Search Results (132)

Background: The aim of this review is to summarize and evaluate the properties of antibacterial polysaccharides for application in dental implantology to identify knowledge gaps and provide new research ideas. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, Medline, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were used to search for peer-reviewed scientific publications published between 2018 and 2025 that provide insights to answer research questions on the role of antibacterial polysaccharides in combating pathogens in dental implantology without triggering immune reactions and inflammation. Further research questions relate to the efficacy against various dental pathogens and the understanding of the antibacterial mechanism, which may enable the development of functionalized polysaccharides with long-term antibacterial activity. Results: Biomedical implants have revolutionized medicine but also increased the risk of infections. Implant infections are a major problem in implantology and lead to implant failure and replacement. An antibacterial coating could be an excellent strategy to extend the lifespan of implants and improve the quality of the patient’s life. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics poses significant challenges for researchers, forcing them to search for new ways to prevent bacterial infections in implantology. Antibacterial natural polymers have recently received considerable research attention due to their long-term antibacterial activity. Polysaccharides from marine sources, such as chitosan and alginate, or pectin, xanthan, etc., from various plants, appear to be promising biopolymers for such applications in implantology due to their antibacterial activity, biocompatibility, and osteogenic properties. The antibacterial activity of these natural biopolymers depends on their chemical and physical properties. Nanopolysaccharides exhibit higher antibacterial activity than conventional polysaccharides, but their toxicity to human cells must be considered. Their antibacterial activity is based on the disruption of bacterial DNA or RNA synthesis, increased cell wall permeability, membrane disruption, and cytoplasmic leakage. Conclusions: Polysaccharides are a class of natural polymers with a broad spectrum of biological activities. They exhibit antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticoagulant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activity. Furthermore, polysaccharides are non-cytotoxic and exhibit good biocompatibility with osteogenic cells. Bactericidal polysaccharides are attractive new antibacterial materials against implant infections and open up new perspectives in implantology. Full article

This study aimed to develop a functional powder using whey and milk matrices, leveraging the protective capacity of chia–alginate hydrogels and the advantages of electrohydrodynamic spraying (EHDA), a non-thermal technique suitable for encapsulating probiotic cells under stress conditions commonly encountered in food processing. A hydrogel matrix composed of chia seed mucilage and sodium alginate was used to form a biopolymeric network that protected probiotic cells during processing. The encapsulation efficiency reached 99.0 ± 0.01%, and bacterial viability remained above 9.9 log₁₀ CFU/mL after lyophilization, demonstrating the excellent protective capacity of the hydrogel matrix. Microstructural analysis using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed well-retained cell morphology and homogeneous distribution within the hydrogel matrix while, in contrast, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed spherical, porous microcapsules with distinct surface characteristics influenced by the encapsulation method. Encapsulates were incorporated into beverages flavored with red fruits and pear and subsequently freeze-dried. The resulting powders were analyzed for moisture, protein, lipids, carbohydrates, fiber, and color determinations. The results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and response surface methodology, highlighting the impact of ingredient ratios on nutritional composition. Raman spectroscopy identified molecular features associated with casein, lactose, pectins, anthocyanins, and other functional compounds, confirming the contribution of both matrix and encapsulants maintaining the structural characteristics of the product. The presence of antioxidant bands supported the functional potential of the powder formulations. Chia–alginate hydrogels effectively encapsulated L. reuteri, maintaining cell viability and enabling their incorporation into freeze-dried beverage powders. This approach offers a promising strategy for the development of next-generation functional food gels with enhanced probiotic stability, nutritional properties, and potential application in health-promoting dairy systems. Full article

Fruit and vegetable production is often impacted by microbial pathogens that compromise the quality of produce and lead to significant economic losses at the postharvest stages. Due to their efficacy, agrochemicals are widely applied in disease management; nevertheless, this practice has led to the appearance of microbial strains resistant to these types of agrochemicals. Additionally, there is growing concern among consumers about the presence of these chemical residues in fruits and the negative impacts they cause on multiple ecosystems. In response, there is a growing need for safe, effective, green, and sustainable disease control technologies. Bionanocomposites, with their unique ability to combine nanomaterials and biopolymers that have attractive properties, represents a promising alternative for postharvest disease control. These technologies allow for the development of functional coatings and films with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and barrier properties, which are critical for extending shelf life and preserving fruit quality. Recent advances have demonstrated that integrating nanoparticles, such as ZnO, TiO₂, Ag, and chitosan-based nanosystems, into biopolymeric matrices, like alginate, pectin, starch, or cellulose, can enhance mechanical strength, regulate gas exchange, and control the release of active agents. This review presents systematized information that is focused on the creation of coatings and films based on bionanocomposites for the management of disease in fruits and vegetables. It also discusses the use of diverse biopolymers and nanomaterials and their impact on the quality and shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Full article

Global concerns about environmental pollution, poor waste management, and the rise in antimicrobial resistance due to uncontrolled antibiotic use have driven researchers to seek alternative, multifaceted solutions. Plants, animals, microorganisms, and their processing wastes serve as valuable sources of natural biopolymers and bioactive compounds. Through nanotechnology, these can be assembled into formulations with enhanced antimicrobial properties, high safety, and low toxicity. This review explores polysaccharides, including chitosan, alginate, starch, pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose, gums, carrageenan, dextran, pullulan, and hyaluronic acid, used in nanotechnology, highlighting their advantages and limitations as nanocarriers. Addressing the global urgency for alternative antimicrobials, we examined natural compounds derived from plants, microorganisms, and animals, such as phytochemicals, bacteriocins, animal antimicrobial peptides, and proteins. Focusing on their protection and retained activity, this review discusses polysaccharide-based nanoformulations with natural antimicrobials, including nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanocapsules, nanoplexes, and nanogels. Special emphasis is placed on strategies and formulations for the encapsulation, entrapment, and conjugation of natural compounds using polysaccharides as protective carriers and delivery systems, including a brief discussion on their future applications, prospects, and challenges in scaling up. Full article

Novel three-dimensional porous composites of alginate–pectin (A/P) with zinc- or manganese-substituted hydroxyapatites (A/P-ZnHA and A/P-MnHA) were synthesized via lyophilization and calcium cross-linking. Powder X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy analyses confirmed single-phase apatite formation (crystallite sizes < 1 µm), with ZnHA exhibiting lattice contraction (*c*-axis: 6.881 Å vs. 6.893 Å for HA). Mechanical testing revealed tunable properties: pristine A/P sponges exhibited an elastic modulus of 4.7 MPa and a tensile strength of 0.10 MPa, reduced by 30–70% by HA incorporation due to increased porosity (pore sizes: 112 ± 18 µm in the case of MnHA vs. 148 ± 23 µm-ZnHA). Swelling capacity increased 2.3–2.8-fold (125–155% vs. 55% for A/P), governed by polysaccharide interactions. Scanning electron microscopy investigation showed microstructural evolution from layered A/P (<100 µm) to tridimensional architectures with embedded mineral particles. The A/P-MnHA composites demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity for the NCTC cells and good viability of dental pulp stem cells, while A/P-ZnHA caused ≈20% metabolic suppression, attributed to hydrolysis-induced acidification. Antibacterial assays highlighted A/P-MnHA′s broad-spectrum efficacy against Gram-positive (Bacillus atrophaeus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas protegens) strains, whereas A/P-ZnHA targeted only the Gram-positive strain. The developed composite sponges combine cytocompatibility and antimicrobial activity, potentially advancing osteoplastic materials for bone regeneration and infection control in orthopedic/dental applications. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of selected polysaccharide edible coatings (apple pectin and sodium alginate) on the quality characteristics of fresh-cut beetroot. The changes in texture (hardness), optical parameters such as colour and Hue angle, polyphenols, flavonoids, and red and yellow colourants during 4 weeks of refrigerated storage, as well as changes in microstructure, were examined. Self-standing coatings have also been prepared and characterised by continuous structure without pores, cracks, and high lightness. The obtained results for hardness showed reduced values during storage. Colour parameters (L*, a*, and b*) and Hue angle remained mostly consistent, indicating the preservation of the desired colour, though slight changes were noted during storage. Lightness (parameter L*) increased over time, suggesting changes in the beetroot surface. However, these changes were less pronounced in samples covered with coatings. The use of polysaccharide coatings and storage time positively impacted flavonoids in fresh-cut beetroots, except after 28 days when the lowest values for both parameters were observed. It can also be noted that the polyphenol content in coated samples decreased at a slower rate. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in the content of red and yellow colourants for both control and coated samples. However, greater changes were noted for samples treated with coatings. Scanning electron microscopy used at 0 and 28 days showed lower pores in beetroot tissue as a result of applied polysaccharide coatings, and refrigerated storage negatively affected the minimally processed beetroot surface. Nevertheless, minimally processed beetroots obtained with the treatment of polysaccharide coatings as mild technology showed modifications to the quality characteristics, which can find practical use in reducing the waste of fresh-cut vegetables during storage. Full article

Carbohydrate-based biodegradable films offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-derived packaging for agricultural commodities. Derived from renewable polysaccharides such as starch, cellulose, chitosan, pectin, alginate, pullulan, and xanthan gum, these films exhibit favorable biodegradability, film-forming ability, and compatibility with food systems. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in the preparation, functionalization, and application of these polysaccharide-based films for agricultural packaging. Emphasis is placed on emerging fabrication techniques, including electrospinning, extrusion, and layer-by-layer assembly, which have significantly enhanced the mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties of these materials. Furthermore, the incorporation of active compounds such as antioxidants and antimicrobials has improved the performance and shelf-life of packaged goods. Despite notable advancements, key limitations such as moisture sensitivity, poor mechanical durability, and high production costs persist. Strategies including polymer blending, nanofiller incorporation, and surface modification are explored as potential solutions. The applicability of these films in packaging fruits, vegetables, dairy, grains, and meat products is also discussed. By assessing current progress and future prospects, this review underscores the importance of carbohydrate-based films in promoting sustainable agricultural packaging systems, reducing environmental impact through the advancement of circular bioeconomy principles and sustainable development. Full article

To enhance Lactobacillus paracei F50 viability during spray drying and long-term storage, this study evaluates whey protein (WP) crosslinked with four polysaccharides (κ-carrageenan (KC), xanthan gum (XG), low-methoxyl pectin (LMP), sodium alginate (SA)) for the first time as protective matrices for L. paracasei F50 during spray drying. The four kinds of crosslinked wall materials were compared by various characterization methods. Among them, the WP-κ-carrageenan (WP-KC) composite exhibited optimal performance, forming a uniform microcapsule with high colloidal stability. After spray drying, WP-KC achieved the highest viable cell density (9.62 lg CFU/g) and survival rate (91.85%). Notably, WP-KC maintained viability above 8.68 lg CFU/g after 120 days of storage at 4 °C, surpassing other formulations. Structural analysis showed that the WP-KC microcapsule was completely encapsulated without breaking or leaking and confirmed the molecular interaction between WP and KC. Under the condition of high temperatures (≤142.63 °C), the wall material of the microcapsule does not undergo any endothermic or exothermic process and is in a state of thermodynamic equilibrium, with excellent stability and good dispersion. Additionally, microcapsules exhibited enhanced resistance to thermal stress (55–75 °C) and UV irradiation, higher than that of free cells. These results highlight WP-KC as an industrially viable encapsulation system for improving probiotic stability in functional foods, offering critical insights into polysaccharide–protein interactions for optimized delivery systems. Full article

The study investigated the effect of osmotic treatment, edible coatings, and reduced pressure on the quality of carrots dried by the microwave–vacuum method (MVD) at 3.5 or 6.5 kPa and microwave power of 250 W. Initial osmotic enrichment (OE) of carrots was carried out in chokeberry NFC juice, and osmotic dehydration (OD) in chokeberry juice concentrate. Coatings were prepared using sodium alginate or citrus pectin solutions of 1.0 or 1.5%. Osmotic treatment, and then drying pressure, had the greatest effect on increasing the dry matter (DM), total phenolic content (TPC), and color changes, but also on decreasing the water activity (AW) of dried carrot. The highest DM (average 98.7%) and the lowest AW (average 0.25) were obtained in OE carrots and dried at 3.5 kPa. Drying carrots, combined with osmotic treatment and coating, increased TPC by 13-fold, from 225 in fresh to 3229 mg GAE/100 g d.m. in dried carrots. Osmotic treatment did not affect the antioxidant activity of DPPH•, but OD significantly increased ABTS•+ compared to the raw material. Coatings had a smaller effect on color changes and antioxidant activity (DPPH• and ABTS•+) and no significant impact on DM and AW. The color changes of the control and coated samples were an increase in color lightness, redness, yellowness, and saturation (vividness), and those subjected to osmotic treatment showed a decrease in these parameters. The lower AW of dried carrots positively affected higher hardness. All samples were sensory accepted, including color, texture, and smell, especially after OD in chokeberry juice concentrate, while crunchiness was the lowest (five out of nine points). Full article

Nanoarchitectonics influences the properties of objects at micro- and even macro-scales, aiming to develop better structures for protection of product. Although its applications were analyzed in different areas, nanoarchitectonics of food packaging—the focus of this review—has not been discussed, to the best of our knowledge. The (A) structural and (B) functional hierarchy of food packaging is discussed here for the enhancement of protection, extending shelf-life, and preserving the nutritional quality of diverse products including meat, fish, dairy, fruits, vegetables, gelled items, and beverages. Interestingly, the structure and design of packaging for these diverse products often possess similar principles and methods including active packaging, gas permeation control, sensor incorporation, UV/pulsed light processing, and thermal/plasma treatment. Here, nanoarchitechtonics serves as the unifying component, enabling protection against oxidation, light, microbial contamination, temperature, and mechanical actions. Finally, materials are an essential consideration in food packaging, particularly beyond commonly used polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, with emphasis on biodegradable (polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT)) as well as green even edible (bio)-materials: polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, pectin, gum, zein, alginate, agar, galactan, ulvan, galactomannan, laccase, chitin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, etc.). Nanoarchitechnotics design of these materials eventually determines the level of food protection as well as the sustainability of the processes. Marketing, safety, sustainability, and ethics are also discussed in the context of industrial viability and consumer satisfaction. Full article

The objective of this work was to investigate the use of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) as a drug-delivery excipient for buccal films. Gel-like dispersions were created by blending either gel or powder NCC (gNCC or pNCC) with natural polymers (alginate, pectin, or chitosan) in water, with glycerol serving as a plasticiser. Ibuprofen (IBU) as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) was dissolved in a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) to improve its solubility prior to its addition to gel-like dispersions. Dispersions were dried, and resulting films were cut to 3 cm × 1.5 cm size, appropriate for buccal delivery. Rheological measurements revealed that shorter, thinner, and less crystalline nanocellulose fibres are more favourable for stronger gel properties. While overall, weaker gel structure prior to film casting also resulted in shorter disintegration time, this was not the case for NCC–chitosan films; here, the low solubility of chitosan in neutral media proved to be the main obstacle. Nevertheless, the prolonged disintegration of NCC–chitosan films did not impact the dissolution of IBU, as these films exhibited the fastest dissolution rate, followed by NCC–pectin and NCC–alginate. Furthermore, NCC properties significantly influenced the dissolution behaviour of the chitosan formulations, with gNCC favouring faster IBU release due to weaker gel formation prior to film casting. Full article

Background/Objectives: Posaconazole is an antifungal agent from triazoles with variable bioavailability. To avoid its irregular absorption caused by gastric conditions and ensure more repeatable pharmacokinetic enabling the maximization of its absorption regardless of food intake without the need to administer multiple doses, can be provided by the technology of enteric drug preparations. The cross-linking of polysaccharide polymers with divalent and trivalent cations enables multi-unit formulations to be obtained that prevent drug absorption in the stomach. Microcapsules, as an example of multi-unit drug dosage forms, provide more predictable gastric emptying, depending on nutritional status, and spread extensively throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Methods: Therefore, the utilization of zinc acetate for the cross-linking of the alginate and pectin mixture was evaluated. The obtained formulations were evaluated for the impact of cross-linking process and pectin’s presence on their pharmaceutical, mucoadhesive, physicochemical and antifungal properties. Results: It was shown that cross-linked microcapsules by zinc acetate provided delayed posaconazole release. Additionally, the cross-linking process with Zn²⁺ ions significantly enhanced antifungal activity against the analyzed Candida strains. It was observed that pectin content in the formulation enhanced the swelling ability in an intestinal condition and increased the mucoadhesive properties of drug-loaded formulations to the intestinal mucosa. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natural polymer nanoparticles have potential as delivery systems, can enhance pharmacological activity, and can improve stability in the cosmetic field. In this research, we implemented a development approach for chitosan–alginate and chitosan–pectin nanoparticles. This study aimed to investigate effect of formulation, process variables, in vitro antiaging evaluation, and metabolite profiling of Toona sinensis leaf extracts. Methods: Polymeric nanoparticles have been prepared using the ionic gelation method (Temperature = 40 °C, time = 1 h and speed = 1000 rpm), in vitro antiaging evaluation using the Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitor Screening Kit method, and analysis of metabolite profiling with UHPLC–HRMS. Results: Research results found that the SLE and EAFSL nanoparticles that have good and stable characteristics before and after storage in a climatic chamber after 3 months are FIIA-NPSLE (0.75% chitosan and 1.25% Alginate), FIP-NPSLE (1% chitosan and 0.5% Pectin), FIIA-NPEAFSL (0.75% chitosan and 1.25% Alginate), and FIIIP-NPEAFSL (0.125% chitosan and 0.375% Alginate). Chitosan–alginate polymers, such as FIIA-NPEAFSL, have higher inhibition of the elastase enzyme than FIIA-NPSLE, with a % inhibition (IC₅₀) of FIIA-NPEAFSL being 87.30%, while the IC₅₀ of FIIA-NPSLE is 39.40%. Meanwhile, using chitosan–pectin polymers, such as FIP-NPSLE, results in lower inhibition of the elastase enzyme compared to the chitosan–alginate polymer, with an IC₅₀ of 27.28% while IC₅₀ FIIIP-NPEAFSL is 39.53%. SLE and EAFSL nanoparticles with chitosan–alginate and chitosan–pectin polymers resulted in a significant PDI during storage from 1.3 to 1.9, and zeta potential values were very low, ranging from −11 mV to −27 mV. Metabolite profiling using UHPLC–HRMS on T. sinensis leaf extracts revealed that the main compounds contained were glycitein, quercetin, quercetin-3β-D-glucoside, kaempferol, and ellagic acid, which has potential as an antiaging agent. Conclusions: It can be concluded that using chitosan, alginate, and pectin in the process of encapsulating extracts into nanoparticles with the same process variables affect evaluation of antiaging activity in elastase enzymes. Further research will develop these nanoparticles into nanohydrogels with antiaging activity. 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

The nasal cavity has become a focal point for drug delivery research. Beyond its use in treating local diseases, the nasal route is appealing due its ability to deliver systemically potent drugs with low oral bioavailability. Recent interest in nasal vaccination has driven significant pre-clinical and clinical advancements. Further R&D holds promise for expanding nasal medications, offering innovative healthcare solutions. This review explores strategies using polysaccharides to enhance nasal delivery of hydrophilic drugs, peptides, proteins, genes, and other active compounds that typically struggle to permeate the nasal epithelium. Polysaccharides are attractive excipients due to their potential to enhance nasal absorption, regulate drug release, and extend residence time in the nasal cavity through bioadhesive properties. Studies on their mechanisms affecting drug absorption, potential toxicities, and applications will also be reviewed considering the particularities of nasal epithelium anatomy and physiology. Most products with these excipients are in pre-clinical and clinical evaluation, but PecFent, a pectin-based formulation, is approved for nasal administration of opioids for breakthrough cancer pain, offering faster pain relief and a better benefit–risk ratio due to pectin. Other polysaccharides like chitosan, cyclodextrins, hyaluronic acid, and alginate have shown potential in enhancing nasal drug absorption. This approach also holds promise for enhancing drug transport from the nasal cavity to the CNS (nose-to-brain), potentially advancing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Full article