Chemistry and Interactions of Seed Galactomannans

Kinetic properties and substrate inhibition of α-galactosidase from Aspergillus niger

The recombinant AglB produced by Pichia pastoris exhibited substrate inhibition behavior for the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl α-galactoside, whereas it hydrolyzed the natural substrates, including galactomanno-oligosaccharides and raffinose family oligosaccharides, according to the Michaelian kinetics. These contrasting kinetic behaviors can be attributed to the difference in the dissociation constant of second substrate from the enzyme and/or to the ability of the leaving group of the substrates. The enzyme displays the grater kcat/Km values for hydrolysis of the branched α-galactoside in galactomanno-oligosaccharides than that of raffinose and stachyose. A sequence comparison suggested that AglB had a shallow active-site pocket, and it can allow to hydrolyze the branched α-galactosides, but not linear raffinose family oligosaccharides.

TEMPO-mediated oxidation on galactomannan: Gal/Man ratio and chain flexibility dependence

Guar (GG) and locust bean (LBG) galactomannans (GMs) oxidation at C-6 was performed with catalyst TEMPO, in which the reaction progress was monitored by consume of NaOH solution. The products were characterized by spectroscopic analysis, infrared, and (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance, confirming the presence of aldehydes groups as intermediate of reaction to carboxylic acid. From high performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection Man/Gal molar ratio was determined and demonstrated a preference to oxidize Man during the reaction on both GMs, following a first order kinetics of oxidation. The comparative macromolecular behavior of native and oxidized GMs was obtained through the analysis by high performance size exclusion chromatography, and the persistence length (Lp) was 6nm and 4nm to native LBG and GG, respectively. A more accessible OH-6 at mannose residue in LBG could be related with a two times faster reaction than GG. The selective oxidation with catalyst TEMPO proved to be efficient to increase the flexibility of the GMs during oxidation. Short reaction time and β-elimination process were mainly observed to LBG, probably due to a more favorable oxidation access to the polysaccharide main chain.

Enhancement of Gleditsia sinensis gum rheological properties with pressure cell treatment in semi-solid state

The apparent viscosity, molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution are important physical properties that determine the functional properties of galactomannan gum. Gleditsia sinensis gum (GSG) in semi-solid state was pressure cell treated over a range of temperature (30-110 °C) under nitrogen maintained at a pressure of 1.0-4.0 MPa. Physicochemical properties of GSG samples both before and after the pressure cell treatment were characterized. These include measurements of rheological properties by LVDV-III Ultra Rheometer, molecular weight and radius of gyration by light scattering, and changes in surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy. GSG had the highest apparent viscosity at a treatment temperature of 30 °C; further increase in temperature led to decrease in apparent viscosity. The apparent viscosity of GSG can be efficiently improved at room temperature and low pressure. The process of pressure cell treatment of GSG in semi-solid state could be industrialized for enhancement of rheological properties of galactomannan gum.

Ultrasonic Extraction of Oil fromCaesalpinia spinosa(Tara) Seeds

Oil extracted from the seeds ofCaesalpinia spinosa(common name: tara) can be used in a number of applications. In the present study, tara seed oil was obtained by ultrasonic extraction. The effects of different solvents, particle sizes in the ground seed samples, extraction times, ultrasonication powers, extraction temperatures, and liquid–solid ratios on the yield of tara seed oil were investigated. The yield from the ultrasonic extraction was compared with that from traditional Soxhlet extraction. The results showed that ultrasonic extraction could be completed in a shorter time with reduced solvent consumption. The yield of tara seed oil increased with increasing ultrasonication power and extraction temperature. Gas chromatography was used to analyze the fatty acid compositions of the oils extracted by the two methods. The fatty acid compositions of the oils from both extraction methods were similar, which indicates that ultrasonic extraction is a viable alternative means of extraction. It is a rapid, efficient, and simple method for production of lipids from tara seeds.

Rheological and kinetic study of the ultrasonic degradation of locust bean gum in aqueous saline and salt-free solutions

The ultrasonic degradation of locust bean gum (LBG) in aqueous solutions has been studied at 25°C for ultrasonication times up to 120 min. Although LBG is not a polyelectrolyte, the degradation extent and kinetics were found to be somewhat sensitive to the ionic conditions in solution, and this is attributed to changes in molecular conformation that can occur in different salt environments. Ultrasonic degradation was tracked by rheological measurements that lead to the determination of intrinsic viscosity for the LBG molecules. A kinetic model was also developed and successfully applied to characterize and predict the degradation results.

Extensional flow behavior of aqueous guar gum derivative solutions by capillary breakup elongational rheometry (CaBER)

The extensional rheological properties of aqueous ionic carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar gum (CMHPG) and non-ionic hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPG) solutions between the semi-dilute solution state and the concentrated network solution state were investigated by capillary breakup elongational rheometry (CaBER). Carboxymethylated guar gum derivatives show an instable filament formation in deionized water. The ratio of elongational relaxation time λE over the shear relaxation time λS follows a power law of λE/λS∼(c · [η])(-2). The difference of the relaxation times in shear and elongation can be related to the loss of entanglements and superstructures in elongational flows at higher strains.

Relationship between galactomannan structure and physicochemical properties of films produced thereof

In this work five sources of galactomannans, Adenanthera pavonina, Cyamopsis tetragonolobus, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Ceratonia siliqua and Sophora japonica, presenting mannose/galactose ratios of 1.3, 1.7, 2.9, 3.4 and 5.6, respectively, were used to produce galactomannan-based films. These films were characterized in terms of: water vapour, oxygen and carbon dioxide permeabilities (WVP, O 2 P and CO 2 P); moisture content, water solubility, contact angle, elongation-at-break (EB), tensile strength (TS) and glass transition temperature (T g ). Results showed that films properties vary according to the galactomannan source (different galactose distribution) and their mannose/galactose ratio. Water affinity of mannan and galactose chains and the intermolecular interactions of mannose backbone should also be considered being factors that affect films' properties. This work has shown that knowing mannose/galactose ratio of galactomannans is possible to foresee galactomannan-based edible films properties.

Fabrication and characterization of polysaccharide ion gels with ionic liquids and their further conversion into value-added sustainable materials

A review of the fabrication of polysaccharide ion gels with ionic liquids is presented. From various polysaccharides, the corresponding ion gels were fabricated through the dissolution with ionic liquids. As ionic liquids, in the most cases, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride has been used, whereas 1-allyl-3methylimidazolium acetate was specifically used for chitin. The resulting ion gels have been characterized by suitable analytical measurements. Characterization of a pregel state by viscoelastic measurement provided the molecular weight information. Furthermore, the polysaccharide ion gels have been converted into value-added sustainable materials by appropriate procedures, such as exchange with other disperse media and regeneration.

Two natural glucomannan polymers, from Konjac and Bletilla, as bioactive materials for pharmaceutical applications

Next-generation biomaterials are expected to possess both desirable mechanical features and unique biological functions. Recently, two plant-derived glucomannans (GMs)-Konjac glucomannan (KGM) and the polysaccharide of Bletilla striata (BSP)-have emerged as new sources for development of biomaterials. They have been fabricated into drug delivery vehicles and wound healing dressings in varying shapes and sizes, and demonstrated strong gelling properties, high biocompatibility and remarkable convenience for processing and modification. Notably, they demonstrate bioactivities such as response to enzymes produced in special biological niches and/or affinity for carbohydrate receptors on specific cells. All these mechanical and biological advantages suggest these two GMs have great potential for future development and broader application in various biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.

The rheological properties of tara gum (Caesalpinia spinosa)

The rheological properties of tara gum, as affected by concentration, temperature, pH and the presence of salts and sucrose, were investigated by using steady and dynamic shear measurements and atomic force microscope observation. Tara gum exhibited non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic behaviour without thixotropy at tested concentrations (0.2-1.0%, w/v). Salts (CaCl2 and NaCl) led to a viscosity reduction, which was more sensitive to Ca(2+) than to Na(+). The gum had stable viscosity over a wide pH range (pH 3-11), and the influence of sucrose was concentration dependent. Increasing temperature from 20°C to 80°C decreased the gum viscosity. Frequency sweeps indicated that tara gum (1.0% w/v) behaved as a liquid at low frequency, and acted more like a gel at high frequency. With the decrease of concentration, tara gum may show a viscous property rather than an elastic one. These results are potentially useful for the application of tara gum in food processing.

Characterization of glucomannan from Amorphophallus oncophyllus and its prebiotic activity in vivo

Porang (Amorphophallus oncophyllus) is local perennial plant rich in glucomannan. The aim of this study was to extract and characterize glucomannan from porang tuber and to evaluate its potency as prebiotic in vivo. The research consisted of the following steps, i.e. extraction of glucomannan, evaluation of its physico-chemical properties, and in vivo study. Extraction was done by immersing porang fluor with water at 55 °C followed by coagulating glucomannan using ethanol. Solubility, water holding capacity, viscosity, degree of acetylation, degree of polymerization (DP), and purity of the glucomannan were evaluated. In vivo study was done using thirty-two Wistar rats which were divided into four groups. Each group was treated for 14 days with standard AIN 93 (standard), porang glucomannan, commercial konjac glucomannan, and inulin diet as source of fiber. Bacterial population and chemical properties of digesta were analyzed after intervention. The results of the study indicated that the yield of glucomannan from porang flour was 18.05% with 92.69% purity. Compared to commercial glucomannan, porang glucomannan showed higher solubility (86.4%) and degree of acetylation (13.7%), but lower viscosity (5400 cps), WHC (34.5 g/g), and DP (9.4). Diet supplemented with porang glucomannan inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, enhanced the production of total SCFA, and reduced pH value of cecal content. The study indicated that glucomannan from porang may be used as functional food.

Impact of purification and fractionation process on the chemical structure and physical properties of locust bean gum

Crude locust bean gum (CLBG) was purified and fractionated into two parts: the first was obtained by solubilization in water at 25°C (GM25) and the second consisted in a further extraction at 80°C on the residual impoverished fraction (GM80). The complete structural characterization has shown that GM80 possessed relatively longer chain lengths than GM25, a slightly lower degree of galactose substitution and a somewhat sharper galactosyl distribution in substituted and unsubstituted regions. A physical behavior analysis was carried out on solubilization kinetics, viscosity, viscoelasticity and formation of associated gels with xanthan or carrageenan. The average structure of GM80 generated larger intra-chain, inter-chain and inter-molecular interactions, resulting in the appearance of a stronger network. Small structural differences therefore generated very different physical behaviors. This study thus allowed to establish, in a precise and complete manner, fractionation-purification-structure-function relationships of galactomannans extracted from carob.

Characterization and rheological study of the galactomannan extracted from seeds of Cassia grandis

Galactomannan extracted from seeds of Cassia grandis with 0.1M NaCl, followed by ethanol precipitation, presented a yield of 36 ± 8%. The polysaccharide has a constant mannose/galactose ratio (2.44:1). Methylation analysis, one and two dimensional NMR spectroscopy confirmed that the polysaccharide has a central core composed of 4-linked β-mannose units, with branches of galactose, linked to the carbohydrate core through α(1-6) linkage. The amorphous nature of the galactomannan was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Rheological characterization exhibited Newtonian plateaus followed by shear-thinning zones characteristic of polymer solutions up to 1.5% (w/v) and above this value the system exhibited yield stress associated with a weak gel. Adjusting stress-strain curves confirmed a 1.6% (w/v) as the galactomannan concentration value for the sol-gel transition. These results indicate that the galactomannan extracted from C. grandis seeds presents rheological characteristics suitable for applications in pharmaceutical, biomedical, cosmetic and food industries.

Hemicellulose biosynthesis

One major component of plant cell walls is a diverse group of polysaccharides, the hemicelluloses. Hemicelluloses constitute roughly one-third of the wall biomass and encompass the heteromannans, xyloglucan, heteroxylans, and mixed-linkage glucan. The fine structure of these polysaccharides, particularly their substitution, varies depending on the plant species and tissue type. The hemicelluloses are used in numerous industrial applications such as food additives as well as in medicinal applications. Their abundance in lignocellulosic feedstocks should not be overlooked, if the utilization of this renewable resource for fuels and other commodity chemicals becomes a reality. Fortunately, our understanding of the biosynthesis of the various hemicelluloses in the plant has increased enormously in recent years mainly through genetic approaches. Taking advantage of this knowledge has led to plant mutants with altered hemicellulosic structures demonstrating the importance of the hemicelluloses in plant growth and development. However, while we are on a solid trajectory in identifying all necessary genes/proteins involved in hemicellulose biosynthesis, future research is required to combine these single components and assemble them to gain a holistic mechanistic understanding of the biosynthesis of this important class of plant cell wall polysaccharides.

Effect of different purification techniques on the characteristics of heteropolysaccharide-protein biopolymer from durian (Durio zibethinus) seed

Natural biopolymers from plant sources contain many impurities (e.g., fat, protein, fiber, natural pigment and endogenous enzymes), therefore, an efficient purification process is recommended to minimize these impurities and consequently improve the functional properties of the biopolymer. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of different purification techniques on the yield, protein content, solubility, water- and oil-holding capacity of a heteropolysaccharide-protein biopolymer obtained from durian seed. Four different purification methods using different chemicals and solvents (i.e., A (isopropanol and ethanol), B (isopropanol and acetone), C (saturated barium hydroxide), and D (Fehling solution)] to liberate the purified biopolymer from its crude form were compared. In most cases, the purification process significantly (p < 0.05) improved the physicochemical properties of heteropolysaccharide-protein biopolymer from durian fruit seed. The present work showed that the precipitation using isopropanol and acetone (Method B) resulted in the highest purification yield among all the tested purification techniques. The precipitation using saturated barium hydroxide (Method C) led to induce the highest solubility and relatively high capacity of water absorption. The current study reveals that the precipitation using Fehling solution (Method D) most efficiently eliminates the protein fraction, thus providing more pure biopolymer suitable for biological applications.

Proteins, polysaccharides, and their complexes used as stabilizers for emulsions: alternatives to synthetic surfactants in the pharmaceutical field?

Emulsions are widely used in pharmaceutics for the encapsulation, solubilization, entrapment, and controlled delivery of active ingredients. In order to answer the increasing demand for clean label excipients, natural polymers can replace the potentially irritative synthetic surfactants used in emulsion formulation. Indeed, biopolymers are currently used in the food industry to stabilize emulsions, and they appear as promising candidates in the pharmaceutical field too. All proteins and some polysaccharides are able to adsorb at a globule surface, thus decreasing the interfacial tension and enhancing the interfacial elasticity. However, most polysaccharides stabilize emulsions simply by increasing the viscosity of the continuous phase. Proteins and polysaccharides may also be associated either through covalent bonding or electrostatic interactions. The combination of the properties of these biopolymers under appropriate conditions leads to increased emulsion stability. Alternative layers of oppositely charged biopolymers can also be formed around the globules to obtain multi-layered "membranes". These layers can provide electrostatic and steric stabilization thus improving thermal stability and resistance to external treatment. The novel biopolymer-stabilized emulsions have a great potential in the pharmaceutical field for encapsulation, controlled digestion, and targeted release although several challenging issues such as storage and bacteriological concerns still need to be addressed.

Whey protein nanofibrils: the environment-morphology-functionality relationship in lyophilization, rehydration, and seeding

Amyloid-like fibrils from β-lactoglobulin have potential as efficient thickening and gelling agents for food and biomedical applications, but the link between fibril morphology and bulk viscosity is poorly understood. We examined how lyophilization and rehydration affects the morphology and rheological properties of semiflexible (i.e., straight) and highly flexible (i.e., curly) fibrils, the latter made with 80 mM CaCl(2). Straight fibrils were fractured into short rods by lyophilization and rehydration, whereas curly fibrils sustained little damage. This was reflected in the viscosities of rehydrated fibril dispersions, which were much lower for straight fibrils than for curly fibrils. Lyophilized straight or curly fibrils seeded new fibril growth, but viscosity enhancement due to seeding was negligible. We believe that the increase in fibril concentration caused by seeding was counterbalanced by a decrease in fibril length, reducing the ability of fibrils to form physical entanglement networks.

Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis of guar gum using response surface methodology

Guar gum is a polysaccharide obtained from guar seed endosperm portion. Enzymatically hydrolyzed guar gum is low in viscosity and has several health benefits as dietary fiber. In this study, response surface methodology was used to determine the optimum conditions for hydrolysis that give minimum viscosity of guar gum. Central composite was employed to investigate the effects of pH (3-7), temperature (20-60 °C), reaction time (1-5 h) and cellulase concentration (0.25-1.25 mg/g) on viscosity during enzymatic hydrolysis of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus) gum. A second order polynomial model was developed for viscosity using regression analysis. Results revealed statistical significance of model as evidenced from high value of coefficient of determination (R(2) = 0.9472) and P < 0.05. Viscosity was primarily affected by cellulase concentration, pH and hydrolysis time. Maximum viscosity reduction was obtained when pH, temperature, hydrolysis time and cellulase concentration were 6, 50 °C, 4 h and 1.00 mg/g, respectively. The study is important in optimizing the enzymatic process for hydrolysis of guar gum as potential source of soluble dietary fiber for human health benefits.