Bacterial nanocellulose-pectin bionanocomposites as prebiotics against drying and gastrointestinal condition

Recent trends in nanocellulose: Metabolism-related, gastrointestinal effects, and applications in probiotic delivery

Nanocellulose, a versatile and sustainable nanomaterial derived from cellulose fibers, has attracted considerable attention in various fields due to its unique properties. Similar to dietary fibers, nanocellulose is difficult to digest in the human gastrointestinal tract. The indigestible nanocellulose is fermented by gut microbiota, producing metabolites and potentially exhibiting prebiotic activity in intestinal diseases. Additionally, nanocellulose can serve as a matrix material for probiotic protection and show promising prospects for probiotic delivery. In this review, we summarize the classification of nanocellulose, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibers (CNF), and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), highlighting their distinct characteristics and applications. We discuss the metabolism-related characteristics of nanocellulose from oral ingestion to colon fermentation and introduce the prebiotic activity of nanocellulose in intestinal diseases. Furthermore, we provide an overview of commonly used nanocellulose-based encapsulation techniques, such as emulsification, extrusion, freeze drying, and spray drying, as well as the delivery systems employing nanocellulose matrix materials, including microcapsules, emulsions, and hydrogels. Finally, we discuss the challenges associated with nanocellulose metabolism, prebiotic functionality, encapsulation techniques, and delivery systems using nanocellulose matrix material for probiotics. This review will provide new insight into the application of nanocellulose in the treatment of intestinal diseases and probiotic delivery.

Sources and Extraction of Biopolymers and Manufacturing of Bio-Based Nanocomposites for Different Applications

In the recent era, bio-nanocomposites represent an emerging group of nanostructured hybrid materials and have been included in a new field at the frontier of materials science, life sciences, and nanotechnology. These biohybrid materials reveal developed structural and functional features of great attention for diverse uses. These materials take advantage of the synergistic assembling of biopolymers with nanometer-sized reinforcements. Conversely, polysaccharides have received great attention due to their several biological properties like antimicrobial and antioxidant performance. They mainly originated in different parts of plants, animals, seaweed, and microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and yeasts). Polysaccharide-based nanocomposites have great features, like developed physical, structural, and functional features; affordability; biodegradability; and biocompatibility. These bio-based nanocomposites have been applied in biomedical, water treatment, food industries, etc. This paper will focus on the very recent trends in bio-nanocomposite based on polysaccharides for diverse applications. Sources and extraction methods of polysaccharides and preparation methods of their nanocomposites will be discussed.

Revolutionizing lung health: Exploring the latest breakthroughs and future prospects of synbiotic nanostructures in lung diseases

The escalating prevalence of lung diseases underscores the need for innovative therapies. Dysbiosis in human body microbiome has emerged as a significant factor in these diseases, indicating a potential role for synbiotics in restoring microbial equilibrium. However, effective delivery of synbiotics to the target site remains challenging. Here, we aim to explore suitable nanoparticles for encapsulating synbiotics tailored for applications in lung diseases. Nanoencapsulation has emerged as a prominent strategy to address the delivery challenges of synbiotics in this context. Through a comprehensive review, we assess the potential of nanoparticles in facilitating synbiotic delivery and their structural adaptability for this purpose. Our review reveals that nanoparticles such as nanocellulose, starch, and chitosan exhibit high potential for synbiotic encapsulation. These offer flexibility in structure design and synthesis, making them promising candidates for addressing delivery challenges in lung diseases. Furthermore, our analysis highlights that synbiotics, when compared to probiotics alone, demonstrate superior anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activities. This review underscores the promising role of nanoparticle-encapsulated synbiotics as a targeted and effective therapeutic approach for lung diseases, contributing valuable insights into the potential of nanomedicine in revolutionizing treatment strategies for respiratory conditions, ultimately paving the way for future advancements in this field.

Polysaccharides and proteins-based bionanocomposites for microencapsulation of probiotics to improve stability and viability in the gastrointestinal tract: A review

Probiotics have recently received significant attention due to their various benefits, such as the modulation of gut flora, reduction of blood sugar and insulin resistance, prevention and treatment of digestive disorders, and strengthening of the immune system. One of the major issues concerning probiotics is the maintenance of their viability in the presence of digestive conditions and extended shelf life during storage. To address this concern, numerous techniques have been explored to achieve success. Among these methods, the microencapsulation of probiotics has been proposed as the most effective way to overcome this challenge. The combination of nanomaterials with biopolymer coating is considered a novel approach to improve its viability and effective delivery. The use of polysaccharides and proteins-based bionanocomposites for microencapsulation of probiotics has emerged as an efficient and promising approach for maintaining cell viability and targeted delivery. This review article aims to investigate the use of different bionanocomposites in microencapsulation of probiotics and their effect on cell survival in long-term storage and harsh conditions in the gastrointestinal tract.

Health and toxicological effects of nanocellulose when used as a food ingredient: A review

The use of nanocellulose (NC) has increased significantly in the food industry, as subtypes such as cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) or bacterial cellulose (BC) have been demonstrated to be a source of insoluble fiber with important benefits for human health. Despite these advantages, and due to its nanoscale size, NC must be assessed from a safety perspective that considers its exposure, fate, and biological effects in order to help more accurately estimate its potential hazards. The exposure routes of humans to NC include (i) ingestion during consumption of foods that contain cellulose as a food ingredient or (ii) contact of food with cellulose-containing materials, such as its packaging. That is why it is important to understand the potentially toxic effects that nanomaterials can have on human health, understanding that the different types of NC behave differently in terms of their ingestion, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. By analysing both in vitro and in vivo studies, the purpose of this paper is to present the most recent findings on the different types of NC and their safety when used in food. In addition, it provides an overview of relevant studies into NC and its health benefits when used as a food additive.

Nanotechnology impacting probiotics and prebiotics: a paradigm shift in nutraceuticals technology

This is proven for a long that the incorporation of probiotics and prebiotics in diet exhibits beneficial effects on intestinal and intrinsic health. Nevertheless, this may encounter loss of vitality all along the absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to meager intestinal delivery of probiotic active ingredients. In recent times, nanotechnology has been passionately used to escalate the bioavailability of active ingredients. Versatile forms of nanoparticles (NPs) are devised to be used with probiotics/prebiotics/synbiotics or their different combinations. The NPs currently in trend are constituted of distinctive organic compounds like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, or inorganics such as oxides of silver and titanium or magnesium etc. This review critically explicates the emerging relationship of nanotechnology with probiotics and prebiotics for different applications in neutraceuticals. Here in this review, formulations of nanoprobiotics and nanoprebiotics are discussed in detail, which behave as an effective drug delivery system. In addition, these formulations exhibit anti-cancerous, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and photo-protective properties. Limited availability of scientific research on nanotechnology concerning probiotics and prebiotics implies dynamic research studies on the bioavailability of loaded active ingredients and the effective drug delivery system by including the safety issues of food and the environment.

Evaluation of the Effects of Genistein In Vitro as a Chemopreventive Agent for Colorectal Cancer—Strategy to Improve Its Efficiency When Administered Orally

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) ranks third in terms of incidence and second in terms of mortality and prevalence worldwide. In relation to chemotherapy treatment, the most used drug is 5-fluorouracil (5-FU); however, the use of this drug generates various toxic effects at the systemic level. For this reason, new therapeutic strategies are currently being sought that can be used as neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatments. Recent research has shown that natural compounds, such as genistein, have chemotherapeutic and anticancer effects, but the mechanisms of action of genistein and its molecular targets in human colon cells have not been fully elucidated. The results reported in relation to non-malignant cell lines are also unclear, which does not allow evidence of the selectivity that this compound may have. Therefore, in this work, genistein was evaluated in vitro in both cancer cell lines SW480 and SW620 and in the non-malignant cell line HaCaT. The results obtained show that genistein has selectivity for the SW480 and SW620 cell lines. In addition, it inhibits cell viability and has an antiproliferative effect in a dose-dependent manner. Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also found, suggesting an association with the cell death process through various mechanisms. Finally, the encapsulation strategy that was proposed made it possible to demonstrate that bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is capable of protecting genistein from the acidic conditions of gastric fluid and also allows the release of the compound in the colonic fluid. This would allow genistein to act locally in the mucosa of the colon where the first stages of CRC occur.

Spray drying of non-chemically prepared nanofibrillated cellulose: Improving water redispersibility of the dried product

Despite increasing interest in using nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) as food thickener and emulsifier, poor water redispersibility of dried NFC, which is form suitable for practical utilization, significantly limits such applications. Studies are lacking on preparation of dried NFC with superior redispersibility. The present study therefore proposed and examined strategies to improve water redispersibility of spray dried NFC via the use of selected co-carriers, i.e., gum Arabic with/without xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose or pectin. Synergistic interactions between NFC and co-carriers, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, helped prevent NFC agglomeration during spray drying. All reconstituted spray-dried NFC/co-carriers suspensions exhibited shear-thinning and gel-like behaviors, thus supporting the use of such suspensions as thickener and emulsifier. Spray-dried NFC with 80% gum Arabic and 20% xanthan gum (SD-NFC/GA20XG) resulted in suspension with highest viscosity; the suspension also performed best at recovering viscous characteristics of NFC. Water thickened by SD-NFC/GA20XG had strongest shear-thinning behavior, indicating that SD-NFC/GA20XG suspension resulted in smoothest mouth feel and easiest swallowing. Such observations were supported by XRD patterns of SD-NFC/GA20XG, which suggested that its relative crystallinity was the lowest. Its FTIR spectra also showed the highest intensity of -OH bending and carbonyl bands, which are directly related to water adsorption capability of NFC. Use of reconstituted SD-NFC/GA20XG as emulsifier also resulted in highest stability for oil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsion during storage for up to 30 days.

Bacterial Cellulose and Its Applications

The sharp increase in the use of cellulose seems to be in increasing demand in wood; much more research related to sustainable or alternative materials is necessary as a lot of the arable land and natural resources use is unsustainable. In accordance, attention has focused on bacterial cellulose as a new functional material. It possesses a three-dimensional, gelatinous structure consisting of cellulose with mechanical and thermal properties. Moreover, while a plant-originated cellulose is composed of cellulose, hemi-cellulose, and lignin, bacterial cellulose attributable to the composition of a pure cellulose nanofiber mesh spun is not necessary in the elimination of other components. Moreover, due to its hydrophilic nature caused by binding water, consequently being a hydrogel as well as biocompatibility, it has only not only used in medical fields including artificial skin, cartilage, vessel, and wound dressing, but also in delivery; some products have even been commercialized. In addition, it is widely used in various technologies including food, paper, textile, electronic and electrical applications, and is being considered as a highly versatile green material with tremendous potential. However, many efforts have been conducted for the evolution of novel and sophisticated materials with environmental affinity, which accompany the empowerment and enhancement of specific properties. In this review article, we summarized only industry and research status regarding BC and contemplated its potential in the use of BC.

Viability of Lactobacillus delbrueckii in chocolates during storage and in-vitro bioaccessibility of polyphenols and SCFAs

This study evaluated the viability of encapsulated Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus in chocolate during storage and in-vitro gastrointestinal transit. Flavonoid contents and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production during gastrointestinal transit were also assessed. Encapsulated L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus survived well in chocolates >7 logs both after 120 days of storage at 4 °C and 25 °C, and during in-vitro gastrointestinal transit. The release of SCFAs through in-vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation revealed that probiotic-chocolates could be an excellent source of nutrients for the gut microbiota. Encapsulated probiotic in chocolates with 70% cocoa produced significantly (P < 0.05) more acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric and isovaleric acids than that with 45% cocoa. The bioconversion results of a specific polyphenol by L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus exhibited that chocolate polyphenols could be utilized by probiotics for their metabolism. These findings confirmed that chocolate could be successfully fortified with L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus encapsulation to improve health promoting properties of chocolates.

•

Chocolates enhance the biosynthesis of SCFAs and Vit B₁₂ in colonic fermentation.

•

Chocolates served as a prebiotic source for gut microbiota proliferation.

•

Chocolate with probiotics would favor the bioconversion of a specific polyphenols.

•

Chocolates nutritional value can be enhanced via fortification with probiotics.

Recent Applications of Mixture Designs in Beverages, Foods, and Pharmaceutical Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Design of Experiments (DoE) is a statistical tool used to plan and optimize experiments and is seen as a quality technology to achieve products excellence. Among the experimental designs (EDs), the mixture designs (MDs) stand out, being widely applied to improve conditions for processing, developing, or formulating novel products. This review aims to provide useful updated information on the capacity and diversity of MDs applications for the industry and scientific community in the areas of food, beverage, and pharmaceutical health. Recent works were selected following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses statement (PRISMA) flow diagram. Data analysis was performed by self-organizing map (SOM) to check and understand which fields of application/countries/continents are using MDs. Overall, the SOM indicated that Brazil presented the largest number of works using MDs. Among the continents, America and Asia showed a predominance in applications with the same amount of work. Comparing the MDs application areas, the analysis indicated that works are prevalent in food and beverage science in the American continent, while in Asia, health science prevails. MDs were more used to develop functional/nutraceutical products and the formulation of drugs for several diseases. However, we briefly describe some promising research fields in that MDs can still be employed.

Overview of Nanocellulose in Food Packaging

BACKGROUND

The rising concern with environmental preservation has led to increasing interest in biodegradable polymer composites from renewable sources, such as cellulose and its derivatives. The use of nanocellulose is an innovative food packaging trend.

DISCUSSION

This paper presents an overview and discusses the state of the art of different nanocellulose materials used in food and food packaging, and identifies important patents related to them. It is important to consider that before marketing, new products must be proven safe for consumers and the environment.

CONCLUSION

Several packaging materials using nanocellulose have been developed and shown to be promising for use as active and intelligent materials for food packaging. Other nanocellulose products are under investigation for packaging and may enter the market in the near future. Many countries have been adjusting their regulatory frameworks to deal with nanotechnologies, including nanocellulose packaging.

Co-Encapsulated Synbiotics and Immobilized Probiotics in Human Health and Gut Microbiota Modulation

Growing interest in the development of innovative functional products as ideal carriers for synbiotics, e.g., nutrient bars, yogurt, chocolate, juice, ice cream, and cheese, to ensure the daily intake of probiotics and prebiotics, which are needed to maintain a healthy gut microbiota and overall well-being, is undeniable and inevitable. This review focuses on the modern approaches that are currently being developed to modulate the gut microbiota, with an emphasis on the health benefits mediated by co-encapsulated synbiotics and immobilized probiotics. The impact of processing, storage, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions on the viability and bioactivity of probiotics together with prebiotics such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytochemicals, and dietary fibers using various delivery systems are considered. Despite the proven biological properties of synbiotics, research in this area needs to be focused on the proper selection of probiotic strains, their prebiotic counterparts, and delivery systems to avoid suppression of their synergistic or complementary effect on human health. Future directions should lead to the development of functional food products containing stable synbiotics tailored for different age groups or specifically designed to fulfill the needs of adjuvant therapy.

Pectin/lignocellulose nanofibers/chitin nanofibers bionanocomposite as an efficient biosorbent of cholesterol and bile salts

A new biosorbent Ca-crosslinked pectin/lignocellulose nanofibers/chitin nanofibers (PLCN) was synthesized for cholesterol and bile salts adsorption from simulated intestinal fluid during gastric-intestinal passage. The physico-chemical properties of PLCN were studied using SEM, FTIR, XRD, DSC and BET. Before gastrointestinal passage, PLCN had an amorphous single-phase, compact structure formed via hydrogen and van der Waals bonds that revealed an irregular shape with the shriveled surface but watery condition and enzymatic digestion led to create a porous structure without destruction because of the water-insoluble nanofibers, therefore increasing the adsorption capacity. The maximum adsorption capacity reached 37.9 and 5578.4 mg/g for cholesterol and bile salts, respectively. Freundlich isotherm model indicated the reversible heterogeneous adsorption of both cholesterol and bile salts on PLCN. Further, their adsorption followed pseudo-second order kinetic model. These results suggest that PLCN has potential as a gastrointestinal-resistant biosorbent for cholesterol and bile salts adsorption applicable in medicine and food industry.

Nanomaterial-based encapsulation for controlled gastrointestinal delivery of viable probiotic bacteria

Probiotics are microorganisms that have beneficial health effects when administered in adequate dosages. The oral administration of probiotic bacteria is widely considered beneficial for both intestinal as well as systemic health but its clinical efficacy is conflicted in the literature. This may at least in part be due to the loss of viability during gastrointestinal passage resulting in poor intestinal delivery. Microencapsulation technology has been proposed as a successful strategy to address this problem by maintaining the viability of probiotics, thereby improving their efficacy following oral administration. More recently, nanomaterials have demonstrated significant promise as encapsulation materials to improve probiotic encapsulation. The integration of nanotechnology with microencapsulation techniques can improve the controlled delivery of viable probiotic bacteria to the gut. The current review aims at summarizing the types of nanomaterials used for the microencapsulation of probiotics and showing how they can achieve the delivery and controlled release of probiotics at the site of action.

Resistant Starch-Based Edible Coating Composites for Spray-Dried Microencapsulation of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Comparative Assessment of Thermal Protection, In Vitro Digestion and Physicochemical Characteristics

Polysaccharides have excellent potential as food-grade coating materials for microencapsulation in pro- and prebiotics-based functional food industry. In this study, potato, maize, and rice resistant starches composite coatings with D-mannose, maltodextrin, and whey protein concentrate were prepared for the spray-dried microencapsulation of Lactobacillus acidophilus KLDS 1.1003. Assessment of different polysaccharide coatings to enhance the longevity of probiotics at high temperatures of spray-drying process, storage, and targeted delivery in the gastrointestinal tract were the key objectives of the present study. The highest microencapsulation efficiencies were shown by maize (95.80%) and potato (94.30%) resistant starches. Similarly, maize resistant starch (MRS)-based composites provided the highest thermal resistance, with Tg 38.77 ± 1.10–93.13 ± 0.81 °C and showed the least 2.1 log cycles viability loss in simulated GI tract. Viability losses during storage were in the following order: control > RRS > PRS > MRS, and the inactivation rate of the microencapsulated cells followed the first-order kinetics (R2 = 0.9264–0.9918). The resistant starch-based spray-dried microcapsules possessed 27.00 ± 0.03 to 52.28 ± 1.02 µm size range and SEM micrographs showed a unified smooth surface without cracks and ruptures. These findings will expand the potential use of natural food-grade coatings in functional foods and allied industries involving spray-dried products.

Self-Assembled Folic Acid-Targeted Pectin-Multi-Arm Polyethylene Glycol Nanoparticles for Tumor Intracellular Chemotherapy

Ursolic acid is widely used as an effective anticancer drug for the treatment of various cancers. However, its poor water solubility, short circulation time in vivo, and lack of targeting have made it a burden for clinical applications. We report a self-assembled folate-modified pectin nanoparticle for loading ursolic acid (HCPT@F-Pt-PU NPs) and embed the anticancer drug hydroxycamptothecin to achieve synergistic treatment with ursolic acid. In addition, the galactose residue of the pectin molecule can be recognized by the asialoglycoprotein receptor on the surface of the liver cancer cell, promoting the rapid penetration and release of HCPT@F-Pt-PU NPs intracellularly. In particular, the introduction of multiarm polyethylene glycol can improve the uniformity (106 nm) and concealment of the nanoparticles and avoid the early release of the drug or the toxicity to normal cells. HCPT@F-Pt-PU NPs have a high drug loading (7.27 wt %) and embedding efficiency (19.84 wt %) and continuous circulation up to 80 h, leading to more apoptosis (91.61%). HCPT@F-Pt-PU NP intracellular drug delivery will be a promising strategy.

Characteristics Co-Encapsulation of Lactobacillus Acidophilus with Dictyophora Indusiata

Dictyophora indusiate (bamboo mushroom) contains bioactive compounds, particularly fiber (13.30-15.17%). Therefore, Lactobacillus acidophilus was encapsulated in alginate beads and alginate-bamboo mushroom beads, with the objective to improve the survival of probiotic after exposure to gastrointestinal fluids. Either egg or fruit body of bamboo mushroom powder at concentrations of 0, 0.8, 1 and 3% (w/v) were added to encapsulate L. acidophilus by extrusion technique. The addition of bamboo mushroom did not influence the size (3.0 mm) and shape of the moist beads as well as encapsulation yield (94-97%), but they resulted in less interconnected network, causing larger pores when compared to alginate bead without bamboo mushroom. However, the beads in combination with bamboo mushroom (survival rate of 63-68%) and without bamboo mushroom (survival rate of 67%) provided greater protection of cells, enhancing their survival in gastrointestinal condition as compared to cells without encapsulation (survival rate of 34%). This study indicated that bamboo mushroom has the capability to be used as a matrix for co-encapsulation of probiotic cells against simulated gastrointestinal condition.

Bacterial Cellulose Nano Fiber (BCNF) as carrier support for the immobilization of probiotic, Lactobacillus acidophilus 016

The present study was conducted to develop bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNF) and to evaluate its ability as a carrier material for the incorporation of the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus 016. Bacterial cellulose (5%) dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) solution was amended with an equal volume of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution to produce nanofibers via electrospinning. Fourier-transform infrared spectra of BCNF confirmed the absence of TFA used in the dissolution process. Mechanical properties, including tensile strength, surface area, pore-volume, and pore diameter, and thermal analysis of BCNF revealed that the nanofibers could be incorporated in food for the delivery of probiotics. L. acidophilus 016 was successfully immobilized onto the BCNF through the adsorption-incubation technique. SEM micrograph revealed that the immobilized bacteria sustained without any damage during the storage for up to 24 days. Further, the viability studies confirmed the survival of 71% population during the storage at 35 °C. These observations recommended the possibility of BCNF based probiotics for various commercial applications.

Improved Gastric Acid Resistance and Adhesive Colonization of Probiotics by Mucoadhesive and Intestinal Targeted Konjac Glucomannan Microspheres

The low survival rate in harsh stomach conditions and short retention in intestine of probiotics greatly limit their health benefits. To solve this problem, thiolated oxidized konjac glucomannan (sOKGM) microspheres is designed with pH responsive and mucoadhesive properties. First, an increased survival rate of probiotics by sOKGM microspheres encapsulation in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) is discovered in contrast to the zero‐survival rate of naked probiotics. sOKGM/probiotics even show a higher survival rate in SGF compared with commercial Bb12 formulation. Further, an enhanced mucoadhesion of probiotics to intestinal mucus by mediated interactions with sOKGM is confirmed by isotherm titration calorimetry, rheology, and tensile measurements. The in vivo intestinal transition experiment indicates a prolonged retention of probiotics at intestine by sOKGM encapsulation. Moreover, in vivo evaluation of enhanced colonization and proliferation by sOKGM/probiotics is demonstrated by the fecal and intestinal bacteria copy number via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) detection. Further investigation of the alleviation of constipation by sOKGM containing Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis A6 suggests that sOKGM increases the abundance of Bifidobacterium, balanced intestinal flora, and alleviated constipation in mice compared with other formulations. sOKGM with both enhanced gastric acid resistance and adhesion colonization at intestine can effectively improve the function of probiotics.

Potential effects of alginate-pectin biocomposite on the release of folic acid and their physicochemical characteristics

Potential effects of folates on the treatment of several human diseases like cognitive function, neural tube defects, coronary heart disease and certain kinds of cancers have been discovered. However, the stability of folic acid against adverse conditions is a great concern. The present study investigates various alginate (A)-pectin (P) gastrointestinal-resistant hydrogel to immobilize folic acid. This involves evaluating different compositions of alginate-pectin to achieve higher encapsulation efficiency and stability during simulated gastric (SG) and simulated intestinal (SI) conditions. Coated alginate hydrogels with pectin resulted significant (p < 0.05) better protection of folic acid compared to non-coated alginate hydrogel when exposed to SG condition and when exposed to SI condition, sustained release behavior obtained with the ratio of A70-P30. The structural and physicochemical properties of blended A-P hydrogel were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometer, indicating the presence of folic acid into the matrix and signified no covalent reaction between components. Therefore, this adequate composition of alginate-pectin showed to be a potential carrier for folic acid stability.

Current progress on the production, modification, and applications of bacterial cellulose

Adoption of biomass for the development of biobased products has become a routine agenda in evolutionary metabolic engineering. Cellulose produced by bacteria is a "rising star" for this sustainable development. Unlike plant cellulose, bacterial cellulose (BC) shows several unique properties like a high degree of crystallinity, high purity, high water retention, high mechanical strength, and enhanced biocompatibility. Favored with those extraordinary properties, BC could serve as ideal biomass for the development of various industrial products. However, a low yield and the requirement for large growth media have been a persistent challenge in mass production of BC. A significant number of techniques has been developed in achieving efficient BC production. This includes the modification of bioreactors, fermentation parameters, and growth media. In this article, we summarize progress in metabolic engineering in order to solve BC growth limitation. This article emphasizes current engineered BC production by using various bioreactors, as well as highlighting the structure of BC fermented by different types of engineered-bioreactors. The comprehensive overview of the future applications of BC, aims to provide readers with insight into new economic opportunities of BC and their modifiable properties for various industrial applications. Modifications in chemical composition, structure, and genetic regulation, which preceded the advancement of BC applications, were also emphasized.

Bacterial cellulose: Biosynthesis, production, and applications

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer produced by the acetic acid producing bacterium and has gathered much interest over the last decade for its biomedical and biotechnological applications. Unlike the plant derived cellulose nanofibres, which require pretreatment to deconstruct the recalcitrant lignocellulosic network, BC are 100% pure, and are extruded by cells as nanofibrils. Moreover, these nanofibrils can be converted to macrofibers that possess excellent material properties, surpassing even the strength of steel, and can be used as substitutes for fossil fuel derived synthetic fibers. The focus of the review is to present the fundamental long-term research on the influence of environmental factors on the organism's BC production capabilities, the production methods that are available for scaling up/scaled-up processes, and its use as a bulk commodity or for biomedical applications.

Polymeric carriers for enhanced delivery of probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms (usually bacteria), which are defined by their ability to confer health benefits to the host, if administered adequately. Probiotics are not only used as health supplements but have also been applied in various attempts to prevent and treat gastrointestinal (GI) and non-gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea, colon cancer, obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. One of the challenges in the use of probiotics is putative loss of viability by the time of administration. It can be due to procedures that the probiotic products go through during fabrication, storage, or administration. Biocompatible and biodegradable polymers with specific moieties or pH/enzyme sensitivity have shown great potential as carriers of the bacteria for 1) better viability, 2) longer storage times, 3) preservation from the aggressive environment in the stomach and 4) topographically targeted delivery of probiotics. In this review, we focus on polymeric carriers and the procedures applied for encapsulation of the probiotics into them. At the end, some novel methods for specific probiotic delivery, possibilities to improve the targeted delivery of probiotics and some challenges are discussed.

Co-microencapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum and DHA fatty acid in alginate-pectin-gelatin biocomposites

The aim of this study was to investigate the co-microencapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum and DHA-rich oil in a novel gastrointestinal-resistant biocomposite composed of alginate, pectin and gelatin. The optimal biocomposite consisted of 1.06% alginate, 0.55% pectin and 0.39% gelatin showed 88.66% survivability of the microencapsulated cells compared to the free cells (50.36%). In addition, co-microencapsule containing probiotic and DHA fatty acid was synthesized and physicochemically analyzed using SEM, FTIR, TGA, XRD. The results from SEM clearly confirmed that cells were completely entrapped in the matrix and DHA increased smoothness and compactness of the surface of the particles. FTIR spectra revealed the formation of hydrogen and Van der Waals bonds between macromolecules and the core materials. X-ray pattern of co-microencapsules identified amorphous structure compared to capsules containing only DHA or probiotic. TGA analysis revealed the thermal stability of DHA-loaded capsules compared to un-loaded ones.

The Functionalization of Nanostructures and Their Potential Applications in Edible Coatings

Nowadays, edible coatings incorporated with nanostructures as systems of controlled release of flavors, colorants and/or antioxidants and antimicrobial substances, also used for thermal and environmental protection of active compounds, represent a gap of opportunity to increase the shelf life of food highly perishable, as well as for the development of new products. These functionalized nanostructures have the benefit of incorporating natural substances obtained from the food industry that are rich in polyphenols, dietary fibers, and antimicrobial substances. In addition, the polymers employed on its preparation, such as polysaccharides, solid lipids and proteins that are low cost and developed through sustainable processes, are friendly to the environment. The objective of this review is to present the materials commonly used in the preparation of nanostructures, the main ingredients with which they can be functionalized and used in the preparation of edible coatings, as well as the advances that these structures have represented when used as controlled release systems, increasing the shelf life and promoting the development of new products that meet the characteristics of functionality for fresh foods ready to eat.

The effect of pectins on survival of probiotic Lactobacillus spp. in gastrointestinal juices is related to their structure and physical properties

Pectins are plant polysaccharides used in food industry as gelling and stabilizing agents. This study investigated the ability of pectins to improve survival of probiotic species Lactobacillus fermentum PCC, L. reuteri RC-14, L. rhamnosus LGG and L. paracasei F-19 in simulated gastric solution in relationship to their structural and physical properties. Electrostatic interactions between pectins and bacteria were evaluated by the Zeta-potential approach. Bacterial survival was assessed by flow cytometry and plate counting. L. fermentum PCC and L. reuteri RC-14 were more resistant to gastric conditions; their survival rate was further improved in the presence of five out of ten tested pectins. Additionally, two of the pectins had a positive effect on viability of the less resistant L. rhamnosus LGG and L. paracasei F-19. The beneficial effect was generally observed for the high-methoxylated pectins, indicating that substituted polygalacturonic acid in the backbone is essential for bacterial protection. Other pectin features associated with improved survival, included less negative Zeta-potential, higher molecular weight, as well as lower values of hydrodynamic sizes, viscosity and degree of branching. The study indicates that pectins have a potential to protect probiotic bacteria through the gastro-intestinal transit and identifies the features linked to their functionality.

Bacterial Nanocellulose from Side-Streams of Kombucha Beverages Production: Preparation and Physical-Chemical Properties

We focused on preparing cellulose nanofibrils by purification, separation, and mechanical treatment of Kombucha membranes (KM) resulted as secondary product from beverage production by fermentation of tea broth with symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). We purified KM using two alkaline solutions, 1 and 4 M NaOH, which afterwards were subjected to various mechanical treatments. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed to evaluate the purification degree, the size and aspect of cellulose fibrils after each treatment step, the physical-chemical properties of intermediary and final product, and for comparison with micro-crystalline cellulose from wooden sources. We determined that 1 M NaOH solution leads to approx. 85% purification, while a higher concentration assures almost 97% impurities removal. XRD analysis evidenced an increase in crystallinity from 37% to 87% after purification, the characteristic diffractograms of Iα and Iβ cellulose allomorphs, and a further decrease in crystallinity to 46% after microfluidization, fact correlated with a drastically decrease in fibrils' size. FTIR analysis evidenced the appearance of new chain ends by specific transmission bands at 2941 and 2843cm-1.

Emerging concepts in the nutraceutical and functional properties of pectin-A Review

Pectin is a structural heteropolysaccharide found ubiquitously in terrestrial plants. It finds diverse food applications such as that of a gelling agent, stabilizer, and fat replacer. In the pharmaceutical arena, pectin exhibits a number of functions, from decreasing blood fat to combating various types of cancers. This review shows the shift of pectin from its conventional roles to its progressive applications. Insights into the advances in the production of pectin, the role it plays as a nutraceutical, possible prebiotic potential and a delivery vehicle for probiotics, and food applications are highlighted. Bioactive and functional properties of pectin are discussed and how the structural built up defines them, is emphasized. As a biopolymer, the applications of pectin in active packaging are also mentioned.