Changes in structure and physicochemical properties of Sophora japonica f. pendula galactomannan in late growth stage

Synthesis and Characterization of Superhigh Moisturizing Carboxymethyl Tamarind Xyloglucan and Its Potential Application in Cosmetics

Carboxymethyl tamarind xyloglucan (CMTXG) was synthesized by xyloglucan with sodium chloroacetate in 50% ethanol. The effects of carboxymethylation on the structure and properties of xyloglucan were studied, and its application potential in cosmetics was evaluated. The results showed that carboxymethylation increased the molecular weight, enhanced water solubility and stability, decreased apparent viscosity, and promoted xyloglucan's application in cosmetics. The CMTXG with moderate substitution (CMT-M) exhibited superior hygroscopic and moisturizing effects, indicating that CMTXG does not need to pursue high degree of substitution. The moisturizing rate of CMT-M was 81.08% after 12 h, surpassing that of sodium hyaluronate (55.79%) and glycerin (59.52%). The CMT-M exhibited enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial activity after modification. Toxicity assessment indicated that CMT-M can improve the long-term tolerance of larvae zebrafish. Furthermore, the CMT-M cream demonstrated a long-term moisturizing effect compared to commercial creams. The research findings are expected to provide an effective bioactive moisturizer candidate for the daily chemical industry.

Sophora japonica Nanoemulsion: Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction and Characterization

Sophora japonica, a member of the Fabaceae family, is recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional Asian medicine. This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of ultrasound-assisted extraction techniques in obtaining bioactive compounds from S. japonica and to formulate these extracts into stable nanoemulsions with enhanced antioxidant activity. The extraction methods employed included ethanolic maceration followed by ultrasound-assisted extraction, with the latter producing a total phenolic content of 65.57 mg gallic acid equivalent per milliliter, compared to 51.18 mg for the maceration method. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH scavenging assay, revealing that the ultrasound-assisted extract exhibited a scavenging efficiency of 67%, whereas the ethanolic extract demonstrated a scavenging efficiency of 59%. The resultant nanoemulsions, formulated from the ultrasound-assisted extracts, showed an average particle size of 252.92 nm and a zeta potential of -36.68 mV, indicating favorable stability. Visual inspections and peroxide value assessments during a 5-day oxidative stability study indicated that the water-based nanoemulsion experienced minimal changes, maintaining its stability, while the ethanolic nanoemulsion exhibited significant signs of separation and oxidation. These findings suggest that ultrasound-assisted extraction not only enhances the recovery of bioactive compounds from S. japonica but also contributes to the formation of stable nanoemulsions, which hold potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Study on structure and properties of galactomannan and enzyme changes during fenugreek seeds germination

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) galactomannan play an important role in the food and pharmaceutical sectors due to its attractive physicochemical properties. In this study, the changes of structure, properties and biological activity of fenugreek galactomannan (FG) during germination are analyzed by the activity and mechanism of endogenous enzymes (α-D-galactosidase and β-D-mannanase). The enzymes generally increased during germination and synergistically altered the structure of GM by cutting down the main chains and removing partial side residues. The mannose to galactose ratio (M/G) increased from 1.11 to 1.59, which is accompanied by a drastic decrease in molecular weight from 3.606 × 106 to 0.832 × 106 g/mol, and the drop of viscosity from 0.27 to 0.06 Pa·sn. The degraded macromolecules are attributed to the increase in solubility (from 64.55 % to 88.62 %). In terms of antioxidation and antidiabetic ability, germinated fenugreek galactomannan has the ability to scavenge 67.17 % ABTS free radicals and inhibit 86.89 % α-glucosidase. This galactomannan with low molecular weight and excellent biological activity precisely satisfies the current demands of pharmaceutical reagents and food industry. Seeds germination holds promise as a means of industrial scale production of low molecular weight galactomannans.

Fabrication of multi-functional biodegradable liquid mulch utilizing xyloglucan derived from tamarind waste for agricultural application

Biodegradable liquid mulch is considered a promising alternative to plastic mulch for sustainable agriculture. This work proposed a xyloglucan-based liquid mulch with multi-function using a combination of chemical modification and blending methods. The esterification product of tamarind xyloglucan (TXG) from forestry wastes was synthesized with benzoic anhydride (BA). The effect of esterification modification was investigated, and BA-TXG was utilized as a film-forming and sand-fixation agent. The rheological properties, thermal stability, and hydrophobicity were improved following esterification. Additionally, waterborne polyurethane and urea were incorporated into the mulch to enhance its mechanical strength (23.28 MPa, 80.71 %), and homogeneity, as well as improve its nutritive properties. The xyloglucan-based liquid mulch has excellent UV protection, a high haze value (approximately 90 %), and retains water at a rate of 80.45 %. SEM and immersion experiment showed the effect of xyloglucan-based liquid mulch on sustainable sand-fixation. Moreover, the liquid mulch treatment demonstrated an impressive germination rate of 83.8 % and degradation rate of 51.59 % (60 days). The modified polysaccharide film increases stability and slows down the degradation rate. Tamarind xyloglucan-based liquid mulch exhibits powerful and diverse optical properties as well as sand fixation functions, indicating their great potential in sustainable agriculture as an alternative to plastic mulch.