Effect of β-glucan from Aureobasidium on dermal wound healing in diabetic C57BL/KsJ-db/db mouse model

Characterization of a polysaccharide from Amauroderma rugosum and its proangiogenic activities in vitro and in vivo

Amauroderma rugosum (AR), also known as "Blood Lingzhi" in Chinese, is a basidiomycete belonging to the Ganodermataceae family. Four polysaccharide fractions were systematically isolated and purified from AR. Subsequently, their compositions were examined and analyzed via high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), analysis of the monosaccharide composition, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The zebrafish model was then used to screen for proangiogenic activities of polysaccharides by inducing vascular insufficiency with VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor II (VRI). The third fraction of AR polysaccharides (PAR-3) demonstrated the most pronounced proangiogenic effects, effectively ameliorating VRI-induced intersegmental vessel deficiency in zebrafish. Concurrently, the mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and VEGF receptors were upregulated by PAR-3. Moreover, the proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were also stimulated by PAR-3, consistently demonstrating that PAR-3 possesses favorable proangiogenic properties. The activation of the Akt, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and FAK was most likely the underlying mechanism. In conclusion, this study establishes that PAR-3 isolated from Amauroderma rugosum exhibits potential as a bioresource for promoting angiogenesis.

β-Glucans obtained from fungus for wound healing: A review

The cell surface of fungus contains a large number of β-glucans, which exhibit various biological activities such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidation. Fungal β-glucans with highly branched structure show great potential as wound healing reagents, because they can stimulate the expression of many immune- and inflammatory-related factors beneficial to wound healing. Recently, the wound healing ability of many fungal β-glucans have been investigated in animals and clinical trials. Studies have proved that fungal β-glucans can promote fibroblasts proliferation, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and macrophage infiltration during the wound healing process. However, the development of fungal β-glucans as wound healing reagents is not systematically reviewed till now. This review discusses the wound healing studies of β-glucans obtained from different fungal species. The structure characteristics, extraction methods, and biological functions of fungal β-glucans with wound healing ability are summarized. Researches about fungal β-glucan-containing biomaterials and structurally modified β-glucans for wound healing are also involved.

Use of Aureobasidium in a sustainable economy

Aureobasidium is omnipresent and can be isolated from air, water bodies, soil, wood, and other plant materials, as well as inorganic materials such as rocks and marble. A total of 32 species of this fungal genus have been identified at the level of DNA, of which Aureobasidium pullulans is best known. Aureobasidium is of interest for a sustainable economy because it can be used to produce a wide variety of compounds, including enzymes, polysaccharides, and biosurfactants. Moreover, it can be used to promote plant growth and protect wood and crops. To this end, Aureobasidium cells adhere to wood or plants by producing extracellular polysaccharides, thereby forming a biofilm. This biofilm provides a sustainable alternative to petrol-based coatings and toxic chemicals. This and the fact that Aureobasidium biofilms have the potential of self-repair make them a potential engineered living material avant la lettre. KEY POINTS: •Aureobasidium produces products of interest to the industry •Aureobasidium can stimulate plant growth and protect crops •Biofinish of A. pullulans is a sustainable alternative to petrol-based coatings •Aureobasidium biofilms have the potential to function as engineered living materials.

Hydrogel containing (1 → 6)-β-D-glucan (lasiodiplodan) effectively promotes dermal wound healing

A hydrogel containing exocellular (1 → 6)-β-D-glucan (lasiodiplodan, LAS) was developed and its wound healing potential was evaluated. β-Glucans have attracted much interest by the cosmetic industry sector because of their bioactive and functional properties and in promoting skin health. In the present work an β-glucan was studied as a healing biomaterial that has not hitherto been reported in the scientific literature. LAS produced by the ascomycete Lasiodiplodia theobromae MMPI was used in the formulation of a healing hydrogel. Physicochemical and microbiological quality parameters, antioxidant potential and stability of the formulation was evaluated. FTIR, thermal analysis and SEM techniques were also employed in the characterization. Wistar rats were used as a biological model to investigate the wound healing potential. Histological analyses of cutaneous tissue from the dorsal region were conducted after 4, 7, 10 and 14 days of treatment, and evaluated re-epithelialization, cell proliferation and collagen production. Physicochemical stability, microbiological quality and antioxidant potential, especially in relation to its ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals were found. The hydrogel stimulated cell re-epithelialization and proliferation during all days of the treatment, and stimulated an increase of collagen fibers. Lasiodiplodan showed immunomodulatory activity in wound healing and this biomacromolecule could be an alternative compound in wound care.

β-Glucans: Multi-Functional Modulator of Wound Healing

β-glucans are derived from a variety of sources including yeast, grain and fungus and belong to the class of drugs known as biological response modifiers. They possess a broad spectrum of biological activities that enhance immunity in humans. One promising area for β-glucans’ application is dermatology, including wound care. Topical applications of β-glucans are increasing, especially due to their pluripotent properties. Macrophages, keratinocytes and fibroblasts are considered the main target cells of β-glucans during wound healing. β-glucans enhance wound repair by increasing the infiltration of macrophages, which stimulates tissue granulation, collagen deposition and reepithelialization. β-glucan wound dressings represent a suitable wound healing agent, with great stability and resistance to wound proteases. This review summarizes the current knowledge and progress made on characterizing β-glucans’ wound healing properties in vitro and in vivo and their safety and efficacy in managing non-healing wounds or other chronic dermatological conditions and diseases.