Effect of Polysaccharide Conformation on Ultrafiltration Separation Performance

Microbial welan gum production, chemistry and applications: A review

Welan gum, an extracellular polysaccharide produced by the Sphingomonas sp., has attracted considerable interest due to its distinctive properties and promising applications in adhesion, thickening, suspension, emulsification, stabilization, lubrication, and film formation. However, several unresolved issues related to welan gum, particularly its low biosynthesis efficiency, have hindered its widespread industrial application. This review first aims to provide a comprehensive overview of welan gum, focusing on its structure and development, the production strains, and biosynthesis pathways. To facilitate the industrial application of welan gum, we further summarize strategies, including optimizing fermentation conditions and engineering production strains to enhance yield, and discuss methods for the recovery and purification of welan gum based on existing literature. Then, we explore the relationship between the modification, structure, and properties of welan gum, emphasizing how these factors can enhance its functionality and application value. Furthermore, the review elucidates the behavior of welan gum in aqueous solutions, examining the impacts of pH, cations, temperature variations, and various additives. In conclusion, we provide a concise summary of the current applications of welan gum and present key research areas that warrant further investigation to advance its use in industry.

Polysaccharides isolated from shufeng jiedu capsules by cross-flow ultrafiltration show anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and zebrafish inflammatory models

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shufeng Jiedu Capsules (SFJDC) is a traditional Chinese patent medicine comprising eight traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). SFJDC is known for its anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects and is mainly used in clinics to treat upper respiratory tract infections. Currently, studies on the active ingredients of the SFJDC all focus on small-molecule compounds. In contrast, bio-macromolecules, such as the anti-inflammatory activities of polysaccharides in SFJDC, have not been studied, and the composition of the polysaccharides in SFJDC is also unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to isolate active polysaccharides from Shufeng Jiedu capsules and determine their structural properties and anti-inflammatory activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The polysaccharides with different molecular weights were prepared by organic solvent extraction, alcohol precipitation, dialysis, and cross-flow ultrafiltration. The structural characterization of polysaccharides was clarified by high-performance size exclusion chromatography (HPGPC), ion chromatography (IC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of polysaccharides on Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The in vivo study was employed on the CuSO4-induced and LPS-stimulated zebrafish inflammatory models, and the survival analysis, observation of neutrophil migration, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, and qRT-PCR assays were used to investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of polysaccharides.

RESULTS

The crude polysaccharides SFJDC-CP were obtained from the mixed aqueous extract of SFJDC with a yield of 38.72 %. Both SFJDC and SFJDC-CP dose-dependently inhibited the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and SFJDC-CP was more effective at a lower dosage. SFJDC-CP was further separated into three fractions, SFJDC-CP1-CP3, by cross-flow ultrafiltration apparatus with nominal molecular weight cut-offs of 100 kDa, 50 kDa, and 10 kDa membrane cassettes, and the yields were approximately 58.19 %, 10.88 %, and 30.94 %, respectively. The MWs of the SFJDC-CP and its SFJDC-CP1-CP3 were 35.7 kDa, 149.1 kDa, 34.5 kDa, and 15.1 kDa, respectively. The four polysaccharides were composed of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, and galacturonic acid in different molar ratios. Non-toxic concentrations of the four polysaccharides ranged from 12.5 to 200 μg/mL. The four polysaccharides significantly reduced the mRNA expression levels and release of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P < 0.0001) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Polysaccharides also decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and neutrophil migration (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001) in both CuSO4-induced and LPS-microinjected zebrafish inflammatory models. Additionally, they effectively inhibited the mRNA levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in LPS-infected zebrafish (P < 0.01 or P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Polysaccharides isolated from Shufeng Jiedu capsules have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and zebrafish inflammatory models. This study provided preliminary evidence that polysaccharides are one of the main anti-inflammatory ingredients of Shufeng Jiedu capsules. Additionally, it may provide valuable perspectives for investigating polysaccharides in other TCM formulations, particularly those obtained through aqueous extraction methods.

Advances in the structural characterization and pharmacological activity of Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharides

Background

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is the dried root and rhizome of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, a labiatae plant. Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharide (SMP) is the main active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. The extraction methods of SMP mainly include water extraction, ultrasonic extraction, enzyme extraction, microwave-assisted extraction and acid-base extraction. It is mainly composed of glucose, arabinose, rhamnose, galactose and other monosaccharides. SMP has a variety of biological activities, including immune regulation, anti-tum, anti-oxidation, myocardial protection, liver protection and so on.

Purpose

Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharide is widely used in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, and has high research value. Natural polysaccharides are non-toxic, soluble in water, and have a wide range of biological activities, so they have broad research prospects.

Methods

The data was collected using different online resources including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using keywords given below.

Results

In the past decades, various reports have shown that the pharmacological activities of Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharides have good effects, and the side effects are small.

Conclusion

This paper summarizes the extraction and purification methods, molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkage, pharmacological activity, toxicity, product development, clinical research and other contents of Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharides in recent years, providing a theoretical basis for further study of Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharides.

The efficient separation of bioactive components from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver using membrane filtration technology and its mechanisms in preventing alcoholic liver disease

The efficient extraction and purification of active components from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (EUO) are crucial for their utilization. The structure and properties of the prepared EUO leaf polysaccharides (ELPs) and extractum (ELE) were comprehensively characterized in this study, and the intervention mechanism of the EUO polysaccharides and extractum in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) were investigated. The yield of EUO extractum was 24.82 %, from which nine active components were identified. The yield of EUO leaf polysaccharides was 8.06 %, and the polysaccharides were fractionated into three components ELP1, ELP2, and ELP3 through ultrafiltration technology, with yields of 4.19 %, 1.26 %, and 2.59 %, respectively. Ultrafiltration significantly reduced protein content, enhanced polysaccharide homogeneity, and altered monosaccharide composition. ELP3 exhibited higher scavenging efficacy on •OH and ABTS•+ than ELP1 and ELP2, reaching 82.53 % and 88.41 % respectively. ELP3 and ELE intervention preserved liver integrity, mitigated lipid accumulation and inflammation, and regulated hepatic oxidative stress. Moreover, they maintained intestinal barrier function, suppressed harmful bacteria (Escherichia-Shigella, and UBA1819), and promoted beneficial bacteria (Dubosiella, Monoglobus, and Lachnospiraceae). Thirteen hallmark differential metabolites were identified, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that ELP3 and ELE may ameliorate ALD through pathways like longevity regulation, choline metabolism in cancer, oxidative phosphorylation, and AMPK signaling pathway. This investigation holds significance in delineating the beneficial effects of ELP3 and ELE in ALD alleviation.

Systematic preparation of animal-derived glycosaminoglycans: Research progress and industrial significance

Impurities and isomerized polysaccharides affect the analytical accuracy of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) structure and bioactivity, hindering their application in food and medicine. Preparing homogeneous GAGs components is essential for exploring structure-potency relationships and facilitating industrial production. This review primarily summarizes research on animal-derived GAGs preparation over the past five years, standardizing the preparation process into four operational units: pre-extraction treatment, extraction of crude polysaccharides, refinement of crude polysaccharides, and separation of GAGs components. Analyzed for scientific research and industrial production, the principles and application conditions of traditional means and novel techniques to preparing GAGs are comprehensively emphasized, exploring the effects of different treatments on biological activity and structure. Current challenges and development trends are illuminated. This review aims to lay a foundation for the in-depth study of GAGs structure, bioactivity, and function, providing theoretical references for the comprehensive utilization of animal raw materials and the development of animal polysaccharide deep-processing industries.

Structural Characterization of, and Protective Effects Against, CoCl2-Induced Hypoxia Injury to a Novel Neutral Polysaccharide from Lycium barbarum L

Oxidative stress is closely related to the occurrence and development of ischaemic stroke. Natural plant polysaccharides have potential value in inhibiting oxidative stress and preventing ischaemic stroke. Here, a novel neutral polysaccharide named LICP009-3F-1a with a Mw of 10,780 Da was separated and purified from Lycium barbarum L. fruits. Linkage and NMR data revealed that LICP009-3F-1a has the following backbone: →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, with a branched chain of β-D-Galp-(1→3)-β-D-Galp-(1→, α-L-Araf-(1→ and →6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ connected to the main chain through O-3 of →3,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→. X-ray and SEM analyses showed that LICP009-3F-1a has a semicrystalline structure with a laminar morphology. Thermal property analysis showed that LICP009-3F-1a is thermally stable. In vivo experiments suggested that LICP009-3F-1a could inhibit hypoxia-induced oxidative stress damage by eliminating ROS, reversing and restoring the activities of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GPx, and reducing the expression levels of the HIF-1α and VEGF genes. Blocking the apoptosis genes Bax and Caspase 3 and upregulating the expression of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 protected PC12 cells from hypoxia-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that LICP009-3F-1a may have multiple potential uses in the treatment of IS.

The synergistic enhancement or inhibition of different molecular weight components of mannoproteins after ultrafiltration on the encapsulation

This study investigated the effects of molecular weight regulation on mannoproteins (MPs) in encapsulating both monomeric and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (MOPC). To achieve this, two different conformations of MPs were fractionated by ultrafiltration into two main molecular weight components. The results indicated that regulating molecular weight through ultrafiltration altered the conformation of MPs chains, which in turn affected the intermolecular forces with MOPC. Specifically, the interactions among the different molecular weight components of MPs formed a cross-linking network. High molecular weight components provided external support to this network, while low molecular weight components contributed to internal stabilization. The dense, flexible, and irregular coil structure of MPs facilitated the entry of MOPC into the internal spaces of the cross-linking network. Additionally, protein unfolding into a more stable β-sheet structure further stabilized MPs' cross-linking network, enhancing its capacity to encapsulate MOPC. The presence of more hydrophobic regions and positive charges within the proteins increased the number of binding sites for MOPC. This study aimed to identify the primary structural forms of MPs with potent initial bitter inhibition capabilities on MOPC, and a proposed ultrafiltration method was introduced to modify the triple helix structure of polysaccharide, offering a foundational theoretical framework for enhancing the functional attributes of current or prospective MPs. Additionally, the mixed regulation of polysaccharides with varying conformations was also beneficial for guiding the production of high-efficiency polysaccharide products.

Recent advances in polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems for cancer therapy: a comprehensive review

Cancer has a high rate of incidence and mortality throughout the world. Although several conventional approaches have been developed for the treatment of cancer, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and thermal therapy, they have remarkable disadvantages which result in inefficient treatment of cancer. For example, immunogenicity, prolonged treatment, non-specificity, metastasis and high cost of treatment, are considered as the major drawbacks of chemotherapy. Therefore, there is a fundamental requirement for the development of breakthrough technologies for cancer suppression. Polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems (DDSs) are the most reliable drug carriers for cancer therapy. Polysaccharides, as a kind of practical biomaterials, are divided into several types, including chitosan, alginates, dextran, hyaluronic acid, cyclodextrin, pectin, etc. Polysaccharides are extracted from different natural resources (like herbal, marine, microorganisms, etc.). The potential features of polysaccharides have made them reliable candidates for therapeutics delivery to cancer sites; the simple purification, ease of modification and functionalization, hydrophilicity, serum stability, appropriate drug loading capacity, biocompatibility, bioavailability, biodegradability and stimuli-responsive and sustained drug release manner are considerable aspects of these biopolymers. This review highlights the practical applications of polysaccharides-based DDSs in pharmaceutical science and cancer therapy.

Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides from the lateral roots of Aconitum carmichaelii

Two polysaccharides, named FPS1-1 and FPS1-2, were separated from the neutral polysaccharides of the lateral roots of Aconitum carmichaelii, a widely used traditional Chinese medicine (Fuzi in Chinese). The monosaccharide composition analysis indicated that both FPS1-1 and FPS1-2 were glucans. However, further physicochemical analysis of FPS1-1 and FPS1-2 revealed distinct properties between the two glucans. FPS1-1 had a molecular weight (Mw) of 106.23 kDa with a spherical conformation, while FPS1-2 had a lower Mw of 19.23 kDa with a random coil conformation. The structure of FPS1-2 was further determined as a glucan whose backbone structure was composed of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→. The immunological activities of two polysaccharides were evaluated by a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunodeficiency model in mice. The result showed that FPS1-2 could restore CTX-induced immunosuppression by modulating CD4+ T cells differentiation and promoting cytokine secretion. Notably, FPS1-2 could modulate the colonic short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels and reverse the gut microbial dysbiosis induced by CTX. These findings reveal the potential benefits of Fuzi polysaccharides and provide evidences for developing immunologically functional products from Fuzi polysaccharides.

Bioactive Polysaccharides from Gracilaria lemaneiformis: Preparation, Structures, and Therapeutic Insights

Gracilaria lamaneiformis, a red seaweed, is an abundant source of bioactive polysaccharides with significant health-promoting properties. Nevertheless, the broad application of G. lamaneiformis in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors remains constrained due to the absence of comprehensive data. This review provides a detailed examination of the preparation methods, structural characteristics, and biological activities of G. lamaneiformis polysaccharides (GLPs). We explore both conventional and advanced extraction techniques, highlighting the efficiency and yield improvements achieved through methods such as microwave-, ultrasonic-, and enzyme-assisted extraction. The structural elucidation of GLPs using modern analytical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, is discussed, providing comprehensive insights into their molecular composition and configuration. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the diverse biological activities of GLPs, including their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and gut microbiota modulation properties. This review underscores the therapeutic potential of GLPs and suggests future research directions to fully harness their health benefits.

The impact of ultrasonic-assisted extraction on the in vitro hypoglycemic activity of peach gum polysaccharide in relation to its conformational conversion

BACKGROUND

Peach gum (PG) is an exudate of the peach tree (Prunus persica of the Rosaceae family), which consists primarily of polysaccharides with a large molecular weight and branching structure. Consequently, PG can only swell in water and does not dissolve easily, which severely limits its application. Current conventional extraction methods for PG polysaccharide (PGPS) are time consuming and inefficient. This study investigated the impact of ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) on PGPS structure and conformation, and their relationship to hypoglycemic activity in vitro.

RESULTS

In comparison with conventional aqueous extraction, UAE enhanced PGPS yielded from 28.07-32.83% to 80.37-84.90% (w/w) in 2 h. It drastically decreased the molecular size and conformational parameters of PGPS, including weight-average molecular weight (Mw), number-average molecular weight (Mn), z-average radius of gyration (Rg), hydrodynamic radius (Rh) and instrinsic viscosity ([η]) values. Peach gum polysaccharide conformation converted extended molecules to flexible random coil chains or compact spheres with no obvious primary structure alteration. Furthermore, UAE altered the flow behavior of PGPS solution from that of a non-Newtonian fluid to that of a Newtonian fluid. As a result, PGPS treated with UAE displayed weaker inhibitory activity than untreated PGPS, mostly because UAE weakens the binding strength of PGPS to α-glucosidase. However, this negative effect of UAE on PGPS activity was compensated by the increased solubility of polysaccharide. This enabled PGPS to achieve a wider range of doses.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction is capable of degrading PGPS efficiently while preserving its primary structure, resulting in a Newtonian fluid solution. The degraded PGPS conformations displayed a consistent correlation with their inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase activity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Extraction, purification, structural characteristics, and pharmacological activities of the polysaccharides from corn silk: A review

Corn silk is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine possessing multiple beneficial effects, whose active ingredient is corn silk polysaccharide (CSP). CSP is abundant in corn silk, and has a variety of bioactivities, such as antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatorenal-protective, antitumor, anti-fatigue, immunomodulating, and anti-ischemia-reperfusion injury effects. Moreover, CSP ameliorates diabetes, diabetes nephropathy, and hyperlipidemia. This review aimed to comprehensively and systematically summarize recent information on the extraction, purification, structural characterization, biological activity, potential mechanism, and toxicity of CSP. Thus, it could provide a reference for the further use of CSP and discuss the future prospects of CSP research and development.

Methods of study on conformation of polysaccharides from natural products: A review

Polysaccharides from natural products play multiple roles and have extensive bioactivities in life process. Bioactivities of polysaccharides (e.g., Lentinan, Schizophyllan, Scleroglucan, Curdlan, Cinerean) have a close relation to their chain conformation. Compared to other types of polysaccharides, the conformation of β-glucan has been studied more. The major research methods of conformation of polysaccharides from natural products (Congo red experiment, circular dichroism spectrum, viscosity method, light scattering method, size exclusion chromatography, atomic force microscope), corresponding experimental schemes, and the external factors affecting polysaccharide conformation were reviewed in this paper. These research methods of conformation have been widely used, among which Congo red experiment and viscosity method are the most convenient ones to study the morphological changes of polysaccharide chains.

Extraction, purification, structural features, modifications, bioactivities, structure-activity relationships, and applications of polysaccharides from garlic: A review

Garlic is a common vegetable and spice in people's daily diets, in which garlic polysaccharide (GP) is one of the most important active components with a variety of benefits, such as antioxidant, immune-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, liver-protective and bowel-regulating properties. >20 types of GPs, mainly crude polysaccharides, have been identified. However, the exact chemical composition of GPs or the mechanism underlying their pharmacological activity is still not fully understood. The extraction and purification methods of GPs are compared in this review while providing detailed information on their structural features, identification methods, major biological activities, mechanisms of actions, structural modifications, structure-activity relationships as well as potential applications. Finally, the limitations of GP research and future issues that need to be addressed are discussed in this review. GPs are widely recognized as substances with great potential in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the latest research progresses in the field of GPs, together with scientific insights and a theoretical support for the development of GPs in research and industrialization.

Armillariella tabescens polysaccharide treated rats with oral ulcers through modulation of oral microbiota and activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

We identified Armillariella tabescens polysaccharide (PAT-W), a compound isolated from a Chinese medicinal mushroom, as a potential novel oral ulcer (OU) drug. In treating OU rats with PAT-W, especially in the high-dose group, oral mucous tissue TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were markedly reduced, and pathological morphology and oxidative stress were effectively improved. Western blot analysis showed that the PAT-W channel ameliorated OU mucous tissue damage, which depends on the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant signaling pathway. Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing results showed that PAT-W regulated the maladjustment of the oral microbiota caused by OU. Therefore, based on the new viewpoint of activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and regulating oral microbiota, PAT-W is expected to become a new natural drug for treating oral ulcers and improving patients' quality of life.

Rapid preparation and proton NMR fingerprinting of polysaccharides from Radix Astragali

The purity, content, and structure of the polysaccharides prepared from a specific medicinal plant are the fundamental basis to interpret the observed biological activities. An ultrafiltration-based method has been developed for rapid preparation of total and fractional polysaccharides from Radix Astragali in high yield and purity. This method involves extraction of plant material by hot water, treatment with Sevag reagent, and ultrafiltration using molecular weight cutoff concentrators. The prepared polysaccharides were assessed by 1H NMR spectroscopy, providing general purity, fingerprinting, and structural information. This method may be used to efficiently screen polysaccharides in plants.

Chemical Composition of Macroalgae Polysaccharides from Galician and Portugal Coasts: Seasonal Variations and Biological Properties

Crude polysaccharides extracted from the Codium sp. and Osmundea sp. macroalgae collected in different seasons (winter, spring and summer) from the Galician and North Portugal coasts were characterised, aiming to support their biomedical application to wound healing. An increase in polysaccharides' sulphate content was registered from winter to summer, and higher values were obtained for Osmundea sp. In turn, the monosaccharide composition constantly changed with a decrease in glucose in Osmundea sp. from spring to winter. For Codium sp., a higher increase was noticed regarding glucose content in the Galician and Portugal coasts. Galactose was the major monosaccharide in all the samples, remaining stable in all seasons and collection sites. These results corroborate the sulphate content and antioxidant activity, since the Osmundea sp.-derived polysaccharides collected in summer exhibited higher scavenging radical ability. The biocompatibility and wound scratch assays revealed that the Osmundea sp. polysaccharide extracted from the Portugal coast in summer possessed more potential for promoting fibroblast migration. This study on seasonal variations of polysaccharides, sulphate content, monosaccharide composition and, consequently, biological properties provides practical guidance for determining the optimal season for algae harvest to standardise preparations of polysaccharides for the biomedical field.

Preparation, structures, and biological functions of rhamnan sulfate from green seaweed of the genus Monostroma: A review

Rhamnan sulfate, a rhamnose-rich sulfated polysaccharide, is present in the cell walls of green seaweed belonging to the genus Monostroma. This macromolecule demonstrates promising therapeutic properties, including anti-coagulant, thrombolytic, anti-viral, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory activities, which hold potential applications in food and medical industries. However, rhamnan sulfate has not garnered as much attention from researchers as other seaweed polysaccharides, including alginate, carrageenan, and fucoidan. This review discusses the extraction and purification techniques of rhamnan sulfate, delves into its chemical structures and related elucidation approaches, and provides an overview of its biological functions. Future research should focus on the structure-activity relationship of rhamnan sulfate and the industrial preparation of rhamnan sulfate with a specific homogeneous structure to facilitate its practical applications.

Recent developments in Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharides: Isolation, purification, structural characteristics and biological activities

In recent years, natural polysaccharides have attracted more and more attention and research because of their value in the medicine, beauty and food fields. Salvia miltiorrhiza is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used for thousands of years and has antidiabetic, antifibrotic, neuroprotective, antioxidation, anti-inflammatory and other effects. It mainly includes rosmarinic acid, tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, tanshinone IIB, procatechualdehyde, polysaccharide and salvianolic acids. Salvia miltiorrhiza polysaccharide is a polysaccharide extracted and isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza and has diverse biological functions, including antioxidation, anti-tumor, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, immune regulatory and cardioprotective effect. In this review, the extraction, purification, structural characterization and biological activity of SMPs are summarized and new perspectives for the future work of SMPs were also proposed, we hope our research can provide a reference for further research on SMPs.

Isolation, Characterization, and Compositional Analysis of Polysaccharides from Pinot Noir Wines: An Exploratory Study

It has been reported that polysaccharides in wine can interact with tannins and other wine components and modify the sensory properties of the wine. Unfortunately, the contribution of polysaccharides to wine quality is poorly understood, mainly due to their complicated structure and varied composition. In addition, the composition and molecular structure of polysaccharides in different wines can vary greatly. In this study, the polysaccharides were isolated from pinot noir wine, then separated into high-molecular-weight (PNWP-H) and low-molecular-weight (PNWP-L) fractions using membrane-based ultrafiltration. Each polysaccharide fraction was further studied using size exclusion chromatography, UV-Vis, FT-IR, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-high-resolution mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that PNWP-L and PNWP-H had different chemical properties and compositions. The FT-IR analysis showed that PNWPs were acidic polysaccharides with α- and β-type glycosidic linkages. PNWP-L and PNWP-H had different α- and β-type glycosidic linkage structures. FT-IR showed stronger antisymmetric and symmetric stretching vibrations of carboxylate anions of uronic acids in PNWP-L, suggesting more uronic acid in PNWP-L. The size exclusion chromatography results showed that over 72% of the PNWP-H fraction had molecular sizes from 25 kDa to 670 kDa. Only a small percentage of smaller molecular polysaccharides was found in the PNWP-H fraction. In comparison, all of the polysaccharides in the PNWP-L fraction were below 25 KDa, with a majority distributed approximately 6 kDa (95.1%). GC-MS sugar composition analysis showed that PNWP-L was mainly composed of galacturonic acid, rhamnose, galactose, and arabinose, while PNWP-H was mainly composed of mannose, arabinose, and galactose. The molecular size distribution and sugar composition analysis suggested that the PNWP-L primarily consisted of rhamnogalacturonans and polysaccharides rich in arabinose and galactose (PRAG). In comparison, PNWP-H were mostly mannoproteins and polysaccharides rich in arabinose and galactose (PRAG). Further research is needed to understand the impacts of these fractions on wine organoleptic properties.

Advances in fermentative production, purification, characterization and applications of gellan gum

Multiple microbial exopolysaccharides have been reported in recent decade with their structural and functional features. Gellan gum (GG) is among these emerging biopolymers with versatile properties. Low production yield, high downstream cost, and abundant market demand have made GG a high cost material. Hence, an understanding on the various possibilities to develop cost-effective gellan gum bioprocess is desirable. This review focuses on details of upstream and downstream process of GG from an industrial perspective. It emphasizes on GG producing Sphingomonas spp., updates on biosynthesis, strain and media engineering, kinetic modeling, bioreactor design and scale-up considerations. Details of the downstream operations with possible modifications to make it cost-effective and environmentally sustainable have been discussed. The updated regulatory criteria for GG as a food ingredient and analytical tools required to validate the same have been briefly discussed. Derivatives of GG and their applications in various industrial segments have also been highlighted.

Recent patents on water-soluble polysaccharides for advanced drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

Water-soluble polysaccharides have unique properties and have found wide application in the design of advanced drug-delivery systems and the biofabrication of tissue engineered scaffolds in regenerative medicine. This patent review provides a concise incursion into the mechanisms that define the key properties of water-soluble polysaccharides that have found embodiment within active patents recently granted (2020-2021). In addition, the relationship between their solubility and structural features such as molecular weight, ionic profile, degree of branching/crosslinking, side-chain flexibility and the presence/modification of functional groups that have been discusses. An assimilation of patents in which water-soluble polysaccharides are central to the design of therapeutic interventions applied to specialized treatments in oncology, infectious diseases and neuronal disorders is provided.

A polysaccharide from Lycium barbarum L.: Structure and protective effects against oxidative stress and high-glucose-induced apoptosis in ARPE-19 cells

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) are beneficial for vision; however, relevant research has mainly focused on entire crude polysaccharides, with the basis and exact structure of the polysaccharide rarely explored. In this study, LICP009-3F-2a, a novel polysaccharide from Lycium barbarum L., was separated and then purified using anion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. Structural characteristics were investigated using chemical and spectroscopic methods, which revealed that LICP009-3F-2a has an Mw of 13720 Da and is an acidic heteropolysaccharide composed of rhamnose (39.1%), arabinose (7.4%), galactose (22.5%), glucose (8.3%), galacturonic acid (13.7%), and glucuronic acid (4.0%). Linkage and NMR data revealed that LICP009-3F-2a has the following backbone: →2)-α-L-Rha-(1→2,4)-α-L-Rha- (1→4)-α-D-GalAp-(1→3,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→3,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, with three main branches, including: α-L-Araf-(1→5)-α-L-Araf-(1→6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→2,4)-α-L-Rha-(1→, β-D-Glcp-(1→4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→3,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, and β-D-Galp-(1→3)-β-D-Galp-(1→3,6) -β-D-Galp-(1→. Differential scanning colorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis showed that LICP009-3F-2a is thermally stable, while X-ray diffractometry showed that LICP009-3F-2a has a semi-crystalline structure. In addition, LICP009-3F-2a protects ARPE-19 cells from H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage by regulating the expression of antioxidant SOD1 and CAT enzymes and down-regulating MMP2 expression. Moreover, LICP009-3F-2a promotes the proliferation of ARPE-19 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, and protects ARPE-19 cells from hyperglycemia by inhibiting apoptosis.