Search Results (87)

Seed mucilage is a natural hydrophilic polysaccharide gel secreted by seed coat epidermal cells comprising xylan, pectin, glucomannan, and cellulose alongside minor proteins, minerals, and lipids, with its composition varying substantially across plant species. This review critically compares conventional and green extraction technologies, including ultrasound-, microwave-, enzyme-, and subcritical water-assisted extraction, on a seed-mass-normalized yield basis together with their solvent-to-seed ratios and processing times, showing that green technologies can reduce solvent consumption, energy use, and processing time relative to matched conventional controls, though the magnitude of these gains is method and species-specific rather than uniform. We synthesize how molecular weight, uronic acid content, branching pattern, and microfibril organization govern seed mucilage hydration, rheological, emulsifying, and foaming behavior, and link these structure–function relationships to its antioxidant, prebiotic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial bioactivities. Beyond functional characterization, this review evaluates the translational barriers, extraction standardization, safety and regulatory status, and clinical validation that currently limit seed mucilage adoption in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Unlike previous reviews focused on ecological function or application cataloging, this review uniquely reframes seed mucilage as a structurally programmable bioactive polysaccharide, integrating molecular architecture, green process intensification, and structure–function–application relationships to bridge fundamental chemistry with industrial translation. Full article

The present study investigated the effect of liquid smoke (LS) on the physicochemical, structural, barrier, and functional properties of okra mucilage–corn starch (OMCS) films. Formulations containing varying concentrations of LS (0–3%) were prepared using the casting method. The incorporation of LS modified the rheological behavior of the film-forming dispersions, as evidenced by increased apparent viscosity and consistency index. In the films, water solubility increased from 43.6 to 53.2%, contact angle increased from 31.9° to 55.6°, and opacity increased from 4.73 to 8.83, while water vapor permeability decreased from 1.05 to 0.88 g·mm·m⁻²·h⁻¹·kPa⁻¹, indicating modifications in matrix organization and surface hydrophobicity. Tensile strength increased from 26.3 to 40.5 MPa at 3% LS, accompanied by a slight reduction in elongation, suggesting enhanced structural rigidity. Structural analyses revealed interactions between the LS phenolic compounds and the polysaccharide hydroxyl groups, resulting in a more cohesive polymeric network. LS was the main contributor to the film’s antioxidant activity owing to its elevated phenolic content and free radical scavenging capacity. The films also showed substantial degradation under soil burial conditions, with mass loss ranging from 61% to 96%. Overall, LS proved to be an effective functional additive, improving the structural and antioxidant performance of OMCS films and expanding their potential for active food packaging applications. Full article

Chia seed mucilage (CSM) is a promising plant-derived hydrocolloid characterized by unique physicochemical and functional properties that are strongly influenced by the extraction methodology. In this research, an optimized sonication–freezing-assisted extraction (SFAE) process was developed to obtain mucilage while preserving its structural integrity. Results indicate that the extracted mucilage has a high total dietary fiber content of 75.87% and a moderate protein level of 8.71%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of hydroxyl and ionized carboxylate (COO⁻) groups associated with uronic acids, highlighting the anionic and polyelectrolyte nature of the system. Rheological characterization of optimized-CSM revealed Newtonian behavior in dilute solutions, indicating minimal intermolecular interactions and permitting accurate measurement of intrinsic viscosity and viscosity-average molecular weight. A critical overlap concentration (c** ≈ 0.2% w/v) was identified, marking the transition to semi-dilute regimes, chain entanglement, and the onset of shear-thinning and viscoplastic behavior. Functionally, the optimized-CSM exhibited high water holding capacity and competitive emulsifying properties (emulsion activity index (EAI): 62.50%; emulsion stability index (ESI): 49.32%), attributed to synergistic interactions between proteins and polysaccharides. Overall, this work provides new insights into how processing conditions influence the chemical composition and molecular structure, which fundamentally govern the rheological and functional performance of CSM. These findings underscore its potential as a versatile hydrocolloid for food and biomedical applications. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate how hydration temperature, rotational speed, and screw restriction influence the extraction efficiency, physicochemical characteristics, and monosaccharide composition of chia seed mucilage (CSM). Optimal extraction conditions (43.7 Hz, 100% screw restriction and 50 °C) yielded an extraction efficiency of 65.69% and a mucilage yield of 7.66%, producing a material with an average particle size of 15.28 μm, a ζ-potential of 9.7 mV, and weak-gel rheological behavior. Structural analyses confirmed the absence of insoluble fiber and revealed crystalline phases including MgO, Ca₅P₈, K₂S, K₄P₆, and CaCO₃, along with typical polysaccharide functional groups (–OH, –CH, C=O, COO⁻, C–O). Moderate hydration temperature combined with controlled mechanical conditions favored the release of mucilage enriched in xylose, glucose, and arabinose, which are characteristic of seed coat polysaccharides. In contrast, minimal mechanical action or excessive seed disruption shifted the monosaccharide profile toward cell wall structural carbohydrates, indicating reduced mucilage purity. Elevated hydration temperature (75 °C) enhanced the solubilization of uronic acids and arabinose, suggesting increased extraction of acidic polysaccharide fractions associated with the seed coat matrix. These findings demonstrate that extraction parameters strongly determine CSM composition, structural integrity, and functional attributes. The results provide a basis for tailoring chia-derived polysaccharides for applications in hydrocolloid systems, bio-based materials, and functional polymer formulations. Full article

Enzymatic browning is a major challenge in maintaining the quality and shelf life of fresh-cut fruits, and in this context, plant-derived hydrocolloids are increasingly recognized as sustainable alternatives to synthetic additives due to their ability to retard browning while supporting quality retention. Therefore, in the present study, Cucumis sativus L. mucilage was extracted using microwave irradiation, yielding 24.56% freeze-dried irregular particles with an average size of 194.5 nm and −19.8 mV zeta potential. Various characterization techniques confirmed the amorphous structure and the presence of polysaccharides functional group. The mucilage was primarily composed of glucose (32.27%), along with arabinose, galactose, xylose, mannose, rhamnose, and minor uronic acids, reflecting a glucose-rich heteropolysaccharide. Functionally, the mucilage exhibited notable water retention (8.46 g/g), oil retention (3.21 g/g), foaming capacity (52.13%) with stability (30.46%), emulsifying capacity (90.45%) with stability (91.62%), and solubility (90.14%). Antioxidant assays revealed strong ferric reducing power (5.1 mM FeSO₄ at 10 mg/mL), DPPH scavenging (67.50%; IC₅₀ = 1.798 mg/mL), and ABTS scavenging (60.14%, IC₅₀ = 8.038 mg/mL). Anti-inflammatory evaluation indicated enhanced macrophage viability (1.38-fold at 25 mg/mL) with reduced nitric oxide production, while tyrosinase inhibition reached 60.40% (monophenolase) and 68.50% (diphenolase) at 2 mg/mL. Furthermore, when applied as an edible coating on fresh-cut apple slices, Cucumis sativus L. mucilage effectively delayed enzymatic browning in a dose-dependent manner, with 2 mg/mL maintaining apple slice brightness (L* value; 71.08) and minimizing color change (ΔE = 4.54). Overall, these findings highlight Cucumis sativus L. mucilage as a multifunctional biopolymer with promising applications in food systems and edible coatings. Full article

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a crop widely cultivated for fiber and oil production. The screening method for flax breeding must effectively address the biochemical characteristics of flaxseeds. In this study, to characterize flax cultivars, we extracted oil, defatted kernel, hull, and mucilage from whole seeds for the ATR-FT-MIR and FT-Raman spectroscopic measurements. In addition, for ATR-FT-MIR analysis, oil samples were obtained by pressing the flaxseed directly onto the crystal surface. After removing any seed residues, a grease stain was used for the measurement, allowing for the acquisition of the oil spectrum from a single seed. This method also enabled the detection of free fatty acids, serving as evidence of seed damage. Both methods effectively estimated the degree of unsaturation as a cultivar marker. The vibrational spectra of defatted kernels showed strong protein features; polysaccharide bands dominated in hull and mucilage spectra. Discrimination of flax cultivars using principal component analysis of vibrational spectra in specific regions was the most promising for flaxseed oil and mucilage. Multivariate analysis of a set of selected variables sensitive to the flaxseed oil composition successfully distinguished all flax cultivars of this study. The strong correlation observed between ATR-FT-MIR and FT-Raman results confirmed that these methods are comparable for characterizing different grades of flaxseed oil. Full article

Mucilage extracted from cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. has attracted growing interest as a natural food additive due to its gelling and nutritional properties. In this study, the chemical characteristics of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage were comparatively evaluated against commercial pectin, with particular emphasis on volatile compounds, mineral composition, and monosaccharide profiles by ¹³C-NMR spectroscopic analysis. The volatile components were analysed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), revealing distinct aromatic profiles between the two matrices, with the mucilage showing a significant presence of methoxypyrazines, but not detected in the powdered pectin studied. These compounds could negatively affect the sensory perception of mucilage. Mineral analysis demonstrated significantly higher levels of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, supporting its potential contribution to nutritional enrichment. The spectroscopic analysis, used to identify monosaccharide composition of polysaccharide chains, highlighted the presence of arabinose, galactose, glucose, and rhamnose in the mucilage sample compared to the predominantly glucose/galacturonic acid-based structure of pectin. Overall, the results indicate that Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage represents a promising alternative to pectin, offering unique chemical properties that may expand its application as a multifunctional, natural food additive. Full article

Peru is currently distinguished by its remarkable biodiversity, which is characterized by a high level of endemism and a wide array of ecological niches. In the context of biodiversity, the genus Theobroma spp. is particularly noteworthy, encompassing the species Theobroma cacao, Theobroma grandiflorum and Theobroma bicolor, which are collectively referred to as cacao, cupuaçu, and macambo, respectively. The primary economic value of these species is derived from their mucilage-rich pulp and beans. In recent years, the mucilage of the genus Theobroma has gained economic relevance due to its flavor, floral and fruity aroma. The present review article aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of Theobroma spp. mucilage, addressing its characterization and potential applications. The present study investigates aspects related to its origin, cob morphology, proximal composition, bioactive compounds, volatile profile and its application in the food industry. The study highlights a high content of polysaccharides such as reducing sugars, organic acids, pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose, antioxidant capacity, presence of polyphenols and methylxanthines. Through this comprehensive review, a prospective vision is proposed on the opportunities for innovation and sustainable development around the Theobroma mucilage industry, highlighting its relevance not only as a agri-food byproduct, but also as a valuable resource in the productive circular economy and the sustainability of biodiversity. Full article

This study presents the first application of an automatic ultrasonic mapping system for the assessment of natural consolidants applied to replicas of painted wall surfaces. In Cultural Heritage conservation, evaluating consolidation efficiency remains a critical issue, particularly for substrates characterized by high porosity, heterogeneity, and mechanical fragility. Ultrasonic testing offers a fully non-contact diagnostic approach capable of detecting variations in cohesion, stiffness, and internal discontinuities, thus overcoming the limitations of semi-invasive mechanical procedures. Three polysaccharide-based consolidants—Arabic gum, Funori, and Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage—were applied to wall-painting replicas prepared according to historically documented techniques. Their performance was investigated through a comparative methodology combining a peeling test with non-contact air-coupled ultrasonic probes. Results indicate that Opuntia mucilage, although still at an experimental stage, provides significant improvements in cohesion, confirming its potential as a sustainable and substrate-compatible alternative to conventional consolidants. By demonstrating the complementary nature of ultrasonic mapping and peeling tests, this work contributes to the development of reproducible, non-invasive diagnostic strategies for evaluating consolidation treatments, particularly on fragile surfaces where conventional mechanical testing is unsuitable. Full article

Growing concern about the environmental impact of traditional packaging has driven the development of biodegradable edible films made from natural and functional biopolymers. Various by-products generated during harvesting can be subjected to valorization. Potato, a tuber with high starch content, and carrot, rich in β-carotene, represent important sources of polymeric matrix and bioactive compounds, respectively. Similarly, the use of biodegradable plasticizers such as pectin and polysaccharides derived from nopal mucilage is a viable alternative. This study assessed the physical and chemical properties of edible films composed of potato starch (PS), cactus mucilage (NM), carrot extract (CJ), citrus pectin (P), and glycerin (G). The films were produced by means of casting, with three mixtures prepared that had different proportions of CJ, P, and PS. The experiments were adjusted to a simple mixture design, and the data were analyzed in triplicate, using Pareto and Tukey diagrams at 5% significance. Results showed that adding CJ (between 5 to 6%), P (between 42 to 44%) and PS (between 43 to 45%) significantly affects all of the evaluated physical and chemical properties, resulting in films with luminosity values greater than 88.65, opacity ranging from 0.20 to 0.54 abs/mm, β-carotene content up to 26.11 μg/100 g, acidity between 0.22 and 0.31% and high solubility with a significant difference between treatments (p-value < 0.05) and low water activity (around of 0.47) (p-value > 0.05). These characteristics provide tensile strength up to 5.7 MPa and a suitable permeability of 1.6 × 10⁻² g·mm/h·m²·Pa (p-value < 0.05), which ensures low diffusivity through the film. Similarly, increasing the CJ addition enables the functional groups of the other components to interact. Using carrot extract and potato starch is a promising approach for producing edible films with good functional qualities but with high permeability. Full article

Natural biopolymers, such as the mucilage of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI), are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional versatility. Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage, a polysaccharide-rich hydrocolloid extracted from OFI cladodes, has emerged as a promising biomaterial with diverse applications. In the food sector, its use in edible coatings and films can extend shelf life, reduce moisture loss, and deliver bioactive agents, aligning with eco-friendly packaging initiatives. Its physicochemical properties, including high water-holding capacity, viscosity, thermal stability, and film-forming ability, also support potential uses in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, biomedicine, and environmental remediation. Despite this promise, large-scale adoption is limited by variability in composition, lack of standardized processing, functional inconsistencies, and competition with synthetic polymers. However, the sustainable cultivation of OFI, its resilience under drought, and the possibility of valorizing cladode waste strengthen its profile within circular economy frameworks. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the extraction, properties, and applications of OFI mucilage, while identifying key research gaps and technological challenges. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research and industrial collaboration to overcome barriers and unlock the full potential of OFI mucilage as a high-performance, eco-friendly biopolymer for future applications. Full article

Algae are sustainable sources of bioactive compounds widely used in health and wellness applications, though supporting evidence is limited. This study characterized and compared aqueous extracts and purified fractions from Fucus vesiculosus, Gracilaria sp., and Ulva sp. Total Phenolic Content (TPC) by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, antioxidant activity by the DPPH method, and the HPLC-DAD chromatographic profiles of extracts and fractions were compared. Fucus vesiculosus and Gracilaria sp. exhibited the highest TPC and antioxidant activity. Fractions without mucilage showed an enrichment in TPC and chromatographic profiles, particularly the polysaccharide-free extract of Gracilaria sp., highlighting its promising applications and the need for future studies. Full article

Tiliacora triandra (Yanang) leaf contains polyphenols, flavonoids, and mucilage polysaccharides with antioxidant and prebiotic functions, making it a promising substrate for probiotic fermentation. This study aimed to optimize Yanang extraction and sterilization to preserve bioactive mucilage and support probiotic survivability during freeze-drying–based encapsulation, and evaluate antimicrobial activity against poultry pathogens. Yanang extract was prepared under different leaf processing conditions and used as a substrate for Pediococcus acidilactici V202, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TISTR 926, Streptococcus thermophilus TISTR 894, Bacillus subtilis RP4-18, and Bacillus licheniformis 46-2. Fermentation at 37 °C for 24 h revealed that lactic acid bacteria (P. acidilactici V202, L. plantarum TISTR 926, S. thermophilus TISTR 894) reduced pH (<4.10, p < 0.001) while maintaining high viable counts (>8.67 log CFU/mL, p < 0.01), whereas Bacillus strains (B. subtilis RP4-18, B. licheniformis 46-2) retained a higher pH (>5.00) and lower viability (<8.50 log CFU/mL). Total soluble solids decreased across treatments, with the lowest observed for B. subtilis RP4-18 (1.97 °Brix, p = 0.007). Freeze-dried probiotics encapsulated in enzyme-extracted rice bran carriers had comparable physicochemical properties (p > 0.05), while compared with Bacillus strains (p < 0.01), lactic acid bacteria had superior tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal and thermal stress. Supernatant from Yanang extract inhibited B. cereus WU22001, S. aureus ATCC25923, Escherichia coli ATCC25922, and Salmonella typhimurium WU241001 (MIC/MBC 25–50% v/v). These results indicate that Yanang extract supports effective probiotic fermentation, and rice bran encapsulation enhances survivability and antimicrobial functionality for potential functional feed applications. Full article

Mucilage, naturally occurring polysaccharides in various plant parts, possesses unique structural and multi-functional properties. These biopolymers consist primarily of com-plex polysaccharides associated with flavonoids, phenolics, and oxidized sugars. A systematic review of databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science evaluated 22 re-search papers on mucilage with antioxidant potential. The key finding highlights that Cydonia ob-longa, Abelmoschus esculentus, Zizyphus mauritiana, Coccinia indica, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Malva parviflora, Corchorus olitorius, and Dioscorea opposita contain antioxidants. Various analytical techniques include DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide radical assays for the evaluation of the antioxidant properties of mucilage. The findings aim to foster innovation in health benefits and applications in food and cosmetic products, leveraging the multi-functional potential of these biopolymers to enhance efficacy and safety. Full article

Gels are semi-solid colloidal systems characterized by three-dimensional networks capable of retaining up to 99% of liquid while exhibiting both solid-like and liquid-like properties. A novel biphasic system, the bigel, consists of hydrogel and oleogel, enabling the encapsulation of hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. Their structure and functionality are influenced by the distribution of gel phases (e.g., oleogel-in-hydrogel or hydrogel-in-oleogel). This study aims to review current trends in polysaccharide-based bigels derived from seeds, vegetable oils and waxes, highlighting their biocompatibility, sustainability and potential food applications. A bibliometric analysis of 157 documents using VOSviewer identified four key thematic clusters: structured materials, delivery systems, pharmaceutical applications, and physicochemical characterization. Principal component analysis revealed strong correlations between terms, while also highlighting emerging areas such as 3D printing. This analysis demonstrated that seed-derived polysaccharides, including chia seed mucilage and guar gum, improve bigel structure and rheological properties, offering sustainable plant-based alternatives. Additionally, innovations such as extrusion-based 3D printing, functional food design, controlled drug release, bioactive compound delivery, and fat replacement are helping to support the further development of these systems. Finally, bibliometric tools remain instrumental in identifying research gaps and guiding future directions in this field. Full article