Recent Advances in Chain Conformation and Bioactivities of Triple-Helix Polysaccharides

Size exclusion chromatography and asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation for structural characterization of polysaccharides: A comparative review

Natural polysaccharides exhibit a wide range of biological activities, which are closely related to their structural characteristics, including their molecular weight distribution, size, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic bond types and spatial conformation, etc. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4), as two potent separation techniques, both harbor potential for continuous development and enhancement. This manuscript reviewed the fundamental principles and separation applications of SEC and AF4. The structural information and spatial conformation of polysaccharides can be obtained using SEC or AF4 coupled with multiple detectors. In addition, this manuscript elaborates in detail on the shear degradation of samples such as polysaccharides separated by SEC. In addition, the abnormal elution that occurs during the application of the two methods is also discussed. Both SEC and AF4 possess considerable potential for ongoing development and refinement, thereby offering increased possibilities and opportunities for polysaccharide separation and characterization.

Polysaccharides in fruits: Biological activities, structures, and structure-activity relationships and influencing factors-A review

Fruits are a rich source of polysaccharides, and an increasing number of studies have shown that polysaccharides from fruits have a wide range of biological functions. Here, we thoroughly review recent advances in the study of the bioactivities, structures, and structure-activity relationships of fruit polysaccharides, especially highlighting the structure-activity influencing factors such as extraction methods and chemical modifications. Different extraction methods cause differences in the primary structures of polysaccharides, which in turn lead to different polysaccharide biological activities. Differences in the degree of modification, molecular weight, substitution position, and chain conformation caused by chemical modification can all affect the biological activities of fruit polysaccharides. Furthermore, we summarize the applications of fruit polysaccharides in the fields of pharmacy and medicine, foods, cosmetics, and materials. The challenges and perspectives for fruit polysaccharide research are also discussed.

Insights into dynamic evolution of glucuronofucogalactoglucan from water extract of Agrocybe cylindracea during maturation

This study explored the physicochemical properties and structural characteristics of Agrocybe cylindracea polysaccharides at four developmental stages, as well as their dynamic evolution during maturation. Results showed that the polysaccharides from A. cylindracea water extract exhibited similar structural characteristics across all four maturity stages, despite a significant reduction in yields. Four water-soluble heteroglycans, including one high molecular weight (ACPM-Et50-I) and three low molecular weight (ACPM-Et50-II, ACPM-Et60, ACPM-Et80), were isolated from A. cylindracea at each maturity stage. ACPM-Et50-I was identified as branched heterogalactans, while ACPM-Et60 and ACPM-Et80 were branched heteroglucans. However, ACPM-Et50-II was characterized as a branched glucuronofucogalactoglucan at the tide-turning stage but a glucuronofucoglucogalactan at the pileus expansion stage due to the increase of its α-(1 → 6)-D-Galp. In general, although the structural skeletons of most A. cylindracea heteroglycans were similar during maturation as shown by their highly consistent glycosyl linkages, there were still differences in the distribution of some heteroglucans. This work has for the first time reported a glucuronofucogalactoglucan in A. cylindracea and its dynamic evolution during maturation, which may facilitate the potential application of A. cylindracea in food and biomedicine industries.

A review: Polysaccharides targeting mitochondria to improve obesity

Polysaccharides are one of the most important and widely used bioactive components of natural products, which can be used to treat metabolic diseases. Natural polysaccharides (NPs) have been the subject of much study and research in the field of treating obesity in recent years. Studies in the past have demonstrated that mitochondria are important for the initiation, progression, and management of obesity. Additionally, NPs have the ability to improve mitochondrial dysfunction via a variety of mechanisms. This review summarized the relationship between the structure of NPs and their anti-obesity activity, focusing on the anti-obesity effects of these compounds at the mitochondrial level. We discussed the association between the structure and anti-obesity action of NPs, including molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkage, conformation and extraction methods. Furthermore, NPs can demonstrate a range of functions in adipose tissue, including but not limited to improving the mitochondrial oxidative respiratory chain, inhibiting oxidative stress, and maintaining mitochondrial mass homeostasis. The purpose of this work is to acquire a thorough understanding of the function that mitochondria play in the anti-obesity effects of NPs and to offer fresh insights for the investigation of how NPs prevent obesity and the creation of natural anti-obesity medications.

A review of the polysaccharides against fatigue and the underlying mechanism

Fatigue is a common physiological state that affects normal human activities. Prolonged fatigue induces a variety of diseases and seriously affects human health, so it is imperative to discover nutritional dietary supplements and treatments without side effects, among which natural anti-fatigue polysaccharides have shown great potential. Polysaccharides, a class of biomolecules produced by a variety of organisms such as plants, animals, bacteria and algae, have attracted much attention in recent years due to their anti-fatigue activity and fewer side effects. This review summarizes the classification, dosage and experimental models of polysaccharides with anti-fatigue activity obtained from different natural sources. We also review the fatigue-relieving effects of these polysaccharides through mechanisms such as modulating oxidative damage, regulating energy metabolism and influencing intestinal flora, as well as the effects of molecular weights, monosaccharide compositions, structural features and chemical modifications of the polysaccharides on their anti-fatigue activities to support their potential application value in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. New valuable insights for future research on natural polysaccharides are also presented in the field of natural production of bio-based functional materials, functional foods and therapeutic agents.

pH-Responsive β-Glucans-Complexed mRNA in LNPs as an Oral Vaccine for Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy

mRNA vaccines for cancer immunotherapy are commonly delivered using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which, when administered intravenously, may accumulate in the liver, potentially limiting their therapeutic efficacy. To overcome this challenge, the study introduces an oral mRNA vaccine formulation tailored for efficient uptake by immune cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, known for its high concentration of immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs). This formulation comprises mRNA complexed with β-glucans (βGlus), a potential adjuvant for vaccines, encapsulated within LNPs (βGlus/mRNA@LNPs). The βGlus/mRNA complexes within the small compartments of LNPs demonstrate a distinctive ability to partially dissociate and reassociate, responding to pH changes, effectively shielding mRNA from degradation in the harsh GI environment. Upon oral administration to tumor-bearing mice, βGlus/mRNA@LNPs are effectively taken up by intestinal DCs and local nonimmune cells, bypassing potential liver accumulation. This initiates antigen-specific immune responses through successful mRNA translation, followed by drainage into the mesenteric lymph nodes to stimulate T cells and trigger specific adaptive immune responses, ultimately enhancing antitumor effects. Importantly, the vaccine demonstrates safety, with no significant inflammatory reactions observed. In conclusion, the potential of oral βGlus/mRNA@LNPs delivery presents a promising avenue in cancer immunotherapy, offering needle-free and user-friendly administration for widespread adoption and self-administration.

Screening of Poria cocos polysaccharide with immunomodulatory activity and its activation effects on TLR4/MD2/NF-κB pathway

PCP-W1, the Poria cocos polysaccharide with the strong immunomodulatory activity, was isolated through column chromatography and screened for in vitro immune activity in RAW 264.7 cells in this study. The structure analysis results revealed that the PCP-W1 were composed of galactose, glucose, fucose and mannose in a molar percentage of 35.87: 28.56: 21.77: 13.64. And it exhibited a random coil and branched conformational features with a molecular weight of 18.38 kDa. The main chain consisted of residues→3)-β-D-Glcp-(1 → 3,6)-β-D-Glcp-(1 → 3)-β-D-Glcp-(1 → 6)-β-D-Glcp-(1 → 6)-α-D-Galp-(1 → 6)-α-D-Galp-(1 → 2,6)-α-D-Galp-(1→6)-α-D-Galp-(1 → 6)-α-D-Galp-(1 → , while branching occurred at β-D-Glcp-(1→, α-D-Manp-(1→, and α-L-Fucp-(1 → 3)- α-L-Fucp-(1→. The pharmacodynamic studies demonstrated that PCP-W1 activated the release of NO, IL-6, IL-β, TNF-α, CD86, and ROS to induce polarization of RAW 264.7 murine macrophages towards M1-type through modulation of the TLR4/MD2/NF-κB pathway. The molecular docking results showed that PCP-W1 could primarily dock onto the hydrophobic binding site of TLR4/MD2 complex via its galactose chain. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation displayed stable modeling for TLR4-MD2-PCP-W1 complex. Overall, we screened the most immunoactive components of the polysaccharide, analyzed its structure, demonstrated its impact on TLR4/MD2/NF-kB pathway, and studied the interaction between TLR4/MD2 and the polysaccharide fragments. These results provide further support for the structure-activity relationship study of the immunomodulatory effects of Poria cocos polysaccharide.

A General Strategy toward Self-assembled Nanovaccine Based on Cationic Lentinan to Induce Potent Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses

Adjuvants play a critical role in the induction of effective immune responses by vaccines. Here, a self-assembling nanovaccine platform that integrates adjuvant functions into the delivery vehicle is prepared. Cationic Lentinan (CLNT) is mixed with ovalbumin (OVA) to obtain a self-assembling nanovaccine (CLNTO nanovaccine), which induces the uptake and maturation of bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs) via the toll-like receptors 2/4 (TLR2/4) to produce effective antigen cross-presentation. CLNTO nanovaccines target lymph nodes (LNs) and induce a robust OVA-specific immune response via TLR and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathways, retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) receptor, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions. In addition, CLNTO nanovaccines are found that promote the activation of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and induce the differentiation of germinal center (GC) B cells into memory B cells and plasma cells, thereby enhancing the immune response. Vaccination with CLNTO nanovaccine significantly inhibits the growth of ovalbumin (OVA)-expressing B16 melanoma cell (B16-OVA) tumors, indicating its great potential for cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, this study presents a simple, safe, and effective self-assembling nanovaccine that induces helper T cell 1 (Th1) and helper T cell (Th2) immune responses, making it an effective vaccine delivery system.

An Overview on Mushroom Polysaccharides: Health-promoting Properties, Prebiotic and Gut Microbiota Modulation Effects and Structure-function Correlation

Mushroom polysaccharides are recognized as "biological response modifiers". Besides several bioactivities, a growing interest in their prebiotic potential has been raised due to the gut microbiota modulation potential. This review comprehensively summarizes mushroom polysaccharides' biological properties, structure-function relationship, and underlying mechanisms. It provides a recent overview of the key findings in the field (2018-2024). Key findings and limitations on structure-function correlation are discussed. Although most studies focus on β-glucans or extracts, α-glucans and chitin have gained interest. Prebiotic capacity has been associated with α-glucans and chitin, while antimicrobial and wound healing potential is attributed to chitin. However, further research is of utmost importance. Human fecal fermentation is the most reported approach to assess prebiotic potential, indicating impacts on intestinal biological, mechanical, chemical and immunological barriers. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been directly connected with intestinal, cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological diseases. Concerning gut microbiota modulation, animal experiments have suggested proinflammatory cytokines reduction and redox balance re-establishment. Most literature focused on the anticancer and immunomodulatory potential. However, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic, hypocholesterolemic, antilipidemic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties are discussed. A significant overview of the gaps and research directions in synergistic effects, underlying mechanisms, structure-function correlation, clinical trials and scientific data is also given.

All-in-one polysaccharide hydrogel with resistant vascular burst pressure and cooperative wound microenvironment regulation for fatal arterial hemorrhage and diabetic wound healing

Fatal massive hemorrhage and diabetic wound healing are world widely challenging in surgical managements, and uncontrolled bleeding, chronic inflammation and damaged remodeling heavily hinder the whole healing processes. Considering hemostasis, inflammation and wound microenvironment cooperatively affect the healing progression, we design all-in-one beta-glucan (BG) hybrid hydrogels reinforced with laponite nanoclay that demonstrate tunable tissue adhesion, resistant vascular burst pressure and cooperative wound microenvironment regulation for arterial hemostasis and diabetic wound prohealing. Those hydrogels had honeycomb-like porous microstructure with average pore size of 7-19 μm, tissue adhesion strength of 18-46 kPa, and vascular burst pressure of 58-174 mmHg to achieve superior hemostasis in rat liver and femoral artery models. They could effectively scavenge reactive oxygen species, transform macrophages from proinflammatory M1 into prohealing M2, and shorten the inflammation duration via synergistic actions of BG and nitric oxide (NO). Single treatment of NO-releasing BG hybrid hydrogels attained complete closure of diabetic wounds within 14 days, orchestrated to accelerate the epithelization and dermis growth, and restored normal vascularization, achieving high performance healing with optimal collagen deposition and hair follicle regeneration. Consequently, this work opens up a new avenue to design all-in-one polysaccharide hydrogels for applications in massive bleeding hemostats and diabetic wound dressings.

The relationship between polysaccharide structure and its antioxidant activity needs to be systematically elucidated

Polysaccharides have a wide range of applications due to their excellent antioxidant activity. However, the low purity and unclear structure of polysaccharides have led some researchers to be skeptical about the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides. The current reports on the structure-activity relationship of polysaccharides are sporadic, so there is an urgent need to systematically summarize the antioxidant effects of polysaccharides with clear structures and the relationships between the structures to provide a scientific basis for the development and application of polysaccharides. This paper will systematically elucidate the structure-activity relationship of antioxidant polysaccharides, including the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkage, degree of branching, advanced conformation and chemical modification. For the first time, the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides is related to their chemical structure through histogram and radar map, and further studies using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. We critically discussed how the source, chemical structure and chemically modified groups of polysaccharides significantly contribute to their antioxidant activity and summarized the current research status and shortcomings of the structure-activity relationship of antioxidant polysaccharides. This review provides a theoretical basis and new perspective for further research on the structure-activity relationship of antioxidant polysaccharides and the development of natural antioxidants.

A fungal polysaccharide from Fomitopsis officinalis as a multi-target molecule to combat cancer

Some macrofungi have a long history of being used as traditional or folk medicines, making significant contributions to human health. To discover bioactive molecules with potential anticancer properties, a homogeneous heteropolysaccharide (FOBP90-1) was purified from the medicinal macrofungus Fomitopsis officinalis. FOBP90-1 was found to have a molecular weight of 2.87 × 104 g/mol and mainly consist of →6)-α-d-Galp-(1→, →2,6)-α-d-Galp-(1→, →3)-α-l-Fucp-(1→, →6)-β-d-Glcp-(1→, α-d-Manp-(1→, and 3-O-Me-α-l-Fucp-(1→ according to UV, FT-IR, methylation analysis, and NMR data. In addition to its structural properties, FOBP90-1 displayed anticancer activity in zebrafish models. The following mechanistic analysis discovered that the in vivo antitumor effect was linked to immune activation and angiogenesis inhibition. These effects were mediated by the interactions of FOBP90-1 with TLR-2, TLR-4, PD-L1, and VEGFR-2, as determined through a series of experiments involving cells, transgenic zebrafish, molecular docking simulations, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). All the experimental findings have demonstrated that FOBP90-1, a purified fungal polysaccharide, is expected to be utilized as a cancer treatment agent.

The anti-infective effect of β-glucans in children

Background: β-glucans are bioactive β-D-glucose polysaccharides of natural origin, presenting antimicrobial and immunomodulation properties, with a low risk of toxicity. Objectives: This scoping review aims to present the current knowledge on the anti-infective properties of β-glucans in the pediatric population. Methods: We used the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist to prepare this review. Studies were identified by electronic searches of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to May 2021. Results: The primary search allowed us to find 6232 studies, twelve of which were finally included in the analysis. Eight studies were designed as randomized, placebo-controlled trials, while in four studies the intervention outcome was compared with the pre-intervention period in the same group. The type of preparation and doses varied between studies: in five trials pleuran was administered (in dose 10 mg/5 kg of body weight/day), and in one study baker's yeast β-glucan was used (in two doses: 35 mg/day and 75 mg/day). In six other studies, the analyzed preparation comprised β-glucan and other substances. The shortest study lasted seven days, while the most prolonged intervention lasted six months, followed by six months of follow-up. Ten out of twelve trials demonstrated the effectiveness of β-glucans in reducing respiratory tract infection incidence or alleviation of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. Ten out of twelve studies have reported a good tolerance and safety profile. Conclusions: Good tolerance of β-glucans shows a favorable benefit-risk ratio of this type of intervention. Nevertheless, further monitoring of their efficacy and safety in high-quality research is necessary.

Insights into the molecular mechanisms, structure-activity relationships and application prospects of polysaccharides by regulating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response

The occurrence and development of many diseases are closely related to oxidative stress. In this context, accumulating evidence suggests that Nrf2, as the master switch of cellular antioxidant signaling, plays a central role in controlling the expression of antioxidant genes. The core molecular mechanism of polysaccharides treatment of oxidative stress-induced diseases is to activate Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, promote nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and up-regulate the expression of antioxidant enzymes. However, recent studies have shown that other signaling pathways in which polysaccharides exert antioxidant effects, such as PI3K/Akt/GSK3β, JNK/Nrf2 and NF-κB, have complex crosstalk with Keap1/Nrf2/ARE, may have direct effects on the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. This suggests a new strategy for designing polysaccharides as modulators of Nrf2-dependent pathways to target the antioxidant response. Therefore, in this work, we investigate the crosstalk between Keap1/Nrf2/ARE and other antioxidant signaling pathways of polysaccharides by regulating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response. For the first time, the structural-activity relationship of polysaccharides, including molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic linkage, is systematically elucidated using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. This review also summarizes the application of antioxidant polysaccharides in food, animal production, cosmetics and biomaterials. The paper has significant reference value for screening antioxidant polysaccharides targeting Nrf2.

A glucuronogalactomannan isolated from Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg: Structure and immunomodulatory activity

A novel acidic glucuronogalactomannan (STHP-5) was isolated from the aboveground part of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg with a molecular weight of 3.225 × 105 kDa. Analysis of chain conformation showed STHP-5 was approximately a random coil chain. STHP-5 was composed mainly of galactose, mannose, and glucuronic acid. Linkages of glycosides were measured via methylation analysis and verified by NMR. In vitro, STHP-5 induced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and secretion of IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells, indicating STHP-5 had stimulatory activity on macrophages. STHP-5 was proven to function as a TLR4 agonist by inducing the secretion of secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) in HEK-Blue™-hTLR4 cells. The TLR4 activation capacity was quantitatively measured via EC50, and it showed purified polysaccharides had stronger effects (lower EC50) on activating TLR4 compared with crude polysaccharides. In conclusion, our findings suggest STHP-5 may be a novel immunomodulator.

Solvent stabilizing effects on the order-disorder transition of schizophyllan in aqueous mixtures of carboxylic acids

Schizophyllan is a triple helical β-1,3-D-glucan, and shows the cooperative order-disorder transition in the aqueous solution at the triple helix state. In this paper, the solvent stabilizing effects of two carboxylic acids, acetic acid and citric acid, on the cooperative order-disorder transition of aqueous schizophyllan solution were investigated from DSC and SEC-MALS measurements. The transition temperature (Tr) was shifted to higher temperature with increasing the molar fraction of carboxylic acid in the mixture (x). The transition enthalpy (ΔHr) was increased with increasing x. These solvent stabilizing effects indicate that these carboxylic acid molecules were selectively associated with the branched side chains of schizophyllan to stabilize the ordered state. The composition dependencies of Tr and ΔHr were analyzed by the linear cooperative transition theory to estimate the association parameters between the side chains and carboxylic acid. The theoretical parameters obtained were compared with those for the other active substances for the transition to discuss the molecular interactions between the triple helix and carboxylic acid.

Natural polysaccharides and their derivatives targeting the tumor microenvironment: A review

Polysaccharides have gained attention as valuable supplements and natural medicinal resources, particularly for their anti-tumor properties. Their low toxicity and potent anti-tumor effects make them promising candidates for cancer prevention and treatment. The tumor microenvironment is crucial in tumor development and offers potential avenues for novel cancer therapies. Research indicates that polysaccharides can positively influence the tumor microenvironment. However, the structural complexity of most anti-tumor polysaccharides, often heteropolysaccharides, poses challenges for structural analysis. To enhance their pharmacological activity, researchers have modified the structure and properties of natural polysaccharides based on structure-activity relationships, and they have discovered that many polysaccharides exhibit significantly enhanced anti-tumor activity after chemical modification. This article reviews recent strategies for targeting the tumor microenvironment with polysaccharides and briefly discusses the structure-activity relationships of anti-tumor polysaccharides. It also summarises the main chemical modification methods of polysaccharides and discusses the impact of chemical modifications on the anti-tumor activity of polysaccharides. The review aims to lay a theoretical foundation for the development of anti-tumor polysaccharides and their derivatives.

Study on fermentation preparation, physicochemical properties and biological activity of carboxymethylpachymaran with different degrees of substitution

BACKGROUND

Carboxymethylpachymaran (CMP) is created by carboxymethylating pachyman (PM), which increases its water solubility and enhances a number of biological activities. Traditional polysaccharides modified by carboxymethylation employ strong chemical techniques. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) has been used previously for liquid fermentation to carboxymethyl modify bacterial polysaccharides. This theory can be applied to fungal polysaccharides because Poria cocos has the ability to naturally utilize cellulose.

RESULTS

CMC with different degrees of substitution (DS) (0.7, 0.9 and 1.2) were added to P. cocos fermentation medium, and CMPs with different DS (0.38, 0.56 and 0.78, respectively) were prepared by liquid fermentation. The physical and chemical properties and biological activities of the CMPs were determined. Their structures were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and monosaccharide composition. With the increase of DS, the viscosity and viscosity-average molecular weight of CMPs decreased, whereas polysaccharide content and water solubility increased, although the triple helix structure was not affected. The results of bioactivity assay showed that the higher the DS of CMPs, the higher the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability, and the stronger the bacterial inhibition ability.

CONCLUSION

The present study has developed a method for producing CMPs by P. cocos liquid fermentation. The results of the study confirm that enhancing the DS of CMP could effectively enhance its potential biological activity. The findings provide safe and reliable raw materials for creating CMP-related foods and encourage CMP application in the functional food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The antibacterial and hemostatic curdlan hydrogel-loading epigallocatechin gallate for facilitating the infected wound healing

The infected wounds pose one of the major threats to human health today. To address this issue, it is necessary to develop innovative wound dressings with superior antibacterial activity and other properties. Due to its potent antibacterial, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been widely utilized. In this study, a multifunctional curdlan hydrogel loading EGCG (Cur-EGCGH3) was designed. Cur-EGCGH3 exhibited excellent physicochemical properties, good biocompatibility, hemostatic, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities. Also, ELISA data showed that Cur-EGCGH3 stimulated macrophages to secrete pro-inflammatory and pro-regenerative cytokines. Cell scratch results indicated that Cur-EGCGH3 promoted the migration of NIH3T3 and HUVECs. In vivo experiments confirmed that Cur-EGCGH3 could inhibit bacterial infection of the infected wounds, accelerate hemostasis, and promote epithelial regeneration and collagen deposition. These results demonstrated that Cur-EGCGH3 holds promise for promoting healing of the infected wounds.

Optimization of ultrasonic conditions for improving the characteristics of corn starch-glycyrrhiza polysaccharide composite to prepare enhanced quality lycopene inclusion complex

In this study, based on response surface optimization of ultrasound pre-treatment conditions for encapsulating lycopene, the corn starch-glycyrrhiza polysaccharide composite (US-CS-GP) was used to prepare a novel lycopene inclusion complex (US-CS-GP-Lyc). Ultrasound treatment (575 W, 25 kHz) at 35 °C for 25 min significantly enhanced the rheological and starch properties of US-CS-GP, facilitating the preparation of US-CS-GP-Lyc with an encapsulation efficiency of 76.12 ± 1.76 %. In addition, the crystalline structure, thermal properties, and microstructure of the obtained lycopene inclusion complex were significantly improved and showed excellent antioxidant activity and storage stability. The US-CS-GP-Lyc exhibited a V-type crystal structure, enhanced lycopene loading capacity, and reduced crystalline regions due to increased amorphous regions, as well as superior thermal properties, including a lower maximum thermal decomposition rate and a higher maximum decomposition temperature. Furthermore, its smooth surface with dense pores provides enhanced space and protection for lycopene loading. Moreover, the US-CS-GP-Lyc displayed the highest DPPH scavenging rate (92.20 %) and enhanced stability under light and prolonged storage. These findings indicate that ultrasonic pretreatment can boost electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonding between corn starch and glycyrrhiza polysaccharide, enhance composite properties, and improve lycopene encapsulation, which may provide a scientific basis for the application of ultrasound technology in the refined processing of starch-polysaccharides composite products.

Acetylation of the polysaccharide from Houttuynia cordata rhizome and their α-glucosidase inhibition mechanism

In this study, the polysaccharide (RHCP) extracted from Houttuynia cordata rhizome was acetylated through the acetic anhydride method. The physicochemical properties of RHCP and its acetylated derivatives (Ac-RHCP) were determined by infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy, and Congo red test. Meanwhile, the α-glucosidase inhibition mechanism of RHCP and Ac-RHCP was analyzed by inhibition kinetics, and circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy. Ac-RHCP resulted in a more porous surface structure and 1.83-fold higher solubility compared with RHCP. At a concentration of 6 mg/mL, the α-glucosidase inhibition rate of Ac-RHCP was 75.40%, while that of RHCP was 44.68%. RHCP and Ac-RHCP inhibited α-glucosidase in a mixed-type manner, reduced the endogenous fluorescence of α-glucosidase, affected the microenvironment of amino acid residues, and changed the conformation of α-glucosidase. The study indicates that Ac-RHCP exhibits a certain level of α-glucosidase inhibition, demonstrating its potential as a functional food for glycemic control.

An antitumor fungal polysaccharide from Fomitopsis officinalis by activating immunity and inhibiting angiogenesis

Macrofungi, a class of unique natural resources, are gaining popularity owing to their potential therapeutic benefits and edibility. From Fomitopsis officinalis, a medicinal macrofungus with anticancer activity, a homogeneous heteropolysaccharide (FOBP50-1) with a molecular weight of 2.21 × 104 g/mol has been extracted and purified. FOBP50-1 was found to be composed of 3-O-methylfucose, fucose, mannose, glucose, and galactose with a ratio of 1: 6.5: 4.4: 8.1: 18.2. The sugar fragments and structure of FOBP50-1 were investigated, which included →6)-α-d-Galp-(1→, →2,6)-α-d-Galp-(1→, →3)-α-l-Fucp-(1→, α-d-Glcp-(1→, →3)-β-d-Manp-(1→, →6)-β-d-Manp-(1→, 3-O-Me-α-l-Fucp-(1→, according to the UV, FT-IR, GC-MS, and NMR data. Besides the structure elucidation, FOBP50-1 showed promising antitumor activity in the zebrafish assays. The following mechanism examination discovered that FOBP50-1 interacted with TLR-4, PD-1, and VEGF to activate immunity and inhibit angiogenesis according to a series of cell, transgenic zebrafish, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments. The KD values indicating the association of FOBP50-1 with TLR-4, PD-1, and VEGF, were 4.69 × 10-5, 7.98 × 10-6, 3.04 × 10-6 M, respectively, in the SPR experiments. All investigations have demonstrated that the homogenous fungal polysaccharide FOBP50-1 has the potential to be turned into a tumor immunotherapy agent.

Structural characterization and immunostimulant activities of polysaccharides fractionated by gradient ethanol precipitation method from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer is a dual-purpose plant for medicine and food, its polysaccharide is considered as an immune enhancer. Four polysaccharides, WGP-20-F, WGP-40-F, WGP-60-F and WGP-80-F were obtained from ginseng via water extraction and gradient ethanol precipitation with different molecular weights (Mw) of 1.720 × 106, 1.434 × 106, 4.225 × 104 and 1.520 × 104 Da, respectively. WGP-20-F and WGP-40-F which with higher Mw and a triple-helix structure are glucans composed of 4-ɑ-Glcp, do not show remarkable immunoregulatory effects. WGP-60-F and WGP-80-F are heteropolysaccharides mainly composed of 4-ɑ-Glcp and also contain t-ɑ-Araf, 5-ɑ-Araf and 3,5-ɑ-Araf. They are spherical branched conformations without a triple-helix structure and can effectively increase the index of immune organs, lymphocyte proliferation, activate macrophages to regulate the immune system in mice and further enhance immune functions by improving delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction and antibody response. These results indicated that WGP-60-F and WGP-80-F could be used as potential immune enhancers, and gradient ethanol precipitation can be applied for the preparation of ginseng bioactive polysaccharide.

Isolation, structural properties and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Crataegus pinnatifida

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGIC RELEVANCE

Crataegus pinnatifida, commonly known as hawthorn, is a plant species with a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine. Hawthorn polysaccharides (HP) have gained worldwide attention due to their decent biological activities and potential health benefits. Their excellent antioxidant activity, antitumor activity, immunomodulatory activity, hypoglycemic effect and hypolipidemic effects, intestinal microbiota modulatory activity makes them valuable in the field of ethnopharmacological research.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the current review is to provide a systematic and comprehensive summary of the latest literatures and put forward the future perspectives on hawthorn polysaccharides in the context of its extraction, purification, structural characteristics and bioactivities. Furthermore, the underlying structure-bioactivity relationship of hawthorn polysaccharides was also explored and discussed. The current review would provide the important research underpinnings and the update the information for future development and application of hawthorn polysaccharides in the pharmaceutical and functional food industries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We use Google Scholar, CNKI, PubMed, Springer, Elsevier, Wiley, Web of Science and other online databases to search and obtain the literature on extraction, isolation, structural analysis and the biological activity of hawthorn polysaccharides published before October 2023. The key words are "extraction", "isolation and purification", "bioactivities", and "Crataegus pinnatifida polysaccharides ".

RESULTS

Crataegus pinnatifida has been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, digestive disorders, inflammatory and oxidative stress in traditional Chinese medicine. Polysaccharides are the key active components of Crataegus pinnatifida which have gained widespread attention. The structure and bioactivity of polysaccharides from Crataegus pinnatifida varies in terms of raw materials, extraction methods and purification techniques. Crataegus pinnatifida polysaccharides possess diverse bioactivities, including antitumor, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic activity, cardioprotective and antioxidant activities, among others. These biological properties can not only lay firm foundation for the treatment of diverse diseases, but also provide a theoretical basis for the in-depth study of the structure-activity relationship. In addition, the underlying structure-activity relationship is also explored and discussed, and further research and development of hawthorn polysaccharides are also prospected.

CONCLUSION

As a natural compound, hawthorn polysaccharides has garnered significant attention and held immense research potential. Hawthorn polysaccharides can be obtained through different extraction methods, including hot water extraction method, ultrasonic extraction method and enzymatic extraction method etc. The structures of hawthorn polysaccharides have also been characterized and reported in numerous studies. Moreover, hawthorn polysaccharides exhibit a wide range of bioactivities, such as the antioxidant activity, the antitumor activity, the immunomodulatory activity, the hypoglycemic effect and the hypolipidemic effect, as well as the intestinal microbiota modulatory activity. These diverse bioactivities contribute to the growing interest in hawthorn polysaccharides and its potential applications. Hawthorn polysaccharides has promising application prospects in various industries, including functional food, pharmaceuticals and biomedical research. Therefore, it is imperative to fully explore and harness the potential of hawthorn polysaccharides in the food and medicine fields.

Structure and immunostimulatory activity studies on two novel Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides: revealing potential impacts of →6)-α-D-Glcp(1→ on the TLR-4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway

Two novel Flammulina velutipes (F. velutipes) polysaccharides, FVPH1 and FVPH2, were isolated and purified after hot water extraction. The structural characterization revealed that the backbone of FVPH1 consisted mainly of →6)-α-D-Glcp(1→, →3,4)-α-D-Galp(1→, →4)-α-L-Fucp(1→, and →4)-β-D-Manp(1→, while the backbone of FVPH2 consisted of →3)-α-D-Galp(1→, →3,4)-α-D-Manp(1→,→6)-α-D-Glcp(1→. The branches of FVPH1 contained →6)-α-D-Glcp(1→ and α-D-Glcp(1→ and the branches of FVPH2 consisted of →3)-α-D-Galp(1→, →6)-α-D-Glcp(1→, and β-L-Fucp(1→. FVPH2 exhibited significantly better immunostimulatory activity than FVPH1 (P < 0.05), as evidenced by the increased expression of NO, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and pinocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells. As the most abundant structure in the polysaccharides of F. velutipes, the content of →6)-α-D-Glcp(1→ might play a crucial role in influencing the immunostimulatory activity of F. velutipes polysaccharides. The F. velutipes polysaccharide with a lower content of →6)-α-D-Glcp(1→ and a higher branching degree could significantly enhance the immunostimulatory activity of F. velutipes polysaccharides via activating the TLR-4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway more effectively.

Methods of study on conformation of polysaccharides from natural products: A review

Polysaccharides from natural products play multiple roles and have extensive bioactivities in life process. Bioactivities of polysaccharides (e.g., Lentinan, Schizophyllan, Scleroglucan, Curdlan, Cinerean) have a close relation to their chain conformation. Compared to other types of polysaccharides, the conformation of β-glucan has been studied more. The major research methods of conformation of polysaccharides from natural products (Congo red experiment, circular dichroism spectrum, viscosity method, light scattering method, size exclusion chromatography, atomic force microscope), corresponding experimental schemes, and the external factors affecting polysaccharide conformation were reviewed in this paper. These research methods of conformation have been widely used, among which Congo red experiment and viscosity method are the most convenient ones to study the morphological changes of polysaccharide chains.

Biomedical potency and mechanisms of marine polysaccharides and oligosaccharides: A review

Derived from bountiful marine organisms (predominantly algae, fauna, and microorganisms), marine polysaccharides and marine oligosaccharides are intricate macromolecules that play a significant role in the growth and development of marine life. Recently, considerable attention has been paid to marine polysaccharides and marine oligosaccharides as auspicious natural products due to their promising biological attributes. Herein, we provide an overview of recent advances in the miscellaneous biological activities of marine polysaccharides and marine oligosaccharides that encompasses their anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-diabetes mellitus, and anticoagulant properties. Furthermore, we furnish a concise summary of the underlying mechanisms governing the behavior of these biological macromolecules. We hope that this review inspires research on marine polysaccharides and marine oligosaccharides in medicinal applications while offering fresh perspectives on their broader facets.

Exopolysaccharide production by salt-tolerant bacteria: Recent advances, current challenges, and future prospects

Natural biopolymers derived from exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are considered eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to available traditional synthetic counterparts. Salt-tolerant bacteria inhabiting harsh ecological niches have evolved a number of unique adaptation strategies allowing them to maintain cellular integrity and assuring their long-term survival; among these, producing EPSs can be adopted as an effective strategy to thrive under high-salt conditions. A great diversity of EPSs from salt-tolerant bacteria have attracted widespread attention recently. Because of factors such as their unique structural, physicochemical, and functional characteristics, EPSs are commercially valuable for the global market and their application potential in various sectors is promising. However, large-scale production and industrial development of these biopolymers are hindered by their low yields and high costs. Consequently, the research progress and future prospects of salt-tolerant bacterial EPSs must be systematically reviewed to further promote their application and commercialization. In this review, the structure and properties of EPSs produced by a variety of salt-tolerant bacterial strains isolated from different sources are summarized. Further, feasible strategies for solving production bottlenecks are discussed, which provides a scientific basis and direct reference for more scientific and rational EPS development.

CO2-Mediated Alkali-Neutralization Curdlan Hydrogels for Potential Wound Healing Application

Physical hydrogels of natural polysaccharides are considered as ideal candidates for wound dressing due to their natural biological activity and no harmful cross-linking agents. However, it remains a challenge to fabricate such hydrogel dressings in a facile and low-cost way. Herein, we reported an easy and cost-effective method to construct CO2-mediated alkali-neutralization Curdlan (CR) hydrogels without using an external cross-linking agent. Two types of hydrogels (denoted as CR-NaOH and CR-Na3PO4, respectively) were fabricated by dissolving CR powders in a NaOH or Na3PO4 aqueous solution, followed by keeping the CR alkaline solutions in air. The obtained pure CR hydrogels possessed a tunable porous structure with walls containing different forms of nanofibrils. These hydrogels exhibited much higher gel strength by comparison with the gels prepared by conventional heating treatment. They were flexible, stretchable, twistable, and conformable to arbitrarily curved skins. Moreover, they exhibited ideal swellability, proper degradability, and water vapor transmission rate, and their physicochemical properties were closely related to CR concentration in the alkaline solution. These two hydrogels also supported the growth of L929 cells. Importantly, studies on wound healing revealed that both 3CR-NaOH and 3CR-Na3PO4 hydrogels were capable of accelerating the wound healing process through recruiting more macrophages/fibroblasts, inducing more collagen deposition and neovascularization (α-SMA and CD31) without carrying any exogenous bioactive components. In conclusion, the present work not only reported promising materials for application in wound therapy but also offered a facile and safe manufacturing procedure for generating pure CR physical hydrogels with better performance.

Effect of subcritical water temperature on the structure, antioxidant activity and immune activity of polysaccharides from Glycyrrhiza inflata Batalin

In this study, the polysaccharide from Glycyrrhiza inflata Batalin extracted by hot water (HW-GP) was further physically modified with subcritical water to obtain novel polysaccharides (SW-GP). Comparative analysis was conducted to examine the disparities in conformation and bioactivity between HW-GP and SW-GP, aiming to precisely regulate the structure of the polysaccharides and enhance their bioactivity by controlling subcritical water temperature. The results showed that, compared with HW-GP, subcritical water modification (100-160 °C) not only significantly reduced the molecular weight of polysaccharides (from 5.586 × 105 g/mol to 1.484 × 105 g/mol), but also modulated the intermolecular interaction forces, which maintain the conformation of the polysaccharides, including electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, thereby dynamically transforming the polysaccharide chain conformation from triple helix to random coil, and the strength of the chain conformation shifted from rigid to flexible. In addition, the modification of the SW-GP structure by subcritical water also enhanced its biological activity. SW-GP (140 °C) with low molecular weight and semi-rigid triple helix conformation showed the best scavenging effect on the DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals, and exhibited excellent antioxidant activity. SW-GP (130 °C) with medium molecular weight and semi-rigid triple helix conformation significantly promoted the proliferation and phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells, as well as increased the release levels of NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and the immunomodulatory activity was much higher than that of other polysaccharides. These findings confirmed the feasibility of using subcritical water temperature as a regulatory feature for the structure and bioactivity of glycyrrhiza polysaccharides, which may have reference significance for the modification of polysaccharides with heightened bioactivity.

Effect of subcritical water temperature on the chain conformation and immune activity of ginger polysaccharides

In this study, the ginger polysaccharides extracted from hot water (HW-G) were modified with subcritical water (SW-G) to effectively regulate their immune activity, and the relationship between polysaccharide chain conformation and immune activity at different subcritical water temperatures was investigated. The results indicated that, compared with HW-G, the xylose and mannose were degraded at high temperatures. The molecular weight of ginger polysaccharide decreased from 1.083 × 106 g/mol to 3.113 × 105 g/mol after subcritical water modification (100-160 °C). The chain conformation transitioned from rigid rod chain to semi-rigid chain and eventually to random coil. The degree of relaxation of the polysaccharide chains showed a continuous increase trend. Additionally, ginger polysaccharide modified by subcritical water at 130 °C was found to promote the proliferation and phagocytosis of 264.7 cells more obviously and signally increase the secretion levels of NO, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β. When the subcritical water temperature exceeds 130 °C, the activity of ginger polysaccharide begins to decline rapidly. These findings demonstrate a close correlation between polysaccharide chain conformation and immunomodulatory activity, confirming the feasibility of the subcritical water temperature effect as a means of immune activity regulation, which opens up a new approach to obtaining highly active polysaccharides.

Structural characterization, chain conformation and immunomodulatory activity of a heteropolysaccharide from Inonotus hispidus

A new polysaccharide (IHP-1aa) was isolated from the fruiting body of Inonotus hispidus by hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation and column chromatography. The molecular weight of IHP-1aa was 26.9 kDa. Structural analysis showed that IHP-1aa consisted of glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), fucose (Fuc), mannose (Man) and contained a certain amount of 3-O-methylgalactose (3-O-Me-Gal). The structure was mainly composed of →6)-α/β-D-Glcp-(1→, →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→, →6)-(3-O-Me)-α-D-Galp-(1→, →6)-α-D-Manp-(1 → and →2, 6)-α-D-Galp-(1 → as the main chain. Branched at O-2 with single β-L-Fucp-(1 → 6)-α-D-Galp-(1 → 6)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → as major the side chain. The results of SEM, XRD and AFM combined with Congo red indicated that IHP-1aa may be amorphous granular chain conformation. In addition, IHP-1aa stimulated macrophage function and improved phagocytic ability of RAW264.7, as well as promoted the secretion of NO, TNF-α and IL-6. IHP-1aa, a 3-O-methylgalactose-containing heteropolysaccharide, was isolated for the first time from the I. hispidus, which may be used as a potential immunomodulator in functional foods.

A homologous series of α-glucans from Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus and their immunomodulatory activity

Seven macromolecular polysaccharides (HPP-2S-HPP-8S) were purified from the gonads of sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus. They were characterized as α-glucan homologues, sharing the same α-1,4-glucan backbone substituted at C-6 positions by glucose with HPP-1S that occurs as the major polysaccharide in H. pulcherrimus, while with higher degrees of branching, and additionally possessing minor amounts of mannose and ribose. The branching degree and amounts of non-glucose branches showed a generally increasing tendency across HPP-2S - HPP-8S. These polysaccharides exhibited significant macrophage-activating effects by augmenting the secretion of NO, TNF-α and IL-6, which probably involves the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways. Notably, the polysaccharides with a higher degree of branching exhibited markedly enhanced immunomodulatory capacity with a lowest effective concentration of 1.95 μg/mL. This work provides new cases of bioactive α-glucans and reveals their potential application as immunomodulating agents.

Exopolysaccharides from agriculturally important microorganisms: Conferring soil nutrient status and plant health

A wide variety of microorganisms secretes extracellular polymeric substances or commonly known as exopolysaccharides (EPS), which have been studied to influence plant growth via various mechanisms. EPS-producing microorganisms have been found to have positive effects on plant health such as by facilitating nutrient entrapment in the soil, or by improving soil quality, especially by helping in mitigating various abiotic stress conditions. The various types of microbial polysaccharides allow for the compartmentalization of the microbial community enabling them to endure undressing stress conditions. With the growing population, there is a constant need for developing sustainable agriculture where we could use various PGPR to help the plant cope with various stress conditions and simultaneously enhance the crop yield. These polysaccharides have also found application in various sectors, especially in the biomedical fields, manifesting their potential to act as antitumor drugs, play a significant role in immune evasion, and reveal various therapeutic potentials. These constitute high levels of bioactive polysaccharides which possess a wide range of implementation starting from industrial applications to novel food applications. In this current review, we aim at presenting a comprehensive study of how these microbial extracellular polymeric substances influence agricultural productivity along with their other commercial applications.

Phellinus linteus polysaccharides: A review on their preparation, structure-activity relationships, and drug delivery systems

Phellinus linteus polysaccharides exhibit antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, mitigate insulin resistance, and enhance the diversity and abundance of gut microbiota. However, the bioactivities of P. linteus polysaccharides vary owing to the complex structure, thereby, limiting their application. Various processing strategies have been employed to modify them for improving the functional properties and yield. Herein, we compare the primary modes of extraction and purification employed to improve the yield and purity, review the structure-activity relationships, and discuss the application of P. linteus polysaccharides using nano-carriers for the encapsulation and delivery of various drugs to improve bioactivity. The limitations and future perspectives are also discussed. Exploring the bioactivity, structure-activity relationship, processing methods, and delivery routes of P. linteus polysaccharides will facilitate the development of functional foods and dietary supplements rich in P. linteus polysaccharides.

Schizophyllan from Schizophyllum commune BRM 060008: Potential application as an inhibitor of lipase

β-D-glucan has significant implications in regulating lipid metabolism and preventing diseases associated with lipid accumulation. Schizophyllan (SPG) from Schizophyllum commune fungus is a commercially important β-glucan with applications in the health food industry, pharmacy, and cosmetics. However, SPG was obtained by submerged culture of the wood-rotting and filamentous fungus S. commune BRM 060008, which may have been isolated from the Cerrado Biome of Brazil. In this study, to confirm that the polysaccharide produced by BRM 060008 strain fermentation was indeed (1→3)(1→6)-β-D-glucan, it was purified and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, high-performance size exclusion chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and methylation analysis. The polysaccharide produced was identified as the β-D-glucan expected with a high molecular weight (1.093 × 106 g/mol) and the thermogravimetric analysis indicated a maximum degradation temperature of ~324 °C and a 60 % residual weight, lower than commercial SPG. The molecular structure and thermal properties of the β-D-glucan were similar to the commercial sample. Additionally, the in vitro pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity was evaluated, investigating anti-obesity and anti-lipidemic properties. The results showed unprecedented lipase inhibition activity to SPG prepared using the S. commune strain BRM 060008, making it promising for food and pharmaceutical applications.

The molecular mechanism of polysaccharides in combating major depressive disorder: A comprehensive review

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex psychiatric condition with diverse etiological factors. Typical pathological features include decreased cerebral cortex, subcortical structures, and grey matter volumes, as well as monoamine transmitter dysregulation. Although medications exist to treat MDD, unmet needs persist due to limited efficacy, induced side effects, and relapse upon drug withdrawal. Polysaccharides offer promising new therapies for MDD, demonstrating antidepressant effects with minimal side effects and multiple targets. These include neurotransmitter, neurotrophin, neuroinflammation, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and intestinal flora regulation. This review explores the latest advancements in understanding the pharmacological actions and mechanisms of polysaccharides in treating major depression. We discuss the impact of polysaccharides' diverse structures and properties on their pharmacological actions, aiming to inspire new research directions and facilitate the discovery of novel anti-depressive drugs.

Physicochemical, rheological, antioxidant and immunological properties of four novel non-inulin (poly)saccharides from Asparagus cochinchinensis

The impacts of four extraction techniques, including hot water, ultrasonic-assisted, complex enzyme-assisted and acid-assisted methods, on the morphological, physicochemical properties and bioactivities of Asparagus cochinchinensis (poly)saccharides (EACP, WACP, UACP, and AACP) were investigated and compared. The four samples were mainly composed of glucose, fructose, and galactose with molar ratios of 50.8:22.7:4.4 for WACP, 53.9:26.0:5.3 for UACP, 35.6:14.1:21.4 for AACP and 45.0:15.6:9.0 for EACP, respectively. The rheological result showed that ACPs were non-Newtonian fluids. EACP with high purity (97.65 %) had good DPPH, O2- and ABTS+ radical scavenging activities, and significantly promoted the proliferation of the RAW264.7 cells at low concentration. UACP had good Fe2+ chelating ability, radical (DPPH, O2- and OH) scavenging activities, which might be attributed to the existence of triple-helix structure. AACP had high yield, molecular weight (17,477.2 Da), high crystallinity (23.33 %), and good radical (OH and ABTS+) scavenging activities. All four significantly stimulated the transcript expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, as determined by RT-PCR. These results suggest that the exploitation and utilization of non-inulin (poly)saccharides extracted by ultrasonic-assisted, complex enzyme-assisted and acid-assisted extraction methods are potentially valuable as effective and natural immune adjuvants and antioxidants.

Recent advances in the extraction, purification, structural-property correlations, and antiobesity mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine-derived polysaccharides: a review

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has displayed preventive and therapeutic effects on many complex diseases. As natural biological macromolecules, TCM-derived antiobesogenic polysaccharides (TCMPOs) exhibit notable weight-loss effects and are seen to be a viable tactic in the fight against obesity. Current studies demonstrate that the antiobesity activity of TCMPOs is closely related to their structural characteristics, which could be affected by the extraction and purification methods. Therefore, the extraction, purification and structural-property correlations of TCMPOs were discussed. Investigation of the antiobesity mechanism of TCMPOs is also essential for their improved application. Herein, the possible antiobesity mechanisms of TCMPOs are systematically summarized: (1) modulation of appetite and satiety effects, (2) suppression of fat absorption and synthesis, (3) alteration of the gut microbiota and their metabolites, and (4) protection of intestinal barriers. This collated information could provide some insights and offer a new therapeutic approach for the management and prevention of obesity.

Structure-activity relationships of bioactive polysaccharides extracted from macroalgae towards biomedical application: A review

Macroalgae are valuable and structurally diverse sources of bioactive compounds among marine resources. The cell walls of macroalgae are rich in polysaccharides which exhibit a wide range of biological activities, such as anticoagulant, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antitumor activities. Macroalgae polysaccharides (MPs) have been recognized as one of the most promising candidates in the biomedical field. However, the structure-activity relationships of bioactive polysaccharides extracted from macroalgae are complex and influenced by various factors. A clear understanding of these relationships is indeed critical in developing effective biomedical applications with MPs. In line with these challenges and knowledge gaps, this paper summarized the structural characteristics of marine MPs from different sources and relevant functional and bioactive properties and particularly highlighted those essential effects of the structure-bioactivity relationships presented in biomedical applications. This review not only focused on elucidating a particular action mechanism of MPs, but also intended to identify a novel or potential application of these valued compounds in the biomedical field in terms of their structural characteristics. In the last, the challenges and prospects of MPs in structure-bioactivity elucidation were further discussed and predicted, where they were emphasized on exploring modern biotechnology approaches potentially applied to expand their promising biomedical applications.

Advances in polysaccharides of natural source of anti-diabetes effect and mechanism

PURPOSE

Diabetes is a chronic disease in metabolic disorder, and the pathology is characterized by insulin resistance and insulin secretion disorder in blood. In current, many studies have revealed that polysaccharides extracted from natural sources with significant anti-diabetic effects. Natural polysaccharides can ameliorate diabetes through different action mechanisms. All these polysaccharides are expected to have an important role in the clinic.

METHODS

Existing polysaccharides for the treatment of diabetes are reviewed, and the mechanism of polysaccharides in the treatment of diabetes and its structural characteristics are described in detail.

RESULTS

This article introduced the natural polysaccharide through different mechanisms of action in the treatment of diabetes, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammatory response and regulation of intestinal bacteria. Natural polysaccharides can treat of diabetes by regulating signaling pathways is also a research hotspot. In addition, the structural characteristics of polysaccharides were explored. There are some structure-activity relationships between natural polysaccharides and the treatment of diabetes.

Lentinan progress in inflammatory diseases and tumor diseases

Shiitake mushrooms are a fungal food that has been recorded in Chinese medicine to nourish the blood and qi. Lentinan (lLNT) is an active substance extracted from shiitake mushrooms with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor functions. Inflammatory diseases and cancers are the leading causes of death worldwide, posing a serious threat to human life and health and posing enormous challenges to global health systems. There is still a lack of effective treatments for inflammatory diseases and cancer. LNT has been approved as an adjunct to chemotherapy in China and Japan. Studies have shown that LNT plays an important role in the treatment of inflammatory diseases as well as oncological diseases. Moreover, clinical experiments have confirmed that LNT combined with chemotherapy drugs has a significant effect in improving the prognosis of patients, enhancing their immune function and reducing the side effects of chemotherapy in lung cancer, colorectal cancer and gastric cancer. However, the relevant mechanism of action of the LNT signaling pathway in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Therefore, this article reviews the mechanism and clinical research of LNT in inflammatory diseases and tumor diseases in recent years.

Cold Alkali-Extractable Antioxidative Polysaccharide from Russula pseudocyanoxantha (Agaricomycetes), a Novel Mushroom, Stimulates Immune Responses in RAW264.7 Cells by Regulating the TLR/NF-κB Pathway

In our previous study, we have established Russula pseudocyanoxantha as a unique species, playing a crucial role in indigenous diets through ages. The research also brought attention to bioactive potential of polysaccharide fraction extracted from the unexplored food using hot water. However, residue of the conventional process still contains therapeutic biopolymers that could further be utilized for pharmacological purposes instead of being discarded. Therefore, the current study aims to valorize the solid remnants, contributing to a deeper understanding of the novel taxon. Subsequently, the leftover was treated with cold alkali, leading to the preparation of a high-yield fraction (RP-CAP). Chemical characterization through FT-IR, GC-MS, HPTLC, and spectroscopy demonstrated presence of several monomers in the carbohydrate backbone, predominantly composed of β-glucan. Furthermore, GPC chromatogram indicated presence of a homogeneous polymer with molecular weight of ~ 129.28 kDa. Subsequently, potent antioxidant activity was noted in terms of radical scavenging (O2·-, OH·, DPPH· and ABTS·+), chelating ability, reducing power and total antioxidant activity where EC50 values ranged from 472-3600 μg/mL. Strong immune-boosting effect was also evident, as the biopolymers stimulated murine macrophage cell proliferation, phagocytic activity, pseudopod formation, and NO as well as ROS synthesis particularly at the concentration of 100 μg/mL. In-depth analysis through RT-PCR revealed that the fraction stimulated synthesis of several inflammatory mediators, elucidating the mode of action through TLR/ NF-κB pathway. Therefore, the findings collectively suggest that RP-CAP possesses great potential to serve as a healthimproving component in functional food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Dual properties of pharmacological activities and preparation excipient: Bletilla striata polysaccharides

Bletilla striata has been used for thousands of years and shows the functions of stopping bleeding, reducing swelling, and promoting healing in traditional applications. For Bletilla striata, Bletilla striata polysaccharides (BSP) is the main active ingredient, exhibiting biological functions of anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-fibrotic, immune modulation, anti-glycation, and so on. In addition, BSP has exhibited the characteristics of excipient such as bio-adhesion, bio-degradability, and bio-safety and has been prepared into a series of preparations such as nanoparticles, microspheres, microneedles, hydrogels, etc. BSP, as both a drug and an excipient, has already aroused more and more attention. In this review, publications in recent years related to the extraction and identification, biological activities, and excipient application of BSP are reviewed. Specifically, we focused on the advances in the application of BSP as a formulation excipient. We hold opinion that BSP not only needed more researches in the mechanisms, but also the development into hydrogels, nano-formulations, tissue engineering, and so on. And we believe that this paper provides a beneficial reference for further BSP innovation and in-depth research and promotes the use of these natural products in pharmaceutical applications.

Antibacterial and hemostatic chitin sponge directly constructed from Pleurotus Eryngii via top-down approach

Chitin, the second most abundant polysaccharide on earth, possesses unique characteristics, including biosafety, biodegradability, and procoagulant activity, making it an attractive material for hemostasis. However, the conventional bottom-up construction of chitin-based materials is intricate and time-consuming. In this study, we have developed a top-down strategy to prepare a 3D porous chitin-based hemostatic sponge with exceptional hemostatic properties and antibacterial activity, directly from the spongy Pleurotus eryngii. The top-down method involves deproteinization, in situ quaternization, and tannin acid crosslinking. The obtained sponge has an interconnected microporous structure with high porosity (89.7 ± 3.2 %), endowing it with high water absorption (2047 ± 105 %) and rapid water-triggered shape-memory behavior (< 2 s). The sponge exhibits superior blood coagulant activity and outperforms standard medical gauze, gelatin sponge, and chitosan sponge in both topical artery and non-compressive liver puncture wound. In addition, the sponge exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli. In summary, this study provides a straightforward and practical approach for constructing an antibacterial and hemostatic chitin sponge that could be a valuable option for treating bleeding wounds.

Natural deep eutectic solvents for the extraction of lentinan from shiitake mushroom: COSMO-RS screening and ANN-GA optimizing conditions

Using natural deep eutectic solvents (NDES) for green extraction of lentinan from shiitake mushroom is a high-efficiency method. However, empirical and trial-and-error methods commonly used to select suitable NDES are unconvincing and time-consuming. Conductor-like screening model for realistic solvation (COSMO-RS) is helpful for the priori design of NDES by predicting the solubility of biomolecules. In this study, 372 NDES were used to evaluate lentinan dissolution capability via COSMO-RS. The results showed that the solvent formed by carnitine (15 wt%), urea (40.8 wt%), and water (44.2 wt%) exhibited the best performance for the extraction of lentinan. In the extraction stage, an artificial neural network coupled with genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) was developed to optimize the extraction conditions and to analyze their interaction effects on lentinan content. Therefore, COSMO-RS and ANN-GA can be used as powerful tools for solvent screening and extraction process optimization, which can be extended to various bioactive substance extraction.

Atomic force microscopy based conformation and immunological activity of Lentinan injections

The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological characteristics of different brands of lentinan injections produced in China using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and their relationship to immunological activity. Based on AFM imaging, chain height could be used as characterizing the conformation of lentinan, and the heights of 95 % confidence interval for triple, double and single helix were 1.746 ± 0.039 nm, 1.564 ± 0.037 nm and 1.243 ± 0.031 nm, respectively, which were calculated using self-developed MATLAB protocol. AFM characters and their immunological activity of different lentinan injection were compared. In detail, two parameters, triple helix ratio 51.3 % and adhesion force 800 pN, of Jinling (JL) lentinan injection are much higher than samples of other four manufacturers. In addition, immunological activity of JL lentinan injection is also significantly higher than Yineng's. High performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) profiles of different lentinans were also compared, and the data were in accordance with those from AFM. Molecular weight accumulation curves could be used for evaluation of quality consistence of different batches of lentinan from same manufacturer and/or different manufacturers. The results showed that quality consistence of lentinan from different manufactures is poor, which should be greatly improved.

Exploring β-glucan as a micro-nano system for oral delivery targeted the colon

The critical role of oral colon-specific delivery systems (OCDDS) is important for delivering active agents to the colon and rectum specifically via the oral route. The use of micro/nanostructured OCDDS further improves drug stability, bioavailability, and retention time, leading to enhanced therapeutic effects. However, designing micro/nanoscale OCDDSs is challenging due to pH changes, enzymatic degradation, and systemic absorption and metabolism. Biodegradable natural polysaccharides are a promising solution to these problems, and β-glucan is one of the most promising natural polysaccharides due to its unique structural features, conformational flexibility, and specific processing properties. This review covers the diverse chemical structures of β-glucan, its benefits (biocompatibility, easy modification, and colon-specific degradation), and various β-glucan-based micro/nanosized OCDDSs, as well as their drawbacks. The potential of β-glucan offers exciting new opportunities for colon-specific drug delivery.

Recent advances in natural polysaccharides against hepatocellular carcinoma: A review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant tumor of the digestive system that poses a serious threat to human life and health. Chemotherapeutic drugs commonly used in the clinic have limited efficacy and heavy adverse effects. Therefore, it is imperative to find effective and safe alternatives, and natural polysaccharides (NPs) fit the bill. This paper summarizes in detail the anti-HCC activity of NPs in vitro, animal and clinical trials. Furthermore, the addition of NPs can reduce the deleterious effects of chemotherapeutic drugs such as immunotoxicity, bone marrow suppression, oxidative stress, etc. The potential mechanisms are related to induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, block of angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, stimulation of immune activity and targeting of MircoRNA. And on this basis, we further elucidate that the anti-HCC activity may be related to the monosaccharide composition, molecular weight (Mw), conformational features and structural modifications of NPs. In addition, due to its good physicochemical properties, it is widely used as a drug carrier in the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs and small molecule components. This review provides a favorable theoretical basis for the application of the anti-HCC activity of NPs.

Exploring the anti-cancer potential of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) and their versatile role in enhancing drug delivery systems: a multifaceted approach to combat cancer

There has been a growing global interest in the potential health benefits of edible natural bioactive products in recent years. Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal mushroom, has gained attention for its decadent array of therapeutic and pharmaceutical compounds. Notably, G. lucidum exhibits significant anti-cancer effects against various cancer types. Polysaccharides, a prominent component in G. lucidum, are pivotal in conferring its diverse biological and medicinal properties. The primary focus of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer activities of G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs), with particular attention to their potential to mitigate chemotherapy-associated toxicity and enhance targeted drug delivery. Our findings reveal that GLPs exhibit anti-cancer effects through diverse mechanisms, including cytotoxicity, antioxidative properties, apoptosis induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and anti-proliferative effects. Furthermore, the potential of GLPs-based nanoparticles (NPs) as delivery vehicles for bioactive constituents was explored. These GLPs-based NPs are designed to target various cancer tissues, enhancing the biological activity of encapsulated compounds. As such, GLPs derived from G. lucidum represent a promising avenue for inhibiting cancer progression, minimizing chemotherapy-related side effects, and supporting their utilization in combination therapies as natural adjuncts.