Search Results (9,023)

Tumor metastasis is closely associated with coagulation and inflammation, particularly via thrombin–PAR1 signaling. However, the potential of natural polysaccharides such as rhamnan sulfate (RS) to modulate these pathways and suppress metastasis remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects of orally administered RS derived from Monostroma nitidum on melanoma metastasis and its underlying mechanisms. Male C57BL/6J mice were orally administered water or RS daily. On day 8, saline or B16 melanoma cells were injected intravenously. Mice were treated for 21 days and divided into four groups (control, RS-only, M + W, and M + RS; n = 5/group). Metastasis and related molecular factors were analyzed in plasma, lung, and aortic tissues. Significant lung and aortic metastases were observed in the M + W group but were markedly suppressed in the M + RS group. RS reduced the expression of inflammatory factors (e.g., IL-6, PAR1), proteases, leukocyte activation markers, complement factors, angiogenic factors, and EMT-related factors. Conversely, thrombin, thrombomodulin, plasmin, TAFIa, and tight junction proteins were increased in RS-treated mice. RS suppresses melanoma metastasis by modulating thrombin–PAR1-mediated inflammation and associated pathways. These findings suggest RS as a potential therapeutic agent, although further mechanistic and clinical studies are required. 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

Konjac glucomannan (KG) is a biocompatible polysaccharide with limited functional performance in its native form, motivating modification strategies to enhance its properties. This study investigates the effect of gallic acid (GA) functionalization on the structural, physicochemical, mechanical, antioxidant, and biological properties of KG-based films. FTIR analysis confirmed that GA interacts with KG primarily through non-covalent hydrogen bonding without disrupting the polymer backbone. Modification with GA enabled concentration-dependent tuning of surface energy, roughness, hydration behavior, and water vapor permeability. Mechanical testing revealed a significant increase in stiffness and tensile strength accompanied by reduced elongation at higher GA contents. Antioxidant activity was markedly enhanced even at low GA concentrations. All films exhibited excellent hemocompatibility, while cytocompatibility toward human fibroblasts depended on GA content. Optical analysis indicated moderate color changes without severe discoloration. Overall, GA functionalization effectively improves the functional performance of KG films while preserving polymer integrity. Hence, GA-modified KG films as promising candidates for biomedical applications (like wound dressing) requiring antioxidant activity, controlled hydration, and biocompatibility. Full article

Pectins are structurally complex plant polysaccharides whose functional properties strongly depend on molecular structure that may vary depending on the source of origin. The present study aimed to characterize and compare the hydrodynamic properties of pectins obtained from red and blackcurrants in semidilute and concentrated aqueous solutions. Pectins were extracted and analyzed using light scattering methods and rheology at 25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C and 40 °C. The methodology used enabled the determination of the hydrodynamic properties of the pectins with changing temperature and concentration, and mathematical modeling was performed using the Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts model. The obtained samples differed in molecular structure, and these differences were reflected in the chain behavior in aqueous solution. The results indicate that even closely related botanical sources may yield pectins with significantly different functional properties. Hydrodynamic studies revealed that relaxation phenomena occurred in a similar manner for redcurrant pectin in the concentrated region and for blackcurrant pectin in the semidilute region (similar diffusion coefficients). Under shear flow conditions, blackcurrant pectin solutions behaved like Newtonian fluids, whereas redcurrant pectin exhibited complex, non-Newtonian behavior. Redcurrant pectin solutions also exhibited lower apparent viscosity values at concentrations comparable to those of blackcurrant pectin. The ability to scale apparent viscosity values indicated a unchanging friction mechanism in viscous flow, characteristic of semidilute and concentrated regions. Full article

The common metabolic disorder, lactose intolerance, is often treated with oral lactase enzyme supplements, which can frequently cause gastrointestinal instability. This work utilizes Malbranchea cinnamomea’s AA9 lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) to target β-lactose (β-lactose) in an investigation of a new enzymatic approach for lactose breakdown. Potential possibilities for lactose breakdown are AA9 LPMOs, copper-dependent enzymes that oxidatively cleave glycosidic bonds in polysaccharides. We employed a combined in silico method that incorporated molecular docking, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Docking studies revealed that β-lactose formed hydrogen bonds with key residues SER100, ASN54, and ARG56, exhibiting a greater binding affinity (−5.4 kcal/mol) toward LPMO compared to the control citric acid (−4.9 kcal/mol). Upon DFT analysis, (LPMO) showed excellent stability and appropriate reactivity for enzyme interaction. The higher stability of the LPMO-β-lactose complex was highlighted by MD simulation over 100 ns, which showed lower root mean square deviation (RMSD) and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) values, greater structural compactness, and reduced solvent accessibility when compared to the control. These collective findings suggest that β-lactose interacts efficiently with the AA9 LPMO active site, supporting its potential as a novel enzymatic target for lactose degradation. This computational study provides a theoretical foundation for developing alternative therapeutic strategies for lactose intolerance, though further in vitro and in vivo investigations are required to validate these findings. Full article

Frozen surimi, a commonly used raw material in processed aquatic products, is vulnerable to repeated freeze–thaw fluctuations that accelerate protein denaturation and quality loss. In this study, root-derived Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides (FVPs) were extracted from the root-like portion of enoki mushroom, and surimi supplemented with 2% FVP and a blank control (CK) were stored at −18 °C and subjected to a total of five freeze–thaw cycles. The effects of FVP on myofibrillar protein (MP) characteristics and the storage quality of catfish surimi during the freeze–thaw cycles were analyzed. Compared with CK, FVP markedly alleviated the deterioration of water-holding capacity, gel strength, and MP solubility throughout freeze–thaw cycling. It also effectively inhibited the increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values and MP aggregation and delayed the rate of decrease in the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) of surimi. Additionally, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) further showed that FVP limited the conversion of immobilized water to free water, indicating enhanced water retention under repeated freeze–thaw stress. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed that FVP stabilized the secondary structure of MPs, making the microstructure of surimi more uniform and compact. The results of this study indicate that FVP exhibited significant cryoprotective effects during freeze–thaw cycles of surimi relative to the untreated control group, providing a theoretical basis for its potential application in aquatic product storage. Full article

The formulation of rhizobial bioinoculants remains a critical bottleneck for the large-scale deployment of biological nitrogen fixation in sustainable agriculture, mainly due to limitations in the stability and viability of conventional liquid products. In this study, a spray-drying-based process was developed and optimized to produce a stable and functional bioinoculant using Ensifer meliloti Rm8530, an EPS II–producing strain with enhanced stress tolerance. Strain robustness was evaluated through thermal and osmotic stress assays, together with growth performance across relevant temperature and pH ranges. Six carrier-based formulations combining polysaccharides and proteins were then tested under controlled spray-drying conditions. Process performance was assessed in terms of powder recovery, residual moisture, bacterial survival, yield, and storage stability over 16 weeks. The morphological integrity of spray-dried particles and rehydrated cells was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The biological functionality of selected formulations was subsequently validated in planta using alfalfa as a host model. Among the formulations tested, a mixed alginate–gum Arabic matrix showed the best overall balance between process efficiency, post-drying viability, long-term stability, and symbiotic performance. Spray-dried cells retained the ability to induce nodulation and support early plant responses under the conditions evaluated. These results demonstrate that spray drying, combined with appropriate strain selection and formulation design, constitutes a viable and scalable platform for producing stable, functional rhizobial bioinoculants. Full article

Polysaccharides are natural polymers that are widely found in medicinal plants. Structurally, they are complex molecules composed of long chains of monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds. Modern pharmacological research shows that the bioactivity of polysaccharides is closely related to their monosaccharide composition. This review summarises the monosaccharide composition of 210 polysaccharides from 72 medicinal plants. They were classified into 10 types through principal component analysis (glucans; homogalacturonan; galactans; arabinogalactans; mannans; glucomannans; arabinans; xylans; fructans; rhamnogalacturonan-I). The relationship between monosaccharide composition and biological activity was further analysed. The results are as follows: glucans make significant contributions to immunomodulation, antioxidant activity, and gut microbiota regulation; galactans are crucial for antioxidant effects, immunomodulation, and gut microbiota regulation; mannans play a key role in immunomodulation, antitumor activity, and neuroprotection; fructans are vital for gut microbiota regulation, immunomodulation, and antioxidant effects; and pectins exhibit notable immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and hypoglycaemic properties. Consequently, developing polysaccharides from medicinal plant resources based on their monosaccharide composition is expected to speed up the search for polysaccharides with high biological activity and provide a theoretical reference for polysaccharide research. Full article

The enhancement of startup and performance in a Tetradesmus obliquus-polyurethane sponge biofilm system was investigated via the regulation of the phytohormone Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). IAA supplementation at 1 and 5 mg/L increased biofilm biomass and chlorophyll a content, with the maximum biofilm biomass reaching 48.2 mg/g, and improved nutrient removal performance under shock-loading conditions, particularly for total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). IAA treatment was associated with EPS remodeling, including an increase in the protein/polysaccharide ratio to 0.68 and a 16% enrichment in tryptophan-like protein components. These EPS-related changes coincided with a decrease in the absolute zeta potential to −2.49 mV, which may be relevant to enhanced initial biofilm development. The corresponding EPS-related changes were characterized by three-dimensional excitation–emission matrix (3D-EEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses using representative concentrations. Furthermore, the IAA-treated biofilm showed improved resilience under low, medium, and high loading conditions, with the most favorable TN removal reaching 87% at 1 mg/L IAA. These results suggest that IAA supplementation at 1 and 5 mg/L can promote microalgal biofilm start-up and improve nutrient-removal resilience under the tested conditions, with 5 mg/L showing the strongest response in biofilm growth and structural characterization. Full article

In this study, a multicomponent composite film system based on alginate, chitosan, κ-carrageenan, agar, and Rapana venosa protein hydrolysate (RVPH) was developed, and the effect of RVPH incorporation (0–1.5%) on molecular interactions, microstructure, and functional performance was evaluated using FTIR, SEM, mechanical testing, optical analysis, and water-related measurements. FTIR results indicated that RVPH interacted with the polysaccharide matrix mainly through hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions without causing chemical degradation. SEM analysis revealed concentration-dependent microstructural changes, with smoother morphologies at low RVPH levels and increased roughness and heterogeneity at higher concentrations. These structural differences were reflected in the functional properties. All films exhibited high swelling and water solubility. Optical properties were significantly affected by RVPH. Mechanical properties exhibited a non-linear response, with numerical variations observed but no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). The EDAS and SWARA methods were employed to determine the optimal incorporation level of RVPH in the film formulations. Among the RVPH-containing films, the formulation incorporating 1% RVPH was identified as the most suitable alternative. Full article

Acidic polysaccharides, valued for their outstanding bioactivity and physicochemical properties, represent a promising strategy for metabolic disease intervention. In this study, three acidic polysaccharide fractions (BRP-1, BRP-2, and BRP-3) were isolated from Brassica rapa L. using membrane filtration and ion-exchange chromatography. BRP-3, notable for its high galacturonic acid content (76.64%), was further purified to yield the homogeneous fraction BRP-3-1 (Mw = 22.3 kDa). Combining GC-MS, FTIR, and NMR analyses, we report for the first time the detailed structure of BRP-3-1—a heteropolysaccharide composed of rhamnose (1.687%), galacturonic acid (75.584%), galactose (14.452%), and arabinose (8.277%)—with a backbone composed with T-α-L-Araf-(1 → 5)-α-L- Araf -(1 → 4)-α-D-GalpA-(1 → 4)-α-D-2-O- GalpA Me-(1 → 4)-α-D-GalpA-(1 → 4)-α-D-GalpA-(1 → 3)-Galp-(1 → 4)-α-D-GalpA, and T-Rhap, T-Galp as well as T-GalpA for branched chain and terminals. In HepG2 insulin-resistant cells, BRP-3-1 demonstrated potent dual regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism—enhancing glucose consumption, lowering total cholesterol, and significantly reducing triglyceride levels in the high-dose group (800 μg/mL), outperforming BRP-2. This work systematically defines the structure of a highly bioactive acidic polysaccharide from B. rapa L. and confirms its metabolic regulatory effects, offering a strong scientific foundation for its application in functional foods and as an adjuvant therapeutic for metabolic disorders. Full article

The green synthesis of nanomaterials has emerged as a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach, gaining significant attention in recent years for its potential in a wide range of multifunctional applications. Among these materials, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) stand out due to their remarkable versatility and effectiveness in fields such as industry (food, chemistry, and cosmetics), nanomedicine, cancer therapy, drug delivery, optoelectronics, sensors, and environmental remediation. This study focuses on bioinspired strategies for the facile synthesis of ZnO NPs, employing natural polysaccharide gums as mediators. Acting as both reducing and stabilizing agents, natural gums not only facilitate the eco-friendly production of ZnO NPs but also enhance their stability and functionality. Natural gum-mediated green synthesis typically yields stable, spherical ZnO particles, often in the 10–100 nm range. Typical reaction conditions are the use of zinc acetate dihydrate or zinc nitrate (0.01–0.5 M) as precursors, with low gum concentrations of 0.1–1.0% (w/v) in distilled water, alkaline conditions (pH from 8 to 12), often achieved by adding NaOH, which aids in the reduction and capping by the gum, at reaction temperature between 60 °C and 80 °C, under continuous stirring. The dried precipitate is often calcined at 400 °C to 600 °C to remove organic residues and enhance crystallinity. This approach underscores the potential of biopolymer-assisted synthesis in advancing green nanotechnology for sustainable and practical applications. Utilizing environmentally benign materials such as natural gums for the synthesis of ZnO NPs offers significant advantages, including enhanced eco-friendliness and biocompatibility, making them suitable for a wide range of applications without the involvement of toxic reagents. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the synthesis and characterization techniques employed in the eco-friendly production of ZnO NPs using different natural gums from biological sources and its environmental applications (e.g., pollutant removal and increased agriculture sustainability). Full article

Excessive lipid accumulation, a hallmark characteristic of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, has become a worldwide challenge, necessitating the exploration of secure and efficacious natural products for its intervention. In the present work, a polysaccharide (MCP) was extracted and purified from Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L., a novel halophyte, and its physicochemical properties, in vitro fermentation characteristics, lipid-lowering activity, and underlying mechanisms were systematically investigated. Physicochemical analysis revealed that MCP is an acidic polysaccharide, with galacturonic acid as the predominant monosaccharide component, broad molecular weight distribution, and a porous structural morphology. In vitro fermentation experiments demonstrated that MCP could be effectively utilized by human fecal microbiota, significantly promoting the yield of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate at high concentrations, which outperformed inulin. 16S rDNA sequencing uncovered that MCP optimized microbiota composition by enriching SCFA-producing beneficial bacteria (Prevotella_9, Faecalibacterium) while suppressing opportunistic pathogens (Megamonas, Escherichia-Shigella). Metabolomic analysis of fermentation broth revealed that MCP significantly affected microbial glycerophospholipid metabolic pathways. Experiments in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) confirmed that MCP inhibited HFD-induced lipogenesis, which was linked to the regulation of the nhr-49/sbp-1-mediated lipogenesis pathway. For the first time, using an antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion model in C. elegans, the lipid-lowering effect of MCP was observed to disappear, suggesting a potential role of the gut microbiota in mediating this effect. This investigation establishes a scientific basis for MCP as a novel prebiotic or dietary supplement for managing obesity-related lipid accumulation. Full article

Invasive candidiasis (IC) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among critically ill, hematologic, and neonatal patients worldwide. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential to guide timely antifungal therapy and improve outcomes. Among available diagnostic tools, 1,3-β-D-glucan (BDG), a polysaccharide component of the fungal cell wall, has emerged as a key biomarker. BDG assays allow for early detection of probable IC, often preceding positive blood cultures, and offer prognostic information based on serial measurements. Species-specific differences in Candida cell wall composition influence BDG release and diagnostic sensitivity. Candida albicans generally correlates with high BDG levels, whereas Nakaseomyces glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida auris exhibit variable or lower glucan exposure, limiting assay sensitivity. BDG performance is affected by patient-specific factors, such as prior surgery, transfusions, or coexisting bacterial infections, which may lead to false-positive results. Molecular techniques, including PCR-based assays, provide complementary diagnostic accuracy and species identification, and their combination with BDG testing enhances sensitivity up to 90%. Serial BDG monitoring supports risk stratification and treatment response assessment, with persistent elevations predicting worse outcomes. In neonatal and pediatric populations, optimal cut-off values remain under investigation, highlighting the need for integration with clinical and microbiological data. Overall, BDG represents a valuable adjunct in a multimodal diagnostic workflow, providing both diagnostic and prognostic insights in invasive candidiasis management. Full article

This work investigated the membrane fouling mechanisms during the microfiltration of oat protein–β-glucan complexes. Microfiltration experiments were conducted under various pH conditions, protein-to-polysaccharide ratios, and ionic strengths. The fouling behavior was analyzed using multiple membrane fouling models to systematically elucidate the relationships among the particle characteristics, rheological behaviors, and membrane fouling. When the pH was adjusted to 7.8, the multimodal particle size distribution of the complexes promoted the formation of a loosely structured cake layer on the membrane surface, accompanied by partial obstruction of membrane pore entrances. On the contrary, the complexes, shown as having a monomodal particle size distribution and similar particle size to the membrane pore, formed compact cake layers and strong membrane fouling resistance. At pH 4.8, protein hydrophobic aggregation generated large particulate clusters that formed a loose cake layer during microfiltration, resulting in a decrease in membrane fouling resistance. Increasing the β-glucan content reduced membrane resistance through enhancing steric hindrance and hydrophilicity. This research provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing membrane separation process parameters in the production of diversified oat-based products. Full article