Construction of Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch. Polysaccharide based hydrogel complexed with pullulan and gelatin crosslinked by ferric ions

The texture and rheology properties of k-carrageenan and Artemisia sphaerocepdala krasch gum composite gel

This study aimed to improve the gel properties of k-carrageenan (KC). Texture analysis and dynamic rheology were used to evaluate the effects of Artemisia sphaerocepdala krasch gum (ASKG) on KC. The results indicated that ASKG formed thermo-reversible gels with enhanced properties. Rheological analysis showed that the sol-gel and gel-sol transition temperatures of the composite gel were 55.4 °C and 40.41 °C, respectively, both 6-7 °C higher than pure KC, demonstrating improved thermal stability. DSC analysis further confirmed the superior thermal stability of the composite gel, with the heat absorption peak shifting by approximately 7 °C compared to pure KC. The textural properties of pure KC showed a hardness of 225.84 g, springiness of 0.90, and gel strength of 51.87 g, while for the 7:3 KC to ASKG ratio, the hardness was 370.97 g, springiness 0.958, and gel strength 65.1 g. These values gradually decreased with increasing ASKG content. These findings suggest that intermolecular interactions between the polysaccharides improve gel stability. Additionally, the addition of low concentrations of salt ions, especially Ca2+, enhanced the texture and rheological properties. These results indicate that ASKG has significant potential to improve thermal stability and reduce brittleness in KC gels.

Food Gels Based on Polysaccharide and Protein: Preparation, Formation Mechanisms, and Delivery of Bioactive Substances

Hydrogels have a unique three-dimensional network that can create a good environment for the loading of functional compounds; hence, they have considerable potential in the delivery of bioactive substances. Natural macromolecular substances (proteins, polysaccharides) have the features of low toxicity, degradability, and biosafety; thus, they can be employed in the manufacture of hydrogels in the food sector. With its customizable viscoelastic and porous structure, hydrogels are believed to be good bioactive material delivery vehicles, which can effectively load polyphenols, vitamins, probiotics, and other active substances to prevent their influence from the external environment, thereby improving its stability. In this research, the common raw materials, preparation methods, and applications in the delivery of bioactive elements of food gels were examined; this study aimed at presenting new ideas for the development and utilization of protein-based food gels.

Towards superior biopolymer gels by enabling interpenetrating network structures: A review on types, applications, and gelation strategies

Gels derived from single networks of natural polymers (biopolymers) typically exhibit limited physical properties and thus have seen constrained applications in areas like food and medicine. In contrast, gels founded on a synergy of multiple biopolymers, specifically polysaccharides and proteins, with intricate interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structures, represent a promising avenue for the creation of novel gel materials with significantly enhanced properties and combined advantages. This review begins with the scrutiny of newly devised IPN gels formed through a medley of polysaccharides and/or proteins, alongside an introduction of their practical applications in the realm of food, medicine, and environmentally friendly solutions. Finally, based on the fact that the IPN gelation process and mechanism are driven by different inducing factors entwined with a diverse amalgamation of polysaccharides and proteins, our survey underscores the potency of physical, chemical, and enzymatic triggers in orchestrating the construction of crosslinked networks within these biomacromolecules. In these mixed systems, each specific inducer aligns with distinct polysaccharides and proteins, culminating in the generation of semi-IPN or fully-IPN gels through the intricate interpenetration between single networks and polymer chains or between two networks, respectively. The resultant IPN gels stand as paragons of excellence, characterized by their homogeneity, dense network structures, superior textural properties (e.g., hardness, elasticity, adhesion, cohesion, and chewability), outstanding water-holding capacity, and heightened thermal stability, along with guaranteed biosafety (e.g., nontoxicity and biocompatibility) and biodegradability. Therefore, a judicious selection of polymer combinations allows for the development of IPN gels with customized functional properties, adept at meeting precise application requirements.

Seed gum-based delivery systems and their application in encapsulation of bioactive molecules

Now-a-days, the food/pharma realm faces with great challenges for the application of bioactive molecules when applying them in free form due to their instability in vitro/in vivo. For promoting the biological and functional properties of bioactive molecules, efficient delivery systems have played a pivotal role offering a controlled delivery and improved bioavailability/solubility of bioactives. Among different carbohydrate-based delivery systems, seed gum-based vehicles (SGVs) have shown great promise, facilitating the delivery of a high concentration of bioactive at the site of action, a controlled payload release, and less bioactive loss. SGVs are potent structures to promote the bioavailability, beneficial properties, and in vitro/in vivo stability of bioactive components. Here, we offer a comprehensive overview of seed gum-based nano- and microdevices as delivery systems for bioactive molecules. We have a focus on structural/functional attributes and health-promoting benefits of seed gums, but also strategies involving modification of these biopolymers are included. Diverse SGVs (nano/microparticles, functional films, hydrogels/nanogels, particles for Pickering nanoemulsions, multilayer carriers, emulsions, and complexes/conjugates) are reviewed and important parameters for bioactive delivery are highlighted (e.g. bioactive-loading capacity, control of bioactive release, (bio)stability, and so on). Future challenges for these biopolymer-based carriers have also been discussed. HighlightsSeed gum-based polymers are promising materials to design different bioactive delivery systems.Seed gum-based delivery systems are particles, fibers, complexes, conjugates, hydrogels, etc.Seed gum-based vehicles are potent structures to promote the bioavailability, beneficial properties, and in vitro/in vivo stability of bioactive components.