Characterization of soluble soybean polysaccharide film incorporated essential oil intended for food packaging

Investigation of physio-mechanical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of starch-zinc oxide nanoparticles active films reinforced with Ferula gummosa Boiss essential oil

The production of surface compounds coated with active substances has gained significant attention in recent years. This study investigated the physical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of a composite made of starch and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) containing various concentrations of Ferula gummosa essential oil (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%). The addition of ZnO NPs improved the thickness, mechanical and microbial properties, and reduced the water vapor permeability of the starch active film. The addition of F. gummosa essential oil to the starch nanocomposite decreased the water vapor permeability from 6.25 to 5.63 g mm-2 d-1 kPa-1, but this decrease was significant only at the concentration of 1.5% of essential oils (p < 0.05). Adding 1.5% of F. gummosa essential oil to starch nanocomposite led to a decrease in Tensile Strength value, while an increase in Elongation at Break values was observed. The results of the antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposite revealed that the pure starch film did not show any lack of growth zone. The addition of ZnO NPs to the starch matrix resulted in antimicrobial activity on both studied bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli). The highest antimicrobial activity was observed in the starch/ZnO NPs film containing 1.5% essential oil with an inhibition zone of 340 mm2 on S. aureus. Antioxidant activity increased significantly with increasing concentration of F. gummosa essential oil (P < 0.05). The film containing 1.5% essential oil had the highest (50.5%) antioxidant activity. Coating also improved the chemical characteristics of fish fillet. In conclusion, the starch nanocomposite containing ZnO NPs and F. gummosa essential oil has the potential to be used in the aquatic packaging industry.

Improving water resistance and mechanical properties of starch-based films by incorporating microcrystalline cellulose in a dynamic network structure

The widespread use of starch-based films is hindered by inadequate tensile strength and high water sensitivity. To address these limitations, a novel starch film with a dynamic network structure was produced via the dehydration-condensation reaction of N, N'-methylene diacrylamide (MBA) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The improvement in mechanical properties was enhanced by the incorporation of MCC, which was achieved through intermolecular hydrogen bonding and chemical crosslinking. To verify the interactions among MCC, MBA, and starch, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) were conducted. The results established the predicted interactions. The dynamic network structure of the film reduced the water absorption capacity (WAC) of starch and MCC hydroxyl groups, as confirmed by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). These analyses showed a restriction in the mobility of starch chains, resulting in a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) of 69.26 °C. The modified starch films exhibited excellent potential for packaging applications, demonstrating a higher contact angle (CA) of 89.63°, the lowest WAC of 4.73 g/g, and the lowest water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 13.13 g/m2/d, along with improved mechanical properties and identical light transmittance compared to pure starch films.

Development and characterization of a new active and intelligent packaging system based on soluble soybean polysaccharide-Malva sylvestris extract

This work aimed to develop an active and intelligent film based on soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS)/Malva sylvestris extract (MSE) to extend the shelf life of foodstuff and detect indirectly the food spoilage. The influence of MSE content on physico-mechanical properties, biological activity, and pH sensitivity of the SSPS-based films was examined. When the MSE concentration increased from 0 to 6% (w/w), water solubility and water vapor permeability of the films decreased (p ˂ 0.05). Clear antioxidant and antibacterial capacities were observed for SSPS films incorporated with different concentrations of MSE. SSPS/MSE films could sense the pH variation in a pH range of 7 to 8. SSPS/MSE film was used to detect the spoilage of shrimp and showed a pH-sensitive highly distinctive color variation from grey to dark green as the shrimp's quality altered. Overall, SSPS/MSE film can be introduced as a promising candidate for application as active and intelligent packaging.

Biodegradable antifungal films from nanocellulose-gellan gum incorporated with Anethum graveolens essential oil for bread packaging

Biodegradable material incorporated with antifungal essential oil has become an alternative food preservation approach to reduce plastic waste. Essential oils of Amomum testaceum, Anethum graveolens, Piper longum, Kaempferia galanga, and Zanthoxylum limonella were tested for their antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger. A. graveolens essential oil demonstrated the highest inhibition zone diameter of 43.51 mm against A. niger after seven days comparing to those obtained from other essential oils ranging from 10.02 mm to 26.13 mm. The volatile compounds of A. graveolens essential oil were identified with major compounds such as carvone, trans-dihydrocarvone, limonene, and α-acorenol. The pineapple nanocellulose-gellan gum (PNC-GG) films incorporated with A. graveolens oil were formulated and tested for its physical and chemical properties. Addition of A. graveolens essential oil in PNC-GG films improved mechanical strength and decreased flexibility while solubility, water vapour permeability, and thermal stability slightly changed. PNC-GG films incorporated with A. graveolens essential oil were also tested as bread packaging inhibiting A. niger. The results indicated that no visible mycelial growth of A. niger was detected during 3-week storage. Therefore, the PNC-GG films incorporated with A. graveolens essential oil were recommended as biodegradable packaging material against A. niger in bread also extending its shelf life.

Polysaccharides for Biodegradable Packaging Materials: Past, Present, and Future (Brief Review)

The ecological problems emerging due to accumulation of non-biodegradable plastics are becoming more and more urgent. This problem can be solved by the development of biodegradable materials which will replace the non-biodegradable ones. Among numerous approaches in this field, there is one proposing the use of polysaccharide-based materials. These polymers are biodegradable, non-toxic, and obtained from renewable resources. This review opens discussion about the application of polysaccharides for the creation of biodegradable packaging materials. There are numerous investigations developing new formulations using cross-linking of polymers, mixing with inorganic (metals, metal oxides, clays) and organic (dyes, essential oils, extracts) compounds. The main emphasis in the present work is made on development of the polymer blends consisting of cellulose, starch, chitin, chitosan, pectin, alginate, carrageenan with some synthetic polymers, polymers of natural origin, and essential oils.

Physical, Mechanical and Biological Properties of Phenolic Acid-Grafted Soluble Soybean Polysaccharide Films

Three kinds of phenolic acid-grafted soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) with similar grafting ratios were prepared, and their structure was characterized by FT-IR, UV-vis and ¹ H NMR. The impact of phenolic acid on the antioxidant activity of SSPS was evaluated. Then, films were prepared by using phenolic acid-grafted SSPS. The physical, mechanical and biological performances of phenolic acid-grafted SSPS films were further investigated. The results indicated that an ester linkage was formed between the SSPS and phenolic acid. The grafting ratio of para-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid and gallic acid-grafted SSPS was 29.45, 31.76 and 30.74 mg/g, respectively. Phenolic acid endowed SSPS with improved antioxidant properties. Gallic acid (GA)-grafted SSPS possessed the best DPPH radical scavenging ability and reducing power, which may be related to the three phenolic hydroxyl groups in GA. Phenolic acid-grafted SSPS films showed increased moisture content and decreased water solubility compared to SSPS film. The phenolic acid-g-SSPS decreased the mechanical properties but enhanced the water vapor barrier property, and antioxidant and antibacterial properties of SSPS film. Meanwhile, the para-hydroxybenzoic acid-grafted SSPS film showed the lowest water vapor permeability (3.70 × 10^-7 g mm/h cm² Pa), and the GA-grafted SSPS film exhibited the best antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Highly effective and sustainable antibacterial membranes synthesized using biodegradable polymers

In order to reduce foodborne diseases caused by bacterial infections, antibacterial membranes have received increasing research interests in recent years. In this study, highly effective antibacterial membranes were prepared using biodegradable polymers, including polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The cation exchange property of CMC was utilized to introduce silver to prepare antibacterial materials. The presence of silver in the membranes was confirmed by EDS mapping, and the reduction of silver ions to metallic silver was confirmed by the Ag3d XPS spectrum which displayed peaks at 374.46 eV and 368.45 eV, revealing that the oxidation state of silver changed to zero. Two common pathogenic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), were used to investigate the antibacterial performance of the prepared membranes. Zone of inhibition and bacteria-killing tests revealed that the antibacterial membranes were efficient in inhibiting the growth of bacteria (diameters of inhibition zone ranged from 16 mm to 19 mm for fresh membranes) and capable of killing 100% of bacteria under suitable conditions. Furthermore, after 6 cycles of continuous zone of inhibition tests, the membranes still showed noticeable antibacterial activities, which disclosed the sustainable antibacterial properties of the membranes.

Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Whey Protein-Based Films Functionalized with Palestinian Satureja capitata Essential Oil

The present study aimed to produce bio-active packaging materials made of whey proteins (WPs) and essential oil (EO) extracted from Thymbra (Satureja capitata, L.), one of the most popular Palestinian wild plants. In this study, two different Thymbra leaves from Nablus and Qabatiya in Palestine were collected and analyzed for EOs by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Based on the analysis, two EOs, namely, TEO1 and TEO2, were extracted, and it was found that both samples primarily contain γ-terpinene and carvacrol, whereas p-cymene was detected only in TEO1. The antimicrobial activity of TEO1 and TEO2 was evaluated by microbroth microdilution assays against pathogenic bacteria and yeast. Based on the results, TEO1 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against the test strains. Besides, TEO1 was chosen to functionalize WP-based films at different concentrations (0.1%, 0.4%, and 0.8% v/v of Film Forming Solutions). Film mechanical property investigation showed a marked reduction in the tensile strength and Young’s modulus at 0.8% TEO1. In contrast, its elongation at break value was significantly (p < 0.05) increased due to the plasticizing effect of the EO. Moreover, the film transparency was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by increasing TEO1 concentrations. Finally, microbiological investigations indicated that film antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria increased dose-dependently. The overall results open interesting perspectives for employing these films as preservative materials in food packaging.

Effects of nanocellulose fiber and thymol on mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of corn starch films

This study explores the preparation of corn starch (CS) films incorporated with nanocellulose fiber (NCF) and different concentrations of thymol (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5% weight of thymol/volume of solution (% w/v)) via the solvent casting method. The resulting films were characterized by the functional chemistry, crystallinity, morphology, mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the thymol and starch, as well as the thymol and glycerol, via hydroxyl groups of glycerol, starch, and thymol. The film crystallinity decreased with increasing concentration of thymol. The addition of NCF at 1.5% weight of starch increased the tensile strength (TS) and Young's Modulus (YM), but decreased the elongation at break (EAB), oxygen permeability, and water vapor permeability of the CS films. The thermal stability of the CS films was also improved with the addition of NCF. The addition of thymol to the CS/NCF bio-nanocomposite films decreased the TS and YM, respectively but increased the EAB due to the plasticizing effect of thymol. The addition of thymol also improved the thermal stability but reduced the barrier properties of the films. The effects on the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties were more pronounced at higher concentrations of thymol. In conclusion, the inclusion of both NCF and thymol led to the improvement of the flexibility and thermal stability of the CS films.

pH-sensitive soluble soybean polysaccharide/SiO2 incorporated with curcumin for intelligent packaging applications

In the present work, the effect of various concentrations of SiO2 nanoparticles (5, 10, and 15%) on physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS)-based film was investigated. Then, the migration of SiO2 nanoparticles to ethanol as a food simulant was evaluated. Subsequently, curcumin was added to the nanocomposite formulation to sense the pH changes. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the developed packaging system was investigated. With increasing nanoparticle concentration, the film thickness, water solubility, and water vapor permeability decreased and mechanical performance of the films improved. SSPS/SiO2 nanocomposite did not show antibacterial activity. SEM analysis showed that SiO2 nanoparticles are uniformly distributed in the SSPS matrix; however, some outstanding spots can be observed in the matrix. A very homogeneous surface was observed for neat SSPS film with R a and R q values of 3.48 and 4.26, respectively. With the incorporation of SiO2 (15%) into SSPS film, R a and R q values increased to 5.67 and 5.98, respectively. Small amount of SiO2 nanoparticles was released in food simulant. The nanocomposite incorporated with curcumin showed good physical properties and antibacterial activity. A strong positive correlation was observed between TVBN content of shrimp and a* values of the films during storage time (Pearson's correlation = 0.985).

Antimicrobial Activities of Starch-Based Biopolymers and Biocomposites Incorporated with Plant Essential Oils: A Review

Recently, many scientists and polymer engineers have been working on eco-friendly materials for starch-based food packaging purposes, which are based on biopolymers, due to the health and environmental issues caused by the non-biodegradable food packaging. However, to maintain food freshness and quality, it is necessary to choose the correct materials and packaging technologies. On the other hand, the starch-based film’s biggest flaws are high permeability to water vapor transfer and the ease of spoilage by bacteria and fungi. One of the several possibilities that are being extensively studied is the incorporation of essential oils (EOs) into the packaging material. The EOs used in food packaging films actively prevent inhibition of bacteria and fungi and have a positive effect on food storage. This work intended to present their mechanical and barrier properties, as well as the antimicrobial activity of anti-microbacterial agent reinforced starch composites for extending product shelf life. A better inhibition of zone of antimicrobial activity was observed with higher content of essential oil. Besides that, the mechanical properties of starch-based polymer was slightly decreased for tensile strength as the increasing of essential oil while elongation at break was increased. The increasing of essential oil would cause the reduction of the cohesion forces of polymer chain, creating heterogeneous matrix and subsequently lowering the tensile strength and increasing the elongation (E%) of the films. The present review demonstrated that the use of essential oil represents an interesting alternative for the production of active packaging and for the development of eco-friendly technologies.

Functional Properties of Biopolymer-Based Films Modified with Surfactants: A Brief Review

An increase of environmental awareness recently has increased the interest of researchers in using of biopolymer-based films. The films have been prepared extensively by utilizing starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan, protein, gelatin, carrageenan, alginate, pectin, guar gum and pullulan. They are typically modified with surface-active agents (surfactants) such as glycerol monostearate, sucrose ester, sodium stearoyl lactate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, ethyl lauroyl arginate HCl, Span 20 to 80, Tween-20 to 80 and soy lecithin for improving the functional properties of the films. In this brief review, two types of biopolymer-based films that prepared through casting method were categorized, specifically solution- and emulsion-based films. The four types of surfactants, namely non-ionic, anionic, cationic and amphoteric surfactants that are regularly used to modify biopolymer-based films are also described. The functional properties of the films modified with different types of surfactants are briefly reviewed. This study enhances the attraction of researchers in biopolymer-based films and the improvement of new concepts in this niche area.

Two-Layer Functional Coatings of Chitosan Particles with Embedded Catechin and Pomegranate Extracts for Potential Active Packaging

Two-layer functional coatings for polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) films were developed for the active packaging concept. Prior to coating, the polymer films were activated by O2 and NH3 plasma to increase their surface free energy and to improve the binding capacity and stability of the coatings. The first layer was prepared from a macromolecular chitosan solution, while the second (upper) layer contained chitosan particles with embedded catechin or pomegranate extract. Functionalized films were analyzed physico-chemically to elemental composition using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and XPS. Further, oxygen permeability and wettability (Contact Angle) were examined. The antimicrobial properties were analyzed by the standard ISO 22196 method, while the antioxidative properties were determined with an ABTS assay. Functionalized films show excellent antioxidative and antimicrobial efficacy. A huge decrease in oxygen permeability was achieved in addition. Moreover, a desorption experiment was also performed, confirming that the migration profile of a compound from the surfaces was in accordance with the required overall migration limit. All these properties indicate the great potential of the developed active films/foils for end-uses in food packaging.

Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Biodegradable Active Packaging Enriched with Clove and Thyme Essential Oil for Food Packaging Application

Bioactive packaging contains natural antimicrobial agents, which inhibit the growth of microorganisms and increase the food shelf life. Solvent casting method was used to prepare the Poly (lactide)-Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA-PBAT) film incorporated with the thyme oil and clove oil in various concentrations (1 wt%, 5 wt% and 10 wt%). The clove oil composite films depicted less green and more yellow as compared to thyme oil composite films. Clove oil composite film has shown an 80% increase in the UV blocking efficiency. The tensile strength (TS) of thyme oil and clove oil composite film decreases from 1.35 MPs (control film) to 0.96 MPa and 0.79, respectively. A complete killing of S. aureus that is a reduction from 6.5 log CFU/mL to 0 log CFU/mL was observed on the 10 wt% clove oil incorporated composite film. Clove oil and thyme oil composite film had inhibited E. coli biofilm by 93.43% and 82.30%, respectively. Clove oil composite film had exhibited UV blocking properties, strong antimicrobial activity and has high potential to be used as an active food packaging.

Application of essential oil of Pistacia atlantica Gum, polypropylene and silica nanoparticles as a new milk packaging

The aim of current study was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of gum essential oil of Pistacia atlantica (wild pistachio) tree (GEO) and design a new film based on polypropylene polymer coated with silica nanoparticles and GEO. The antimicrobial activity of the packaging film was evaluated with or without milk on Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes during 35 days. The results showed that GEO has significant antibacterial properties. It was most effective on Salmonella enterica, while its effect on Listeria monocytogenes was the weakest. Antimicrobial activity of the film without milk showed no significant differences among the different sizes of nanoparticles used (0.05, 0.025, and 0.051 g) (p ≥ .05). It can be concluded that polypropylene incorporated with GEO and silica nanoparticles active film had antimicrobial properties up to 35 days, while using with milk or without milk. Therefore, this type of packaging is effective to enhance the shelf life of milk.

Soybean soluble polysaccharides enhance bioavailability of genistein and its prevention against obesity and metabolic syndrome of mice with chronic high fat consumption

This study aimed to explore a novel strategy for the simultaneous consumption of soluble soybean polysaccharides (SSPS) and insoluble genistein to improve the bioavailability of genistein and its prevention against obesity and metabolic syndrome in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet and HFD supplemented or not (n = 8) with SSPS (2.5%), genistein (0.5%) and their mixture (S + G) for 12 weeks. The UPLC-qTOP/MS assay showed that SSPS observably enhanced the urinary concentration of genistein and its metabolites compared to that of single genistein in mice. Supplementation of SSPS, genistein or their combination prevented HFD-induced gain weight, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress and inflammation in obese mice. Interestingly, the combined S + G ingestion exhibited more effective alleviation of dyslipidemia by modulating hepatic FAS, ACC, SREBP-1C and ADRP expressions relative to that of individual SSPS or genistein. Furthermore, S + G activated the energy metabolism pathway AMPK in the liver, and the hepatic PPAR-α/PPAR-γ pathways were doubly activated to alleviate lipogenesis, inflammation, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Moreover, S + G supplementation dramatically modified the gut microbial species at the phylum level with a decrease in Firmicutes and increase in Bacteroidetes. These findings support that the combined supplementation of SSPS and genistein is a novel couple to prevent obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Corn and Rice Starch-Based Bio-Plastics as Alternative Packaging Materials

Due to the negative environmental impacts of synthetic plastics, the development of biodegradable plastics for both industrial and commercial applications is essential today. Researchers have developed various starch-based composites for different applications. The present work investigates the corn and rice starch-based bioplastics for packaging applications. Various samples of bioplastics are produced, with different compositions of corn and rice starch, glycerol, citric acid, and gelatin. The tensile properties were improved after adding rice starch. However, water absorption and water solubility were reduced. On the basis of these results, the best sample was analyzed for thickness testing, biodegradability properties, SEM, hydrophilicity, thermogravimetric analysis, and sealing properties of bioplastic. The results show the suitability of rice and corn-based thermoplastic starch for packaging applications.

Environment-friendly green composites based on soluble soybean polysaccharide: A review

The objective of the present review was to acquaint the readers with recent advances in soluble soy bean polysaccharide (SSPS)-based films. An efficient extraction method containing refining, pasteurizing and spray-drying is commonly used to extract SSPS. SSPS is a high molecular weight polysaccharide with a pectin-like structure. The predominant monosaccharide components are arabinose, galactose and galacturonic acid. Additionally, a trace amount of other monosaccharides such as glucose, fucose, rhamnose, and xylose are also present. SSPS allows us to make water-soluble, colorless, transparent, and edible films due to its high adhesive strength. The evaluation of recently published data on the development of SSPS films has demonstrated that nanoparticles can be used to improve the physicochemical characteristics of SSPS films. These nanoparticles not only reinforce the mechanical, thermal and physical properties of SSPS films, but also improve their antibacterial, anti-mold and anti-yeast activities. Hence, reinforcement of SSPS with nanoparticles is expected to open new approaches for revealing their applications in food packaging.

Characterization of soluble soybean (SSPS) polysaccharide and development of eco-friendly SSPS/TiO2 nanoparticle bionanocomposites

This research aims to characterization of soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) and development of a biodegradable SSPS nanocomposites prepared using various concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles. 13C NMR suggested that backbone of SSPS is rhamnogalacturonan [1→4)-α-GalAp-(1/2)-α Rhap(1→]. Weight average molecular weight, number average molecular weight (Mn) and polydispersity index (PDI) of SSPS were found to be 2.54×106g/mol, 5.54×106g/mol, and 4.5, respectively. The intrinsic viscosity of SSPS (0.33) was lower than most of hydrocolloids. With increasing TiO2 concentration, the water solubility, moisture content and water-vapor permeability (WVP) of SSPS-based nanocomposite films decreased. TiO2 addition led to an increase in the melting temperature to a maximum of 132°C for the SSPS nanocomposite with 5wt% TiO2. With increasing TiO2 concentrations from 5 to 15wt%, the melting temperature declined from 24 to 19°C. There were no significant agglomerates when the TiO2 concentrations were increased to 5wt%; however, when the concentration reached 15wt%, agglomerations were observed. With addition of TiO2 nanoparticles, tensile strength increased but elongation at break decreased. SSPS-based nanocomposite films demonstrated a promising range of antimicrobial activity. The current research clearly introduces a new antimicrobial composite which is potentially useful to prevent and treat infections.

Soluble soybean polysaccharide/TiO2 bionanocomposite film for food application

In the current study, a set of biodegradable soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) nanocomposites containing different ratios of TiO2 nanoparticles was characterized as new packaging system. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement showed that the crystalline structure of the TiO2 nanoparticles remained intact in the polysaccharide matrix and the surface of nanocomposites containing 1-3% TiO2 was observed morphologically uniform under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis revealed that the magnitude of storage modulus was 3.62-fold higher in SPSS/TiO2 nanocomposites containing 7 wt.% of TiO2 than control SSPS indicating improvement in the physical properties of the film supposed to be utilized for food packaging. With respect to the concern over the safety of these nanocomposites, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) showed that no TiO2 was detected in bread samples covered by SSPS/TiO2 film and stored for 6 months. Similarly, the nanocomposite films only released a minuscule amount (21.05 ± 0.054 ppm) of TiO2 in water. TiO2 nanoparticles were found in the plasma membrane of epithelial cell line after long-term exposure (10-day) of these cells to large amounts of the free nanoparticles. SSPS/TiO2 nanocomposites showed excellent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus PTCC 1431 (ATCC 25923), while neither anti-cancerous nor pro-cancerous activity was observed for these nanocomposites denoting their neutrality with respect to cancer suppression or progression in gastrointestinal tract. In conclusion, SSPS/TiO2 nanocomposites could be a promising packaging system for food industries' objective regarding their physical characteristics, low rate of Ti transition, and low health risk.

Soybean soluble polysaccharide enhances absorption of soybean genistein in mice

This study was designed to probe the promoting effects of soybean soluble polysaccharide (SSPS) on bioavailability of genistein in mice and the underlying molecular mechanism. Male Kunming mice (n=8) were administered intragastrically with either saline, SSPS (5mg/kgbw), genistein (100mg/kgbw), or SSPS (5 or 50mg/kgbw) together with genistein (100mg/kgbw) for consecutive 28days. UPLC-qTOF/MS analysis showed that co-administration of SSPS and genistein in mice caused significant elevation in the urinary levels of genistein and its metabolites (p<0.05). Furthermore, the fecal excretion of genistein was also enhanced by co-administration of SSPS. However, the feces level of dihydrogenistein, a characteristic metabolite of genistein degraded by gut microorganism, was dose-dependently decreased by the combined treatment of SSPS. Additionally, co-treatment of SSPS with genistein also decreased the small intestinal levels of uridinediphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), sulfotransferase (SULT), P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein-1 (MRP1), and multidrug resistance-associated protein-2 (MRP2) in mice. These findings suggest that the inhibition of SSPS against small intestinal first-pass metabolism of genistein is involved in the promoting effect of genistein bioavailability in mice.

Extraction optimization, purification and characterization of polysaccharides from the seed coat of black soybean

In this study, the extraction of water-soluble polysaccharides from the seed coat of black soybean (BSCP) was investigated and optimized. A response surface methodology based on a Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize the extraction conditions as follows: extraction temperature, 100°C; ratio of water to material, 22.3 mL/g; and extraction time, 133.2 min. Under these conditions, the experimental yield of polysaccharides was 10.56%, which was consistent with the predictive yield. A novel galactomannan, BSCP-1, with a molecular weight of 7.55 × 105 Da determined by high-performance gel permeation chromatography, was isolated from the black soybean seed coat. Through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, BSCP-1 was identified as a galactomannan consisting of galactose, mannose and rhamnose in a molar ratio of 6.01:3.56:1.00. Cytotoxicity against the human gastric carcinoma cancer cell line was also determined.

Soluble soybean polysaccharides enhance the protective effects of genistein against hepatic injury in high l-carnitine-fed mice

This study was to develop a novel strategy for the simultaneous consumption of soluble soybean polysaccharides (SSPS) to enhance the absorption of genistein and its protective effects against high l-carnitine-induced hepatic injury in mice. UPLC-qTOP/MS measurements showed that SSPS observably increased the urinary concentration of genistein and its metabolites in mice. The mice fed with 3% l-carnitine water for 12 weeks experienced a disturbance of the hepatic lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation, which was evidenced by abnormal TC, LDL, RAHFR and MDA levels, unusual AST, ALT, ALP, SOD and GSP-Px activities, and increased IF-1, IF-6 and TNF-α expressions. Interestingly, the co-supplementation of SSPS and genistein was capable of regulating these imbalances more effectively than the administration of SSPS or genistein alone, which was also confirmed by histological observations of the mouse liver. These findings suggest that the co-ingestion of SSPS and genistein is a feasible strategy for improving liver protection in mice.

Eco-friendly soluble soybean polysaccharide/nanoclay Na+ bionanocomposite: Properties and characterization

The impact of montmorillonite (MMT) as a nanofiller at different concentrations (5, 10, 15wt.%) on the physicochemical and functional properties of nanocomposite film based on soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) was investigated. The results showed that an increase in MMT concentration was accompanied by a decrease in water solubility, thickness, and elongation at break. Furthermore, tensile strength increased when MMT concentration was increased to 10wt.%. Atomic force and scanning electron micrographs showed a significant agglomeration at MMT 15wt.%. With added MMT, the level of whiteness, greenness, and yellowness of SSPS film increased (P<0.05). Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis indicated that the storage modulus of nanocomposites increased when the MMT was increased to 10wt.%. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry demonstrated that no considerable changes occurred in the functional groups of the SSPS when MMT was added. Antimicrobial tests revealed that antibacterial and anti-mold activities were unlikely from reinforced nanocomposites.

Development of new active packaging film made from a soluble soybean polysaccharide incorporating ZnO nanoparticles

This study aimed to develop a soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) nanocomposite incorporating ZnO nanoparticles. The nanocomposites were prepared using the solvent-casting method. SEM, AFM, DSC and X-ray diffraction methods were applied to characterize the resulting films. Furthermore, the antibacterial and anti-mold activities of SSPS/ZN films were assessed against the selected microorganisms. The results indicated that incorporating ZNs into the SSPS film affected the tensile strength and elongation at break significantly. In addition, the antibacterial, antifungal and yeasticidal activities of ZnO/SSPS films have been approved. XRD results showed a crystal plane of hexagonal ZN, while SEM showed that there was not a good affinity between ZN and SSPS. Mono-dispersed particles with clearly spherical morphology and with no voids on the surface were observed using AFM. Fluctuation in Tg and Tm resulted from incorporating ZN. In summary, the potential of ZNs as a functional filler in SSPS film has been demonstrated.