Search Results (114)

Freshwater surimi typically exhibits poor gel-forming capability and is prone to gel deterioration, limiting its applications in food products. This study successfully prepared silver carp surimi gels with improved gel strength and water-holding capacity (WHC) using carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (CKGM) as a functional modifier. Furthermore, the regulatory mechanism of CKGM with different degrees of substitution (DS) on the gel properties of silver carp surimi was systematically investigated. Results demonstrated that DS significantly influenced gel strength, WHC, and microstructure. CKGM (DS = 0.21%) substantially enhanced the gel strength and WHC through strengthened hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen-bond networks. However, CKGM with a higher DS (0.41%) induced a steric hindrance effect, decreasing elastic modulus and WHC and resulting in a more porous gel network. Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed that CKGM facilitated the conformational transition of myofibrillar proteins from α-helix to β-sheet, thereby improving the density of the gel network. The study provides theoretical foundations and technical guidance for the quality improvement of surimi products. Full article

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a natural polysaccharide polymer. It is degraded by gut microbiota-derived β-mannanase into small-molecule nutrients, which exert diverse physiological regulatory effects. As a prebiotic, KGM modulates gut microbiota composition. It selectively fosters the proliferation of beneficial commensals and suppresses potential pathogens, thereby alleviating microbiota-related disorders. Moreover, microbiota fermentation of KGM produces metabolites. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are particularly notable among these metabolites. They exert multifaceted beneficial effects, including metabolic regulation, intestinal barrier strengthening, and neuroprotective functions. These effects are mediated through inhibition of inflammatory pathways (e.g., NF-κB, MAPK), modulation of lipid metabolism genes (e.g., CD36), and regulation of neurotransmitters (e.g., GABA, 5-HT). This highlights KGM’s therapeutic potential for metabolic, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases. Current clinical use is limited by dose-dependent adverse effects and interindividual response variability, which stem from different microbial communities. This necessitates personalized dosage strategies. Despite these limitations, KGM as a prebiotic polysaccharide exhibits multifaceted bioactivity. Current evidence suggests its potential to synergistically modulate metabolic pathways, gut microbiota composition, immune cell signaling, and neuroendocrine interactions. This highlights its promise for developing novel therapeutic interventions. Full article

Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, driven by chronic inflammation, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and complex tumor microenvironment interactions. Current therapies are limited by systemic toxicity and poor tumor accumulation. This study aimed to develop a ROS/enzyme dual-responsive oral drug delivery system, KGM-CUR/PSM microspheres, to achieve precise drug release in CRC and enhance tumor-specific drug accumulation, which leverages high ROS levels in CRC and the β-mannanase overexpression in colorectal tissues. Methods: In this study, we synthesized a ROS-responsive prodrug polymer (PSM) by conjugating polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (mPEG) and mesalazine (MSL) via a thioether bond. CUR was then encapsulated into PSM using thin-film hydration to form tumor microenvironment-responsive micelles (CUR/PSM). Subsequently, konjac glucomannan (KGM) was employed to fabricate KGM-CUR/PSM microspheres, enabling targeted delivery for colorectal cancer therapy. The ROS/enzyme dual-response properties were confirmed through in vitro drug release studies. Cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and cell migration were assessed in SW480 cells. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in AOM/DSS-induced CRC mice, monitoring tumor growth, inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MPO), and gut microbiota composition. Results: In vitro drug release studies demonstrated that KGM-CUR/PSM microspheres exhibited ROS/enzyme-responsive release profiles. CUR/PSM micelles demonstrated significant anti-CRC efficacy in cytotoxicity assays, cellular uptake studies, and cell migration assays. In AOM/DSS-induced CRC mice, KGM-CUR/PSM microspheres significantly improved survival and inhibited CRC tumor growth, and effectively reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Histopathological and microbiological analyses revealed near-normal colon architecture and microbial diversity in the KGM-CUR/PSM group, confirming the system’s ability to disrupt the “inflammation-microbiota-tumor” axis. Conclusions: The KGM-CUR/PSM microspheres demonstrated a synergistic enhancement of anti-tumor efficacy by inducing apoptosis, alleviating inflammation, and modulating the intestinal microbiota, which offers a promising stimuli-responsive drug delivery system for future clinical treatment of CRC. Full article

Konjac glucomannan (KGM), derived from Amorphophallus konjac, is increasingly utilized in food and pharmaceutical applications. However, inconsistent KGM production across cultivars jeopardizes its quality and market viability. Lanthanum (La) has been shown to promote KGM levels, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, 20~80 mg L⁻¹ La significantly stimulated KGM accumulation compared with the control group. We performed a transcriptome analysis and found 21,047 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), predominantly enriched in carbohydrate and glycan metabolism pathways. A total of 48 DEGs were linked to KGM biosynthesis, with 20 genes (SuSy, INV1/3/5/6, HK1/2, FPK2, GPI3, PGM3, UGP2, GMPP1/4, CslA3~7, CslH2, and MSR1.2) showing significant positive correlations with KGM content. Interestingly, three key terminal pathway genes (UGP1, UGP3, and CslD3) exhibited strong upregulation (log2 fold change > 3). Seven DEGs were validated with qRT-PCR, aligning with the transcriptomic results. Furthermore, 12 hormone-responsive DEGs, including 4 ethylene-related genes (CTR1, EBF1/2, EIN3, and MPK6), 6 auxin-related genes (AUX/IAA1-3, SAUR1-2, and TIR1), and 2 gibberellin-related genes (DELLA1-2), were closely linked to KGM levels. Additionally, the transcription factors bHLH and AP2/ERF showed to be closely related to the biosynthesis of KGM. These results lay the foundation for a model wherein La (Ш) modulates KGM accumulation by coordinately regulating biosynthetic and hormonal pathways via specific transcription factors. Full article

To address the negative effects of high-starch diets on largemouth bass (LMB), this study evaluated the feasibility of using a Gracilaria lemaneiformis-konjac glucomannan mixture (GKM, 2:1) as a substitute for strong flour (SF). Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipid diets were formulated: a control (15% SF; GK00) and three other diets replacing 33.3% (GK05), 66.7% (GK10), or 100% (GK15) of SF with GKM. Each diet was randomly administered to triplicate tanks of fish (10.49 ± 0.232 g) for a 10-week feeding trial. Results showed that the GKM inclusion groups significantly improved the fish survival and feed intake. Fish in GK05 and GK10 groups exhibited significantly higher final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate than the GK00 group, while GK15 showed no significant increase in these metrics. There was no impairment in protein, lipid, phosphorus, and energy retention efficiency in the GK05 and GK10 groups compared to those of the GK00 group. Apparent digestibility for feed dry matter, protein, lipid, phosphorus, and the 16 amino acids was not decreased in the GK05 and GK10 groups relative to the GK00 group. In addition, this study revealed reduced phosphorus waste per kilogram of weight gain in GK05 and GK10. In conclusion, these findings position GKM as a sustainable alternative to SF in feed for LMB. Full article

This study explores novel alginate–konjac glucomannan core–shell aerogel particles for drug delivery systems fabricated via air-assisted coaxial prilling. A systematic approach is needed for the optimization of this method due to the numerous processing variables involved. This study investigated the influence of six variables: alginate and konjac glucomannan concentrations, compressed airflow, liquid pump pressures, and nozzle configuration. A hybrid software using Artificial Neural Networks and genetic algorithms was used to model and optimize the hydrogel formation, achieving a 100% desirable solution. The optimal formulation identified resulted in particles displaying a log-normal size distribution (R² = 0.967) with an average diameter of 1.57 mm. Supercritical CO₂ drying yielded aerogels with macropores and mesopores and a high specific surface area (201 ± 10 m²/g). The loading of vancomycin hydrochloride (Van) or a dexamethasone base (DX) into the aerogel cores during the process was tested. The aerogels exhibited appropriate structural characteristics, and both drugs showed burst release profiles with ca. 80% release within 10 min for DX and medium-dependent release for Van. This study demonstrates the feasibility of producing konjac aerogel particles for delivery systems and the high potential of AI-driven optimization methods, highlighting the need for coating modifications to achieve the desired release profiles. Full article

Germinated brown rice (GBR), rich in high starch content and bioactive compounds, has excellent gel-forming properties, rendering it highly promising for applications in food 3D printing, a cutting-edge personalized manufacturing technology. This study systematically investigates the effects of different concentrations of konjac glucomannan (KGM) and curdlan (CD) blends on the 3D printing performance and physicochemical properties of GBR gel. The results indicated that the appropriate addition of KGM/CD blends significantly enhances the printing accuracy and shape retention of GBR gel. Specifically, under the KGM to CD ratio of 3:1 (KC3) formulation obtained by combining 2.25% KGM and 0.75% CD, the printing accuracy was highest with a minimized error of 4.97 ± 0.45%, and optimal structural stability was maintained within 5 h post-printing. Rheological measurements revealed that the flow behavior index (n) of the KC3 system was 0.049 ± 0.014, indicating superior flowability and significantly improved overall rheological stability. Additionally, the blend system not only increased the hardness and gel elasticity of the GBR gel but also significantly enhanced its cohesiveness and adhesiveness, reaching the highest values of 0.323 ± 0.02 and −217.488 ± 22.499, respectively, in the KC3 formulation. Further thermal analysis, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, along with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy observations, collectively demonstrated that the KGM/CD blend effectively reinforced the stability of the GBR gel network structure. These findings provide theoretical support for optimizing GBR applications in food 3D printing. Full article

The objective of this research was to prepare robust edible films possessing antioxidant properties by utilizing konjac glucomannan (KGM), sodium alginate (SA), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This research also involved structural characterization and the assessment of functional attributes of the composite films with varying EGCG concentrations. It was found that the inclusion of EGCG reduced the viscosity of the edible film solutions while enhancing their mechanical strength. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated adequate compatibility among the film-forming materials, with EGCG forming hydrogen bond interactions with KGM and SA. SEM analysis revealed that increasing EGCG concentration led to the formation of discontinuous blocks and rough surfaces, with smooth and fine-grained particles observed at 0.2% (w/v) EGCG concentration. Furthermore, results from the application of the KGM-SA-based films in chilled mandarin fish showed that they could exert antioxidant function when incorporated with EGCG. The values of TVB-N and TBARS of fish pieces were obviously decreased in the 12-day storage period, indicating their potential to increase the shelf life of freshwater fish food. Full article

The effects of stearic acid (SA) and lauric acid (LA) with different concentrations on the structure and physicochemical properties of konjac glucomannan (KGM)/chitosan (CTS)/Zein (KCZ) film were systematically investigated in this paper. The rheology results suggested that the apparent viscosity of the KCZ film solution was significantly enhanced after adding fatty acids (FAs), and all the film-forming solutions were typical non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluids. Hydrogen bond interactions were formed among KGM, CTS, Zein, and FA molecules. KCZ-FA films had higher crystallinities than KCZ film, and their crystallinities increased with the increase in FA concentrations. Microstructure indicated that adding FAs significantly affected the surface morphologies and roughness of KCZ film. KCZ-LA films exhibited much rougher surfaces than KCZ-SA films when FA concentrations were the same. Moreover, the incorporation of FAs significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the transmittance of KCZ film. KCZ-FA films exhibited higher hydrophobicities and water vapor barrier properties than KCZ film due to their significantly (p < 0.05) higher water contact angle, lower water solubility, water content, and vapor permeability values. The thermal stabilities, color attributes, and mechanical properties of KCZ film were also improved after adding appropriate concentrations of FA. Therefore, KCZ-FA films with excellent performances are promising food packaging materials in the future. Full article

Microbial contamination challenges have led to the development of active edible coatings for fruit preservation. Herein, a Konjac glucomannan (KGM) coating loaded with Ocimum gratissimum (OG) essential oil stabilized by pectin with superior resistance to air permeability, oxidation, and fungal, was prepared in situ on the surface of Mandarin oranges to enhance postharvest fruit quality. The results demonstrated that the KGM-pectin-OG (K-P-OG) 1.5 wt% coating exhibited good performance in terms of stability, adhesion, and wetting. Meanwhile, the coating had an ideal air permeability due to its compact and dense structure based on the good compatibility and interactions between the components. The oxygen permeability of the K-P-OG coating was 7.9 × (10⁻¹⁶ g·cm)/(cm²·s·Pa), which was six orders of magnitude lower than that of the KGM coating. The antioxidant, in vitro, and in vivo antifungal activities against Penicillium italicum of the coating were strengthened by the OG emulsion and mainly depended on its concentration. The storage results showed that the K-P-OG 1.5% coating extended the shelf life of Mandarin oranges by 8 days, reduced the weight loss rate by 13%, and increased the firmness and POD during storage by 24.14% and 100%, respectively, compared with the control group. These results demonstrate that K-P-OG can effectively maintain nutrient content and extend the storage time of Mandarin oranges by enhancing antioxidant capacity and inhibiting fruit respiration and microorganism growth. This study presents a strategy for developing edible coatings for postharvest fruit preservation. Full article

Obesity is a major global health issue, and novel dietary approaches are needed for prevention and management. This study investigates the effect of insoluble konjac glucomannan (iKGM) derived from edible konnyaku, a traditional Japanese food, on weight gain suppression in mice. Mice treated with iKGM showed increased fecal volume, reduced food intake, and suppressed weight gain (Day 21; p < 0.01). This weight-suppression effect was prebiotic rather than physical properties of iKGM, as antibiotic treatment abolished the weight-suppressing effect despite increased fecal volume. iKGM treatment altered the gut microbiota, notably increasing Akkermansia muciniphila (Day 21; p < 0.01), a bacterium associated with weight loss, along with elevated levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate and propionate (Day 21; p < 0.01). Furthermore, iKGM-induced weight suppression was linked to elevated leptin levels (Day 21; p < 0.01), an appetite suppressant induced by SCFAs. These results suggest that iKGM modulates gut microbiota, increases A. muciniphila, induces leptin production, and reduces food intake, inhibiting weight gain. This study indicates that iKGM may represent a promising approach for obesity prevention through gut microbiota modulation. Future research should investigate the mechanisms of iKGM’s effects on microbiota and explore its long-term safety and efficacy in clinical trials. Full article

Soybean protein isolates (SPIs) have been widely studied because of their excellent gel-forming properties. However, their unstable gel structures and poor strength limit their applications in the food industry. To address this, konjac glucomannan (KGM) and oxidized chitin nanocrystals (O-ChNCs) were introduced into SPI-based hydrogels to enhance their mechanical properties. The present study investigated the effects of incorporating KGM and O-ChNCs on the physical properties and microstructure of SPI hydrogels, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms. The rheological behavior test of the solution demonstrated that the viscoelastic properties of the sol were enhanced upon incorporating O-ChNCs and KGM. Scanning electron microscopy showed highly compact and uniformly distributed SPI hydrogels with the addition of O-ChNCs and KGM. Gel strength and textural property tests showed that the gel strength and gel hardness of SPI hydrogels with the addition of O-ChNCs and KGM were 102.57 ± 1.91 g/cm² and 545.29 ± 6.84 g. O-ChNCs effectively filled the SPI hydrogel network, while KGM enhanced physical entanglement between SPI molecular chains and formed intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Therefore, this study provides an important basis for the introduction of SPI-based hydrogels in the biomedical and food industries. Full article

Konjac (Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch) has numerous health benefits, but traditional propagation is hindered by long growth periods and soil-borne diseases. This study developed a novel cell liquid culture system to directly produce micro-corms of konjac for large-scale production. The results demonstrated significant improvements in bud induction and rooting compared to solid culture. Under MS + 1.0 mg/L 6-BA + 0.5 mg/L NAA, the induced buds per culture vessel and final fresh weight were 24.87 ± 0.06 and 6.64 ± 0.12 g, respectively, 1.95 and 1.67 times higher than those in solid culture. Rooting experiments showed that 1/2 MS + 0.5 mg/L IBA + 1.0 mg/L NAA resulted in a root length of 25.23 ± 0.04 cm and 18.12 ± 0.01 roots per vessel. Using a 5 L bioreactor for micro-corm induction led to a 2.51-fold increase in fresh weight (52.67 ± 0.01 g) after 31 days, with glucomannan production reaching 0.48 g/g _{(fresh weight)}. The optimized culture system also significantly reduced the propagation time and increased the yield of healthy micro-corms. Bioreactor-based cultivation effectively enhances konjac induction efficiency and shortens breeding time, making it a promising approach for commercial production of konjac micro-corms and potentially improving the economic viability of konjac farming. Full article

Biopolymers represent a significant class of materials with potential applications in skin care due to their beneficial properties. Resveratrol is a natural substance that exhibits a range of biological activities, including the scavenging of free radicals and anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. In this study, chitosan/konjac glucomannan resveratrol-enriched thin films were prepared. The enrichment of biomaterials with active ingredients is a common practice, as it allows the desired properties to be obtained in the final product. To characterize the films, several analyses were performed, including infrared spectroscopy, imaging of the samples by SEM and AFM techniques, swelling analysis in pH 5.5 and 7.4, mechanical and antioxidant assays, contact angle measurements, and determination of the resveratrol release profile under the skin mimicking conditions. Resveratrol incorporation into the matrices resulted in modifications to the chemical structure and film morphology. The mechanical characteristics of films with additives were found to undergo deterioration. The sample containing 10% of resveratrol exhibited a higher swelling degree than other films. The resveratrol-modified films demonstrated a notable antioxidant capacity, a reduced contact angle, and enhanced wettability. The resveratrol release occurred rapidly initially, with a maximum of 84% and 56% of the substance released depending on the sample type. Thus, the proposed formulations have promising properties, in particular good swelling capacity, high antioxidant potential, and improved wettability, and may serve as skin dressings after further investigation. Full article

Soy protein isolate (SPI) possesses potential gelling properties, making it suitable for gel-based applications. However, the gel network stability and mechanical properties of SPI are relatively poor and can be improved through modifications or by combining it with other polymers, such as Konjac Glucomannan (KGM). Combining SPI with KGM can overcome the poor gel network stability and mechanical properties of SPI, but it reduces the water-absorbing capacity of the gel network after drying, which affects the quality characteristics of plant-based protein rehydrated foods and limits the economic feasibility of soy protein foods. In this study, SPI and KGM are the main research objects. By using the alkali method to construct SPI/KGM dry gels with good gel properties, the influence of different ultrasonic powers on the rehydration kinetics and performance changes of SPI/KGM dry gels is examined. The speed and state of water entering the pores are simulated by constructing different pore-size capillary filling models, and the rehydration mechanism of the gel is elucidated. This study provides research ideas and a theoretical basis for the application of ultrasonic wave technology in the study of dry product rehydration performance. Full article