Search Results (46)

Antibiotic-induced dysbiosis can cause persistent alterations in gut microbial composition and fermentative metabolism, yet the long-term role of mushroom β-glucan-based prebiotics in supporting post-antibiotic microbiota modulation remains poorly defined. To address this gap, the present study evaluated the modulatory effects of ColonX, a mushroom β-glucan-based formulation, during a 60-day in vitro simulation of post-antibiotic gut microbiota modulation. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to monitor key bacterial groups, while UHPLC-DAD analysis was applied to characterize fermentation-derived organic acids. ColonX administration produced a selective, time-dependent increase in Bifidobacterium spp., with limited effects on Lactobacillus spp. and no stimulation of opportunistic bacteria such as Escherichia coli. This response became more evident after prolonged administration, suggesting progressive adaptation of the dysbiotic microbiota. Metabolomic analysis showed increased production of short-chain fatty acids and other fermentation-derived organic acids, indicating enhanced saccharolytic activity and functional metabolic remodeling. The accumulation of succinic acid further suggested ongoing microbial metabolic restructuring during recovery, while comparison with individual excipients indicated that resistant dextrin contributed to the fermentative response. Overall, this study addresses an important gap by linking prolonged mushroom β-glucan administration with both taxonomic modulation and functional metabolic recovery markers in a post-antibiotic dysbiosis model. These findings support ColonX as a promising nutraceutical strategy to promote gut microbiota restoration following antibiotic exposure. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is among the most pressing challenges in modern infectious medicine, driving progressive failure of standard antibacterial therapy and rising mortality from infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Antibiotic potentiation through adjuvant compounds capable of restoring the activity of existing drugs represents a promising strategy to overcome resistance without developing fundamentally new antibacterial molecules. This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic-potentiating activity of a dextrin/polyvinyl alcohol/iodine complex (D/PVA/I-1), developed at the Scientific Center for Anti-Infectious Drugs JSC (Almaty, Kazakhstan), against clinically relevant MDR reference strains. Methods: Nine reference strains, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 33591, BAA-39), Escherichia coli (ATCC BAA-196, BAA-2523), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC BAA-2524, 700603), Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC BAA-1790), Streptococcus pneumoniae (ATCC BAA-660), and Haemophilus influenzae (ATCC 33930), and two clinical isolates, P. aeruginosa SCAID PHRX1-2019 and E. coli SCAID WND1-2021, were tested. Antibiotic-potentiating activity was assessed by checkerboard assay with calculation of the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI); bactericidal kinetics were evaluated by time-kill analysis. The effect of D/PVA/I-1 on cytoplasmic membrane permeability was investigated using a crystal violet uptake assay. Results: Of 45 D/PVA/I-1–antibiotic combinations tested across nine antibiotics, synergy (FICI ≤ 0.5) was demonstrated in 44.4% of cases, partial synergy in 48.9%, and additive effects in 6.7%; no antagonistic interactions were detected. The most pronounced potentiating effect occurred against Gram-positive pathogens, particularly MRSA strains (66.7% synergistic combinations). Time-kill analysis confirmed suppression of the regrowth phenotype characteristic of MDR strains under monotherapy and restoration of bactericidal activity against antibiotics to which strains exhibited intrinsic resistance. D/PVA/I-1 induced a dose- and time-dependent increase in membrane permeability in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Conclusions: D/PVA/I-1 is an effective broad-spectrum antibiotic potentiator and represents a promising basis for combination therapy regimens against MDR infections. Full article

This study added two types of resistant dextrin (RD), i.e., Bailong (BL) and Luo Gaite (LGT)) to a Japonica (cv. RXY) and an early indica (cv. IP44) rice during cooking and analysed the functional and structural properties of the cooked rice. Compared with no RD addition, 3–10% RD addition induced a declinein cooking time and an incrementin gruel solid loss. Further, 3–10% RD addition increased the hardness, chewiness, and springiness of cooked rice but decreased the cohesiveness. With increases in the added RD amount, the smell, structural appearance, palatability, taste, cool rice texture, and total score of the cooked rice all increased; the peak time and pasting temperature increased, but the peak, final, breakdown, and setback viscosities all significantly decreased. The enthalpy, conclusion temperature of gelatinisation, and gelatinisation peak width and height all decreased with increasing RD amount, but the peak temperature of gelatinisation increased. The addition of 3–7% RD did not change amylopectin ageing, but 10% RD significantly increased amylopectin ageing. RD addition reduced the protein weakness degree and starch breakdown torque of rice doughbut appeared to increase the amorphous and crystalline regions of cooked rice. The addition of 10% BL or LGT induced the formation of α-helix and random coil secondary protein structures in cooked rice, with optimal cooking properties and total sensory score. Microstructure analysis further showed that low-viscous RD induced the formation of new gel-like structures. In conclusion, 3–10% RD addition in cooking rice decreases amylose recrystallisation, weakens the protein structure, and induces new gel-like structures, enhancing the hardness, chewiness, adhesiveness, springiness, and sensory score of cooked rice. This study is useful for developing functionalcooked rice. Full article

Refined wheat staple foods are widely criticized for low dietary fiber and high postprandial glycemic response, making soluble dietary fiber fortification a promising strategy for cereal improvement. This study investigated how resistant dextrin (RD) modulates wheat starch, gluten, dough, and bread quality through multiscale interactions. In wheat starch, 6% RD gave the best overall balance, reducing 14-day retrogradation from 57.2% to 48.6%, delaying gelatinization, and restricting amylose diffusion, with hydrogen bonding identified as a major contributing interaction. In gluten, RD increased water-holding capacity but weakened network integrity, as evidenced by reduced moduli, a shift in thiol–disulfide balance, secondary-structure redistribution (increased β-sheet, decreased α-helix/β-turn), and suppressed glutenin polymerization, yielding a looser microstructure. In dough, SEM and rheological results suggested that moderate RD (4–6%) may form a hydrated, polysaccharide-rich phase that fills structural voids and improves matrix continuity, partially offsetting gluten weakening and enhancing viscoelasticity. Overall, this study establishes a quantitative relationship between RD addition level, multiscale macromolecular interactions in wheat matrices, and the processing performance and quality of bakery products. Full article

Potassium-ion batteries hold great promise for large-scale energy storage, but their commercialization is hindered by the large ionic radius of potassium, which causes sluggish kinetics and severe volume expansion in anode materials. To address this, we present a scalable spray-drying strategy coupled with NaCl salt-templating to synthesize hierarchical porous carbon/vanadium sulfide microspheres (p-V₃S₄/C MS). In this structure, V₃S₄ nanoparticles are uniformly encapsulated within a dextrin-derived amorphous carbon matrix, and pores are formed via selective NaCl etching. This unique architecture accommodates volume fluctuations while providing rapid ion diffusion pathways. As a result, the p-V₃S₄/C MS anode exhibits outstanding electrochemical performance, maintaining a reversible capacity of 107 mA h g⁻¹ after 2000 cycles at 2.0 A g⁻¹, and achieves a high pseudocapacitive contribution of 93% at 2.0 mV s⁻¹. Furthermore, a full cell paired with a Prussian blue (PB) cathode demonstrates practical viability and robust reversibility. Our findings demonstrate that this structural engineering effectively mitigates internal resistance and structural degradation, offering a cost-effective route for mass-producing high-performance anodes for next-generation energy storage. Full article

A new iodine–dextrin–lithium complex (IDLC) was synthesized and structurally characterized as a hybrid supramolecular system combining antiseptic, stabilizing, and biocompatible components. The compound integrates iodine as the primary antimicrobial agent, lithium as a coordination and stabilization element, and dextrin as a biodegradable polysaccharide matrix enabling sustained release. Physicochemical analyses confirmed the formation of a uniform, thermally stable complex. Biological evaluation revealed strong bactericidal activity, with minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) ranging from 1.95 to 15.63 µg mL⁻¹ against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, including multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. Cytotoxicity studies revealed moderate, concentration-dependent effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (CC₅₀ = 0.23–0.48 mg/mL; 11.7–24.4 μg I/mL) and low toxicity toward MDCK cells (CC₅₀ = 10–20 mg/mL; 507–1014 μg I/mL), confirming a favorable safety profile. IDLC exhibited cytotoxic effects on tumor cell lines (HepG2, HeLa, AGS, K562, and H9) as well as on the normal MeT-5A cell line; however, the CC₅₀ values are similar, and selectivity indices are close to 1, indicating no selective cytotoxicity toward tumor cells. Thus, IDLC demonstrates non-specific cytotoxicity at high concentrations, consistent with its iodine content. The research confirms that iodine can be effectively stabilized within a dextrin-lithium framework to yield a biologically active, thermally resistant complex, suitable for pharmaceutical use. Full article

Plant-based fermented coconut yogurt, valued for its functional properties, requires transformation into a shelf-stable powder, necessitating carriers to overcome particle stickiness and preserve probiotic viability. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of polysaccharide carriers (maltodextrins DE 2, 10, and 19, and resistant dextrin) on processing efficiency, physicochemical stability, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) viability. The feed, standardized to 15% total solids (initial LAB counts of 8.54 log CFU/g), was spray-dried at a 120 °C inlet temperature and a 65 °C outlet temperature. The drying condition reduced LAB viability by two log cycles regardless of the tested carriers. Maltodextrin DE 19 showed the highest powder yield, the lowest water activity, and a higher water solubility index. No significant differences in bulk density, pH, titratable acidity, and lactic acid content were observed among samples. Low-DE maltodextrins (DE 2 and 10) demonstrated significantly higher retention of sensitive malic and citric acids compared to DE 19. The current findings suggested that high-DE carriers provided beneficial effects on physical processing via kinetic shell formation, while low-DE carriers were able to protect against the loss of small organic acids. Overall, the study lays a foundation for spray-dried carrier development for coconut yogurt. Full article

The increasing consumer demand for healthier food choices has stimulated research into functional bakery products enriched with bioactive ingredients. This review summarizes recent developments in the application of key polysaccharides—such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), β-glucan, arabinoxylan, pectin, cellulose derivatives, resistant starch, maltodextrins, and dextrins—in bread, pasta, and fine bakery systems. Their incorporation affects dough rheology, fermentation behavior, and gas retention, leading to modifications in texture, volume, and shelf-life stability. Technologically, polysaccharides function as hydrocolloids, fat and sugar replacers, or water-binding agents, influencing gluten network formation and starch gelatinization. Nutritionally, they contribute to higher dietary fiber intake, improved postprandial glycemic response, enhanced satiety, and favorable modulation of gut microbiota. From a sensory perspective, optimized formulations can maintain or even improve product acceptability despite structural changes. However, challenges remain related to dosage optimization, interactions with the gluten–starch matrix, and gastrointestinal tolerance (particularly in FODMAP-sensitive individuals). This review summarizes current knowledge and future opportunities for creating innovative bakery products that unite technological functionality with nutritional and sensory excellence. Full article

Objective: Postprandial hyperglycemia is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase can attenuate postprandial glycemic response (PPGR). This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of mulberry leaf and corn silk on these enzymes in vitro and their impact on postprandial glucose (PG) levels in prediabetic individuals using milk-based matrices. Research Design and Methods: In vitro, enzyme inhibition was assessed using the DNS method (α-amylase) and pNPG method (α-glucosidase). A randomized crossover trial was conducted in 11 prediabetic individuals with four interventions: pure milk; lactose-hydrolyzed milk; lactose-hydrolyzed milk with mulberry leaf, corn silk, and resistant dextrin; and GOS milk with mulberry leaf and corn silk. PPGR was assessed by area under the glucose curve, 1 and 2 h PG, maximum PG, and 2 h glucose excursion. Paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for comparisons. Results: Mulberry leaf and corn silk extracts inhibited both enzymes dose-dependently, with synergistic effects. No significant differences in PPGR indices were observed across interventions in the overall prediabetic individuals. However, in the overweight subgroup, the combination of GOS milk supplemented with mulberry leaf and corn silk significantly reduced 1 h PG (median difference [P25, P75]: −0.84 mmol/L [−1.05, −0.49]), maximum PG (−0.54 mmol/L [−0.75, −0.25]), and glucose excursion (−0.62 mmol/L [−0.75, −0.24]) compared to pure milk. Conclusions: Mulberry leaf and corn silk extracts inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase in vitro and may attenuate postprandial glucose excursions in overweight prediabetic individuals when delivered in a GOS milk matrix. Full article

Traditional lithography processes use resist materials that require organic solvents during the development step but also often contain components derived from PFASs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), raising concerns about environmental pollution and sustainability. PFASs are difficult to degrade, and their long-term effects on ecosystems and human health are the subject of international concern, making the development of alternative technologies an urgent priority. Lithography is a fundamental technology with applications beyond semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, biomedicine, and microfluidic devices. Addressing its environmental impact remains critical in both academic and industrial contexts. This study introduces a water-developable positive photoresist derived from a polymeric material incorporating plant-derived sugar chains as the resist backbone. The reactivity of the material to ultraviolet irradiation, enabled by a photoacid generator, allows microfabrication through water development. Moreover, successful micrometer-scale patterning demonstrated a superior resolution compared to previous sugar-derived water-developable resists. The dextrin-based resist exhibited the highest performance, achieving a sensitivity of 150 mJ/cm² and a resolution of 3.6 µm under an environmentally benign, PFAS-free process that enabled development with water. These findings propose a sustainable alternative to conventional petrochemical-derived photoresists, positioning it as a promising candidate for environmentally friendly photolithography processes. Full article

Obesity, a multicausal global health disorder, requires innovative solutions beyond conventional weight control. Plant-derived prebiotics, like inulin, oligofructose, and resistant dextrin, have appeared as promising dietary interventions. These fibers nourish beneficial gut bacteria, which produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that regulate appetite, enhance fat combustion, and improve metabolic markers. Clinical trials show that the consumption of 8–21 g/day prebiotics for 8–24 weeks reduces body weight, BMI, waist circumference, inflammation, and insulin resistance. By exploring mechanisms, bioactive molecules, and personalized approaches, this review highlights prebiotics’ potential as natural anti-obesity agents. However, further research is needed to optimize their contribution to public health initiatives for the effective management of obesity. Full article

The jostaberry (Ribes × nidigrolaria) hybrid is a rich source of phytochemicals with high antioxidant activity (AA). However, due to the thick skin and seeds, the whole fruits are rejected by some consumers, and their incorporation into food products may negatively affect the sensory properties. Furthermore, after drying, including freeze-drying, jostaberries become sticky and gummy, making them unsuitable for grinding into powder. In this context, the present study aims to improve the handling properties and evaluate the biological value, antioxidant potential, physicochemical characteristics, and color parameters of biopolymer microparticles enriched with biologically active compounds (BACs) from jostaberry during freeze-drying and subsequent storage in the dark under ambient conditions (22 ± 1 °C, relative humidity ≤ 75%). For this, jostaberry extract (JE) was encapsulated using combinations of biocompatible carriers: maltodextrin-nutriose (resistant dextrin)-pectin and maltodextrin-nutriose-sodium alginate. The encapsulated products were freeze-dried to obtain microparticles (MNPJ and MNAJ) with yields of 87.7% and 88.9%, respectively. It was found that the biopolymer matrix provided superior protection for the encapsulated BACs during freeze-drying compared to the fruit matrix. The AA determined in MNPJ and MNAJ microparticles by DPPH and ABTS assays decreased only 1.1 and 1.5 times, respectively, while in freeze-dried jostaberry, AA showed a decrease of 3.7 times (DPPH) and 2.3 times (ABTS), respectively. Tukey’s post hoc HSD analysis revealed multiple significant differences (p < 0.05) between storage intervals for all measured parameters. While DPPH and ABTS values progressively decreased, total polyphenols (TPC) and anthocyanins concentration (TAC) and their retention efficiency showed changes after specific storage intervals (3, 6 and 12 months). After 12 months of storage, TPC and TAC decreased by 8.2% and 12.2% in MNPJ and by 3.3% and 3.9% in MNAJ, respectively. Therefore, microparticles containing sodium alginate showed the lowest BAC loss during storage. The obtained results reveal that after 12 months of storage, the color and physicochemical properties of the microparticles remained largely stable. Full article

Background: Older people are more susceptible to deterioration of the gut microbiota. Prebiotics help improve the gut microbiota. Inulin, a major prebiotic, stimulates the growth of Bifidobacterium; however, it produces a large amount of gas, which leads to abdominal symptoms. Methods: In this study, in vitro fecal fermentation was performed using fecal samples from seven older people (mean subject age, 73.4 years; five men and two women) to examine whether combining inulin with another prebiotic material, resistant dextrin, could lead to decreased gas production and show prebiotic effects. Results: The Bifidobacterium counts and short-chain fatty acid production did not differ significantly between the inulin 0.5% group and the inulin 0.25% plus resistant dextrin 0.25% combination group. However, the inulin 0.25% plus resistant dextrin 0.25% combination group had lower gas production than the inulin 0.5% group (p < 0.10). Furthermore, compared with the inulin 0.5% group, the 0.25% combination group showed significantly greater gut microbiota diversity and tended toward a lower pH in the fermentation medium at the end of fermentation (p = 0.09). These effects are believed to be due to the combination of inulin, which is highly selective for Bifidobacterium and rapidly utilized by the gut microbiota, and resistant dextrin, which is slowly utilized by various bacterial genera. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the inulin plus resistant dextrin combination has superior prebiotic effects in older people and causes less gas production than inulin alone. Full article

Background/Objectives: Schisandra chinensis Fructus (SCF) is a traditional medicinal herb containing lignans that improves glucose metabolism by mitigating insulin resistance. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential and action mechanism of SCF for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using a network pharmacology analysis, followed by experimental validation in an AD rat model. Methods: The biological activities of SCF’s bioactive compounds were assessed through a network pharmacology analysis. An AD rat model was generated by infusing amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) (25–35) into the hippocampus to induce Aβ accumulation. The AD rats were fed either 0.5% dextrin (AD-Con) or 0.5% SCF (AD-SCF group) in a high-fat diet for seven weeks. The rats in the normal/control group received an Aβ (35–25) infusion (no Aβ deposition) and were fed a control diet (Normal-C). Aβ deposition, memory function, inflammation, and glucose/lipid metabolism were evaluated. Results: The network analysis revealed significant intersections between AD-related targets and bioactive SCF compounds, like gomisin A, schisandrin, and longikaurin A. Key AD genes prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2 (PTGS2, cyclooxygenase-2) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were linked to SCF compounds. In the rats with AD induced by bilaterally infusing amyloid-β (25–35) into the hippocampus, the 0.5% SCF intake mitigated hippocampal amyloid-β deposition, neuroinflammation, memory deficits, and dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism versus the AD controls. SCF reduced hippocampal AChE activity, inflammatory cytokine expression related to PTGS2, and malondialdehyde contents and preserved neuronal cell survival-related factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and ciliary neurotrophic factor similar to normal rats. The neuroprotective effects validated the network analysis findings. Conclusions: SCF could be a potential AD therapeutic agent by activating the parasympathetic nervous system to reduce hippocampal oxidative stress and inflammation, warranting further clinical investigations of its efficacy. Full article

The dextrinization of potato starch was performed using a sophisticated single-mode microwave reactor with temperature and pressure control using 10 cycles of heating with stirring between cycles. Microwave power from 150 to 250 W, a cycle time from 15 to 25 s, and two types of vessels with different internal diameters (12 and 24 mm) and therefore different thicknesses of the heated starch layer were used in order to estimate the impact of vessel size used for microwave dextrinization. The characteristics of resistant dextrins (RD) including solubility in water, total dietary fiber (TDF) content, color parameters, the share of various glycosidic bonds, and pasting and rheological properties were carried out. The applied conditions allowed us to obtain RDs with water solubility up to 74% at 20 °C, as well as TDF content up to 47%, with a predominance of low-molecular-weight soluble fiber fraction, with increased content of non-starch glycosidic bonds, negligible viscosity, and a slightly beige color. The geometry of the reaction vessel influenced the properties of dextrins obtained under the same heating power, time, and repetition amounts. Among the conditions used, the most favorable conditions were heating 10 times for 20 s at 200 W in a 10 mL vessel and the least favorable were 15 s cycles. Full article