Anticancer polysaccharides from natural resources: a review of recent research

An insight into cancer nanomedicine based on polysaccharides

With cancer rates on the rise around the world, cancer treatment has dominated scientific discussions in recent years. The toxicity of cytotoxic drugs, their lack of tumor localization, and their uniform dispersion into tumor tissues are the obstacles to cancer therapy. Other cancer treatment drawbacks include short blood circulation half-lives and undesirable pharmacokinetic behavior. Low-molecular-weight drugs conjugated with macromolecular carriers are better distributed in the body. The enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect causes natural and synthetic polymers, such as polysaccharides, proteins, antibodies, and poly amino acids, to accumulate in tumor tissue. Many manufactured and natural polymers are attractive polymeric drug carriers, allowing the creation of prodrugs from medicinal substances. Polysaccharides are biological polymers with structural and functional variations. They are also non-toxic, hydrophilic, biodegradable, and efficiently bioactive. Polysaccharides are ideal for synthesizing many nanoparticles due to their functional groups. Their ability to adapt to their microenvironment makes them valuable. Nanoplatforms based on polysaccharides can deliver targeted anticancer drugs for personalized cancer treatment. Unique polysaccharide structures and properties offer chemical and biological advantages for novel drug delivery. Polysaccharide-drug conjugation could revolutionize cancer chemotherapy. This study investigates polysaccharide conjugates and polysaccharides as natural biomaterials for cancer drug delivery.

Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Algae-Derived Compounds in Hematological Malignancies

Algae are a rich source of bioactive compounds that have a wide range of beneficial effects on human health and can show significant potential in the treatment of hematological malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. These diseases often pose a therapeutic challenge despite recent advances in treatment (e.g., the use of immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, CD38 monoclonal antibodies, stem cell transplant, and targeted therapy). A considerable number of patients experience relapses or resistance to the applied therapies. Algal compounds, alone or in combination with chemotherapy or other more advanced therapies, have exhibited antitumor and immunomodulatory effects in preclinical studies that may improve disease outcomes. These include the ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit tumor growth, and improve immune responses. However, most of these studies are conducted in vitro, often without in vivo validation or clinical trials. This paper summarizes the current evidence on the in vitro effects of algae extracts and isolated compounds on leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma cell lines. In addition, we address the current advances in the application of algae-derived compounds as targeted drug carriers and their synergistic potential against hematologic malignancies.

A systematic review of advances in preparation, structures, bioactivities, structural-property relationships, and applications of Polyporus umbellatus polysaccharides

Polyporus umbellatus (Pers.) Fries is an edible fungus species belonging to the Polygonaceae family. Polysaccharides, the predominant bioactive compounds in P. umbellatus, have been widely used due to its abundant nutritional and medicinal benefits. Since the first unrefined P. umbellatus polysaccharides (PUPs) was obtained in 1973, they have been studied for half a century, and are currently gaining increasing attention. These research findings are however quite fragmented. In this review, current relevant research data regarding techniques for the preparation (extraction, fractionation, and purification) and structural characterization (molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic bond types, and structural features) of PUPs covering a period of over 50 years are reviewed. Furthermore, this review comprehensively examines the functional properties, structure-activity relationships, and current applications of PUPs. Future research should prioritize standardized preparation process, reliable quality control and specific mechanisms to further advance the utilization and development of PUPs and their related products.

Advances in polysaccharide-based materials for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications: A comprehensive review

Polysaccharides, the most abundant biopolymers in nature, have attracted the attention of researchers and clinicians due to its practicality in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. These biomaterials have high bioavailability and play structural and functional roles in living organisms. Polysaccharides are classified into several groups based on their origin, including plant polysaccharides and marine polysaccharides (like chitosan, hyaluronic acid, dextran, alginates, etc.) with specific applications. These biopolymers possess unique physicochemical (such as surface functional groups, solubility, and stability), mechanical (like mechanical strength and tensile), and biomedical (such as antioxidant activity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewability, and non-immunogenicity) characteristics which have made them excellent platforms for a wide variety of biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Ease of extraction and different preparation approaches are mentioned as other potential properties of polysaccharides that further improved their practicality in biomedical sciences. They have high drug/bioactive encapsulation capacity and sustained/controlled release manner in in vivo microenvironments. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation, stimuli-responsive drug/bioactive release, and passive and active drug/bioactive delivery are considered the potential features of these biopolymers in pharmaceutical sciences. Polysaccharides have indicated practical applications in biomedical sciences, including biosensors, tissue engineering, implantation, wound healing, vascular grafting, and vaccines. This review highlights the advances of polysaccharide-based materials in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences.

The latest research progress on polysaccharides-based biosensors for food packaging: A review

In recent years, polysaccharide-based biosensors have emerged as promising technologies for intelligent food packaging, offering innovative solutions to enhance food quality and safety. This review highlights advancements in designing, developing, and applying these biosensors, particularly those utilizing polysaccharides such as chitosan, cellulose and alginate. Engineered with nanomaterials like ZnO, silver, and carbon nano-tubes demonstrated high sensitivity in real-time monitoring of food spoilage indicators, including pH changes, volatile nitrogen compounds and microbial activity. We discuss the electrochemical properties of these biosensors, highlighting how the integration of electrochemical methods significantly improves their detection capabilities within packaging environments, leading to sensor sensitivity enhancement, greater accuracy, and spoilage detection, ultimately extending the shelf life of perishable food products. Additionally, the review addresses the practical challenges of industrial implementation and explores future research directions for optimizing sensor functionality and scalability. The findings underscore the potential of polysaccharide-based intelligent packaging as a sustainable and effective alternative to conventional methods, paving the way for broader commercial adoption.

The potential auxiliary effects of Sargassum fusiform polysaccharides on sitagliptin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus

This work aimed to evaluate the potential positive effects of Sargassum fusiform polysaccharides (SFP) as add-on adjuncts to sitagliptin (SIT) in treating diabetes in rats. The results showed that both SIT and SIT co-administrated with SFP (SIT+SFP) could improve hyperglycemia, glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia, and SIT+SFP exhibited better effects in alleviating the levels of blood glucose, glucose tolerance, insulin resistance index, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to SIT administration. Intestinal flora analysis showed that SIT+SFP treatment significantly restored the beneficial composition of gut flora as compared with SIT administration, such as the increase of Lactobacillus, Romboutsia, Blautia, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014 and Ruminococcus_1, and the decrease of Helicobacter, Escherichia-Shigella and Pseudomonas. The fecal metabolite analysis demonstrated that the fecal bile acid and short-chain fatty acid levels in the SIT+SFP group significantly increased compared to SIT treatment. Additionally, mRNA expression results confirmed that the hypoglycemic effects of SIT+SFP were better than those of SIT, which might be attributed to the regulation of blood glucose absorption, inhibition of gluconeogenesis and regulation of cholesterol metabolism. These results suggested that SFP could be used as an auxiliary substance for SIT in treating diabetes mellitus.

Anti-Cancer Potential of Linear β-(1→6)-D-Glucan from Agaricus bisporus on Estrogen Receptor-Positive (ER+) Breast Cancer Cells

Mushroom β-D-glucans can be isolated from several species, including the widely consumed Agaricus bisporus. Besides immunomodulatory responses, some β-D-glucans may exhibit direct antitumoral effects. It was previously observed that a β-(1→6)-D-glucan (BDG16) has indirect cytotoxicity on triple-negative breast cancer cells. In this study, the cytotoxicity of this same glucan was observed on estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Cell viability was determined by multiple methods to assess metabolic activity, lysosomal membrane integrity, and adhesion capacity. Assays to evaluate cell respiration, cell cycle, apoptosis, necroptosis, and oxidative stress were performed to determine the action of BDG16 on MCF-7 cells. A gradual and significant cell viability reduction was observed when the cells were treated with BDG16 (10-1000 µg/mL). This result could be associated with the inhibition of the basal state respiration after incubation with the β-D-glucan. The cells showed a significant arrest in G1 phase population at 1000 µg/mL, with no induction of apoptosis. However, an increase in necrosis and necroptosis at the same concentration was observed. No difference in oxidative stress-related molecules was observed. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that BDG16 directly induces toxicity in MCF-7 cells, primarily by impairing mitochondrial respiration and promoting necroptosis. The specific mechanisms that mediate this action are being investigated.

Anticoccidial potentials of Azadirachta indica ethosomal nanovesicle in broiler chicks

This study evaluated the efficacy of Azadirachta indica ethosomal nanovesicle against Eimeria tenella infection in broiler chicks. Azadirachta indica ethanolic extract was screened phtochemically and analyzed active components of the extracts using high‑performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Azadirachta indica ethosomal nanovesicle was synthesized and characterized by zeta potential and scanning electron microscope. Broiler chicks were allocated into seven groups. Control group. The second group administered nanosized ethosomal vesicles (1 mL/kg b.wt.). The third group administered Azadirachta indica nanovesicles (30 mg/kg b.wt.) from 10th day of age. Fourth group was infected with E. tenella at a dose of 1 mL containing 40000 oocyst/ chick at 14th day of age. The fifth group administered Azadirachta indica nanovesicle (30 mg/kg b.wt.) from 10th day of age and infected with E. tenella as fourth group. The sixth group infected with E. tenella as the fourth group and treated with Azadirachta indica nanovesicle (30 mg/kg b.wt. for 4 days after clinical signs appearance. The seventh group infected with E. tenella as the fourth group and treated with diclazuril group (1 mL/4 L of water) for 2 successive days. Coccidiosis significantly decreased body weight, feed intake, reduced glutathione (GSH) level while increased feed conversion ratio, oocyst count, malonaldehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) serum levels, protein expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), BAX and Caspase 3, in cecal tissue and induced cecal tissue injury. However, administration of coccidiosis chicks Azadirachta indica nanovesicle enhanced body weight, and serum GSH. While decreased feed intake, feed conversion ratio, oocyst count, MDA, and NO serum levels, and protein expression of IL-1β, IL-6, BAX, and caspase 3 in cecal tissues and ameliorated cecal tissue damage. This study indicated that, A. indica ethosomal nanovesicle had potent anticoccidial properties.

Investigating the Anticancer Effects of Pleurotus ostreatus Polysaccharide on G0/G1 Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cells

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Despite the advancement of cancer treatment by various means including surgery, chemotherapy etc, cancer is still a challenging disease to manage. This study was undertaken to investigate extraction, purification, structural elucidation, and the potential anti-cancer effects of Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharide (POP). The anti-cancer activities were performed on the Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Cell Line. The results demonstrated that the MW of POP was154649.8 Da with homopolysaccharide composed of D-glucose units, featuring (1→6)-α-D-Glcp backbone with O-6 branches and T-α-D-Glcp terminations. and the yield was 6.27 %. The antitumor activity assessment demonstrated significant cytotoxicity of POP against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells, with an IC50 of 121.801 μg mL, supported by LDH release analysis. POP inhibited cell migration, invasion, and colony formation, indicating its potential as an anti-cancer agent. POP elicited the apoptotic activity with the upregulation of Caspase-9 and Bax, and downregulation of Bcl-2. The DNA fragmentation assay further confirmed apoptosis-mediated DNA degradations. Additionally, POP-induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, by altering the expression of p53, Cyclin D, and Cdk4 proteins. So, Pleurotus ostreatus polysaccharide (POP) showed significant cytotoxicity on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma cells, indicating potential as an anti-cancer agent.

Interactions between Gut Microbiota and Natural Bioactive Polysaccharides in Metabolic Diseases: Review

The gut microbiota constitutes a complex ecosystem, comprising trillions of microbes that have co-evolved with their host over hundreds of millions of years. Over the past decade, a growing body of knowledge has underscored the intricate connections among diet, gut microbiota, and human health. Bioactive polysaccharides (BPs) from natural sources like medicinal plants, seaweeds, and fungi have diverse biological functions including antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and metabolic activities. Their effects are closely tied to the gut microbiota, which metabolizes BPs into health-influencing compounds. Understanding how BPs and gut microbiota interact is critical for harnessing their potential health benefits. This review provides an overview of the human gut microbiota, focusing on its role in metabolic diseases like obesity, type II diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases. It explores the basic characteristics of several BPs and their impact on gut microbiota. Given their significance for human health, we summarize the biological functions of these BPs, particularly in terms of immunoregulatory activities, blood sugar, and hypolipidemic effect, thus providing a valuable reference for understanding the potential benefits of natural BPs in treating metabolic diseases. These properties make BPs promising agents for preventing and treating metabolic diseases. The comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which BPs exert their effects through gut microbiota opens new avenues for developing targeted therapies to improve metabolic health.

Hydrogels Based on Proteins Cross-Linked with Carbonyl Derivatives of Polysaccharides, with Biomedical Applications

Adding carbonyl groups into the hydrogel matrix improves the stability and biocompatibility of the hydrogels, making them suitable for different biomedical applications. In this review article, we will discuss the use of hydrogels based on polysaccharides modified by oxidation, with particular attention paid to the introduction of carbonyl groups. These hydrogels have been developed for several applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound healing. The review article discusses the mechanism by which oxidized polysaccharides can introduce carbonyl groups, leading to the development of hydrogels through cross-linking with proteins. These hydrogels have tunable mechanical properties and improved biocompatibility. Hydrogels have dynamic properties that make them promising biomaterials for various biomedical applications. This paper comprehensively analyzes hydrogels based on cross-linked proteins with carbonyl groups derived from oxidized polysaccharides, including microparticles, nanoparticles, and films. The applications of these hydrogels in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound healing are also discussed.

The relationship between polysaccharide structure and its antioxidant activity needs to be systematically elucidated

Polysaccharides have a wide range of applications due to their excellent antioxidant activity. However, the low purity and unclear structure of polysaccharides have led some researchers to be skeptical about the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides. The current reports on the structure-activity relationship of polysaccharides are sporadic, so there is an urgent need to systematically summarize the antioxidant effects of polysaccharides with clear structures and the relationships between the structures to provide a scientific basis for the development and application of polysaccharides. This paper will systematically elucidate the structure-activity relationship of antioxidant polysaccharides, including the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkage, degree of branching, advanced conformation and chemical modification. For the first time, the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides is related to their chemical structure through histogram and radar map, and further studies using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. We critically discussed how the source, chemical structure and chemically modified groups of polysaccharides significantly contribute to their antioxidant activity and summarized the current research status and shortcomings of the structure-activity relationship of antioxidant polysaccharides. This review provides a theoretical basis and new perspective for further research on the structure-activity relationship of antioxidant polysaccharides and the development of natural antioxidants.

A novel glycoglycerolipid from Holotrichia diomphalia Bates: Structure characteristics and protective effect against DNA damage

A lipidated polysaccharide, HDPS-2II, was isolated from the dried larva of Holotrichia diomphalia, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine. The molecular weight of HDPS-2II was 5.9 kDa, which contained a polysaccharide backbone of →4)-β-Manp-(1 → 4,6)-β-Manp-(1 → [6)-α-Glcp-(1]n → 6)-α-Glcp→ with the side chain α-Glcp-(6 → 1)-α-Glcp-(6 → linked to the C-4 of β-1,4,6-Manp and four types of lipid chains including 4-(4-methyl-2-(methylamino)pentanamido)pentanoic acid, 5-(3-(tert-butyl)phenoxy)hexan-2-ol, N-(3-methyl-5-oxopentan-2-yl)palmitamide, and N-(5-amino-3-methyl-5-oxopentan-2-yl)stearamide. The lipid chains were linked to C-1 of terminal α-1,6-Glcp in carbohydrate chain through diacyl-glycerol. HDPS-2II exhibited DNA protective effects and antioxidative activity on H2O2- or adriamycin (ADM)-induced Chinese hamster lung cells. Furthermore, HDPS-2II significantly ameliorated chromosome aberrations and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced γ-H2AX signaling and the expressions of NADPH oxidase (NOX)2, NOX4, P22phox, and P47phox in ADM-induced cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, HDPS-2II suppressed ADM-induced up-regulation of NOX2 and NOX4 in cardiomyocytes, but not in NOX2 or NOX4 knocked-down cardiomyocytes, indicating that HDPS-2II could relieve intracellular DNA damage by regulating NOX2/NOX4 signaling. These findings demonstrate that HDPS-2II is a new potential DNA protective agent.

Angelica sinensis polysaccharide combined with cisplatin reverses cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer by inducing ferroptosis via regulating GPX4

Cisplatin (DDP) resistance poses a significant challenge in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Studies have shown that the combination of certain polysaccharides derived from plants with DDP is an effective approach to overcoming drug resistance in some cancers. Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels has been used for centuries in China to treat gynecological ailments. Numerous studies indicate that Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP), an extract from Angelica sinensis, can inhibit various forms of cancer. However, the impact of ASP on ovarian cancer remains unexplored. Through both in vitro and in vivo experiments, our study revealed the capability of ASP to effectively reversing DDP resistance in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells, while exhibiting acceptable safety profiles in vivo. To elucidate the mechanism underlying drug resistance reversal, we employed RNA-seq analysis and identified GPX4 as a key gene. Considering the role of GPX4 in ferroptosis, we conducted additional research to explore the effects of combining ASP with DDP on SKOV3/DDP cells. In summary, our findings demonstrate that the combination of ASP and DDP effectively suppresses GPX4 expression in SKOV3/DDP cells, thereby reversing their resistance to DDP.

Insights into the molecular mechanisms, structure-activity relationships and application prospects of polysaccharides by regulating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response

The occurrence and development of many diseases are closely related to oxidative stress. In this context, accumulating evidence suggests that Nrf2, as the master switch of cellular antioxidant signaling, plays a central role in controlling the expression of antioxidant genes. The core molecular mechanism of polysaccharides treatment of oxidative stress-induced diseases is to activate Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, promote nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and up-regulate the expression of antioxidant enzymes. However, recent studies have shown that other signaling pathways in which polysaccharides exert antioxidant effects, such as PI3K/Akt/GSK3β, JNK/Nrf2 and NF-κB, have complex crosstalk with Keap1/Nrf2/ARE, may have direct effects on the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. This suggests a new strategy for designing polysaccharides as modulators of Nrf2-dependent pathways to target the antioxidant response. Therefore, in this work, we investigate the crosstalk between Keap1/Nrf2/ARE and other antioxidant signaling pathways of polysaccharides by regulating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response. For the first time, the structural-activity relationship of polysaccharides, including molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic linkage, is systematically elucidated using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. This review also summarizes the application of antioxidant polysaccharides in food, animal production, cosmetics and biomaterials. The paper has significant reference value for screening antioxidant polysaccharides targeting Nrf2.

Polysaccharides from a Fermented Beverage Induce Nitric Oxide and Cytokines in Murine Macrophage Cell Line

Super Ohtaka®, a fermented beverage of plant extracts, is prepared from approximately 50 kinds of fruits and vegetables. Natural fermentation is mainly performed by lactic acid bacteria (Leuconostoc spp.) and yeast (Zygosaccharomyces spp.). Four water-soluble polysaccharide fractions were obtained from Super Ohtaka® by dialysis, ion exchange chromatography, and gel filtration chromatography; these fractions were designated as OEP1-1, OEP1-2, OEP2, and OEP3. OEP1-1 is a polysaccharide composed solely of glucose. The other fractions contained polysaccharides composed of glucose, galactose, mannose, and a small amount of arabinose. OEP2 and OEP3 contained phosphorus, which was not detected in OEP1-1 and OEP1-2. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory activity of the polysaccharides was investigated in murine macrophage cell lines. OEP2 and OEP3 significantly induced nitric oxide (NO) secretion by macrophages in a dose-dependent manner (concentration range of 4 to 100 µg/mL). When the concentration of OEP3 was 100 µg/mL, NO production was almost identical to lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 ng/mL) used as a positive control. Notably, OEP3 induced NO secretion more strongly than OEP2. This trend was also observed for TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12 p40 secretion. Overall, our in vitro studies on polysaccharides isolated from Super Ohtaka® suggest that the fermented beverage stimulates macrophages and activates the immune system.

Doxorubicin-loaded zymosan nanoparticles: Synergistic cytotoxicity and modulation of apoptosis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in C26 colorectal cancer cells

Zymosan is a β-glucan isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae that could be employed for drug delivery. We synthesized zymosan nanoparticles and measured their structural and morphological properties using XRD, UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM and AFM. The loading of doxorubicin (DOX) onto the nanoparticles was confirmed by FT-IR, and the DOX release was shown to be pH-dependent. The effect of these agents on C26 cell viability was evaluated by MTT tests and the expression of genes connected with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and apoptosis were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Treatments were able to suppress the proliferation of C26 cells, and the zymosan nanocarriers loaded with DOX enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of DOX in a synergistic manner. Zymosan nanoparticles were able to suppress the expression of cyclin D1, VEGF, ZEB1, and Twist mRNAs. Treatment groups upregulated the expression of caspase-8, while reducing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, thus promoting apoptosis. In conclusion, zymosan nanoparticles as DOX nanocarriers could provide a more targeted drug delivery through pH-responsiveness, and showed synergistic cytotoxicity by modifying Wnt/β-catenin signaling and apoptosis.

Galactomannan inhibits Trichinella spiralis invasion of intestinal epithelium cells and enhances antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity related killing of larvae by driving macrophage polarization

Previous studies have shown that recombinant Trichinella spiralis galectin (rTsgal) is characterized by a carbohydrate recognition domain sequence motif binding to beta-galactoside, and that rTsgal promotes larval invasion of intestinal epithelial cells. Galactomannan is an immunostimulatory polysaccharide composed of a mannan backbone with galactose residues. The aim of this study was to investigate whether galactomannan inhibits larval intrusion of intestinal epithelial cells and enhances antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), killing newborn larvae by polarizing macrophages to the M1 phenotype. The results showed that galactomannan specially binds to rTsgal, and abrogated rTsgal facilitation of larval invasion of intestinal epithelial cells. The results of qPCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry showed that galactomannan and rTsgal activated macrophage M1 polarization, as demonstrated by high expression of iNOS (M1 marker) and M1 related genes (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), and increased CD86+ macrophages. Galactomannan and rTsgal also increased NO production. The killing ability of macrophage-mediated ADCC on larvae was also significantly enhanced in galactomannan- and rTsgal-treated macrophages. The results demonstrated that Tsgal may be considered a potential vaccine target molecule against T. spiralis invasion, and galactomannan may be a novel adjuvant therapeutic agent and potential vaccine adjuvant against T. spiralis infection.

Laminaria japonica polysaccharide alleviates type 2 diabetes by regulating the microbiota-gut-liver axis: A multi-omics mechanistic analysis

The hypoglycemic effects of low-molecular-weight Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJO) were investigated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice, focusing on its effect on the microbiome, metabolome, and transcriptome. The findings demonstrated that LJO significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, insulin levels, and inflammatory factors. Additionally, LJO induced changes in gut microbiota composition and increased the concentrations of cecal short-chain fatty acids. Analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics data revealed that LJO primarily altered the endocrine and digestive systems, signal transduction, and lipid metabolism. It led to a decrease in palmitic acid levels and an increase in glutathione levels. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay suggested that LJO upregulated Irs1 expression, consequently reducing insulin resistance. These findings strongly suggest that LJO holds promise in ameliorating T2DM and may serve as a potential dietary supplement for patients with T2DM.

Corrigendum: Immunomodulatory function and anti-tumor mechanism of natural polysaccharides: a review

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147641.].

Effects of Antrodia cinnamomea solid culture mycelium by-products on growth performance and immune response in weaning black piglets

This study evaluated the effects of supplementation with Antrodia cinnamomea mycelium by-product (ACBP) on growth performance and immune response in weaning piglets. Total available content and antioxidant capacity of ACBP were determined. Ninety-six black pigs were randomly distributed to 24 pens. Study compared four groups which were supplemented with ACBP at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, or 10% for 6 weeks after weaning at 4 weeks. Results showed that ACBP on total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total triterpenoids contents were 13.68 mg GAE/g DW, 1.67 μg QE/g DW, and 15.6 mg/g, respectively. Weaning piglets fed 2.5% ACBP showed a significant decreased body weight gain compared with those supplemented with 5% ACBP, 10% ACBP, and control groups. Results showed that all ACBP groups increased the villi height of jejunum significantly. Incidence of diarrhea in 11 weeks with supplementation with 5% and 10% ACBP diets were lower than in control group. The 10% ACBP group showed significantly lower expression of immune response genes (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) than the 2.5% and 5% ACBP groups. Based on results, dietary supplementation with 10% ACBP did not significantly affect body weight but could decrease piglet diarrhea condition and expression of IL-1β and IL-6 genes.

Advances in sulfonated modification and bioactivity of polysaccharides

Polysaccharides, as biological macromolecules, are widely found in plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria and exhibit various biological activities. However, many natural polysaccharides exhibit low or non-existent biological activities because of their high molecular weights and poor water solubility, limiting their application in many fields. Sulfonation is one of the most effective chemical modification methods to improve physicochemical properties and biological activities of natural polysaccharides or even impart natural polysaccharides with new biological activities. Therefore, sulfonated polysaccharides have attracted increasing attention because of their antioxidant, anticoagulant, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties. This paper reviews the recent advances in the sulfonation of polysaccharides, including preparation, characterization, and biological activities of sulfonated polysaccharides, and provides a theoretical basis for wide applications of sulfonated polysaccharides.

Fucoidan's Molecular Targets: A Comprehensive Review of Its Unique and Multiple Targets Accounting for Promising Bioactivities Supported by In Silico Studies

Fucoidan is a class of multifunctional polysaccharides derived from marine organisms. Its unique and diversified physicochemical and chemical properties have qualified them for potential and promising pharmacological uses in human diseases, including inflammation, tumors, immunity disorders, kidney diseases, and diabetes. Physicochemical and chemical properties are the main contributors to these bioactivities. The previous literature has attributed such activities to its ability to target key enzymes and receptors involved in potential disease pathways, either directly or indirectly, where the anionic sulfate ester groups are mainly involved in these interactions. These findings also confirm the advantageous pharmacological uses of sulfated versus non-sulfated polysaccharides. The current review shall highlight the molecular targets of fucoidans, especially enzymes, and the subsequent responses via either the upregulation or downregulation of mediators' expression in various tissue abnormalities. In addition, in silico studies will be applied to support the previous findings and show the significant contributors. The current review may help in understanding the molecular mechanisms of fucoidan. Also, the findings of this review may be utilized in the design of specific oligomers inspired by fucoidan with the purpose of treating life-threatening human diseases effectively.

Extraction of Polysaccharides from Root of Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax. and the Effects of Ultrasound Treatment on Its Properties and Antioxidant and Immune Activities

The hydrophilic polysaccharides (PS) were isolated and purified from the tuberous roots of Pseudostellaria heterophylla. The extraction process of PS from Pesudostellariae radix was optimized by single-factor experiments and orthogonal design. The extract was purified by DEAE cellulose column to obtain the pure polysaccharide PHP. Then PHP was treated with different intensities of sonication to study the effect of sonication on PHP's characteristics and its biological activity in vitro and in vivo. The results of this study revealed that ultrasound treatment did not significantly change the properties of PHP. Further, with the increase of ultrasound intensity, PHP enhanced the proliferation and phagocytosis of macrophage RAW264.7. Meanwhile, it could also significantly improve the body's antioxidant activity and immune function. The results of this study demonstrated that PHP has the potential as a food additive with enhanced antioxidant and immune functions, and its biological activities could be enhanced by sonication.

Exploring the partial degradation of polysaccharides: Structure, mechanism, bioactivities, and perspectives

Polysaccharides are promising biomolecules with lowtoxicity and diverse bioactivities in food processing and clinical drug development. However, an essential prerequisite for their applications is the fine structure characterization. Due to the complexity of polysaccharide structure, partial degradation is a powerful tool for fine structure analysis, which can effectively provide valid information on the structure of backbone and branching glycosidic fragments of complex polysaccharides. This review aims to conclude current methods of partial degradation employed for polysaccharide structural characterization, discuss the molecular mechanisms, and describe the molecular structure and solution properties of degraded polysaccharides. In addition, the effects of polysaccharide degradation on the conformational relationships between the molecular structure and bioactivities, such as antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory activities, are also discussed. Finally, we summarize the prospects and current challenges for the partial degradation of polysaccharides. This review will be of great value for the scientific elucidation of polysaccharide fine structures and potential applications.

Plant miRNA bol-miR159 Regulates Gut Microbiota Composition in Mice: In Vivo Evidence of the Crosstalk between Plant miRNAs and Intestinal Microbes

New evidence reveals that bol-miR159, an miRNA rich in fruits and vegetables, cross-kingdomly functions in mammalian bodies. However, whether the miRNA could regulate gut microbiota remains unclear. Here, the effect of miR159 on mouse intestinal microbes was comprehensively examined. The results showed that supplementation of miR159 to the chow diet significantly enhanced the diversity of mouse gut microbiota without causing pathological lesions or inflammatory responses on the intestines. At the phylum level, miR159 increased the abundance of Proteobacteria and decreased the Firmicute-to-Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio. miR159 had prebiotic-like effects on mouse gut microbiota, as it promoted the growth of the bacteria that is beneficial for maintaining gut health. The miRNA can target bacteria genes and get into the bacteria cells. The data provide direct in vivo evidence on the crosstalk between plant miRNAs and intestinal microbes, highlighting the potential for miRNA-based strategies that modulate gut microbes to improve host health.

Ultrasonic and homogenization: An overview of the preparation of an edible protein-polysaccharide complex emulsion

Emulsion systems are extensively utilized in the food industry, including dairy products, such as ice cream and salad dressing, as well as meat products, beverages, sauces, and mayonnaise. Meanwhile, diverse advanced technologies have been developed for emulsion preparation. Compared with other techniques, high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) and high-pressure homogenization (HPH) are two emerging emulsification methods that are cost-effective, green, and environmentally friendly and have gained significant attention. HIUS-induced acoustic cavitation helps in efficiently disrupting the oil droplets, which effectively produces a stable emulsion. HPH-induced shear stress, turbulence, and cavitation lead to droplet disruption, altering protein structure and functional aspects of food. The key distinctions among emulsification devices are covered in this review, as are the mechanisms of the HIUS and HPH emulsification processes. Furthermore, the preparation of emulsions including natural polymers (e.g., proteins-polysaccharides, and their complexes), has also been discussed in this review. Moreover, the review put forward to the future HIUS and HPH emulsification trends and challenges. HIUS and HPH can prepare much emulsifier-stable food emulsions, (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides, and protein-polysaccharide complexes). Appropriate HIUS and HPH treatment can improve emulsions' rheological and emulsifying properties and reduce the emulsions droplets' size. HIUS and HPH are suitable methods for developing protein-polysaccharide forming stable emulsions. Despite the numerous studies conducted on ultrasonic and homogenization-induced emulsifying properties available in recent literature, this review specifically focuses on summarizing the significant progress made in utilizing biopolymer-based protein-polysaccharide complex particles, which can provide valuable insights for designing new, sustainable, clean-label, and improved eco-friendly colloidal systems for food emulsion. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Utilizing complex particle-stabilized emulsions is a promising approach towards developing safer, healthier, and more sustainable food products that meet legal requirements and industrial standards. Moreover, the is an increasing need of concentrated emulsions stabilized by biopolymer complex particles, which have been increasingly recognized for their potential health benefits in protecting against lifestyle-related diseases by the scientific community, industries, and consumers.

An UPLC-MS/MS method for targeted analysis of microbial and host tryptophan metabolism after administration of polysaccharides from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. in ulcerative colitis mice

Botanic polysaccharides can be metabolized by gut microbiota into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to exert extensive bioactivities, yet targeted analysis of the effect of botanic polysaccharides on other gut microbial metabolites is scarcely seen. Tryptophan metabolites such as indole and indole derivatives play import roles in health and disease development. Using polysaccharides from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (AMP) in treating ulcerative colitis as the example, we checked the effects of AMP on tryptophan metabolites. After examination of pharmacological effects of AMP, we established an ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method to simultaneously determinate the levels of 30 tryptophan metabolites and used the method to determine the levels of these metabolites in feces and plasma. The detection results showed that 12 metabolites in feces can be detected, and 17 metabolites can be detected in plasma samples. In addition, we found out that total levels of aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands were decreased in colitis model whereas AMP treatment can increase the levels of total ligands in both feces and plasma. The results indicated that the therapeutical effect of AMP on colitis was associated with modulation of fecal and host tryptophan metabolism. This study provides new insight into the molecular mechanisms of polysaccharides that the beneficial effects of polysaccharides can be achieved by modulating microbial tryptophan metabolism in addition to SCFAs.

Natural polysaccharides exert anti-tumor effects as dendritic cell immune enhancers

With the development of immunotherapy, the process of tumor treatment is also moving forward. Polysaccharides are biological response modifiers widely found in plants, animals, fungi, and algae and are mainly composed of monosaccharides covalently linked by glycosidic bonds. For a long time, polysaccharides have been widely used clinically to enhance the body's immunity. However, their mechanisms of action in tumor immunotherapy have not been thoroughly explored. Dendritic cells (DCs) are a heterogeneous population of antigen presenting cells (APCs) that play a crucial role in the regulation and maintenance of the immune response. There is growing evidence that polysaccharides can enhance the essential functions of DCs to intervene the immune response. This paper describes the research progress on the anti-tumor immune effects of natural polysaccharides on DCs. These studies show that polysaccharides can act on pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on the surface of DCs and activate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Dectin-1/Syk, and other signalling pathways, thereby promoting the main functions of DCs such as maturation, metabolism, antigen uptake and presentation, and activation of T cells, and then play an anti-tumor role. In addition, the application of polysaccharides as adjuvants for DC vaccines, in combination with adoptive immunotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), as well as their co-assembly with nanoparticles (NPs) into nano drug delivery systems is also introduced. These results reveal the biological effects of polysaccharides, provide a new perspective for the anti-tumor immunopharmacological research of natural polysaccharides, and provide helpful information for guiding polysaccharides as complementary medicines in cancer immunotherapy.

Bioactivity of polysaccharides derived from bivalves

Bivalves have high diversity, widely distributed in various aquatic environments, including saltwater, brackish water and freshwater. Bivalves are known to rich in polysaccharides and have wide applications in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and industrial research. Despite many relevant reports are available, the information is poorly organized. Therefore, in this study, we conducted a comprehensive scientific review on the potential bioactivity of polysaccharides derived from bivalves. In general, the polysaccharides derived from bivalves possess various bioactive properties, including anticancer, antioxidant, anticoagulant and immunomodulatory activities. The bioactivity of these biomolecules highly depends on the bivalve species, extraction methods, purification methods, dosages, etc. The information in this study can provide an overview of the bioactivities of bivalve polysaccharides. This is very useful to be used as a guide for identifying the health benefits of polysaccharides derived from different bivalve species.

Recent advances in the influences of drying technologies on physicochemical properties and biological activities of plant polysaccharides

Plant polysaccharides, as significant functional macromolecules with diverse biological properties, are currently receiving increasing attention. Drying technologies play a pivotal role in the research, development, and application of various foods and plant polysaccharides. The chemical composition, structure, and function of extracted polysaccharides are significantly influenced by different drying technologies (e.g., microwave, infrared, and radio frequency) and conditions (e.g., temperature). This study discusses and compares the principles, advantages, disadvantages, and effects of different drying processes on the chemical composition as well as structural and biological properties of plant polysaccharides. In most plant-based raw materials, molecular degradation, molecular aggregation phenomena along with intermolecular interactions occurring within cell wall components and cell contents during drying represent primary mechanisms leading to variations in chemical composition and structures of polysaccharides. These differences further impact their biological properties. The biological properties of polysaccharides are determined by a combination of multiple relevant factors rather than a single factor alone. This review not only provides insights into selecting appropriate drying processes to obtaining highly bioactive plant polysaccharides but also offers a fundamental theoretical basis for the structure-function relationship of these compounds.

Multifunctional polysaccharide nanoprobes for biological imaging

Imaging and tracking biological targets or processes play an important role in revealing molecular mechanisms and disease states. Bioimaging via optical, nuclear, or magnetic resonance techniques enables high resolution, high sensitivity, and high depth imaging from the whole animal down to single cells via advanced functional nanoprobes. To overcome the limitations of single-modality imaging, multimodality nanoprobes have been engineered with a variety of imaging modalities and functionalities. Polysaccharides are sugar-containing bioactive polymers with superior biocompatibility, biodegradability, and solubility. The combination of polysaccharides with single or multiple contrast agents facilitates the development of novel nanoprobes with enhanced functions for biological imaging. Nanoprobes constructed with clinically applicable polysaccharides and contrast agents hold great potential for clinical translations. This review briefly introduces the basics of different imaging modalities and polysaccharides, then summarizes the recent progress of polysaccharide-based nanoprobes for biological imaging in various diseases, emphasizing bioimaging with optical, nuclear, and magnetic resonance techniques. The current issues and future directions regarding the development and applications of polysaccharide nanoprobes are further discussed.

A zinc-modified Anemarrhena asphodeloides polysaccharide complex enhances immune activity via the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways

Anemarrhena asphodeloides polysaccharide (AAP70-1) was reported to have immunomodulatory effects in our previous report. To further improve the immunomodulatory effects of AAP70-1, an A. asphodeloides polysaccharide-zinc complex (AAP-Zn) was synthesized using a ZnCl2 modification method, and the potential mechanisms by which AAP-Zn activates macrophages were investigated. The results showed that the structural features of AAP-Zn were similar to those of AAP70-1 with a Zn content of 0.2 %, confirming that Zn mainly interacted with AAP70-1 by forming ZnO coordination bonds and Zn…OH bonds. In addition, the administration of AAP70-1 and AAP-Zn effectively improved the immunomodulatory effects by enhancing phagocytosis and upregulating the mRNA expression of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18), as well as increasing the production levels of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in zebrafish embryos. The intracellular mechanism by which AAP-Zn activates macrophages was found to involve activation of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Our findings suggested that AAP-Zn may be a potential immunopotentiator in the field of biomedicine or functional foods.

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Selenium Nanoparticles-Bacillus sp. MKUST-01 Exopolysaccharide (SeNPs-EPS) Conjugate for Biomedical Applications

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are exogenous microbial metabolites generated predominantly during the development of bacteria. They have several biological potentials, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer actions. Polysaccharide-coated nanoparticles have high biological activity and are used in treatments and diagnostics. In this research, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are synthesized and conjugated with bacterial (Bacillus sp. MKUST-01) exopolysaccharide (EPS). Initially, the creation of SeNPs conjugates was verified through UV-Vis spectral examination, which exhibited a prominent peak at 264 nm. Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis further substantiated the existence of crystalline Se, as evidenced by a robust reflection at 29.78°. Another reflection observed at 23.76° indicated the presence of carbon originating from the EPS. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of the EPS capped with SeNPs displayed characteristic peaks at 3425 cm-1, 2926 cm-1, 1639 cm-1, and 1411 cm-1, corresponding to the presence of O-H, C-H, C=O, and COO-groups. The SeNPs themselves were found to possess elongated rod-shaped structures with lengths ranging from 250 to 550 nm and a diameter of less than 70 nm, as confirmed using scanning electron microscopy and particle size analysis. In contrast to the SeNPs, the SeNPs-EPS conjugates showed no hemolytic activity. The overall antioxidant activity of SeNPs-EPS conjugates outperformed 20% higher than SeNPs and EPS. Additionally, experimental observations involving gnotobiotic Artemia nauplii experiments were also recorded, such as the supplementation of EPS and SeNPs-EPS conjugates corresponding to enhanced growth and increased survival rates compared to Artemia nauplii fed with SeNPs and a microalgal diet.

Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations Clarify Binding Sites for Interactions of Novel Marine Sulfated Glycans with SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein

The entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cell is mediated by its S-glycoprotein (SGP). Sulfated glycans bind to the SGP receptor-binding domain (RBD), which forms a ternary complex with its receptor angiotensin converting enzyme 2. Here, we have conducted a thorough and systematic computational study of the binding of four oligosaccharide building blocks from novel marine sulfated glycans (isolated from Pentacta pygmaea and Isostichopus badionotus) to the non-glycosylated and glycosylated RBD. Blind docking studies using three docking programs identified five potential cryptic binding sites. Extensive site-targeted docking and molecular dynamics simulations using two force fields confirmed only two binding sites (Sites 1 and 5) for these novel, highly charged sulfated glycans, which were also confirmed by previously published reports. This work showed the structural features and key interactions driving ligand binding. A previous study predicted Site 2 to be a potential binding site, which was not observed here. The use of several molecular modeling approaches gave a comprehensive assessment. The detailed comparative study utilizing multiple modeling approaches is the first of its kind for novel glycan-SGP interaction characterization. This study provided insights into the key structural features of these novel glycans as they are considered for development as potential therapeutics.

Nanofood Process Technology: Insights on How Sustainability Informs Process Design

Nanostructured products are an actively growing area for food research, but there is little information on the sustainability of processes used to make these products. In this Review, we advocate for selection of sustainable process technologies during initial stages of laboratory-scale developments of nanofoods. We show that selection is assisted by predictive sustainability assessment(s) based on conventional technologies, including exploratory ex ante and "anticipatory" life-cycle assessment. We demonstrate that sustainability assessments for conventional food process technologies can be leveraged to design nanofood process concepts and technologies. We critically review emerging nanostructured food products including encapsulated bioactive molecules and processes used to structure these foods at laboratory, pilot, and industrial scales. We apply a rational method via learning lessons from sustainability of unit operations in conventional food processing and critically apportioned lessons between emerging and conventional approaches. We conclude that this method provides a quantitative means to incorporate sustainability during process design for nanostructured foods. Findings will be of interest and benefit to a range of food researchers, engineers, and manufacturers of process equipment.

Comparison of the dried properties of Ganoderma lucidum produced by the convective dryer and infrared dryer

Ganoderma lucidum is a promising medicine with a high amount of antioxidants and calcium. The selection of appropriate drying process methods in food science has a chief role to reach the best final characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the effects of air velocity and temperature in the convective dryer, sample distance, and infrared power in infrared dryers on the drying kinetics and quality of Ganoderma lucidum slices. In addition, Response Surface Methodology based on central composition design was used to optimize and analyze drying conditions. The ranges of temperature and air velocity were 40-60 °C and 0.5-1.5 m/s, respectively in the convective drying process while the range of distance and infrared power was 4-16 cm and 500-1500 W, respectively in the infrared drying process. It is worth mentioning that antioxidant and calcium contents were greatly enhanced during the drying procedures. Moreover, the values of the total color difference ranged between 8.21 and 19.66 for the convective dryer and 8.14 and 28.85 for the infrared dryer. A kinetic study indicated that dried samples by the infrared dryer could rapidly reach equilibrium moisture content due to exposure to IR radiation. Consequently, the results indicated that the infrared dryer has better performance than the convective dryer regarding drying time, energy consumption, and amount of calcium and antioxidant.

Hydrogel-Forming Microneedles with Applications in Oral Diseases Management

Controlled drug delivery in the oral cavity poses challenges such as bacterial contamination, saliva dilution, and inactivation by salivary enzymes upon ingestion. Microneedles offer a location-specific, minimally invasive, and retentive approach. Hydrogel-forming microneedles (HFMs) have emerged for dental diagnostics and therapeutics. HFMs penetrate the stratum corneum, undergo swelling upon contact, secure attachment, and enable sustained transdermal or transmucosal drug delivery. Commonly employed polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone are crosslinked with tartaric acid or its derivatives while incorporating therapeutic agents. Microneedle patches provide suture-free and painless drug delivery to keratinized or non-keratinized mucosa, facilitating site-specific treatment and patient compliance. This review comprehensively discusses HFMs' applications in dentistry such as local anesthesia, oral ulcer management, periodontal treatment, etc., encompassing animal experiments, clinical trials, and their fundamental impact and limitations, for example, restricted drug carrying capacity and, until now, a low number of dental clinical trial reports. The review explores the advantages and future perspectives of HFMs for oral drug delivery.

Extraction, Purification, Structural Characteristics, Biological Activity and Application of Polysaccharides from Portulaca oleracea L. (Purslane): A Review

Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane) is a widely distributed plant with a long history of cultivation and consumption. Notably, polysaccharides obtained from purslane exhibit surprising and satisfactory biological activities, which explain the various benefits of purslane on human health, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor, antifatigue, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. This article systematically reviews the extraction and purification methods, chemical structure, chemical modification, biological activity and other aspects of polysaccharides from purslane collected in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Flora of China, Web of Science, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar and CNKI databases in the last 14 years, using the keywords "Portulaca oleracea L. polysaccharides" and "purslane polysaccharides". The application of purslane polysaccharides in different fields is also summarized, and its application prospects are also discussed. This paper provides an updated and deeper understanding of purslane polysaccharides, which will provide useful guidance for the further optimization of polysaccharide structures and the development of purslane polysaccharides as a novel functional material, as well as a theoretical basis for its further research and application in human health and manufacturing development.

5-Fluorouracil-Encapsulated Films Using Exopolysaccharides from a Thermophilic Bacterium Geobacillus sp. WSUCF1 for Topical Drug Delivery

Bacteria are capable of producing a specific type of biopolymer, termed exopolysaccharides (EPSs). EPSs from thermophile Geobacillus sp. strain WSUCF1 specifically can be assembled using cost-effective lignocellulosic biomass as the primary carbon substrate in lieu of traditional sugars. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an FDA-approved, versatile chemotherapeutic that has yielded high efficacy against colon, rectum, and breast cancers. The present study investigates the feasibility of a 5% 5-fluorouracil film using thermophilic exopolysaccharides as the foundation in conjunction with a simple self-forming method. The drug-loaded film formulation was seen to be highly effective against A375 human malignant melanoma at its current concentration with viability of A375 dropping to 12% after six hours of treatment. A drug release profile revealed a slight burst release before it settled into an extended and maintained release of 5-FU. These initial findings provide evidence for the versatility of thermophilic exopolysaccharides produced from lignocellulosic biomass to act as a chemotherapeutic-delivering device and expand the overall applications of extremophilic EPSs.

Ganoderma lucidum: Novel Insight into Hepatoprotective Potential with Mechanisms of Action

Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) has been widely used for its health benefits as an edible and traditional medicinal mushroom for thousands of years in Asian countries. It is currently used as a nutraceutical and functional food owing to its major bioactive compounds, polysaccharides and triterpenoids. G. lucidum exhibits a broad range of hepatoprotective impacts in various liver disorders, such as hepatic cancer, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcohol-induced liver disease, hepatitis B, hepatic fibrosis, and liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and α-amanitin. G. lucidum protects the liver through a broad range of mechanisms that include the modulation of liver Phase I and II enzymes, the suppression of β-glucuronidase, antifibrotic and antiviral actions, the regulation of the production of nitric oxide (NO), the maintenance of hepatocellular calcium homeostasis, immunomodulatory activity, and scavenging free radicals. G. lucidum could signify an encouraging approach for the management of various chronic hepatopathies, and its potential mechanisms make it a distinctive agent when used alone or with other drugs and applied as a functional food, nutraceutical supplement, or adjuvant to modern medicine. This review summarizes the hepatoprotective properties of G. lucidum with its various mechanisms of action on different liver ailments. Biologically active substances derived from G. lucidum are still being studied for their potential benefits in treating different liver ailments.

Biopharmaceutical applications of microbial polysaccharides as materials: A review

Biological characteristics of natural polymers make microbial polysaccharides an excellent choice for biopharmaceuticals. Due to its easy purifying procedure and high production efficiency, it is capable of resolving the existing application issues associated with some plant and animal polysaccharides. Furthermore, microbial polysaccharides are recognized as prospective substitutes for these polysaccharides based on the search for eco-friendly chemicals. In this review, the microstructure and properties of microbial polysaccharides are utilized to highlight their characteristics and potential medical applications. From the standpoint of pathogenic processes, in-depth explanations are provided on the effects of microbial polysaccharides as active ingredients in the treatment of human diseases, anti-aging, and drug delivery. In addition, the scholarly developments and commercial applications of microbial polysaccharides as medical raw materials are also discussed. The conclusion is that understanding the use of microbial polysaccharides in biopharmaceuticals is essential for the future development of pharmacology and therapeutic medicine.

Assessing the Antitumor Potential of Variants of the Extracellular Carbohydrate Polymer from Synechocystis ΔsigF Mutant

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide with a huge societal and economic impact. Clinically effective and less expensive anticancer agents derived from natural sources can help to overcome limitations and negative side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Previously, we showed that the extracellular carbohydrate polymer of a Synechocystis ΔsigF overproducing mutant displayed a strong antitumor activity towards several human tumor cell lines, by inducing high levels of apoptosis through p53 and caspase-3 activation. Here, the ΔsigF polymer was manipulated to obtain variants that were tested in a human melanoma (Mewo) cell line. Our results demonstrated that high molecular mass fractions were important for the polymer bioactivity, and that the reduction of the peptide content generated a variant with enhanced in vitro antitumor activity. This variant, and the original ΔsigF polymer, were further tested in vivo using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Both polymers significantly decreased xenografted CAM tumor growth and affected tumor morphology, by promoting less compact tumors, validating their antitumor potential in vivo. This work contributes with strategies for the design and testing tailored cyanobacterial extracellular polymers and further strengths the relevance of evaluating this type of polymers for biotechnological/biomedical applications.

Immunomodulatory function and anti-tumor mechanism of natural polysaccharides: A review

Polysaccharides extracted from natural resources have attracted extensive attention in biomedical research and pharmaceutical fields, due to their medical values in anti-tumor, immunomodulation, drug delivery, and many other aspects. At present, a variety of natural polysaccharides have been developed as adjuvant drugs in clinical application. Benefit from their structural variability, polysaccharides have great potential in regulating cellular signals. Some polysaccharides exert direct anti-tumor effects by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, while the majority of polysaccharides can regulate the host immune system and indirectly inhibit tumors by activating either non-specific or specific immune responses. As the essential of microenvironment in the process of tumor development has been gradually revealed, some polysaccharides were found to inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells via tumoral niche modulation. Here, we focused on natural polysaccharides with biomedical application potential, reviewed the recent advancement in their immunomodulation function and highlighted the importance of their signaling transduction feature for the antitumor drug development.

A Natural Glucan from Black Bean Inhibits Cancer Cell Proliferation via PI3K-Akt and MAPK Pathway

A natural α-1,6-glucan named BBWPW was identified from black beans. Cell viability assay showed that BBWPW inhibited the proliferation of different cancer cells, especially HeLa cells. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that BBWPW suppressed the HeLa cell cycle in the G2/M phase. Consistently, RT-PCR experiments displayed that BBWPW significantly impacts the expression of four marker genes related to the G2/M phase, including p21, CDK1, Cyclin B1, and Survivin. To explore the molecular mechanism of BBWPW to induce cell cycle arrest, a transcriptome-based target inference approach was utilized to predict the potential upstream pathways of BBWPW and it was found that the PI3K-Akt and MAPK signal pathways had the potential to mediate the effects of BBWPW on the cell cycle. Further experimental tests confirmed that BBWPW increased the expression of BAD and AKT and decreased the expression of mTOR and MKK3. These results suggested that BBWPW could regulate the PI3K-Akt and MAPK pathways to induce cell cycle arrest and ultimately inhibit the proliferation of HeLa cells, providing the potential of the black bean glucan to be a natural anticancer drug.

Characterization and Cytotoxic Activity of Microwave-Assisted Extracted Crude Fucoidans from Different Brown Seaweeds

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) is recognized as a green method for extraction of natural products. The current research aimed to explore the MAE for fucoidans extraction from different brown seaweeds, including Fucus vesiculosus, F. spiralis, and Laminaria saccharina. Following several solvent-extraction pre-treatment steps and MAE optimization, the algal biomasses were extracted in a ratio of 1:25 in 0.1 M HCl containing 2 M CaCl2 for 1.0 min. The results showed that L. saccharina's extract was different from the others, regarding the highest sugar content reached 0.47 mg glucose equivalent/mg extract being confirmed by monosaccharide composition analysis and the lowest fucoidan content and sulfation degree at 0.09 mg/mg extract and 0.13, respectively. Moreover, these findings were confirmed by tentative structural elucidation based on Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry which also showed a different spectrum. However, the MAE enhanced melanoidins formation in products, which was confirmed by the intense band at 1420 cm-1. Interestingly, the results of monomeric composition showed that fucoidan extract by MAE from F. vesiculosus belonged to sulfated galactofucans which are known for their potential bioactivities. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of the four fucoidans in concentrations ranging from 4.9 µg/mL to 2500 µg/mL was investigated and correlated with the chemical characterization showing that F. vesiculosus_MAE fucoidan was the most potent and safest. The current research revealed the chemical heterogeneity of fucoidans regarding taxonomical class and used greener extraction method of fucoidans toward the achievement of the UN sustainability goals.

Pharmacokinetic study of Strongylocentrotus nudus egg polysaccharide in rats and beagles using a 3H-labeling method

Strongylocentrotus nudus egg polysaccharide (SEP) extracted from sea urchins has potential anticancer activity. However, little is known about its pharmacokinetic properties. To investigate the pharmacokinetics of SEP, it was radiolabeled with tritium. Furthermore, a sensitive, selective, and rapid liquid scintillation counter (LSC) method for quantifying ³H-SEP in biological matrix was validated. The lower quantification limit of the method was 4 Bq. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the intra- and inter-day precision were <3.0% and <3.9%, respectively. ³H-SEP was successfully applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of SEP after intravenous administration of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg (40 μCi/kg) in rats and 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg (6 μCi/kg) in beagles. The AUC_(0-t) of SEP at three different doses was 487.81 ± 39.99 mg/L*h, 1,003.10 ± 95.94 mg/L*h, and 2,188.84 ± 137.73 mg/L*h in rats and 144.12 ± 3.78 mg/L*h, 322.62 ± 28.03 mg/L*h, and 754.17 ± 37.79 mg/L*h in beagles. The terminal elimination half-life (t_1/2) of SEP was longer in beagles (204.29 ± 139.34 h) than in rats (35.48 ± 6.04 h). The concentration of SEP in plasma declined rapidly in both rats and beagles. All the study results provide detailed pharmacokinetic profiles of SEP in two kinds of animals, which will be helpful for further development.