Extraction, purification and characterization of galactomannans from non-traditional sources

Innovative properties of sustainable galactomannans from seeds of Adenanthera pavonina, Caesalpinia pulcherrima and Delonix regia

Given the importance of new renewable resources for the industrial sector, this study aimed to assess the innovative technological and biological properties of galactomannans derived from the seeds of Adenanthera pavonina (BioAp), Caesalpinia pulcherrima (BioCp), and Delonix regia (BioDr). The biopolymers were evaluated using various parameters, including texture, spreadability, cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, antimicrobial assays, mucoadhesiveness, and irritation potential by HET-CAM test. The absence of cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and irritation showed the potential of the three biopolymers for applications in biomedical fields. BioAp and BioDr samples exhibited the most effective antimicrobial activity, with MICs of 512 μg mL-1 against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans strains. The BioDr sample would be ideal for developing mucoadhesives due to its superior mucoadhesiveness in both powder and colloidal dispersion forms, achieving the highest Fmax adhesion force values of 0.46 N and 0.08 N, respectively. These findings expand the range of applications for these biopolymers and highlight their potential for integration into innovative polymer products in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Guar gum-based films incorporated with a synthetic nanoclay: Physicochemical properties and food packaging applications

Biopolymeric materials are increasingly recognized as sustainable solutions for packaging applications, with guar gum (GG) emerging as a promising alternative because of its renewable, nontoxic, and plant-based origin. This study aimed to evaluate the properties of GG-based films incorporated with Laponite (Lap). The films were produced by the casting method with a composition of 1 % GG, 20 % glycerol (% w/w GG), and Lap concentrations between 0 and 15 % (% w/w GG). The films were characterized to assess their morphology, chemical bonds, crystallinity, optical properties, moisture content, solubility in water, water vapor permeability, and mechanical properties. Furthermore, GG films with 0 % and 15 % Lap were tested as a modified atmosphere packaging method for ready-to-eat strawberries. The films exhibited a uniform appearance, with no defects, and the water solubility decreased with increasing Lap concentration. Film containing 3 % Lap had a higher tensile strength of 196.9 %, whereas 5 % Lap increased the elastic modulus by 266.7 %. The incorporation of Lap did not alter film opacity, but improved the UV-barrier properties. When applied to strawberry packaging, both films (0 % and 15 % Lap) effectively maintained an adequate internal atmosphere, leading to minimal fruit mass loss after 7 days and satisfactory sensory and microbiological quality.

Dielectric Response of Crosslinked Adenanthera pavonina L. Galactomannan in pH-Controlled Medium

This research investigates the production of galactomannan from Adenanthera pavonina L. in its crude form and its subsequent crosslinking with glutaraldehyde under various pH conditions. The study involved the creation of films and sponges from these materials, followed by a comprehensive analysis of their structural, thermal, swelling, and electrical properties. Galactomannan was crosslinked with a fixed concentration of 0.2 mol/L of glutaraldehyde, with pH levels ranging from 3 to 7. These films and sponges were prepared through a slow solvent evaporation process. The research encompassed multiple analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, swelling profile assessments, and impedance spectroscopy. The findings from structural analysis indicated that variations in pH did not alter the amorphous nature of the samples but did influence the interactions between galactomannan molecules and restricted the mobility of polymeric chains, which resulted in different dielectric responses. Crosslinked samples exhibited reduced water solubility compared to unprocessed galactomannan. Crosslinking also decreases the ability of the material to polarize and align in response to the electric field, which justifies why crosslinked samples present a lower dielectric constant than the crude sample.

Determination of physicochemical, functional,and morphological properties of Prosopis farcta (Çeti̇) seed galactomannan as a new hydrocolloid source: Comparison with locust bean gum

The present study investigated the properties of galactomannan, a water-soluble polysaccharide extracted from the Prosopis farcta (Çeti) plant. These properties encompassed its functional characteristics, chemical composition, rheological behavior, and morphological structure. The results were systematically compared with those of the commercially utilized locust bean gum (LBG). Following ethanol precipitation, the yield of Prosopis farcta galactomannan (PFG) was determined to be 22.4 ± 0.5 %. The mannose-to-galactose (M: G) ratios of PFG and LBG were calculated as 1.7:1 and 3.3:1, respectively. The solubility of PFG exhibited a temperature-dependent increase akin to that of LBG. Notably, PFG demonstrated superior emulsion capacity and stability even at low concentrations. Additionally, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed asymmetric broad peaks around the 2θ = 20° diffraction angle, signifying the amorphous nature of PFG. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, obtained after dissolving both PFG and LBG in deionized water and freeze-drying them, displayed a fibrous filament network structure in both samples.

Synergistic Antiviral Activity of Xanthan Gum and Camostat Against Influenza Virus Infection

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a major cause of respiratory infections worldwide. Current preventive measures, though effective for decades, face limitations due to the continuous evolution of viral strains and challenges in targeting specific viral proteins. In this study, we conducted in vivo screenings to evaluate the antiviral properties of various promising polymers to overcome the limitations of current virus infection prevention strategies. Subsequently, we performed detailed physiological and pathological assessments over an extended infection period. In the animal experiments regarding weight loss, a key symptom of viral infection, the group treated with xanthan gum (XG) showed significant suppression of weight loss compared to the untreated group starting from 3 DPI. Throughout the experiment, the treated group maintained a body weight similar to that of the uninfected group. In the virus titration and lung tissue pathology analysis, the group treated with the test substance showed a significantly lower viral load and tissue pathology results closer to normal compared to the untreated group. Additionally, we conducted in vitro combination treatment experiments to evaluate the antiviral ability of XG in conjunction with camostat, a previously known TMPRSS2 inhibitor. The results demonstrated that in the combination-treated groups, XG and camostat exhibited significantly higher cell viability at lower concentrations compared to the single-treatment groups for influenza A H1N1, A H3N2, and B type. These results indicate that XG possesses potential capabilities in inhibiting respiratory viruses and may be utilized in conjunction with existing antiviral treatments.

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) Flour as Source of Bioactive Compounds: Production, Characterization and Nutraceutical Value

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) seeds are rich in diverse bioactive compounds, including galactomannan, β-sitosterol, unsaturated fatty acids and proteins with bioactive peptides in their sequence. This study delineates the compositional characterization of six carob seed flour types derived from different production processes, providing valuable insights for designing tailored nutraceutical products based on desired bioactive compound profiles. Our analysis indicated that a higher purity of galactomannan resulted in a greater mannose/galactose ratio, which increased the linearity of the galactomannan polymer and could enhance interchain interaction, thereby increasing aggregation capacity. A higher viscosity could potentially increase the capacity of galactomannan to create satiety and lower cholesterol levels. Among the different tested flours, those whose main compound was the endosperm were optimal for containing high galactomannan content, whereas those derived from the germ were ideal for having high concentrations of fatty acids (i.e., oleic and linoleic acids) and β-sitosterol. The presence of these lipids in carob flours could offer cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits, contributing synergistically. Additionally, flours that contain the germ have beneficial peptides included in proteins like glycinin and conglutin with potential anticholesterolemic and antidiabetic properties. This work provides different methods for obtaining carob flours rich in bioactive compounds, offering the nutraceutical industry a framework to select the best option for industrial-scale production.

The study of galactomannans with different molecular weights and their ability to form microparticles suitable for pulmonary delivery

The influence of locust bean gum (LBG) galactomannans (GMs) molecular weight (Mw) to assemble microparticulate systems was evaluated, and carriers for deep lung delivery were developed. A commercial batch of LBG with a mannose/galactose (M/G) ratio of 2.4 (batch 1) was used to study the influence of different microwave partial acid hydrolysis conditions on carbohydrate composition, glycosidic linkages, and aqueous solutions viscosity. The microwave treatment did not affect the composition, presenting 4-Man (36-42 %), 4,6-Man (27-35 %), and T-Gal (24-25 %) as the main glycosidic linkages. Depolymerization led to a viscosity reduction (≤0.005 Pa·s) with no major impact on polysaccharide debranching. The structural composition of the LBG galactomannans were further elucidated with sequence-specific proteins using carbohydrate microarray technologies. A second batch of LBG (M/G 3.3) was used to study the impact of GMs with different Mw on microparticle assembling, characteristics, and insulin release kinetics. The low-Mw GMs microparticles led to a faster release (20 min) than the higher-Mw (40 min) ones, impacting the release kinetics. All microparticles exhibited a safety profile to cells of the respiratory tract. However, only the higher-Mw GMs allowed the assembly of microparticles with sizes suitable for this type of administration.

Isolation, structural, biological activity and application of Gleditsia species seeds galactomannans

Gleditsia fruits have been known as a valuable traditional Chinese herb for tens of centuries. Previous studies showed that the galactomannans are considered as one of the major bioactive components in Gleditsia fruits seeds (GSGs). Here, we systematically review the major studies of GSGs in recent years to promote their better understanding. The extraction methods of GSGs mainly include hot water extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasonic extraction, acid extraction, and alkali extraction. The analysis revealed that GGSs exhibited in the form of semi-flexible coils, and its molecular weight ranged from 0.018 × 103 to 2.778 × 103 KDa. GSGs are composed of various monosaccharide constituents such as mannose, galactose, glucose, and arabinose. In terms of pharmacological effects, GSGs exhibit excellent activity in antioxidation, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammation. Moreover, GSGs have excellent bioavailability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, which make them used in food additives, food packaging, pharmaceutical field, industry and agriculture. Of cause, the shortcomings of the current research and the potential development and future research are also highlighted. We believe our work provides comprehensive knowledge and underpinnings for further research and development of GSGs.

Dielectric Characterization of Solutions of Galactomannan Extracted from Adenanthera pavonina L.: Effects of Purification and Ethanol Concentration

Galactomannans are polysaccharides obtained from legume seed extraction. They present a chemical structure consisting of D-mannose chains linked by glycosidic bonds and galactose branches. The main focus lies in their use as thickeners in the food industry, aimed at improving the dielectric properties of food during heating processes within the radiofrequency and microwave ranges. In this work, the prepared galactomannan samples were electrically analyzed through impedance spectroscopy, which is a powerful physical technique. From the experimental measurements, the dielectric permittivity and loss tangent of the galactomannan solutions were analyzed and the electrical modulus formalism was used to study the dielectric relaxations. Crude galactomannans exhibited higher values of permittivity, conductivity, and losses compared to purified galactomannans. Increasing ethanol concentration in galactomannan purification causes an increase in the permittivity and conductivity of galactomannan solutions. In a 1% solution, at 1 kHz, the permittivity increased from 378.56 to 538.09, while in the 2% solution, this increase was from 656.22 to 1103.24. Regarding the conductivity, at the same frequency, the increase was from 1.6 × 10-3 to 3.3 × 10-3 Ω-1m-1 and from 2.9 × 10-3 to 5.5 × 10-3 Ω-1m-1, respectively. The rise of the ethanol concentration in galactomannan purification led to a decrease in the relaxation time, from 448.56 to 159.15 μs and from 224.81 to 89.50 μs in the solution with 1 and 2%, respectively. The results suggest that galactomannan from Adenanthera pavonina L. has potential for use in the food industry.

Physicochemical properties and solution conformation of polysaccharides from Toona sinensis (A. Juss) Roem leaves

In this study, two polysaccharide fractions (TSP-1 and TSP-2) were isolated from Toona sinensis leaves. The physicochemical properties and solution conformations of TSP-1 and TSP-2 were investigated. DSC and TG results showed that TSP-1 and TSP-2 had thermal stability. The intrinsic viscosities of TSP-1 and TSP-2 solutions were 11.42 and 6.13 mL/g, respectively. Rheological results showed that the viscosities of TSP-1 and TSP-2 solutions were affected by polysaccharide concentration, Ca2+ and extreme pH. Furthermore, TSP-1 exhibited a weak gel behavior at the concentrations of 0.5 %-2.0 %, while TSP-2 showed a weak gel behavior at the concentration of 2 %. HPSEC-MALLS analysis revealed that the Rg values of TSP-1 and TSP-2 were 96.8 nm and 56.2 nm, respectively. Conformation analysis indicated that TSP-1 behaved as a sphere, while TSP-2 behaved like a rigid rod. These results suggest that TSP-1 and TSP-2 can be used as additives in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

The mechanism, biopolymers and active compounds for the production of nanoparticles by anti-solvent precipitation: A review

The anti-solvent precipitation method has been investigated to produce biopolymeric nanoparticles in recent years. Biopolymeric nanoparticles have better water solubility and stability when compared with unmodified biopolymers. This review article focuses on the analysis of the state of the art available in the last ten years about the production mechanism and biopolymer type, as well as the used of these nanomaterials to encapsulate biological compounds, and the potential applications of biopolymeric nanoparticles in food sector. The revised literature revealed the importance to understand the anti-solvent precipitation mechanism since biopolymer and solvent types, as well as anti-solvent and surfactants used, can alter the biopolymeric nanoparticles properties. In general, these nanoparticles have been produced using polysaccharides and proteins as biopolymers, especially starch, chitosan and zein. Finally, it was identified that those biopolymers produced by anti-solvent precipitation were used to stabilize essential oils, plant extracts, pigments, and nutraceutical compounds, promoting their application in functional foods.

Polysaccharide-Based Carriers for Pulmonary Insulin Delivery: The Potential of Coffee as an Unconventional Source

Non-invasive routes for insulin delivery are emerging as alternatives to currently painful subcutaneous injections. For pulmonary delivery, formulations may be in powdered particle form, using carriers such as polysaccharides to stabilise the active principle. Roasted coffee beans and spent coffee grounds (SCG) are rich in polysaccharides, namely galactomannans and arabinogalactans. In this work, the polysaccharides were obtained from roasted coffee and SCG for the preparation of insulin-loaded microparticles. The galactomannan and arabinogalactan-rich fractions of coffee beverages were purified by ultrafiltration and separated by graded ethanol precipitations at 50% and 75%, respectively. For SCG, galactomannan-rich and arabinogalactan-rich fractions were recovered by microwave-assisted extraction at 150 °C and at 180 °C, followed by ultrafiltration. Each extract was spray-dried with insulin 10% (w/w). All microparticles had a raisin-like morphology and average diameters of 1-5 µm, which are appropriate for pulmonary delivery. Galactomannan-based microparticles, independently of their source, released insulin in a gradual manner, while arabinogalactan-based ones presented a burst release. The microparticles were seen to be non-cytotoxic for cells representative of the lung, specifically lung epithelial cells (A549) and macrophages (Raw 264.7) up to 1 mg/mL. This work shows how coffee can be a sustainable source of polysaccharide carriers for insulin delivery via the pulmonary route.

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

Galactomannan (GM) has been widely applied in food and other fields due to its appealing physicochemical properties. In this work, considering the changes in structural and physicochemical properties of Sophora japonica f. pendula (SJ-GM) with very high mannose to galactose (M/G) ratio in the late deposition stage, extensive exploration is conducted. The core of structural change is the change of M/G ratio (4.94-5.68), which is caused by the loss of galactose side residues modulated by α-d-galactosidase during seed maturation. Afterwards, the more compact conformation, the higher molecular weight, the increased hydrophobicity, and the greater solution viscosity of SJ-GM can be caused. Notably, the gel strength of SJ-GM with the highest M/G surpasses other GMs, including fenugreek gum (M/G = 1.20), guar gum (M/G = 1.80), Gleditsia microphylla gum (M/G = 2.77), and LBG (M/G = 4.00). Finally, SJ-GM is proven to be an attractive alternative to other GMs.

Properties of galactomannans and their textile-related applications-A concise review

Galactomannans are reserve carbohydrates in legume plants and are primarily extracted from their seeds. They contain galactose side chains throughout the mannose backbone and have unique features such as emulsifying, thickening, and gelling together with biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity, which make them an appealing material. Guar gum and locust bean gum mainly are used in all galactomannan needed applications. Nonetheless, tara gum and fenugreek gum have also attracted considerable attention in recent decades. Despite the increased usage of galactomannans in the textile-related fields in recent years, there is no review article published yet. To fill this gap and to demonstrate the striking and increasing importance of galactomannans, a concise summary of the properties of common galactomannans and their comparisons is given first, followed by an account of recent developments and applications of galactomannans in the textile-related fields. The associated potential opportunities are also provided at the end of this review.

Dietary Fiber: Fractionation, Characterization and Potential Sources from Defatted Oilseeds

Dietary fiber (DF) has wide applications, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its health-promoting effects and potential techno-functional properties in developing functional food products. There is a growing interest in studies related to DF; nevertheless, there is less focus on the fractionation and characterization of DF. The characteristics of DF fractions explain their functionality in food products and provide clues to their physiological effects in food and pharmaceutical industrial applications. The review focuses on a brief introduction to DF and methods for its fractionation. It discusses the characterization of DF in terms of structural, physicochemical and rheological properties. The potential sources of DF from selected defatted oilseeds for future studies are highlighted.

The effect of resin coating on the quality characteristics of chicken eggs during storage

In this study, after washing, changes in the quality characteristics of chicken eggs coated with apricot, almond, and sour cherry tree resins were examined during two different temperatures (4 °C and 22 °C) storage for 60 days. While air cell height, weight loss, albumen and yolk pH and a* (redness) values increased in all samples during storage, Haugh unit, albumen and yolk index, shell fracture and vitelline membrane strength, albumen and yolk L* (lightness) and b* (yellowness) values decreased (P < 0.05). The lowest weight loss (0.54 g) and air cell height (2.89 mm), highest Haugh unit (73.95 HU), albumen index (8.81%), and yolk index (40.37%) were found in the samples coated with sour cherry wood resin stored at 4 °C. The shell breakage and vitelline membrane strength of the coated samples were determined to be higher than the control samples and the samples stored after washing. Higher weight loss, air cell height, and pH values, while lower Haugh unit, Albumen and yolk index were found in samples stored at 22 °C (P < 0.05). At the end of storage, the maximum increase in the counts of total aerobic mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria was found in the albumin and egg yolk of washed samples stored at ambient temperature. As a result, the coating materials prepared with the resin of apricot, almond, and sour cherry trees were suitable for eggshell's shelf life extension. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The consumers demand the eggs be in their freshest condition, but the currently available storage conditions are not sufficient to maintain freshness in many regions of Turkey. The physical, chemical and, microbiological qualities of the eggs coated with wood resins were determined to be superior compared to other samples. Because resins have good barrier properties, it is recommended to conduct extensive studies on their applicability in different products.

Galactomannan of Delonix regia seeds reduces nociception and morphological damage in the rat model of osteoarthritis induced by sodium monoiodoacetate

This study investigated the effects of the protein-free galactomannan obtained from Delonix regia seeds (GM-DR) in an experimental osteoarthritis (OA) model. GM-DR was obtained from water-homogenized endosperms by collection of the supernatant and precipitation with ethanol. The remaining proteins in the galactomannan were removed by alkaline hydrolysis. Weight average molar mass (Mw) of the galactomannan was estimated in 5.8 × 105 g mol-1, presenting mannose:galactose ratio of 2.39:1. Rats received sodium monoiodoacetate (OA groups, 1 mg/25 μL) or saline (sham group) in the right tibio-tarsal joint. GM-DR (30-300 μg) was administered by intra-articular route at days 14 and 21 after OA induction. Hypernociception was evaluated daily by the measurement of the mechanical threshold required to cause joint flexion and paw withdrawal reflex. The 56-day animal groups were euthanized for joint histopahological analysis using the OARSI score system. Lower doses of GM-DR (30 and 100 μg) promoted antinociception from day 15 until the endpoint at day 56. Joint damage was reduced by GM-DR administration (100 μg) in OA-subjected animals, compared to the vehicle-treated OA group (5.9 ± 1.8 vs 19.0 ± 1.8, respectively, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Both antinociception and damage reduction suggest that Delonix regia galactomannan is a promising approach for osteoarthritis therapy.

The Increase of Incomplete Degradation Products of Galactomannan Production by Synergetic Hydrolysis of β-Mannanase and α-Galactosidase

An integrated process to increase the yield of incomplete degradation products of galactomannan (GalM) especially for galactomanno-oligosaccharides (GalMOS) was suggested. Trichoderma reesei employed Avicel or GalMOS as a carbon source to produce β-mannanase or α-galactosidase independently, with a result of 3.78 ± 0.12 U/mL of β-mannanase activity and 2.45 ± 0.06 U/mL of α-galactosidase activity which were obtained, respectively. GalM in Sesbania seed was hydrolyzed simultaneously by a mixture of crude enzyme with β-mannanase and α-galactosidase at a dosage of 20 U/g GalM and 15 U/g GalM, respectively; the yields of incomplete degradation products of GalM (IDP-GalM) and GalMOS were 78.84% ± 3.14% and 30.94% ± 0.38%, respectively, which was beneficial to improve the biological activity of the incomplete degradation products. The role of α-galactosidase addition in mixture enzymes is to remove the galactose substituents from mannan backbone of GalM and alleviate the steric hindrance of β-mannanase hydrolysis.

Microwave-Assisted Preparation of Activated Carbon Modified by Zinc Chloride as a Packing Material for Column Separation of Saccharides

Activated carbon, an amorphous carbon material with a high specific surface area and void fraction, is widely used as an economical adsorbent in many fields. In this work, a kind of new activated carbon composite for saccharide column separation was prepared by zinc chloride impregnating and microwave heating. The structural characterizations validate the increase in porosity and the specific surface area of the activated carbon as well as the change of the activated carbon crystallite lattice. The chemical characterizations validate the increase in the number of oxygen-containing functional groups and structural bonding of zinc with the activated carbon surface. Compared with the blank control, the surface Zn element improves the adsorption selectivity of the activated carbon to the target saccharides. Under the special mechanism of microwaves, the pores created by expansion from the inside to the outside facilitate the free flow of the mobile phase. The eight saccharides can be separated by the columns packed with the activated carbon impregnated with 40% and 70% zinc chloride.

Preparation and Characterization of Hemicellulose Films from Sugarcane Bagasse

Hemicellulose is one of the most common polysaccharides found in nature. Its use as a green and sustainable raw material for industries is desirable. In this work, an alkaline-alcoholic method was used to extract hemicelluloses from sugarcane bagasse. After extraction, films with 2%, 3% and 4% (w/v) hemicellulose were produced. The films’ morphology, thickness, water solubility, tensile properties and thermal stability were evaluated. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) results reveal that the method used removes the hemicellulose from bagasse with a low concentration of lignin. The films presented a compact and dense structure with uniformity in thickness associated with higher solubility in water. The increase in hemicellulose content increased tensile strength, but reduced the tensile strain of the films. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the increase in hemicellulose content reduced the films’ thermal stability. Thus, these films may act as useful, biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials for engineering applications.

Impact of growing conditions on the gum properties of different genotypes of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.)

Galactomannan (gum), a water-soluble polysaccharide, is widely used as a gelling agent in liquids, including in the oil and gas industry for hydraulic fracturing. The most effective source of this valuable plant material is seeds of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.), a legume crop new for Russia. Although in recent years progress has been made in the selection of guar varieties adapted to the conditions of the Russian Federation, the question of the most appropriate region for the cultivation of this crop remains open. The purpose of the study was to investigate how a region and technology of guar cultivation can affect the main indicators of the final target product: the content and viscosity of guar gum extracted from the seeds of various guar genotypes. To understand this, ecogeographical tests of 13 guar accessions from the VIR collection were conducted at the experimental stations of the Vavilov Institute (VIR), where climatic conditions correspond to the temperature requirements of the crop. To compare the properties of gum extracted from the seeds of various genotypes, a fast-tracked laboratory method was suggested allowing gum extracts to be obtained for assessing their viscosity. The method allows fast screening of the breeding material and selecting guar genotypes with beneficial properties of guar gum which are in demand by the oil industry. Applying the fast laboratory method for assessing the properties of gum in seeds of 13 guar varieties showed that the content and viscosity of gum of the same variety vary greatly depending on growing conditions. The same set of 13 guar accessions was grown in 2018 at the Volgograd, Astrakhan, Dagestan and Kuban VIR experimental stations. As a result, the maximum viscosity values were obtained for the seeds reproduced at the Astrakhan region, where the guar was grown on irrigated lands. On the other hand, the maximum gum content in the seeds of all accessions was recorded when they were grown in the Volgograd region. The results showed that the guar gum extracted from seeds of guar plants grown in the Russian Federation can be used as a gelling agent in the processes of intensification of oil production by the method of hydraulic fracturing. This experience is new to the Russian Federation.

Galactomannan from the seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima prevents indomethacin-induced gastrointestinal damage via neutrophil migration

Galactomannans are neutral polysaccharides isolated from the endosperm of some Leguminosae seeds. They consist of a (1 → 4) linked β-mannopyranosyl backbone partially substituted at O-6 with α-d-galactopyranosyl side groups. C. pulcherrima have anti-inflammatory and muco-adhesive proprieties. Acute gastritis is an inflammatory disease triggered by use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We investigated the gastroprotective effect of galactomannan obtained from the seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima L. (GM-CP) in acute gastritis model induced by indomethacin. Gastritis was induced with indomethacin (30 mg/kg, P.·O.) in female Swiss mice. Animal groups (n = 7) were pretreated with saline-dissolved GM-CP (3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, P.O.) or vehicle 1 h before gastritis induction. Mice were euthanized seven hours after the induction. The stomach and blood samples were collected for analysis. At 10 mg/kg, GP-CP reduced the extension of macroscopic lesion and the loss of superficial cells by alleviating inflammatory symptoms (neutrophil infiltration, migration and adhesion of mesenteric leukocytes, production of TNF-α and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and helping to maintain mucin labeling of the tissue. Thus, the findings of the study suggest that GM-CP exhibits gastroprotective effects.

Structural changes and stress relaxation behavior of κ-carrageenan cold-processed gels: Effects of ultrasonication time and power

Ultrasound has been used for cold gelation of κ-carrageenan hydrocolloid. In this work, the effect of ultrasound conditions such as power (50-150 W) and time (20-240 s) of sonication has been investigated. The application of ultrasound to hydrocolloid dispersion caused an increase in water solubility. The texture profile analysis test was used in order to evaluate the mechanical properties of gels. Textural parameters of κ-carrageenan gels, enhanced with increasing sonication time and power up to a certain level (usually 2.5 min) and longer sonication times had negative effects. In addition, intrinsic viscosities of sonicated specimens were measured to investigate the molecular characteristics of all samples. An increase in the process time and power reduced the intrinsic viscosity. The microstructural observation by scanning electron microscope determined that applying power ultrasound on κ-carrageenan dispersions influenced the formation of gel networks significantly.

Hydrogel and membrane scaffold formulations of Frutalin (breadfruit lectin) within a polysaccharide galactomannan matrix have potential for wound healing

Plant lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins, which can interact with cell surfaces to initiate anti-inflammatory pathways, as well as immunomodulatory functions. Here, we have extracted, purified and part-characterized the bioactivity of Jacalin, Frutalin, DAL and PNA, before evaluating their potential for wound healing in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Only Frutalin stimulated fibroblast migration in vitro, prompting further studies which established its low cytotoxicity and interaction with TLR4 receptors. Frutalin also increased p-ERK expression and stimulated IL-6 secretion. The in vivo potential of Frutalin for wound healing was then assessed in hybrid combination with the polysaccharide galactomannan, purified from Caesalpinia pulcherrima seeds, using both hydrogel and membrane scaffolds formulations. Physical-chemical characterization of the hybrid showed that lectin-galactomannan interactions increased the pseudoplastic behaviour of solutions, reducing viscosity and increasing Frutalin's concentration. Furthermore, infrared spectroscopy revealed -OH band displacement, likely caused by interaction of Frutalin with galactose residues present on galactomannan chains, while average membrane porosity was 100 μm, sufficient to ensure water vapor permeability. Accelerated angiogenesis and increased fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation were observed with the optimal hybrid recovering the lesioned area after 11 days. Our findings indicate Frutalin as a biomolecule with potential for tissue repair, regeneration and chronic wound healing.

Biopolymer from Adenanthera pavonina L. Seeds: Characterization, Photostability, Antioxidant Activity, and Biotoxicity Evaluation

Plant polysaccharides have been increasingly employed in the pharmaceutical, industrial, and food environments due to their versatile functional properties. In the present investigation, a heteropolysaccharide galactomannan (GAP) was extracted from Adenanthera pavonina L. seeds and characterized by physicochemical analyses to determine its thermal properties, photostability, antioxidant activity, and acute toxicity. GAP was characterized by FTIR, DSC, and TG. The photostability of GAP submitted to artificial UV irradiation was analyzed. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical-scavenging method, while a bioassay method was carried out to study acute toxicity in Artemia salina L. Physical-chemical and functional characteristics of GAP support its potential role in the food and pharmaceutical industries. GAP was photostable under UV irradiation. In vitro GAP antioxidant evaluation showed that it bears free radical-scavenging activity for DPPH radicals. The median lethal concentration (LC50) of GAP was 239.4 mg∙mL−1, indicating that this biopolymer is nontoxic. Such results indicate that this biopolymer presents characteristics of neutrality, photostability, and nontoxicity that are commercially attractive.

Regulation of apoptotic and inflammatory signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma via Caesalpinia gilliesii galactomannan

A polysaccharide characterized as galactomannan (GMann) with a molecular weight of 117.76 kDa was isolated from the aqueous extract of Caesalpinia gilliesii (C. gilliesii) seeds then assessed for antiproliferative potential against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2). Further, HCC was induced in Wister albino rats by Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) ip injection (200 mg/kg bw), and CCl4 orally (2 ml/kg bw) for two months then subjected to GMann orally treatment (2 mg/kg bw) for one month. In results, isolated GMann is constituted of sugars (89.99 ± 2.3%), moisture (6.89 ± 0.45%), ash (0.06 ± 0.2%), and protein (2.81%) and composed mainly of mannose and galactose in ratio M/G 3.79. In vitro study, data revealed a concentration-dependent potency of GMann to induce cell death of HepG2 cells with IC₅₀ value of 0.375 µg/ml. Mechanistic studies revealed the potential of GMann to arrest cell cycle at G2/M phase with induction of apoptosis. Biochemical results in vivo showed a significant reduction in serum transaminases (ALT and AST) as well as hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NOx). Molecular analysis declared a significant down-regulation in mRNA gene expression of both nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). Furthermore, a significant down-regulation in the cellular oncogene-fos (C-fos) and marked up-regulation in Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3β) level were observed. These results were supported with histopathological investigation. Whereas GMann improved inflammatory and apoptotic markers, it could be a promising new therapeutic agent for HCC suppression and this warrant further development as a possible drug candidate for HCC.