Structural Characterization and Functional Studies of Exopolysaccharide by Native Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus P14 Isolated from the Moroccan Region

Bacterial exopolysaccharide and metal-doped bioactive glass nanoparticles-based electrospun membranes for chronic wound healing

Healing of chronic wounds requires interactive dressings that not only meet basic biological criteria, of biocompatibility, but also offer additional functionalities such as antioxidant and antibacterial properties. In this study, three novel multifunctional nanofibrous membranes based on EPS, an α-glucan exopolysaccharide produced by Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus P14, blended with PEO as a co-polymer were successfully developed using electrospinning. The membranes incorporated Cu or Ag-doped bioactive glass (BG) nanoparticles, to enhance their functionalities. The structural and thermal properties of the electrospun membranes were characterized using FT-IR, TGA, and DSC analysis. In addition, the surface morphology, fiber size, and porosity were examined by SEM analysis. Additionally, their biological properties, including antioxidant and antibacterial activities, were thoroughly investigated. SEM confirmed the effective electrospinning of the EPS-PEO and EPS-PEO-BG blends from aqueous solutions using optimized process parameters, resulting in the successful incorporation of the BG nanoparticles and uniform fibers with average diameter ranging from 270 to 352 nm. Moreover, DPPH RSA and FRAP assays showed a significant antioxidant capacity for all prepared membranes which is attributed to the EPS component. Moreover, the antibacterial activity revealed a notable inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus after 24 h exposure to the composite membranes. This work presents a novel synergistic approach to developing multifunctional wound dressing by combining the antioxidant properties of EPS, the antibacterial activity of ion-doped bioactive glass nanoparticles, and structural benefits of electrospinning.

Microbial exopolysaccharides: Unveiling the pharmacological aspects for therapeutic advancements

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) have emerged as a fascinating area of research in the field of pharmacology due to their diverse and potent biological activities. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological properties exhibited by EPSs, shedding light on their potential applications in various therapeutic areas. The review begins by introducing EPSs, exploring their various sources, significance in microbial growth and survival, and their applications across different industries. Subsequently, a thorough examination of the pharmaceutical properties of microbial EPSs unveils their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antidepressant, antidiabetic, antiviral, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Mechanistic insights into how different EPSs exert these therapeutic effects have also been discussed in this review. The review also provides comprehensive information about the monosaccharide composition, backbone, branches, glycosidic bonds, and molecular weight of pharmacologically active EPSs from various microbial sources. Furthermore, the factors that can affect the pharmacological activities of EPSs and approaches to improve the EPSs' pharmacological activity have also been discussed. In conclusion, this review illuminates the immense pharmaceutical promise of microbial EPS as versatile bioactive compounds with wide-ranging therapeutic applications. By elucidating their structural features, biological activities, and potential applications, this review aims to catalyze further research and development efforts in leveraging the pharmaceutical potential of microbial EPS for the advancement of human health and well-being, while also contributing to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the pharmaceutical industry.