Microwave-Assisted Extraction, Chemical Structures, and Chain Conformation of Polysaccharides from a Novel Cordyceps Sinensis Fungus UM01: Novel Cordyceps Sinensis fungus UM01…

Prospects and applications of efficient physical field processing technologies for polysaccharide extraction and quality improvement in edible mushrooms: A systematic review

Edible mushroom-derived polysaccharides (EMPs) have been widely used in foods, medicine, and cosmetics due to theirs' diverse and versatile biological activities. Currently, many conventional extraction methods for extracting EMPs are struggling to meet the growing demand, and the produced EMPs with poor quality and low bioactivity. Novel physical field (e.g., acoustic, electromagnetic, electrical, and mechanical field) processing technologies not only overcome the shortcomings of conventional extraction methods, but also improve the structural feature, bioactivity, and solution behavior of EMPs. Moreover, physical field-assisted techniques can induce the degradation or modification of EMPs, thereby effectively altering the physicochemical properties and structural features of EMPs to improve their bioactivities or processing properties. Therefore, a comprehensive review of physical field processing technologies such as ultrasound, high pressure, pulsed electric field, and microwave for extracting and modifying EMPs in recent years, is presented. In addition, recent advances in physical field-assisted extraction/degradation techniques for EMPs, as well as their mechanisms of action and synergistic effects, are discussed and summarized. In summary, this review provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the physical field processing technology in improving the extraction yield and quality of EMPs, as well as large-scale industrial production.

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.

Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Depolymerization and Property Changes of Gum Tragacanth

High-energy nonthermal processes (irradiation) are an interesting technique for depolymerization. Gum tragacanth (GT) is a heteropolysaccharide composed of various sugars that are beneficial in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This study investigated the effects of different gamma irradiation doses (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 100, 500, 1,000, and 2000 kGy) on GT properties, considering both structural and physicochemical changes. The results confirmed that gamma irradiation influenced depolymerization with increases in monosaccharides (L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-glucose, D-xylose, L-fucose, L-rhamnose) and the percentage of degradation. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis indicated that structural changes occurred, with more free O-H and C-O bonding, including the carboxylic group (COOH) in the degraded molecules after irradiation. The changes in physicochemical properties were lower viscosity and a color change under gamma irradiation. The property changes in the GT were clearly related to an increased dose of gamma rays. In summary, there was comprehensive GT degradation following exposure using different increasing doses of gamma radiation, with some concomitant property changes in the GT.

A systematic review on polysaccharides from fermented Cordyceps sinensis: Advances in the preparation, structural characterization, bioactivities, structure-activity relationships

Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is an edible and medicinal fungus used as a natural superior tonic. It is considered as scarce fungus with a high market demand. Therefore, as an alternative, fermentation technology has been proposed to produce artificial cordyceps (fermented C. sinensis) to address the shortage of cordyceps resources for industrialization and commercial utilization. Numerous studies have proved that polysaccharides are the important bioactive substances in the fermented C. sinensis, but the research data lack systematic review. In this review, current relevant research data regarding the preparation (including extraction, fractionation, and purification), structural characterization (including molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic bond type, structural and conformational features), bioactivities, structure-activity relationships (SAR) and applications of polysaccharides from different sources of fermented C. sinensis last decade were analyzed and discussed. The findings highlight that the most commonly employed methods for preparing fermented Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharides (FCSPs) involve water extraction and alcohol precipitation, combing with sophisticated chromatographic techniques such as ion exchange and gel permeation chromatography. From these processes, 34 different polysaccharides were identified including 5 glucans and 7 heteropolysaccharides that were thoroughly characterized. FCSPs exhibited a broad spectrum of biological activities, ranging from antioxidant and renal protective effects to immunomodulatory, antitumor, and hypolipidemic properties. The structure-activity relationships (SAR) demonstrated that key factors, such as molecular weight, monosaccharide composition and glucosidic bond types, play critical roles in determining the bioactivity of FCSPs. Nevertheless, there remain unknown elements that continue to influence SAR, leaving room for further exploration. Furthermore, the limitation of existing studies and some new perspectives for future investigations on FCSPs were proposed.

Recovery of Selenium-Enriched Polysaccharides from Cardamine violifolia Residues: Comparison on Structure and Antioxidant Activity by Different Extraction Methods

The residues from selenium-enriched Cardamine violifolia after the extraction of protein were still rich in polysaccharides. Thus, the recovery of selenium polysaccharides (SePSs) was compared using hot water extraction and ultrasonic-assisted extraction techniques. The yield, extraction rate, purity, specific energy consumption, and content of total and organic selenium from different SePS extracts were determined. The results indicated that at conditions of 250 W (ultrasonic power), 30 °C, and a liquid-to-material ratio of 30:1 extracted for 60 min, the yield of SePSs was 3.97 ± 0.07%, the extraction rate was 22.76 ± 0.40%, and the purity was 65.56 ± 0.35%, while the total and organic selenium content was 749.16 ± 6.91 mg/kg and 628.37 ± 5.93 mg/kg, respectively. Compared to traditional hot water extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction significantly improves efficiency, reduces energy use, and boosts both total and organic selenium content in the extract. Measurements of particle size, molecular weight, and monosaccharide composition, along with infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy, revealed that ultrasonic-assisted extraction breaks down long-chain structures, decreases particle size, and changes monosaccharide composition in SePSs, leading to lower molecular weight and reduced dispersity. The unique structure of SePSs, which integrates selenium with polysaccharide groups, results in markedly improved antioxidant activity and reducing power, even at low concentrations, due to the synergistic effects of selenium and polysaccharides. This study establishes a basis for using SePSs in functional foods.

Quantitative analysis of mRNA-lipid nanoparticle stability in human plasma and serum by size-exclusion chromatography coupled with dual-angle light scattering

Understanding the stability of mRNA loaded lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) is imperative for their clinical development. Herein, we propose the use of size-exclusion chromatography coupled with dual-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS) as a new approach to assessing mRNA-LNP stability in pure human serum and plasma. By applying a dual-column configuration to attenuate interference from plasma components, SEC-MALS was able to elucidate the degradation kinetics and physical property changes of mRNA-LNPs, which have not been observed accurately by conventional dynamic light scattering techniques. Interestingly, both serum and plasma had significantly different impacts on the molecular weight and radius of gyration of mRNA-LNPs, suggesting the involvement of clotting factors in desorption of lipids from mRNA-LNPs. We also discovered that a trace impurity (~1 %) in ALC-0315, identified as its O-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-protected form, greatly diminished mRNA-LNP stability in serum. These results demonstrated the potential utility of SEC-MALS for optimization and quality control of LNP formulations.

Chitosan: A Potential Biopolymer in Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications

Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide derived from chitin, has surfaced as a material of promise for drug delivery and biomedical applications. Different chitin and chitosan extraction techniques can produce materials with unique properties, which can be further modified to enhance their bioactivities. Chitosan-based drug delivery systems have been developed for various routes of administration, including oral, ophthalmic, transdermal, nasal, and vaginal, allowing for targeted and sustained release of drugs. Additionally, chitosan has been used in numerous biomedical applications, such as bone regeneration, cartilage tissue regeneration, cardiac tissue regeneration, corneal regeneration, periodontal tissue regeneration, and wound healing. Moreover, chitosan has also been utilized in gene delivery, bioimaging, vaccination, and cosmeceutical applications. Modified chitosan derivatives have been developed to improve their biocompatibility and enhance their properties, resulting in innovative materials with promising potentials in various biomedical applications. This article summarizes the recent findings on chitosan and its application in drug delivery and biomedical science.

Recent Advances in the Processing and Manufacturing of Plant-Based Meat

Plant protein technology is a core area of biotechnology to ease the problem of human protein demand. Plant-based meat based on plant protein technology is a growing concern by global consumers in alleviating environmental pollution, cutting down resources consumption, and improving animal welfare. Plant-based meat simulates the texture, taste, and appearance of animal meat by using protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and other plant nutrients as the main substances. This review summarizes the main components of plant-based meat, processing technology, standard formula, market competition, and formula and texture of future research directions. According to the existing methods of plant-based meat fiber forming, the development process and characteristics of four production processes and equipment of plant-based meat spinning, extrusion, shearing, and 3D printing are emphatically expounded. The processing principles and methods of different processing technologies in plant-based meat production are summarized. The production process and equipment of plant-based meat will pay more attention to the joint production of various processes to improve the defects of plant-based meat production process.

Gamma-Irradiation-Induced Degradation of the Water-Soluble Polysaccharide from Auricularia polytricha and Its Anti-Hypercholesterolemic Activity

The water-soluble polysaccharides (APPs) isolated from the edible mushroom Auricularia polytricha were irradiated by γ-ray at doses of 10, 100, and 1000 kGy. The effect of gamma irradiation on the degradation of the polysaccharide was investigated. After irradiation treatment, the viscosity and molecular weight of APPs decreased with the increase in the irradiation dose. The changes in the enthalpy of APPs after irradiation treatment were observed. Meanwhile, SEM showed that R-APPs were crushed into fragments and the surfaces became smooth and wrinkled after irradiation. In further spectrum analysis, it was found that the glycoside bonds of the polysaccharides were broken and accompanied by the formation of double bonds. This suggested that gamma irradiation could cause the depolymerization and oxidation of polysaccharides. In addition, irradiated APPs could reduce the body weight of hyperlipidemia mice. The levels of serum and liver TC, TG, and serum LDH-c significantly decreased in hyperlipidemia mice after treatment by irradiated APPs. It indicated that gamma irradiation significantly improved the anti-hypolipidemic activity of APPs. The relationship between the physicochemical properties and hypolipidemic activity of polysaccharides was interpreted, which provides a theoretical basis for the further development of APP products. Gamma irradiation is a viable technology for macromolecular modification for degradation.

Preparation, characterization, and bioactivity evaluation of oligosaccharides from Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC

Sixteen oligosaccharide monomers with the degree of polymerization 3 to 18 (DP 3 to DP 18) and three active fractions (DP 3-9, DP 8-11, and DP 11-17) were separated from Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. by optimized fast protein liquid chromatography coupled with refractive index detector (FPLC-RID) and preparation hydrophilic interaction chromatography (Pre-HILIC). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and methylation analysis showed that the oligosaccharide in A. lancea was 1-kestose [β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2 → 1)-β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2 → 1)-α-D-glucopyranoside] (inulin-type fructooligosaccharides, FOS). Particularly, DP 3-9 showed the best capacity in stimulating phagocytic, NO, and cytokines production on RAW264.7 cells than any other purified oligosaccharide monomers and active fractions. It could also activate T-cells in Peyer's patch cells and enhance the production of colony stimulation factors. Besides, FPLC-RID showed a good capacity for large-scale preparation of DP 3-9 with the recovery of more than 93%. The bioactivity of sixteen FOS monomers (DP 3 to DP 18) and three FOS fractions (DP 3-9, DP 8-11, and DP 11-17) investigated in this study are beneficial for the utilization of FOS as a functional ingredient in novel product development.

Stage- and Rearing-Dependent Metabolomics Profiling of Ophiocordyceps sinensis and Its Pipeline Products

Cordyceps, a parasitic complex of the fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Berk.) (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) and the ghost moth Thitarodes (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae), is a historical ethnopharmacological commodity in China. Recently, artificial cultivation of Chinese cordyceps has been established to supplement the dwindling natural resources. However, much is unknown between the natural and cultivated products in terms of nutritional aspect, which may provide essential information for quality evaluation. The current study aims to determine the metabolic profiles of 17 treatments from 3 sample groups including O. sinensis fungus, Thitarodes insect and cordyceps complex, using Gas Chromatography - Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. A total of 98 metabolites were detected, with 90 of them varying in concentrations among groups. The tested groups could be separated, except that fungal fruiting body was clustered into the same group as Chinese cordyceps. The main distinguishing factors for the groups studied were the 24 metabolites involved in numerous different metabolic pathways. In conclusion, metabolomics of O. sinensis and its related products were determined mainly by the fruiting bodies other than culture methods. Our results suggest that artificially cultured fruiting bodies and cordyceps may share indistinguishable metabolic functions as the natural ones.

Extracellular polysaccharide biosynthesis in Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a parasitic edible fungus with a variety of metabolically active ingredients. The main active ingredient, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS), shows favourable application prospects in prevention and treatment of certain diseases. EPS extracted from different parts of various Cordyceps species can be used in health foods or medicinal preparations because of the structural diversity and multiple bioactivities. In terms of the complexity of composition and structure, researchers have speculated on the anabolic pathways of EPSs and the genes involved in the synthesis process. Studies to increase the yield of polysaccharides are limited because the synthesis pathways and anabolic regulation mechanisms of Cordyceps exopolysaccharide remain unknown. This review summarises the current researches in the yield of Cordyceps polysaccharides. A mechanism for the biosynthesis of Cordyceps polysaccharides was proposed by referring to the polysaccharide synthesis in other species. Furthermore, we also discuss the future perspective and ongoing challenges of EPS in uses of health foods and pharmaceutics.

High-throughput screening of the nucleosides and nucleotides using characteristic structural fragments fusion

Cordyceps sinensis is a traditional Chinese food. A high-throughput screening and quantitative method based on hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled to quadrupole/Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry has been proposed for the joint measurement of nucleosides and their corresponding nucleotides in thirty-two Cordyceps sinensis samples. A total of thirty-two natural samples from six regions were enrolled. A multiple-step analysis strategy, including features extraction, noise level evaluation, mass shift correction and suspect spectral library spectra searching, was employed to discover, identify and validate the nucleosides and nucleotides. The remaining unknown compounds were identified with the characteristic structural fragments. The on-line dispersive solid-phase extraction system eliminates human-based steps errors and affords superior method reproducibility in the presence of hexafluoro-2-propanol and diethylamine as hydrophilic ion-pairing reagents. In view of the great difference of the quality, this high coverage confirmation strategy is of great reference value to the future quantitative analysis of potential nucleosides and nucleotides. Nucleosides and nucleotides ingredients could be considered as origins and quality assessment index of C. sinensis.

Structure, bioactivity and applications of natural hyperbranched polysaccharides

In recent years, hyperbranched polymers, especially the natural hyperbranched polysaccharides (HBPSs), are receiving much attention due to their diverse biological activities and applications. With high degree of branching (DB), HBPSs mainly exist in the form of either a comb-brush shape, dendrimer-like particulate, or globular particle. HBPSs also possess some unique properties, such as high density, large spatial cavities, and numerous terminal functional groups, which distinguish them from other polymers. As a natural biopolymer, HBPS has excellent bioavailability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, which have versatile applications in the fields of food, medicine, cosmetic, and nanomaterials. In this review, the source and structure of HBPSs from plant, animal, microbial and fungal origins as well as their biological functions and applications are covered, with the aim of further advancing the research of their structure and bioactivity.

Effects of Ultrasound Treatment on Extraction and Rheological Properties of Polysaccharides from Auricularia Cornea var. Li

Auricularia cornea var. Li. is an edible fungi and polysaccharides in Auricularia cornea var. Li. may have bioactive activities. Polysaccharides from Auricularia cornea var. Li. (ACP) was extracted using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method and compared with hot water extraction (HWE) for extraction yield, extraction rate, purity of polysaccharides, microstructure of residues after extraction, preliminary structure and rheological properties of polysaccharides. Optimum conditions for UAE (particle size of 150⁻200 mesh, water to raw material ratio of 70:1, extraction temperature at 70 °C for 40 min, ultrasonic amplitude of 40%) and HWE (particle size of 150⁻200 mesh, water to raw material ratio of 60:1, extraction temperature at 90 °C for 3.0 h) were obtained via single-factor experiment. Under optimum conditions, extraction yield of polysaccharides by UAE was 30.99 ± 1.93% which showed no significant difference with that by HWE (30.35 ± 1.67%) (P > 0.05). Extraction rate (29.29 ± 1.41%) and purity (88.62 ± 2.80%) of polysaccharides by UAE were higher than those by HWE (extraction rate of 24.95 ± 2.78% and purity of 75.33 ± 6.15%) (P < 0.05). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of residues by UAE showed more broken cells than those by HWE. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra showed that the dialyzed ACP extracted by HWE and UAE (DACP-HWE and DACP-UAE) had similar characteristic absorption peaks of polysaccharides. Both DACP-HWE and DACP-UAE solutions showed typical shear thinning and temperature-independent behaviors (25⁻90 °C) and UAE resulted in polysaccharides with remarkably lower viscosity in comparison with HWE. DACP-UAE solutions exhibited more liquid-like state while DACP-HWE solutions solid-like system. Data indicated that ultrasound treatment may be a useful means for extraction of polysaccharides from Auricularia cornea var. Li.