, agar polysaccharides from Gracilaria fisheri were treated with β-agarases and hydrolyzed to agar oligosaccharides (AOSs). High-performance anion-exchange chromatography/pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), were employed to analyze the chemical characteristics of AOSs. The FT-IR spectra revealed that the enzymatic hydrolysis had no effect on specific functional groups in the AOS molecule. To investigate the prebiotic and pathogen inhibitory effects of AOSs, the influence of AOSs on the growth of three probiotic and two pathogenic bacteria was examined. The gastrointestinal tolerance of probiotics in the presence of AOSs was also investigated. AOSs enhanced the growth of Lactobacillus plantarum by 254%, and inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus by 32.80%, and Escherichia coli by 58.94%. The highest survival rates of L. plantarum and L. acidophilus were maintained by AOSs in the presence of α-amylase and HCl under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. This study demonstrates that AOSs from G. fisheri exhibit potential as a prebiotic additive in foods. Full article

Latanoprost (LTP) is a prostaglandin F_2α analog used to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma treatment administered daily as eye drops. In this study, a universal model based on poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide-co-trimethylene carbonate) with shape memory was proposed for the development of a solid biodegradable formulation with prolonged release administered intraconjunctivally, intravitreally, subconjunctivally, and subcutaneously. Solution casting and electron beam (EB) irradiation were applied to the matrix formulation. The properties of the native matrix and matrices degraded in a PBS buffer (pH 7.4) were monitored by NMR, DSC, GPC, and SEM. Water uptake (WU) and weight loss (WL) were also analyzed. LTP was released over 113 days in a tri-phasic and sigmoidal pattern without a burst effect and with a relatively long second release phase, in which changes were observed in the glass transition temperature, molecular weight (M_n), WU, and WL. EB irradiation decreased the initial M_n, increased WU, and accelerated LTP release with a shortened lag phase. This provides the opportunity to partially eliminate the use of drops at the start of treatment. SEM observations indicated that surface erosion is the prevalent degradation mechanism. The proposed model is an interesting solution during a preliminary study to develop final medicinal products that provide high adherence. Full article

This study evaluated the apical sealing ability and bioactivity of an experimental gutta-percha containing niobium phosphate bioglass. Thirty-six human premolars were endodontically prepared and divided into three groups: GPC—filling with conventional gutta-percha; GBC—filling with bioceramic gutta-percha (EndoSequence BC); GNB—filling with experimental gutta-percha containing niobophosphate. Teeth were stored in tubes containing 2 mL of simulated body fluid (SBF) solution in an oven for 30 days. Then, the samples were immersed in lanthanum nitrate solution and analyzed for apical nanoleakage (NI) with a scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Gutta-percha specimens were immersed for 28 days (SBF) and analyzed in SEM/EDS and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to assess bioactivity. NI data originated from the SEM/EDS were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test (α = 5%). NI data originated from TEM and bioactivity were descriptively reported. Statistical analysis did not detect a significant difference between groups (p = 0.13) for NI. In the bioactivity analysis, an abundant layer of hydroxyapatite was identified only in the surface of the GNB group samples. The gutta-percha containing niobophosphate bioglass promoted an apical sealing similar to EndoSequence BC, in addition to demonstrating bioactivity through the deposition of hydroxyapatite on the surface of the material after immersion in SBF. Full article

The development of the modern society imposes a fast-growing demand for new advanced functional polymer materials. To this aim, one of the most plausible current methodologies is the end-group functionalization of existing conventional polymers. If the end functional group is able to polymerize, this method enables the synthesis of a molecularly complex, grafted architecture that opens the access to a wider range of material properties, as well as tailoring the special functions required for certain applications. In this context, the present paper reports on α-thienyl-ω-hydroxyl-end-groups functionalized oligo-(D,L-lactide) (Th-PDLLA), which was designed to combine the polymerizability and photophysical properties of thiophene with the biocompatibility and biodegradability of poly-(D,L-lactide). Th-PDLLA was synthesized using the path of “functional initiator” in the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of (D,L)-lactide, assisted by stannous 2-ethyl hexanoate (Sn(oct)₂). The results of NMR and FT-IR spectroscopic methods confirmed the Th-PDLLA’s expected structure, while the oligomeric nature of Th-PDLLA, as resulting from the calculations based on ¹H-NMR data, is supported by the findings from gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and by the results of the thermal analyses. The behavior of Th-PDLLA in different organic solvents, evaluated by UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, but also by dynamic light scattering (DLS), suggested the presence of colloidal supramolecular structures, underlining the nature of the macromonomer Th-PDLLA as an “shape amphiphile”. To test its functionality, the ability of Th-PDLLA to work as a building block for the synthesis of molecular composites was demonstrated by photoinduced oxidative homopolymerization in the presence of diphenyliodonium salt (DPI). The occurrence of a polymerization process, with the formation of a thiophene-conjugated oligomeric main chain grafted with oligomeric PDLLA, was proven, in addition to the visual changes, by the results of GPC, ¹H-NMR, FT-IR, UV–vis and fluorescence measurements. Full article

As primary coffee by-products, Arabica coffee husks are largely discarded during coffee-drying, posing a serious environmental threat. However, coffee husks could be used as potential material for extracting pectin polysaccharides, with high bioactivities and excellent processing properties. Thus, the present study aimed to extract the pectin polysaccharide from Arabica coffee husk(s) (CHP). The CHP yield was calculated after vacuum freeze-drying, and its average molecular weight (Mw) was detected by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The structural characteristics of CHP were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the rheological and antioxidant properties of CHP and the inhibition capacities of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) with different concentrations were evaluated. The interaction mechanisms between galacturonic acid (GalA) and the AGE receptor were analyzed using molecular docking. The results demonstrated that the CHP yield was 19.13 ± 0.85%, and its Mw was 1.04 × 10⁶ Da. The results of the structural characteristics results revealed that CHP was an amorphous and low-methoxyl pectic polysaccharide linked with an α-(1→6) glycosidic bond, and mainly composed of rhamnose (Rha, 2.55%), galacturonic acid (GalA, 45.01%), β-N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc, 5.17%), glucose (Glc, 32.29%), galactose (Gal, 6.80%), xylose (Xyl, 0.76%), and arabinose (Ara, 7.42%). The surface microstructure of CHP was rough with cracks, and its aqueous belonged to non-Newtonian fluid with a higher elastic modulus (G′). Furthermore, the results of the antioxidant properties indicated that CHP possessed vigorous antioxidant activities in a dose manner, and the inhibition capacities of AGEs reached their highest of 66.0 ± 0.35% at 1.5 mg/mL of CHP. The molecular docking prediction demonstrated that GalA had a good affinity toward AGE receptors by −6.20 kcal/mol of binding energy. Overall, the study results provide a theoretical basis for broadening the application of CHP in the food industry. Full article

L-α-Glycerylphosphorylcholine (L-α-GPC) has mainly been produced by two methods: extraction from plants rich in phosphatidylcholine and chemical synthesis. However, production through extraction involves difficult processes, such as fermentation, extractions and ripening, and conventional chemical synthesis methods with high-cost reactants and a batch reactor. These methods are not ideal for large-quantity production. Thus, it is important to develop a simple production method of L-α-GPC, which is suitable for mass production without the need for expensive reactants. Here, we studied synthetic L-α-GPC methods that are applicable to a flow synthesis system, which can provide selectivity, reproducibility, scalability, and a high yield in short reaction time using inexpensive starting materials. We developed a two-step synthetic route to produce L-α-GPC, including the synthesis of phosphoryl choline using choline chloride and phosphoryl oxychloride (POCl₃) as a first step and synthesis of L-α-GPC by reacting phosphoryl choline with (R)-($-$)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (CPD) as a second step under basic conditions. Both steps were separately performed in a customized flow reactor, and reaction conditions were optimized. Finally, phosphoryl choline and L-α-GPC, the products first and second reactions, were successfully synthesized with high conversion yields of 97% and 79%, respectively. Full article

Phospholipase B (PLB) harbors three distinct activities with broad substrate specificities and application fields. Its hydrolyzing of sn-1 and sn-2 acyl ester bonds enables it to catalyze the production of L-alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (L-α-GPC) from phosphatidylcholine (PC) without speed-limiting acyl migration. This work was intended to obtain high-level active PLB and apply it to establish an efficient system for L-α-GPC synthesis. PLB from Pseudomonas fluorescens was co-expressed with five different molecular chaperones, including trigger factor (Tf), GroEL-GroES (GroELS), DnaK-DnaJ-GrpE (DnaKJE), GroELS and DnaKJE, or GroELS and Tf or fused with maltose binding protein (MBP) in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) to improve PLB expression. PLB with DnaKJE-assisted expression exhibited the highest catalytic activity. Further optimization of the expression conditions identified an optimal induction OD₆₀₀ of 0.8, IPTG concentration of 0.3 mmol/L, induction time of 9 h, and temperature of 25 °C. The PLB activity reached a maximum of 524.64 ± 3.28 U/mg under optimal conditions. Subsequently, to establish an efficient PLB-catalyzed system for L-α-GPC synthesis, a series of organic-aqueous mixed systems and surfactant-supplemented aqueous systems were designed and constructed. Furthermore, the factors of temperature, reaction pH, metal ions, and substrate concentration were further systematically identified. Finally, a high yield of 90.50 ± 2.21% was obtained in a Span 60-supplemented aqueous system at 40 °C and pH 6.0 with 0.1 mmol/L of Mg²⁺. The proposed cost-effective PLB production and an environmentally friendly PLB-catalyzed system offer a candidate strategy for the industrial production of L-α-GPC. Full article

Amphiphilic copolymers with pendant functional groups in polyester segments are widely used in nanomedicine. These enriched functionalities are designed to form covalent conjugates with payloads or provide additional stabilization effects for encapsulated drugs. A general method is successfully developed for the efficient preparation of functional biodegradable PEG-polyester copolymers via click chemistry. Firstly, in the presence of mPEG as initiator, Sn(Oct)₂-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of the α-alkynyl functionalized lactone with D,L-lactide or ε-caprolactone afforded linear mPEG-polyesters bearing multiple pendant alkynyl groups. Kinetic studies indicated the formation of random copolymers. Through copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction, various small azido molecules with different functionalities to polyester segments are efficiently grafted. The molecular weights, polydispersities and grafting efficiencies of azido molecules of these copolymers were investigated by NMR and GPC. Secondly, it is demonstrated that the resulting amphiphilic functional copolymers with low CMC values could self-assemble to form nanoparticles in aqueous media. In addition, the in vitro degradation study and cytotoxicity assays indicated the excellent biodegradability and low cytotoxicity of these copolymers. This work provides a general approach toward the preparation of functional PEG-polyester copolymers in a quite efficient way, which may further facilitate the application of functional PEG-polyesters as drug delivery materials. Full article