β-Glucan extracts as high-value multifunctional ingredients for skin health: A review

The challenges faced by multifunctional ingredients: A critical review from sourcing to cosmetic applications

In response to the growing consumer demand for natural ingredients and simplified formulations, the cosmetic industry has seen a surge in the development and application of multifunctional ingredients. These versatile components, capable of serving multiple roles, effectively streamline the ingredient list of final cosmetic products, aligning with the current market trends. This review provides an overview of the advancements made and limits encountered in the field of multifunctional cosmetic ingredients over recent years (from 1998 to present time). The pursuit of sourcing these multipurpose ingredients has become a significant focus, with a clear shift towards natural and bio-based products, while answering the requests of consumers for eco-friendly options. By prioritizing sustainable and ethics, researchers not only adhere to regulatory standards but also pioneers innovations that set new benchmarks for quality and responsibility. The review also delves into formulation strategies for multifunctional ingredients, a critical aspect of their development process. It discusses the various approaches adopted by researchers to effectively incorporate these ingredients into cosmetic products, ensuring their safety and stability. Lastly, the review addresses the regulatory landscape surrounding cosmetic ingredients. It underscores the importance of adhering to the regulations set forth by governing bodies, ensuring the safety and efficacy, and highlights the lack of dispositions for these innovative multifunctional ingredients. In conclusion, this review offers a comprehensive insight into the multifunctional cosmetic ingredients, from their sourcing and formulation to their application and regulation, providing a valuable resource for researchers and industry professionals alike.

Development of a Cascade-Targeting Oral Vaccine via Glycoprotein 2 on Intestinal Microfold Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy

Oral cancer vaccines are convenient and safe, with the presence of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) involved intestinal Peyer's patch (PPs) containing microfold (M) cells and housing abundant underneath dendritic cells (DCs). Here, we found that the endocytic receptors glycoprotein 2 (GP2) and dectin-1 are respectively expressed on M cells and DCs with high specificity. Then, we discovered a gastrointestinal hydrolysis-resistant D-peptide DGPBP-2(1-8) targeting GP2 by phage display screening and optimization. DGPBP-2(1-8) was conjugated to β-glucan (dectin-1 ligand)-containing yeast capsules (GP2-YCs) to design a cascade-targeting oral vaccine platform, which can help the antigen to efficiently cross intestinal M cells and subsequently be endocytosed by underneath DCs, thus activating CD8+ T cells. More importantly, this oral vaccine can evoke not only cellular but also humoral and mucosal immune responses. Therefore, this cascade-targeting oral vaccine could serve as a novel platform for cancer immunotherapy and infectious disease prevention as well.

A dual-network hydrogel patch fabricated by alginate/sulfobetaine methacrylate enriched with Dictyophora indusiata β-glucans promotes diabetic wound repair

This study developed a dual-network hydrogel patch loaded with Dictyophora indusiata β-glucans to enhance diabetic wound healing. The hydrogel combines a flexible primary network formed by polymerized sulfobetaine methacrylate with a rigid secondary alginate network crosslinked via metal ions. The resulting material demonstrates favorable mechanical properties for wound care, achieving 600 % elongation at break, 3.12 MPa compressive strength, and 1.5 kPa tissue adhesion strength. These characteristics meet with the physical requirements necessary for effective diabetic wound management. Furthermore, the β-glucans derived from Dictyophora indusiata, which serve as the main bioactive component, endowed the hydrogel patch with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Cellular experiments have demonstrated that the hydrogel patch significantly reduces reactive oxygen species levels in cells and inhibits inflammatory responses. In animal wound model, diabetic wound treated with a hydrogel patch achieved a closure rate of 98.26 % by the second week. Additionally, histological analyses revealed that the hydrogel patch significantly facilitates angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization in diabetic wound. Consequently, the hydrogel patch based on β-glucans from Dictyophora indusiata appears to be an effective agent for promoting wound healing, thereby offering a novel therapeutic strategy for the repair of diabetic wound.

Quantitative detection of β-glucans in Cordyceps species using a validated Congo red assay

β-Glucan is extensively utilized in the food industry for its functional benefits, including blood glucose and lipid regulation, enhanced food texture, and a prolonged shelf life. In the pharmaceutical field, it serves as a potent immune modulator, anti-tumor agent, and vaccine adjuvant, highlighting its significant biological potential. Despite its wide-ranging applications, standardized methods for detecting β-glucan in Cordyceps species have been lacking. To address this deficiency, the current study developed a Congo Red Ultraviolet Spectrophotometry assay for β-glucan quantification. The optimal conditions for extraction were identified as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) being the solvent, a pH of 7.0, a temperature of 65 °C, and a reaction time of 60 min. Validation tests confirmed the method's precision, reproducibility, and stability, demonstrating its reliability for β-glucan analysis. The assay was applied to three Cordyceps species, i.e., Cordyceps militaris, C. cicadae, and C. fumosorosea. Results revealed a marginally higher β-glucan content in C. fumosorosea compared to the other species. This efficient and cost-effective method offers a valuable tool for β-glucan analysis, with potential applications in quality control and product development for medicinal and edible fungi. Future research should extend to additional Cordyceps species and compare results with alternative analytical techniques to further enhance standardization and broaden the applicability of this method.

Preparation, Structure, Function, and Application of Dietary Polysaccharides from Polygonatum sibiricum in the Food Industry: A Review

Polygonatum sibiricum is one of the most widely used plants in the Liliaceae family, renowned for its dual medicinal and edible properties. Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides, as the main pharmacological active ingredient of Polygonatum sibiricum, have various excellent physiological activities, such as antioxidant, immune enhancement, and hypoglycemic activities. Through extraction, purification, and structural analysis, the influence and mechanism of the molecular weight and glycosidic bonds of Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides on the pharmacological effects, as well as their structure-activity relationship, can be explored in more detail. With the increasing demand for Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide products, Polygonatum sibiricum has been widely used in the fields of medicine, food, and biochemistry, and various green and harmless products containing Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides have been developed for different populations. This study summarizes the extraction, structure, and function of Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides, and it further explores their applications in the food industry, including in beverages, health foods, additives, and food packaging. Overall, Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides have been proven to be a promising natural product and have been introduced into the food system. It is worth mentioning that further efforts and time are needed in the future to expand the deep processing of and feasibility research on Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharides while exploring their bioactive molecular mechanisms in depth, laying the foundation for their product development and clinical applications.

Harnessing the polysaccharide production potential to optimize and expand the application of probiotics

Certain probiotic microorganisms can synthesize important bioproducts, including polysaccharides as components of cellular structure or extracellular matrix. Probiotic-derived polysaccharides have been widely applied in food, pharmaceutical, and medical fields due to their excellent properties and biological activities. The development of polysaccharide production potential has become a driving force for facilitating biotechnological applications of probiotics. Based on technical advances in synthetic biology, significant progress has recently been made in engineering probiotics with efficient biosynthesis of polysaccharides. Herein, this review summarizes probiotics chassis and genetic tools used for polysaccharide production. Then, probiotic polysaccharides and relevant biosynthesis mechanisms are also clearly described. Next, we introduce strategies for preparing high-yield, controllable molecular weight or non-native polysaccharides by adjusting metabolic pathways and integrating expression elements in probiotics. Finally, some prospective and well-established contributions of exogenous and in situ polysaccharides in probiotics' stability, bioactivity, and therapeutic effects are presented. Our viewpoints on advancing the efficient biomanufacturing of valuable biopolymers in probiotics and engineering probiotics with customized features are provided to exploit probiotics' industrial and biomedical applications.

Self-assembled near-infrared-photothermal antibacterial Hericium erinaceus β-glucan/tannic acid/Fe (III) hydrogel for accelerating infected wound healing

Bacterial infection severely hinders skin wound healing, highlighting the critical application value of developing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory hydrogel dressings. In this work, we focused on β-glucan from Hericium erinaceus (HEBG) as the research object, and proposed a solvent-induced combined temperature manipulation technique to trigger multilevel self-assembly of β-glucan. Furthermore, we incorporated green synthesized near-infrared photosensitizer tannic acid (TA)/iron (III) complex into the system. A hydrogel with exceptional antibacterial properties, capable of responding to near-infrared photothermal stimuli while exhibiting remarkable stiffness and structural consistency, was successfully synthesized. Under near-infrared radiation, HEBG/TA/Fe hydrogels produced local hyperthermia and exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against bacteria-infected wounds. Moreover, the HEBG/TA/Fe hydrogel demonstrates its ability to regulate cytokines by effectively inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators TNF-α and IL-6, while simultaneously enhancing the expression of cell proliferation factor KI-67 and markers associated with angiogenesis such as CD31 and α-SMA. Notably, the results of tissue staining revealed that the NIR + HEBG/TA/Fe5 hydrogel could effectively promoting granulation and vascularization, improving collagen deposition in infected wounds thereby accelerating the healing process. These findings indicate that mixed hydrogels exhibit potential as viable options for the treatment of bacterial infections.

Untapping the potential of algae for β-glucan production: A review of biological properties, strategies for enhanced production and future perspectives

β-Glucan, a naturally occurring polymer of glucose, is found in bacteria, algae, fungi, and higher plants (barley, oats, cereal seeds). Recently, β-glucan has gained attention due to its multiple biological roles, like anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Globally, bacteria, mushrooms, yeast and cereals are used as conventional sources of β-glucan. However, obtaining it from these sources is challenging due to low quantity, complex branched structure, and costly extraction process. Algae have emerged as a potential sustainable alternative source of β-glucan to conventional sources due to several advantages including unique structural and functional advantages, higher yields, faster growth rates, and large-scale production in a controlled environment. Additionally, extracting β-glucan from microalgal sources is relatively easy and can be done without altering the structure of β-glucan. Some algal species, such as Euglena spp., are reported to contain higher β-glucan content than conventional β-glucan sources. This review highlights the current research and opportunities associated with algae-derived β-glucan and their biological roles. The challenges, research gaps and strategies to enhance algae-based β-glucan production and the need for further research in this promising area are also discussed. Future research can be extended to comprehend the cellular and molecular mechanisms via which β-glucan functions.

Biotechnological potential of yeast cell wall: An overview

The yeast cell wall is a complex structure whose main function is to protect the cell from physical and chemical damage, providing it with rigidity. It is composed of a matrix of covalently linked polysaccharides and proteins, including β-glucans, mannoproteins, and chitin, whose proportion can vary according to the yeast species and environmental conditions. The main components of the yeast cell wall have relevant properties that expand the possibilities of use in different industrial sectors, such as pharmaceutical, food, medical, veterinary, and cosmetic. Some applications include bioremediation, enzyme immobilization, animal feed, wine production, and hydrogel production. In the literature it is the description of the cell wall composition of model species like Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans, however, it is important to know that this composition can vary according to the species or the culture medium conditions. Thus, understanding the structural composition of different species holds promise as an alternative to expanding the utilization of residual yeast from different bioprocesses. In the context of a circular economy, the conversion of residual yeast into valuable products is an attractive prospect for researchers aiming to develop sustainable technologies. This review provides an overview of yeast cell wall composition and its significance in biotechnological applications, considering prospects to increase the diversification of these compounds in industry.

Potential skincare benefits and self-healing properties of Lignosus rhinocerotis polysaccharides as affected by ultrasound-assisted H2O2/Vc treatment

Natural polysaccharides have been recognized as major bioactive components in skincare and wound care products. In this study, the skincare benefits and self-healing properties of Lignosus rhinocerotis polysaccharides (LRP) and its degraded products (DLRP-1, DLRP-2 and DLRP-3) by ultrasound assisted H2O2/Vc treatment (U-H/V) at different ultrasonic intensity (28.14, 70.35, and 112.56 W/cm2) were investigated. U-H/V altered the internal crystalline structure and microstructure of LRP, and enhanced the thermal stability. Due to the breakage of molecular chains after U-H/V, the moisture absorption of LRP was enhanced but the moisturizing property showed a different degree of reduction. U-H/V significantly improved the antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory activities of LRP. Furthermore, the results of enzyme kinetic studies showed a mixed competitive-noncompetitive inhibition of tyrosinase activity by DLRP-3 and the inhibition constant of DLRP-3 on tyrosinase was 2.97 mg/mL. The apparent viscosity of LRP dispersions showed a first increasing followed by decreasing trend as ultrasonic intensity rose. U-H/V enhanced the viscoelastic properties of LRP gels without destroying their self-healing properties. This findings reveal that U-H/V is beneficial for improving the skincare efficacy of LRP, providing a theoretical foundation for the applicability of LRP in wound dressings.

Barley β-glucan bioactive films: Promising eco-friendly materials for wound healing

Mixtures containing β-glucans were extracted from barley, under both mild and high alkaline conditions, to prepare biodegradable films (MA and HA, respectively), as natural dressings with intrinsic therapeutic properties. An in-depth characterization was performed to evaluate the impact of mild and high alkaline conditions on chemical, physicochemical, and biological features for potential use in wound treatments. Both MA and HA films exhibited a good ability to absorb water and simulate wound fluid, which helps maintain optimal tissue hydration. Moreover, their oxygen permeability (147.6 and 16.4 cm3 × μm/m2 × 24 h × Pa × 107, respectively) appeared adequate for the intended application. Biocompatibility tests showed that the films do not harm human dermal fibroblasts. Impressively, they promote cell attachment and growth, with MA having a stronger effect due to its higher β-glucan content. Furthermore, MA films can modulate macrophage behaviour in an inflamed microenvironment, reducing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while simultaneously increasing levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. In a scratch test, HA films allowed for faster fibroblast migration within the first 16 h compared to MA. Overall, this study demonstrates that developing β-glucan based films from barley, through a sustainable and cost-effective process, holds great promise for skin applications. These films exhibit significant potential to promote wound healing and modulate inflammation.

Role of epigenetics in the regulation of skin aging and geroprotective intervention: A new sight

Multiple epigenetic factors play a regulatory role in maintaining the homeostasis of cutaneous components and are implicated in the aging process of the skin. They have been associated with the activation of the senescence program, which is the primary contributor to age-related decline in the skin. Senescent species drive a series of interconnected processes that impact the immediate surroundings, leading to structural changes, diminished functionality, and heightened vulnerability to infections. Geroprotective medicines that may restore the epigenetic balance represent valid therapeutic alliances against skin aging. Most of them are well-known Western medications such as metformin, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), rapamycin, and histone deacetylase inhibitors, while others belong to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remedies for which the scientific literature provides limited information. With the help of the Geroprotectors.org database and a comprehensive analysis of the referenced literature, we have compiled data on compounds and formulae that have shown potential in preventing skin aging and have been identified as epigenetic modulators.

Recent advances in the biosynthesis of fungal glucan structural diversity

Glucans are the most abundant class of macromolecule polymers in fungi, which are commonly found in Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Fungal glucans are not only essential for cell integrity and function but also crucial for the immense industrial interest in high value applications. They present a variety of structural characteristics at the nanoscale due to the high regulation of genes and the involvement of stochastic processes in synthesis. However, although recent findings have demonstrated the genes of glucans synthesis are relatively conserved across diverse fungi, the formation and organization of diverse glucan structures is still unclear in fungi. Here, we summarize the structural features of fungal glucans and the recent developments in the mechanisms of glucans biosynthesis. Furthermore, we propose the engineering strategies of targeted glucan synthesis and point out the remaining challenges in the synthetic process. Understanding the synthesis process of diverse glucans is necessary for tailoring high value glucan towards specific applications. This engineering strategy contributes to enable the sustainable and efficient production of glucan diversity.

β-Glucans obtained from fungus for wound healing: A review

The cell surface of fungus contains a large number of β-glucans, which exhibit various biological activities such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidation. Fungal β-glucans with highly branched structure show great potential as wound healing reagents, because they can stimulate the expression of many immune- and inflammatory-related factors beneficial to wound healing. Recently, the wound healing ability of many fungal β-glucans have been investigated in animals and clinical trials. Studies have proved that fungal β-glucans can promote fibroblasts proliferation, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and macrophage infiltration during the wound healing process. However, the development of fungal β-glucans as wound healing reagents is not systematically reviewed till now. This review discusses the wound healing studies of β-glucans obtained from different fungal species. The structure characteristics, extraction methods, and biological functions of fungal β-glucans with wound healing ability are summarized. Researches about fungal β-glucan-containing biomaterials and structurally modified β-glucans for wound healing are also involved.

Combined Strategy Using High Hydrostatic Pressure, Temperature and Enzymatic Hydrolysis for Development of Fibre-Rich Ingredients from Oat and Wheat By-Products

Wheat bran (WB) and oat hull (OH) are two interesting undervalued cereal processing sources rich in total dietary fibre (TDF) and other associated bioactive compounds, such as β-glucans and polyphenols. The aim of this study was to optimise a combination chemical (enzymes) and physical (high hydrostatic pressure-temperature) strategies to increase the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds naturally bound to the bran and hull outer layers. WB and OH were hydrolysed using food-grade enzymes (UltraFloXL and Viscoferm, for WB and OH, respectively) in combination with HPP at different temperatures (40, 50, 60 and 70 °C) and hydrolysis either before or after HPP. Proximal composition, phytic acid, β-glucans, total phenolics (TPs) and total antioxidant activity (TAC) were evaluated to select the processing conditions for optimal nutritional and bioactive properties of the final ingredients. The application of the hydrolysis step after the HPP treatment resulted in lower phytic acid levels in both matrices (WB and OH). On the other hand, the release of β-glucan was more effective at the highest temperature (70 °C) used during pressurisation. After the treatment, the TP content ranged from 756.47 to 1395.27 µmol GAE 100 g-1 in WB, and OH showed values from 566.91 to 930.45 µmol GAE 100 g-1. An interaction effect between the temperature and hydrolysis timing (applied before or after HPP) was observed in the case of OH. Hydrolysis applied before HPP was more efficient in releasing OH TPs at lower HPP temperatures (40-50 °C); meanwhile, at higher HPP temperatures (60-70 °C), hydrolysis yielded higher TP values when applied after HPP. This effect was not observed in WB, where the hydrolysis was more effective before HPP. The TP results were significantly correlated with the TAC values. The results showed that the application of optimal process conditions (hydrolysis before HPP at 60 or 70 °C for WB; hydrolysis after HPP at 70 °C for OH) can increase the biological value of the final ingredients obtained.