Formation Optimization, Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Auricularia auricula-judae Polysaccharide Nanoparticles Obtained via Antisolvent Precipitation

Preparation of pH-Sensitive Polysaccharide-Small Molecule Nanoparticles and Their Applications for Tumor Chemo- and Immunotherapy

Hydrophobic chemotherapy drugs face significant challenges in cancer treatment, including low bioavailability, unavoidable toxic side effects, and the development of drug resistance. To address these issues, a multifunctional nanoplatform was developed for cancer therapy, aimed at achieving effective drug delivery and enhancing antitumor efficacy. Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP), a natural polymer known for its immunomodulatory properties, was utilized as an immunoreactive vector for drug delivery after being cross-linked with 1,4-phenylenebisboronic acid (BDBA). Subsequently, a small-molecule chemotherapy drug, esculetin (EL), was confirmed through density functional theory (DFT) simulations to be encapsulated within the PCP-BDBA nanoparticles via weak interactions. The results demonstrated that the synthesized nanoparticles were spherical, with an average particle size of 162.0 nm. In addition to exhibiting excellent stability, the nanoparticles also displayed pH-responsive drug release properties. In vivo experiments indicated that EL@PCP-BDBA NPs exhibited antitumor effects. Furthermore, EL@PCP-BDBA NPs showed superior in vitro antitumor activity compared to EL at the cellular level. Additionally, EL@PCP-BDBA NPs were found to increase intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, induce cell apoptosis, and suppress cell migration to combat cancer. Meanwhile, EL@PCP-BDBA NPs enhanced immune function in vivo. In summary, this study developed a nano-pharmaceutical that combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy functions, which was considered a promising tool for cancer therapy.

Stability and Biaxial Behavior of Fresh Cheese Coated with Nanoliposomes Encapsulating Grape Seed Tannins and Polysaccharides Using Immersion and Spray Methods

In the food industry context, where fresh cheese stands out as a highly perishable product with a short shelf life, this study aimed to extend its preservation through multi-layer edible coatings. The overall objective was to analyze the biaxial behavior and texture of fresh cheese coated with nanoliposomes encapsulating grape seed tannins (NTs) and polysaccharides (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; HPMC and kappa carrageenan; KC) using immersion and spray methods, establishing comparisons with uncoated cheeses and commercial samples, including an accelerated shelf-life study. NT, HPMC, and KC were employed as primary components in the multi-layer edible coatings, which were applied through immersion and spray. The results revealed significant improvements, such as a 20% reduction in weight loss and increased stability against oxidation, evidenced by a 30% lower peroxide index than the uncoated samples. These findings underscore the effectiveness of edible coatings in enhancing the quality and extending the shelf life of fresh cheese, highlighting the innovative application of nanoliposomes and polysaccharide blends and the relevance of applying this strategy in the food industry. In conclusion, this study provides a promising perspective for developing dairy products with improved properties, opening opportunities to meet market demands and enhance consumer acceptance.

Fabrication of zein-tamarind seed polysaccharide-curcumin nanocomplexes: their characterization and impact on alleviating colitis and gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice

In this work, a zein-tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) co-delivery system was fabricated using an anti-solvent precipitation method. The formation mechanism, characterization, and effect on alleviating colitis and gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice of zein-TSP-curcumin (Z/T-Cur) nanocomplexes were investigated. Hydrogen bonding and the hydrophobic effect played a key role in the formation of Z/T-Cur nanocomplexes, and the interactions were spontaneous and driven by enthalpy. The encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and bioavailability increased from 60.8% (Zein-Cur) to 91.7% (Z/T-Cur1:1), from 6.1% (Zein-Cur) to 18.3% (Z/T-Cur1:1), and from 4.7% (Zein-Cur) to 20.0% (Z/T-Cur1:1), respectively. The Z/T-Cur significantly alleviated colitis symptoms in DSS-treated mice. Additionally, the prepared nanocomplexes rebalanced the gut microbiota composition of colitis mice by increasing the abundance of Akkermansia. Odoribacter and Monoglobus were rich in the Z-T-Cur treatment group, and Turicibacter and Bifidobacterium were rich in the zein-TSP treatment group. This study demonstrated that the TSP could be helpful in the targeted drug delivery system.

Physicochemical Properties of Nanoliposomes Encapsulating Grape Seed Tannins Formed with Ultrasound Cycles

Grape seeds are an excellent source of flavonoids and tannins with powerful antioxidant properties. However, the astringency of tannins limits their direct incorporation into food. To overcome this challenge, we investigated the encapsulation of grape seed tannins within nanoliposomes formed by ultrasound cycling. We characterized the nanoliposomes' physicochemical properties, including encapsulation efficiency, antioxidant activity, stability, microstructure, and rheological properties. Our findings reveal that the nanoliposomes exhibited excellent stability under refrigerated conditions for up to 90 days with a mean particle size of 228 ± 26 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.598 ± 0.087, and a zeta potential of -41.6 ± 1.30 mV, maintaining a spherical multilamellar microstructure. Moreover, they displayed high antioxidant activity, with encapsulation efficiencies of 79% for epicatechin and 90% for catechin. This innovative approach demonstrates the potential of using ultrasound-assisted nanoliposome encapsulation to directly incorporate grape seed tannins into food matrices, providing a sustainable and efficient method for enhancing their bioavailability and functionality.

Wild Mushrooms: A Hidden Treasure of Novel Bioactive Compounds

Secondary metabolites are hidden gems in mushrooms. Understanding these secondary metabolites' biological and pharmacological effects can be aided by identifying them. The purpose of this work was to profile the mycochemical components of the extracts of Auricularia auricula judae, Microporus xanthopus, Termitomyces umkowaani, Trametes elegans, and Trametes versicolor to comprehend their biological and pharmacological capabilities. Mushroom samples were collected from Kenya's Arabuko-Sokoke and Kakamega National Reserved Forests and identified using morphological and molecular techniques. Chloroform, 70% ethanol, and hot water solvents were used to extract the mycochemical components. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze the chloroform, 70% ethanol, and hot water extracts of all the species examined. A total of 51 compounds were isolated from all extracts and classified as carboxylic acids, esters, phenols, fatty acids, alcohol, epoxides, aldehydes, fatty aldehydes, isoprenoid lipids, and steroids. Tetracosamethyl-cyclododecasiloxane (18.90%), oleic acid (72.90%), phenol, 2, 6-bis (1, 1-dimethylethyl)-4-methyl-, and methylcarbamate (26.56%) were all found in high concentrations in A. auricular judae, M. xanthopus, T. umkowaani, T. elegans, and T. versicolor, respectively. Fatty acids make up the majority of the compounds isolated from the T. elegans chloroform extract and the T. umkowaani 70% ethanol extract, respectively. Particularly, these fatty acids play crucial roles in the anti-inflammatory, hypocholesterolemic, anticancer, and antibiofilm formation activities. These bioactive elements indicate that the extracts of five wild mushrooms may be reliable sources of secondary metabolites for therapeutic development. Therefore, additional research is required to comprehend the usefulness of these chemicals in many functional areas and to improve the present understanding of macrofungi.

Mechanical and Surface Properties of Edible Coatings Elaborated with Nanoliposomes Encapsulating Grape Seed Tannins and Polysaccharides

Edible composite coatings (ECC) formulated from biopolymers that incorporate antioxidant molecules represent an innovative alternative to improve food texture and provide health benefits. Tannins have aroused great interest due to their ability to stabilize suspensions and counteract the effects of free radicals. The mechanical and surface properties are crucial to establishing its quality and applicability. In this study, the objective was to analyze the mechanical and surface properties of ECC made with nanoliposomes that encapsulate grape seed tannins (TLS) and polysaccharides such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and kappa carrageenan (KCG) for their future direct application in foods susceptible to oxidation. The inclusion of HPMC or KCG affected the density, showing values in the range of 1010 to 1050 [kg/m3], evidencing significant changes (p < 0.05) in the surface tension in the TLS/FS-HPMC and TLS/FS mixtures. KCG and in the dispersion coefficients, with values in the range of -2.9 to -17.6 [mN/m] in HPS (S1) and -17.6 to -40.9 [mN/m] in PDMS (S2). The TLS/FS-HPMC coating showed higher stiffness and elastic recovery capacity than the TLS/FS-KCG coating, suggesting that the presence of TLS influenced the stiffness of the polymer. HPMC is recommended as a suitable polymer for coating solids, while KCG is more appropriate for suspensions. These findings provide valuable information for directly applying these ECC compounds to food products, potentially offering better preservation and health benefits.