Search Results (87)

Although prebiotics and postbiotics support gastrointestinal health, evidence for their combined effects in dogs remains limited. This study evaluated a novel prebiotic and postbiotic supplement in healthy dogs undergoing a dietary transition. Thirty-six healthy adult dogs were randomly assigned to control group (CON, high-protein basal diet with placebo chew) or treatment group (TRT, the same basal diet with chew containing prebiotics [baobab fruit pulp and acacia gum] and postbiotics [inactivated Lactobacillus acidophilus and selected yeast fractions]) for a 28-day formal trial following a 7-day adaptation period. The primary outcomes evaluated included clinical fecal scores, specific biomarkers of intestinal barrier function and inflammation, fecal short-chain fatty acids, and microbiota structure. Following the 7-day adaptation, formal trial baseline, fecal scores were already within the healthy range and remained optimal without differing between groups throughout the study. Compared with CON, the TRT group showed lower fecal calprotectin and serum diamine oxidase levels, and higher fecal butyrate (p < 0.05). Metagenomic analysis revealed increased abundances of Bacteroidota, Oscillospiraceae, Prevotellaceae, and Prevotella in TRT (p < 0.05). Overall, in healthy dogs, this supplementation was associated with favorable microbiota modulation and modulated biomarkers of intestinal barrier and inflammation within normal ranges, without altering clinical fecal endpoints. Full article

Background/Objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with gut dysbiosis linked to early-life antibiotic use and Staphylococcus aureus colonization. Gum Arabic (GA), a prebiotic, may modulate this dysbiosis and influence AD-related microbial balance. This study evaluated whether GA could support AD-associated probiotics-Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium infantis-under amoxicillin- or azithromycin-containing conditions, examined the response of S. aureus under the same screening conditions, and developed GA-phospholipid-based semisolid carriers for topical application. Methods: Probiotic strains were cultured with 1–5% GA in the presence and absence of antibiotics, and viable cell counts were assessed. Sixteen topical formulations containing propylene glycol or isopropyl myristate in a hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine base were prepared and screened for rheological properties and galactose release using in vitro release testing (IVRT) and HPLC-UV. Results: GA at 1–2% concentrations promoted probiotic growth in antibiotic-free conditions. GA preserved B. infantis viability under azithromycin exposure in this in vitro screening model. For S. aureus, numerical CFU differences were observed between antibiotic-only and GA-containing conditions; however, the present screening design was not intended to determine antibiotic interaction outcomes. Formulations F14 (2% GA + 7% IPM) and F15 (3% GA + 7% IPM) exhibited optimal spreadability. IVRT showed that 6 h cumulative galactose release varied by formulation (F6 > F10 > F14 > F15). Conclusions: GA demonstrated dose-dependent prebiotic activity and preserved B. infantis viability under azithromycin exposure in this in vitro screening model. For S. aureus, the observed CFU differences between antibiotic-only and GA-containing conditions should be considered exploratory only and do not allow for conclusions regarding interference with antibiotic efficacy. Optimized GA-HPC systems with suitable rheological and release characteristics represent promising candidates for further preclinical investigation. Full article

Silver nanoparticles synthesized using natural polysaccharides have received attention for their biocompatibility and potential selective anticancer activity. In this study, the physicochemical properties and biological activity of silver nanoparticles prepared using gums from Acacia senegal (ASS) and Acacia seyal (ASY) were compared. The gums were analyzed to determine their physicochemical characteristics and used as natural reducing and stabilizing agents in nanoparticle synthesis. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential analysis. Their cytotoxicity was evaluated in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and HEK-293 normal cells using MTT assay, flow cytometry, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement. Both gums showed properties consistent with Gum Arabic, with a higher protein content in ASS. ASS-derived nanoparticles were smaller and had greater colloidal stability. Both formulations reduced MCF-7 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with lower IC₅₀ values observed for the ASS-based nanoparticles. Apoptosis induction was associated with increased ROS generation. Limited cytotoxicity toward HEK-293 cells resulted in favorable selectivity indices. Acacia gum–mediated silver nanoparticles demonstrate selective anticancer activity, and gum composition significantly influences nanoparticle stability and bioactivity, supporting their potential application in breast cancer nanotherapy. Full article

This work investigated the impact of energy-efficient and water-saving manufacturing procedures—specifically one-pot and hot-cold processes—on the rheological and microstructural stability of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions (emulgels) stabilized by four distinct biopolymers and benchmarked against a synthetic polymer. Emulgels produced using these sustainable methods were directly compared against a traditional hot process. Results demonstrated that for most biopolymers, including tara gum, glucomannan, and cross-linked xanthan gum, the sustainable manufacturing procedures did not compromise overall stability and often provided beneficial polymer-specific flow profiles, such as reduced thixotropy or enhanced shear-thinning. A notable exception was the co-processed acacia/xanthan gum, where rheological data indicated that the one-pot process should be avoided due to structural degradation. Collectively, these findings broaden the applicability of sustainable manufacturing methods beyond traditional stabilizers like xanthan gum and provide additional data for process optimization, with tentative suggestions for transferability to food emulgel production. Full article

Agomelatine (AG) is a novel antidepressant characterized by distinct mechanism of action and minimal side effects. However, extensive first-pass hepatic metabolism limits its clinical efficacy after oral administration, leading to low bioavailability (<5%). To get around these restrictions, the current study set out to create and assess a rectal thermosensitive in situ gel using biosynthesized AG-silver nanoparticles (AG-AgNPs). AG-AgNPs were successfully synthesized with gum acacia as a stabilizing agent, using silver nitrate as a precursor, and ascorbic acid as a reducing agent. The in situ gel formulation was optimized using a 3² factorial design, and then physicochemical, in vitro, and in vivo assessments were conducted. Nanoparticle formation was also evidenced by the appearance of a visible color change, UV-VIS, TEM, and XRD analysis techniques, which depicted spherical-shaped nanoparticles and a crystalline nature. The formulated optimized thermosensitive in situ gel showed good properties, which included drug content of 91.64%, gelation temperature of 26.63 °C, pH of 7.2, gel strength of 36.98 s, and sustained drug release of 80.24% in 6 h. The relative bioavailability in animal studies showed a remarkable increase in systemic availability with 277.5% relative bioavailability in comparison to an oral tablet formulation. In summary, results show that the AG-AgNP-loaded thermosensitive in situ gel could have potential use as a rectal delivery drug for bypassing first-pass effects and improving bioavailability for the drug Agomelatine. Full article

Polychrome paintings on wooden artifacts are vital elements of cultural heritage, where plant-derived binders play a crucial role in color formation and durability. This study aims to systematically compare the chemical, optical, and surface characteristics of two traditional natural adhesives—acacia gum (AG) and tragacanth gum (TG)—to better understand their influence on the preservation and reproduction of wood-supported polychrome coatings. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed their polysaccharide-rich structures, with distinct ester and glycosidic linkages, while rheological tests demonstrated that TG exhibited higher viscosity at 1–3% concentrations, whereas AG showed a sharper increase at 5%, reflecting different molecular architectures. Colorimetric analysis combined with two-way ANOVA revealed that gum type significantly influenced color development in blue and red coatings (p < 0.001), while yellow and green coatings remained largely unaffected. Gum concentration (1–5%) generally showed no significant effect on color. All coatings exhibited a matte appearance (<3 GU), with statistical analysis indicating that gloss was mainly determined by pigment particle distribution rather than adhesive type. Surface roughness increased notably with gum concentration (p < 0.001), demonstrating that binder content strongly affects coating microtexture. Overall, pigment type was the dominant factor for color, whereas gum concentration critically influenced surface morphology. These findings provide practical guidance for optimizing natural adhesives in the conservation of traditional polychrome artifacts. Full article

This study elucidates the mechanisms through which hydrocolloids inhibit oil penetration and improve the sensory quality of batter-coated fried fish cubes. Specifically, guar gum (GuG), linseed gum (LG), acacia senegal gum (AS), and gellan gum (GeG) were individually incorporated into the batter coating system at an addition level of 0.1%. The results indicated that the 0.1% LG-supplemented group significantly increased batter viscosity by 74.9% compared to the control, which in turn improved batter pickup by 26.1% and frying yield by 8.1%. Rheological analysis revealed that hydrocolloid-incorporated batters exhibited markedly higher storage modulus and loss modulus compared to the control group, with a lower loss tangent. Experimental results indicated that hydrocolloids effectively reduced oil absorption and mitigated the rate of lipid oxidation in fried fish cubes while promoting the release of key flavor compounds. Notably, fried fish cubes coated with GuG, when fried at 170 °C, not only reduced oil absorption but also facilitated the formation of critical flavor compounds. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing fried food processing and flavor control. Full article

Background/Objective: Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is a substantial contributor to mortality in critically ill patients. This study aimed to investigate the impact of gum acacia (GA) and dexamethasone (DEX) combination on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced SA-AKI in rats. Methods: Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were separated into six groups, including the control, GA group, LPS-induced AKI group, DEX + LPS group, GA + LPS group, and GA + DEX + LPS group. AKI was induced in rats using LPS (10 mg/kg, i.p.). GA was administered orally (7.5 g/kg) for 14 days before LPS injection, and DEX was injected (1 mg/kg, i.p.) 2 h after LPS injection. Results: LPS injection significantly (p < 0.05, vs. control group) impaired renal function, as evidenced through increased levels of kidney function biomarkers, decreased creatinine clearance, and histopathological alterations in the kidneys. LPS also significantly (p < 0.05, vs. control group) elevated levels of oxidative stress markers, while it reduced levels of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, LPS triggered an inflammatory response, manifested by significant (p < 0.05, vs. control group) upregulation of Toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation primary response 88, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear factor-κB, along with increased expression of high-mobility group box 1. Administration of GA significantly ameliorated LPS-induced renal impairment by enhancing antioxidant defenses and suppressing inflammatory pathways (p < 0.05, vs. LPS group). Furthermore, GA-DEX-treated rats showed improved kidney function, reduced oxidative stress, and attenuated inflammatory markers (p < 0.05, vs. LPS group). Conclusions: The GA-DEX combination exhibited potent renoprotective effects against LPS-induced SA-AKI, possibly due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These results suggest that the GA-DEX combination could be a promising and effective therapeutic agent for managing SA-AKI. Full article

Platinum has emerged as an optimal catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes owing to its high hydrogenation activity, selectivity, and stability. In this study, we report the fabrication of platinum nanoparticles stabilized on a composite support consisting of gum acacia polymer (GAP) and TiO₂. It was engineered for the targeted reduction of nitroarenes to arylamines via selective hydrogenation in methanol at ambient temperature. The non-toxic and biocompatible properties of GAP enable it to act as a reducing and stabilizing agent during synthesis. The synthesized nanocatalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Morphological and structural analyses revealed that the fabricated catalyst consisted of minuscule Pt nanoparticles integrated within the GAP framework, accompanied by the corresponding TiO₂ nanoparticles. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was employed to ascertain the Pt content. The mild reaction conditions, decent yields, trouble-free workup, and facile separation of the catalyst make this method a clean and practical alternative to nitroreduction. Selective hydrogenation yielded an average arylamine production of 97.6% over five consecutive cycles, demonstrating the stability of the nanocatalyst without detectable leaching. Full article

Despite the potential of film dressings for wound healing, many formulations lack an optimized design in order to ensure that the ingredients were carefully chosen to increase the product’s efficacy and stability, while also ensuring the patient’s comfort during the treatment. Moreover, commercially available film dressings do not contain herbal extracts or other active substances with wound healing properties, highlighting a gap in the market and the need for further research in this direction. The aim of this work was the development and optimization of a bio-inspired formulation of a complex herbal extract-loaded film-dressing to be used in wound care, using the quality by design approach. After setting the quality target product profile with the critical quality attributes and undergoing the risk assessment, the design of experiments was implemented. All the selected ingredients were biodegradable, aligning with the current need for a natural approach, based on their biocompatibility and reduced environmental impact. A D-optimal experimental plan was used, in which the types and concentrations of film-forming agents and plasticizers were varied: xanthan gum, acacia gum, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and glycerol, 1,3-propanediol, and xylitol, respectively. All formulations contained polyvinyl alcohol and a previously studied complex herbal extract. The films were characterized in terms of uniformity of mass, film thickness, swelling degree, folding endurance, adhesive, and mechanical properties. The optimized formulation was achieved by maximizing the swelling degree, adhesive properties, hardness, deformation at target, and elongation at break. The optimized film was characterized, and the in vitro total polyphenolic content release from the film was evaluated. Following the understanding of the influences of the formulation factors on the film characteristics, the composition of the optimized film-dressing was determined as follows: 5% polyvinyl alcohol, 0.25% xanthan gum, 10% glycerol, and 20% complex herbal extract. The optimized film exhibited high swelling degree (627.28%), high adhesive properties (adhesive force of 28.00 g and adhesiveness of 0.20 mJ), high elasticity (deformation at target of 29.80%, and elongation at break of 106.90%), as well as good mechanical properties (hardness of 2616.00 g), which are suitable characteristics for use on wounds. Moreover, the optimized film-dressing exhibited a sustained release, with a maximum release of polyphenols of 88.00% after 8 h. Full article

This study investigated the effects of combining sodium alginate (ALG) with various natural hydrocolloids on the microstructure and release behaviors of microbeads. The encapsulation solutions were prepared at a 1:1 (w/w) ratio with ALG as the control and carrageenan (CAR), locust bean gum (LBG), acacia gum (ACA), pectin (PEC), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as experimental groups. Each formulation contained 0.2% (w/v) tartrazine and was extruded into a CaCl₂ solution for bead production. Encapsulation efficiency varied across formulations, with the lowest in the control (ALG-ALG) and highest in ALG-CAR and ALG-CMC, reaching 74% and 78%, respectively. The microbead sizes ranged from 2.07 to 3.48 mm, with the lowest particle diameter observed in ALG-ACA composites. Surface analysis showed smooth and uniform microbeads in the control (ALG-ALG), while ALG-LBG microbeads were rougher. Release kinetics were assessed using various models, with the Higuchi model best describing the release for most formulations (highest R² values). Tartrazine release followed pseudo-Fickian behavior in all formulations, with slower release in ALG-ACA and faster release in ALG-LBG microbeads. This study fills a gap in understanding how the incorporation of different natural hydrocolloids influences both the encapsulation efficiency and release dynamics of alginate-based microbeads, providing valuable insights for applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

Gum Arabic (GA), or acacia gum, refers to the dried exudate produced by certain Acacia trees. GA is composed mainly of a mixture of polysaccharides and glycoproteins, with proportions that can slightly differ from one species to another. It is commonly utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries as a stabilizer or an emulsifier owing to its biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and antibacterial properties. In addition, GA can be manipulated as it possesses many functional groups that can be used in grafting, cross-linking, or chemical modifications to add a new feature to the developed material. In this review, we highlight recent GA-based formulations, including nanoparticles, hydrogels, nanofibers, membranes, or scaffolds, and their possible applications in tissue regeneration, cancer therapy, wound healing, biosensing, bioimaging, food packaging, and antimicrobial and antifouling membranes. Full article

Freshness indicator labels are crucial for food quality monitoring. However, existing labels often lack stability and sensitivity. This study aims to develop a safe freshness indicator label with high stability and sensitivity. By evaluating the pH response characteristics and stability of four natural pigments, purple potato anthocyanin (PA) was identified as having the best color properties. Mixing the more stable alizarin (AL) with PA improved the stability of the pigment solution without reducing sensitivity. These film labels are prepared with three natural biomolecules and polymers that are a two-by-two composite of them: soybean isolate protein, acacia bean gum, and sodium alginate. Through comparisons of ammonia response, color stability, water solubility, and mechanical properties, the soy protein isolate and locust bean gum composite were determined to be the optimal substrate system. The label of soybean protein isolate and locust bean gum was initially applied to the freshness identification of shrimp and chicken. The results show that the label can effectively respond to the spoilage of aquatic products and meat products and has great application potential in the field of food packaging. Full article

Enhancing the sensory appeal of jasmine instant tea, particularly its aroma, poses a significant challenge due to the loss of volatile organic compounds during conventional processing. This study introduces a novel approach to address this issue through the application of microencapsulation techniques, aimed at preserving these key aromatic elements. Our investigation focused on the encapsulating agents gelatin, acacia gum, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and maltodextrin, chosen for their compatibility with the volatile organic compounds of tea. A statistical analysis was conducted on the analytical results through comprehensive analytical techniques like Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA), and Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) analysis for microcapsule characterization. The statistical analysis revealed gelatin to be a particularly effective encapsulating medium, preserving an aroma profile more akin to fresh tea. The statistical analysis confirmed the reliability of these findings, highlighting the potential of microencapsulation in refining the quality of jasmine instant tea products. The results of this research suggest that microencapsulation could be instrumental in improving the sensory quality and shelf life of instant tea products, offering new opportunities for product enhancement in the beverage industry. Full article