Characteristics and Antitumor Activity of Morchella esculenta Polysaccharide Extracted by Pulsed Electric Field

Extraction, structure and antioxidant activity of the polysaccharides from morels (Morchella spp.): A review

Morels (Morchella spp.), which are cultivated only in a few regions of the world, are edible mushrooms known for their various properties including antioxidation, immune regulation, antiinflammation, and antitumor effects. Polysaccharides from Morchella are principally responsible for its antioxidant activity. This paper reviews the extraction, purification, structural analysis and antioxidant activity of Morchella polysaccharides (MPs), providing updated research progress. Meanwhile, the structural-property relationships of MPs were further discussed. In addition, based on in vitro and in vivo studies, the major factors responsible for the antioxidant activity of MPs were summarized including scavenging free radicals, reduction capacity, inhibitory lipid peroxidation activity, regulating the signal transduction pathway, reducing the production of ROS and NO, etc. Finally, we hope that our research can provide a reference for further research and development of MPs.

Eco-Friendly and Efficient Extraction of Polysaccharides from Acanthopanax senticosus by Ultrasound-Assisted Deep Eutectic Solvent

A green extraction method was developed using deep eutectic solvent extraction for the polysaccharide from Acanthopanax senticosus (A. senticosus). Among the eight types of DES prepared, the DES with a ratio of 1:4 L-malic acid to L-proline was found to be a suitable extraction solvent based on the extraction efficiency. The extraction parameters were optimized by Plackett-Burman and response surface methodology (RSM). The best extraction conditions were found for L-malic acid. Under the conditions of an L-malic acid/L-proline ratio of 1:4, ultrasonic power of 240 W, material-liquid ratio of 31.068 g/mL, water content of 32.364%, extraction time of 129.119 min, and extraction temperature of 60 °C, the extraction rate of A. senticosus polysaccharides was 35.452 ± 0.388 mg-g-1. This rate was higher than that of polysaccharides obtained by hot water extraction (13.652 ± 0.09 mg-g-1). The experimental results were best fitted by the quasi-secondary kinetic model when compared to two other kinetic models. Electron microscopic observations showed that DESs were more destructive to plant cells. The polysaccharide extracted from DESs had more monosaccharide components, a lower molecular weight, a higher antioxidant capacity, and superior anti-glycation activity compared to polysaccharides extracted from water (ASPS-PW). This study demonstrates the effectiveness of DESs in obtaining polysaccharides from A. senticosus.

Antimicrobial Activity of Three Italian Strains of Morchella esculenta (Ascomycota)

Three genetically identified and morphologically characterized strains (MesAQ2-C, MesAQ6-2 and MesFI2-3) of the culinary-medicinal ascomycete mushroom Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers. collected in central-north Italy have been studied for their antifungal and antibacterial activities. The obtained data showed that mycelium of M. esculenta possess variable antimicrobial activity against four test fungi (Chrysosporium keratinophilum, Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton terrestre, Penicillium griseofulvum), as well as one Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and three Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) test bacteria potentially pathogenic for humans and animals. Up to 20.4% of inhibition of the average mycelial growth rate (GRavr) of test fungi in dual culture experiment was detected. The samples of cultural liquid (CL) and mycelial extract (ME) obtained by static cultivation of M. esculenta strains showed up to 13.9 and 23.0% of GRavr inhibition of test fungi, respectively. Similarly, the inhibition of the bacterial colonies by CL and ME samples was 34.1 and 32.3%, respectively in comparison with the control with streptomycin indicating almost equal secretion of both intra- and extracellular antimicrobial compounds by M. esculenta mycelium. As a producer of antimicrobial compounds among tested M. esculenta strains, MesAQ2-C was the most effective. It may be considered for further myco-pharmacological research to develop mushroom-based antimicrobial biotech products with biomedical significance.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of Morchella crassipes (Ascomycota) from Kashmir Valley (India)

In the current era, wild macrofungi are being focused for developing and overing novel bioactive compounds for the management of agricultural, horticultural, and other infectious diseases. In that view, current research work was designed to evaluate the biochemical composition and medicinal properties of Morchella crassipes mushroom. The mycochemical screening of aqueous extract exposed the incidence of glycosides, free amino acids and proteins, alkaloids, carbs, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds and tannins, except volatile oils, resins, steroids, and anthraquinones. However, hexane extract exhibited the occurrence of glycosides, alkaloids, volatile oils, steroids and terpenoids while as all other phytochemicals were not detected. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry profiling has disclosed the identification of three predominant naturally occurring bioactive volatile monoterpenoids, namely neral, citral, and epoxy-linalool oxide with well-known biological activities. The methanolic extract resulted in strong antifungal efficacy against the tested fungal strains such as Penicillium chrysogenum (20.33 ± 0.57 mm) followed by Pythium ultimum (15.33 ± 0.76 mm) and Aspergillus niger (12.50 ± 0.50 mm) at highest concentrations. Likewise, marked antibacterial effects were reported in case of Staphylococcus aureus (15.16 ± 0.76 mm), followed by Salmonella gallinarum (14.33 ± 0.57 mm) and Escherichia coli (13.66 ± 0.57 mm), respectively. This data may offer baseline information regarding the bioactive metabolites and opening new ways for conducting trails to find natural management strategies to combat multi drug resistant pathogens in horticulture, agriculture, and aquaculture.

Antitumor effects of polysaccharides from medicinal lower plants: A review

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet the drugs currently approved for cancer treatment are associated with significant side effects, making it urgent to develop alternative drugs with low side effects. Polysaccharides are natural polymers with ketone or aldehyde groups, which are widely found in plants and have various biological activities such as immunomodulation, antitumor and hypolipidemic. The lower plants have attracted much attention for their outstanding anticancer effects, and many studies have shown that medicinal lower plant polysaccharides (MLPPs) have antitumor activity against various cancers and are promising alternatives with potential development in the food and pharmaceutical fields. Therefore, this review describes the structure and mechanism of action of MLPPs with antitumor activity. In addition, the application of MLPPs in cancer treatment is discussed, and the future development of MLPPs is explored.

Identification and Characterization of Peptaibols as the Causing Agents of Pseudodiploöspora longispora Infecting the Edible Mushroom Morchella

Pseudodiploöspora longispora (previously known as Diploöspora longispora) is a pathogenic fungus of Morchella mushrooms. The molecular mechanism underlying the infection of P. longispora in fruiting bodies remains unknown. In this study, three known peptaibols, alamethicin F-50, polysporin B, and septocylindrin B (1-3), and a new analogue, longisporin A (4), were detected and identified in the culture of P. longispora and the fruiting bodies of M. sextelata infected by P. longispora. The primary amino sequence of longisporin A is defined as Ac-Aib1-Pro2-Aib3-Ala4-Aib5-Aib6-Gln7-Aib8-Val9-Aib10-Glu11-Leu12-Aib13-Pro14-Val15-Aib16-Aib17-Gln18-Gln19-Phaol20. The peptaibols 1-4 greatly suppressed the mycelial growth of M. sextelata. In addition, treatment with alamethicin F-50 produced damage on the cell wall and membrane of M. sextelata. Compounds 1-4 also exhibited inhibitory activities against human pathogens including Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, and plant pathogen Verticillium dahlia. Herein, peptaibols are confirmed as virulence factors involved in the invasion of P. longispora on Morchella, providing insights into the interaction between pathogenic P. longispora and mushrooms.

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying anti-inflammatory effects of Morchella esculenta in the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway by network pharmacology and molecular docking

Morchella esculenta is an edible fungus with a uniquely delicious flavor and remarkable benefits for health. Herein, the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of Morchella esculenta was elucidated using molecular docking and network pharmacology. NPASS, Super-pred, SEA, Swiss Target Prediction, GeneCards, DisGeNET, Omim database, and STRING platform were used to select anti-inflammatory targets and construct target protein interaction networks using the active ingredients of Morchella esculenta. The OmicShare cloud platform was used to analyze GO functions and KEGG pathways related to the target, and the AutoDock Vina software was used to perform molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation on the main target. Based on Cytoscape's "Network Analysis", the degree was used to identify potential key targets, and different inflammatory transcriptome data sets were used to evaluate core targets showing clinical significance. The active ingredient of Morchella esculenta identified from the NPASS database was EOYA, which had 43 anti-inflammatory targets, including NR1I2, PTGS1, PTGS2, CYP4F2, CYP3A4, TLR4, MAPK1, PLA2G4A, and PTPN11, and was mainly implicated in arachidonic acid metabolism, vascular endothelial growth factor signal pathway, and sphingomyelin signal transduction pathway, indicating that the anti-inflammatory effects of EOYA were mainly related to these biological processes. The degree was used to select 9 potential effective targets, namely NR1I2, PTGS1, PTGS2, CYP4F2, CYP3A4, TLR4, MAPK1, PLA2G4A, and PTPN11, among which NR1I2, PTGS1, PTGS2, PLA2G4A, MAPK1, CYP3A4, and TLR4 showed clinical significance. Molecular docking results showed that (E)-Octadec-11-En-9-Ynoic Acid (EOYA) could spontaneously bind to the 9 core targets, and the binding fractions of NR1I2, PTGS1, PTGS2, CYP4F2, and CYP3A4 were the highest. The MD simulation results showed that EYOA did indeed bind well NR1I2 to PTGS2, and the complex has high stability. Morchella esculenta can regulate the activity of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthetase, and affect the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, thereby impacting the metabolic pathway of arachidonic acid.

Untargeted metabolomics reveals sour jujube kernel benefiting the nutritional value and flavor of Morchella esculenta

Nucleosides, organic acids, and amino acids separated from Morchella esculenta are well known for their nutritional value and flavor. However, how to increase their content in a better way has been a challenge. In this study, the effect of adding jujube kernel on the active components of M. esculenta was investigated by untargeted metabolomics using UPLC-MS/MS. A total of 1,243 metabolites were identified, of which 262 metabolites (21.078%) were organic acids and derivatives, 245 metabolites (19.71%) were lipids and lipid-like molecules, and 26 metabolites (2.092%) were nucleosides, nucleotides, and analogues. Subsequently, differential metabolites between groups were screened by the orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis model, which showed that 256 metabolites were identified as significantly different for the positive ion model and 149 for the negative ion model. Moreover, significant differential metabolites (VIP > 1, P < 0.05) in annotation of kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway were investigated, which showed that ABC transporters were the most commonly observed transporters, followed by pyrimidine metabolism and purine metabolism. The results indicated that the main components of jujube kernel might be conducive to the accumulation of nucleoside organic acids and amino acid metabolites in M. esculenta. These results provide important information for the understanding of more suitable way for cultivation of M. esculenta.

Advance in Morchella sp. polysaccharides: Isolation, structural characterization and structure-activity relationship: A review

Morchella sp. is a kind of precious medicinal and edible fungus with a unique flavor and is rich in various amino acids and organic germanium needed by the human body. Most notably, Morchella sp. polysaccharides have attracted widespread attention due to their significant bioactivity in recent years. At present, extensive studies have been carried out on the extraction methods, structural characterization and activity evaluation of Morchella sp. polysaccharides, which provides a good theoretical basis for its further development and application. However, the systematic summary of the related research of Morchella sp. polysaccharides has not been reported yet. Therefore, this review mainly focused on the isolation and purification methods, structural characterization, biological activities and structure-activity relationship of Morchella sp. polysaccharides. This work will help to have a better in-depth understanding of Morchella sp. polysaccharides and provide a scientific basis and direct reference for more scientific and rational applications.

The benefits of edible mushroom polysaccharides for health and their influence on gut microbiota: a review

The gut microbiome is a complex biological community that deeply affects various aspects of human health, including dietary intake, disease progression, drug metabolism, and immune system regulation. Edible mushroom polysaccharides (EMPs) are bioactive fibers derived from mushrooms that possess a range of beneficial properties, including anti-tumor, antioxidant, antiviral, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory effects. Studies have demonstrated that EMPs are resistant to human digestive enzymes and serve as a crucial source of energy for the gut microbiome, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. EMPs also positively impact human health by modulating the composition of the gut microbiome. This review discusses the extraction and purification processes of EMPs, their potential to improve health conditions by regulating the composition of the gut microbiome, and their application prospects. Furthermore, this paper provides valuable guidance and recommendations for future studies on EMPs consumption in disease management.

Characterization and Genome Analysis of Cladobotryum mycophilum, the Causal Agent of Cobweb Disease of Morchella sextelata in China

Cobweb disease is a fungal disease that can cause serious damage to edible mushrooms worldwide. To investigate cobweb disease in Morchella sextelata in Guizhou Province, China, we isolated and purified the pathogen responsible for the disease. Through morphological and molecular identification and pathogenicity testing on infected M. sextelata, we identified Cladobotryum mycophilum as the cause of cobweb disease in this region. This is the first known occurrence of this pathogen causing cobweb disease in M. sextelata anywhere in the world. We then obtained the genome of C. mycophilum BJWN07 using the HiFi sequencing platform, resulting in a high-quality genome assembly with a size of 38.56 Mb, 10 contigs, and a GC content of 47.84%. We annotated 8428 protein-coding genes in the genome, including many secreted proteins, host interaction-related genes, and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) related to the pathogenesis of the disease. Our findings shed new light on the pathogenesis of C. mycophilum and provide a theoretical basis for developing potential prevention and control strategies for cobweb disease.

Food By-Products and Agro-Industrial Wastes as a Source of β-Glucans for the Formulation of Novel Nutraceuticals

Food and agro-industrial by-products provoke a great environmental and economic impact that must be minimized by adding value to these wastes within the framework of circular economy. The relevance of β-glucans obtained from natural sources (cereals, mushrooms, yeasts, algae, etc.), in terms of their interesting biological activities (hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, immune-modulatory, antioxidant, etc.), has been validated by many scientific publications. Since most of these by-products contain high levels of these polysaccharides or can serve as a substrate of β-glucan-producing species, this work reviewed the scientific literature, searching for studies that utilized food and agro-industrial wastes to obtain β-glucan fractions, attending to the applied procedures for extraction and/or purification, the characterization of the glucans and the tested biological activities. Although the results related to β-glucan production or extraction using wastes are promising, it can be concluded that further research on the glucans’ characterization, and particularly on the biological activities in vitro and in vivo (apart from antioxidant capacity), is required to reach the final goal of formulating novel nutraceuticals based on these molecules and these raw materials.

Cultivation, nutritional value, bioactive compounds of morels, and their health benefits: A systematic review

Morels are valuable mushrooms being used as foods and medical substances for a long history. The commonly cultivated morel species include M. eximia, M. importuna, and M. sextelata in China, M. conica and M. esculenta in the US. Morels' nutritional profile mainly consists of carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and organic acids, which are also responsible for its complex sensory attributes and health benefits. The bioactive compounds in morels including polysaccharides, phenolics, tocopherols, and ergosterols contribute to the anti-oxidative abilities, anti-inflammation, immunoprotection, gut health preservation, and anti-cancer abilities. This review depicted on the cultivation of morels, major bioactive compounds of different morel species both from fruit bodies and mycelia, and their health benefits to provide a comprehensive understanding of morels and support the future research and applications of morels as high-value functional food sources.

Assessing the Antitumor Potential of Variants of the Extracellular Carbohydrate Polymer from Synechocystis Δsigf Mutant

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide with a huge societal and economic impact. Clinically effective and less expensive anticancer agents derived from natural sources can help to overcome limitations and negative side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Previously, we showed that the extracellular carbohydrate polymer of a Synechocystis ΔsigF overproducing mutant displayed a strong antitumor activity towards several human tumor cell lines, by inducing high levels of apoptosis through p53 and caspase-3 activation. Here, the ΔsigF polymer was manipulated to obtain variants that were tested in a human melanoma (Mewo) cell line. Our results demonstrated that high molecular mass fractions were important for the polymer bioactivity, and that the reduction of the peptide content generated a variant with enhanced in vitro antitumor activity. This variant, and the original ΔsigF polymer, were further tested in vivo using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Both polymers significantly decreased xenografted CAM tumor growth and affected tumor morphology, by promoting less compact tumors, validating their antitumor potential in vivo. This work contributes with strategies for the design and testing tailored cyanobacterial extracellular polymers and further strengths the relevance of evaluating this type of polymers for biotechnological/biomedical applications.

Transcriptomics combined with metabolomics unveiled the key genes and metabolites of mycelium growth in Morchella importuna

Morels (Morchella) are one of the most popular edible fungi in the world, especially known for their rich nutrition and delicious taste. Earlier research indicates that the production of fruiting bodies can be affected by the growth of mycelium. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying mycelium growth in Morchella importuna, we performed transcriptome analysis and metabolomics analysis of three growth stages of the hypha of M. importuna. As a result, 24 differentially expressed genes, such as transketolase (tktA), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), fructose-diphosphate aldolase (Fba), and ribose-5-phosphate isomerase (rpiA), as well as 15 differentially accumulated metabolites, including succinate and oxaloacetate, were identified and considered as the key genes and metabolites to mycelium growth in M. importuna. In addition, guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), guanosine-5'-monophosphate (GMP), and several small peptides were found to differentially accumulate in different growth stages. Furthermore, five pathways, namely, starch and sucrose metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, fructose and mannose metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, and purine nucleotides, enriched by most DEGs, existed in the three compared groups and were also recognized as important pathways for the development of mycelium in morels. The comprehensive transcriptomics and metabolomics data generated in our study provided valuable information for understanding the mycelium growth of M. importuna, and these data also unveiled the key genes, metabolites, and pathways involved in mycelium growth. This research provides a great theoretical basis for the stable production and breeding of morels.

Transglycosylation of Stevioside by a Commercial β-Glucanase with Fungal Extracted β-Glucans as Donors

Abstract

Alternative sweeteners, such as steviol glucosides from the plant Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, are becoming increasingly popular for the design of next-generation foodstuffs. However, the bitter aftertaste of native steviol glucosides is one of the main reasons behind consumer reluctance towards stevia-containing products. Biocatalysis could be a sustainable solution to this problem, through addition of glucosyl moieties to the molecule. Glycoside hydrolases are enzymes performing transglycosylation reactions, and they can be exploited for such modifications. In the present work, the commercial β-glucanase Finizym 250L® was employed for the transglycosylation of stevioside. After optimization of several reaction parameters, the maximal reaction yield obtained was 19%, with barley β-glucan as the glycosyl donor. With the aim to develop a sustainable process, β-glucan extracts from different fungal sources were prepared. Pulsed Electric Field pretreatment of mycelial biomass resulted in extracts with higher β-glucan content. The extracts were tested as alternative glucosyl donors, reaching up to 15.5% conversion yield, from Pleurotus-extracted β-glucan. Overall, in the present work a novel enzymatic process for the modification of stevioside is proposed, with concomitant valorization of β-glucans extracted from fungal biomass, potentially generated as a byproduct from other applications, in concert with the principles of circular economy.

Graphical Abstract

Food and Antioxidant Supplements with Therapeutic Properties of Morchella esculenta (Ascomycetes): A Review

Morchella esculenta, commonly known as yellow morels, is an edible and medicinal mushroom popular worldwide for its unique flavor and culinary purposes. The traditional medical system effectively uses morels against infertility, fatigue, cancer, muscular pain, cough, and cold. The M. esculenta possesses many health-promoting nutritional components such as mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, protein hydrolysates, vitamins, amino acids and minerals. The potential medicinal properties of morels is due to polysaccharides (galactomannan, chitin, β-glucans, and β-1,3-1,6-glucan) present that has high economic importance worldwide. Polysaccharides present possess a broad spectrum of biological activities such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant. However, the toxicity and clinical trials to prove its safety and efficacy for medicinal uses are yet to be evaluated. Moreover, the separation, purification, identification, and structural elucidation of active compounds responsible for the unique flavors and biological activities are still lacking in M. esculenta. The available information provides a new base for future perspectives. It highlights the need for further studies of this potent medicinal mushroom species as a source of beneficial therapeutic drugs and nutraceutical supplements.

In Vitro Efficacy of Extracts and Isolated Bioactive Compounds from Ascomycota Fungi in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite the advances and success of current treatments (e.g., chemotherapy), there are multiple serious side effects which require the development of new treatment strategies. In recent years, fungi have gained considerable attention as a source of extracts and bioactive compounds with antitumor capabilities because of their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and even their anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. In the present review, a systematic search of the existing literature in four electronic databases was carried out in which the antitumor activity against CRC cells of Ascomycota fungi extracts or compounds was tested. The systematical research in the four databases resulted in a total of 883 articles. After applying exclusion and inclusion criteria, a total of 75 articles were finally studied. The order Eurotiales was the most studied (46% of the articles), and the ethyl acetate extraction was the most used method (49% of the papers). Penicillium extracts and gliotoxin and acetylgliotoxin G bioactive compounds showed the highest cytotoxic activity. This review also focuses on the action mechanisms of the extracts and bioactive compounds of fungi against CRC, which were mediated by apoptosis induction and the arrest of the cell cycle, which induces a notable reduction in the CRC cell proliferation capacity, and by the reduction in cell migration that limits their ability to produce metastasis. Thus, the ability of fungi to induce the death of cancer cells through different mechanisms may be the basis for the development of new therapies that improve the current results, especially in the more advanced stages of the CCR.

Oral Bacteriome and Mycobiome across Stages of Oral Carcinogenesis

Oral microbial dysbiosis contributes to the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Numerous studies have focused on variations in the oral bacterial microbiota of patients with OSCC. However, similar studies on fungal microbiota, another integral component of the oral microbiota, are scarce. Moreover, there is an evidence gap regarding the role that microecosystems play in different niches of the oral cavity at different stages of oral carcinogenesis. Here, we catalogued the microbial communities in the human oral cavity by profiling saliva, gingival plaque, and mucosal samples at different stages of oral carcinogenesis. We analyzed the oral bacteriome and mycobiome along the health-premalignancy-carcinoma sequence. Some species, including Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Acremonium exuviarum, and Aspergillus fumigatus, were enriched, whereas others, such as Streptococcus salivarius subsp. salivarius, Scapharca broughtonii, Mortierella echinula, and Morchella septimelata, were depleted in OSCC. These findings suggest that an array of signature species, including bacteria and fungi, are closely associated with oral carcinogenesis. OSCC-associated diversity differences, species distinction, and functional alterations were most remarkable in mucosal samples, not in gingival plaque or saliva samples, suggesting an urgent need to define oral carcinogenesis-associated microbial dysbiosis based on the spatial microbiome. IMPORTANCE Abundant oral microorganisms constitute a complex microecosystem within the oral environment of the host, which plays a critical role in the adjustment of various physiological and pathological states of the oral cavity. In this study, we demonstrated that variations in the "core microbiome" may be used to predict carcinogenesis. In addition, sample data collected from multiple oral sites along the health-premalignancy-carcinoma sequence increase our understanding of the microecosystems of different oral niches and their specific changes during oral carcinogenesis. This work provides insight into the roles of bacteria and fungi in OSCC and may contribute to the development of early diagnostic assays and novel treatments.

Isolation, structures, bioactivities, application and future prospective for polysaccharides from Tremella aurantialba: A review

Since ancient times, Tremella aurantialba has been proposed to have medicinal and food benefits. Modern phytochemistry and pharmacological studies have demonstrated that polysaccharides, the main components from T. aurantialba appear to be an all-round talent resisting a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases and protecting against different types of tumors, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. These health and pharmacological benefits have gained much attention from scholars around the world. Further, more and more methods for polysaccharides extraction, purification, structure identification have been proposed. Significantly, the bioactivity of fungus polysaccharides is affected by many factors such as extraction and purification conditions and chemical structure. This paper provides an overview of recent advances in the isolation, structural features and biological effects of polysaccharides derived from T. aurantialba, covers recent advances in the field and outlines future research and applications of these polysaccharides.

The antihyperglycemic effect of pulsed electric field-extracted polysaccharide of Kaempferia elegans officinale on streptozotocin induced diabetic mice

Kaempferia elegans polysaccharide (KEP) was extracted using a high-voltage pulsed electric field-assisted hot water method. Its physicochemical properties, in vitro activity and hypoglycemic effect was investigated. Experiments were undertaken with diabetic mice models and the potential mechanism of KEP to improve blood glucose levels was unveiled through measurements of relevant indicators in the serum and liver of the mice. Results showed that KEP is mainly composed of glucose, rhamnose, arabinose, and galactose. It has certain DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging ability and good α-glucosidase inhibitory ability, indicating that KEP has the potential to improve blood glucose levels in diabetes patients. The experimental results of KEP treatment on mice showed that KEP could control the continuous increase of fasting blood glucose levels. The potential mechanisms behind this blood glucose level control composes of (1) increasing the glucokinase and C peptide levels and decreasing Glucose-6-phosphatase content for improving key enzyme activity in the glucose metabolism pathway. This promotes the consumption of blood glucose during glycolysis, thereby inhibiting the production of endogenous glucose in gluconeogenesis pathway; (2) reducing triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increasing high density lipoprotein cholesterol content, for regulating blood lipid indicators to normal levels; and (3) by improving the activities of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase for further improving the antioxidant defense system in the body to reduce blood glucose.

Preparation, structural characteristics, and application of taro polysaccharides in food

Taro, a staple food for residents in Africa and parts of Asia, is an important source of carbohydrate. China has abundant taro resources. Taro contains polysaccharide, vitamins, minerals and other substances. Taro polysaccharides, as a significant active ingredient in taro, are mainly composed of monosaccharide units such as glucose, galactose, arabinose, mannose, and so on. Taro polysaccharides have antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and immunomodulatory effects. In today's world, people are interested in food containing natural ingredients, which stimulates the potential of taro polysaccharides in the food, pharmaceutical, medical, and other fields. Herein, the extraction and purification, structural characterization, functional activity, and application of taro polysaccharides are reviewed to strengthen the cognition of taro polysaccharides. It provides references for further research and development of taro polysaccharides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Review of Development and Utilization for Edible Fungal Polysaccharides: Extraction, Chemical Characteristics, and Bioactivities

Edible fungi, commonly known as mushrooms, are precious medicinal and edible homologous gifts from nature to us. Because of their distinctive flavor and exceptional nutritional and medicinal value, they have been a frequent visitor to people’s dining tables and have become a hot star in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. Edible fungal polysaccharides (EFPs) are an essential nutrient for edible fungi to exert bioactivity. They have attracted much attention because of their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antitumor, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic bioactivities. As a result, EFPs have demonstrated outstanding potential over the past few decades in various disciplines, including molecular biology, immunology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical chemistry. However, the complexity of EFPs and the significant impact of mushroom variety and extraction techniques on their bioactivities prevents a complete investigation of their biological features. Therefore, the authors of this paper thoroughly reviewed the comparison of different extraction methods of EFPs and their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, the molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic bond type and backbone structure of EFPs are described in detail. Moreover, the in vitro and in vivo bioactivities of EFPs extracted by different methods and their potential regulatory mechanisms are summarized. These provide a valuable reference for improving the extraction process of EFPs and their production and development in the pharmaceutical field.

Morchella esculenta mushroom polysaccharide attenuates diabetes and modulates intestinal permeability and gut microbiota in a type 2 diabetic mice model

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a health issue that causes serious worldwide economic problems. It has previously been reported that natural polysaccharides have been studied with regard to regulating the gut microbiota, which plays an important role in T2DM. Here, we investigate the effects of Morchella esculenta polysaccharide (MEP) on a high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2DM in BALB/c mice. The administration of MEP effectively regulated hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and improved insulin sensitivity. We also determined an improvement in gut microbiota composition by 16sRNA pyrosequencing. Treatment with MEP showed an increase in beneficial bacteria, i.e., Lactobacillus and Firmicutes, while the proportion of the opportunistic bacteria Actinobacteria, Corynebacterium, and Facklamia decreased. Furthermore, the treatment of T2DM mice with MEP resulted in reduced endotoxemia and insulin resistance-related pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Moreover, MEP treatment improved intestinal permeability by modulating the expression of the colon tight-junction proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, claudin-1, and mucin-2 protein (MUC2). Additionally, MEP administration affects the metagenome of microbial communities in T2DM mice by altering the functional metabolic pathways. All these findings suggested that MEP is a beneficial prebiotic associated with ameliorating the gut microbiota and its metabolites in T2DM.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and gut microbiota relationship of polysaccharides: A review

Intestinal dysbiosis is one of the major causes of the occurrence of metabolic syndromes, such as obesity, diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases. Polysaccharide-based microbial therapeutic strategies have excellent potential in the treatment of metabolic syndromes, but the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. Identification of the internal regulatory mechanism of the gut microbiome and the interaction mechanisms involving bacteria and the host are essential to achieve precise control of the gut microbiome and obtain valuable clinical data. Polysaccharides cannot be directly digested; the behavior in the intestinal tract is considered a "bridge" between microbiota and host communication. To provide a relatively comprehensive reference for researchers in the field, we will discuss the polysaccharide extraction and purification processes and chemical and structural characteristics, focusing on the polysaccharides in gut microbiota through the immune system, gut-liver axis, gut-brain axis, energy axis interactions, and potential applications.

The Pulsed Electric Field Assisted-Extraction Enhanced the Yield and the Physicochemical Properties of Soluble Dietary Fiber From Orange Peel

The study aimed to investigate the effects of pulsed electric field (PEF)-assisted extraction on the yield, physicochemical properties, and structure of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from orange peel. The results showed that the optinal parameters of PEF assisted extraction SDF was temperature of 45^oC with the electric field intensity of 6.0 kV/cm, pulses number of 30, and time of 20min and SDF treated with PEF showed the higher water solubility, water-holding and oil-holding capacity, swelling capacity, emulsifying activity, emulsion stability, foam stability and higher binding capacity for Pb²⁺, As³⁺, Cu²⁺, and higher which resulted from the higher viscosity due to PEF treatment. Compared with the untreated orange peel, the SDF obtained with PEF exhibited stronger antioxidant activities, which was due to its smaller molecular weight (189 vs. 512 kDa). In addition, scanning electron micrograph images demonstrated that the surface of PEF-SDF was rough and collapsed. Overall, it was suggested that PEF treatment could improve the physicochemical properties of SDF from the orange peel and would be the potential extraction technology with high efficiency.

Structural analysis and in vitro antitumor effect of polysaccharides from Pholiota adiposa

Pholiota adiposa is an edible chestnut mushroom with many health benefits, such as antioxidant and anticancer activity. In this paper, polysaccharides were extracted from Pholidota adiposa using an acid extraction process. The crude polysaccharide was purified using DEAE-cellulose chromatography, and two polysaccharide fractions of SPAP2-1 and SPAP2-2 were obtained. The structure was characterized using UV, GPC, GC, FT-IR, methylation, and NMR analysis. Monosaccharide component analysis indicated that SPAP2-1 (19 kDa) and SPAP2-2 (20 kDa) contained mannose, glucose, and galactose with different molecular ratios. Their antitumor effects were investigated using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), propidium iodide (PI) staining, and flow cytometry. By analyzing the changes in the cells, SPAP2-1 caused damage and changed the proliferation rate of HeLa cells. SPAP2-1 showed strong interference to the cell cycle of HeLa cells and induced cell apoptosis. Overall, these results suggested that polysaccharides from Pholiota adiposa, especially SPAP2-1, may have the potential to be used as a tumor cell inhibitor, which needs further study.

Structure Identification of Two Polysaccharides from Morchella sextelata with Antioxidant Activity

Mushrooms of the Morchella genus exhibit a variety of biological activities. Two polysaccharides (MSP1-1, 389.0 kDa; MSP1-2, 23.4 kDa) were isolated from Morchella sextelata by subcritical water extraction and column chromatography fractionation. Methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis determined MSP1-1 as a glucan with a backbone of (1→4)-α-D-glucan branched at O-6, and MSP1-2 as a galactomannan with coextracted α-glucan. Light scattering analysis and transmission electron microscopy revealed that MSP1-1 possessed a random coil chain and that MSP1-2 had a network chain. This is the first time that a network structure has been observed in a polysaccharide from M. sextelata. Despite the differences in their chemical structures and conformations, both MSP1-1 and MSP1-2 possessed good thermal stability and showed antioxidant activity. This study provides fundamental data on the structure-activity relationships of M. sextelata polysaccharides.

Integration of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics for Understanding the Different Vegetative Growth in Morchella Sextelata

Morchella sextelata is an edible and medicinal fungus with high nutritional, medicinal, and economic value. Recently, M. sextelata has been produced through artificial cultivation in China, but its stable production remains problematic because the details of its growth and development process are limitedly understood. Herein, to investigate the dynamic process of M. sextelata development, we integrated the transcriptomics and metabolomics data of M. sextelata from three developmental stages: the young mushroom period (YMP), marketable mature period (MMP), and physiological maturity period (PMP). The results showed that the transcriptome changed dynamically at different stages and demonstrated the significant enrichment of pathways that regulate plant growth and development, such as N-glycan biosynthesis and carbon and purine metabolism. Similarly, small-molecule metabolites, such as D-fructose-1,6-biphosphate, which was upregulated during the YMP, dihydromyricetin, which was upregulated during the MMP, and L-citrulline, which was upregulated during the PMP, also showed phase-dependent characteristics. Then, combined analysis of the transcriptome data and metabolome traits revealed that the transcriptome may affect metabolic molecules during different growth stages of M. sextelata via specific enzymes, such as α-glucosidase and glucanase, which were included in two opposite transcriptome modules. In summary, this integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics data for understanding the vegetative growth of M. sextelata during different developmental stages implicated several key genes, metabolites, and pathways involved in the vegetative growth. We believe that these findings will provide comprehensive insights into the dynamic process of growth and development in M. sextelata and new clues for optimizing the methods for its cultivation application.

A new GlcNAc-containing polysaccharide from Morchella importuna fruiting bodies: Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activities in vitro and in vivo

This study investigated the purification and characterization of a new immunomodulatory GlcNAc-containing polysaccharide (MIPB70-1) from Morchella importuna with molecular weights of 20.6 kDa. Structural analysis indicated that MIPB70-1 was composed of GlcNAc:Gal:Glc:Man with molar ratios of 1.00:7.16:5.54:5.61, and its primary structure was characterized as a repeating unit consisting of →6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, α-D-GlcpNAc-(1→, α-D-Galp-(1→, β-D-Glcp-(1→, →6)-α-D-Manp-(1→, →4)-α-D-GlcpNAc-(1→, →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, →3,6)-α-D-Manp-(1→, →2)-α-D-Galp-(1→, →2,3,6)-α-D-Manp-(1→. Immunological assays indicated that MIPB70-1 enhanced the phagocytic function and promoted the secretion of nitric oxide (NO) as well as cytokines through targeting Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on macrophage membrane and activating the downstream signaling pathways in RAW 264.7 cells. MIPB70-1 regulated mouse immunity to counteract the immune damage caused by the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide (CTX) in vivo. Furthermore, MIPB70-1 enhanced the anti-tumor activity of doxorubicin (DOX) and inhibited the growth of tumors, by immunomodulation in the orthotopic murine model of 4T1 breast cancer. These results demonstrate the potential of this GlcNAc-containing polysaccharide as an immune enhancer.

A review of the therapeutic and biological effects of edible and wild mushrooms

Throughout history, mushrooms have occupied an inseparable part of the diet in many countries. Mushrooms are considered a rich source of phytonutrients such as polysaccharides, dietary fibers, and other micronutrients, in addition to various essential amino acids, which are building blocks of vital proteins. In general, mushrooms offer a wide range of health benefits with a large spectrum of pharmacological properties, including antidiabetic, antioxidative, antiviral, antibacterial, osteoprotective, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, etc. Both wild edible and medicinal mushrooms possess strong therapeutic and biological activities, which are evident from their in vivo and in vitro assays. The multifunctional activities of the mushroom extracts and the targeted potential of each of the compounds in the extracts have a broad range of applications, especially in the healing and repair of various organs and cells in humans. Owing to the presence of the aforementioned properties and rich phytocomposition, mushrooms are being used in the production of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. This review aims to provide a clear insight on the commercially cultivated, wild edible, and medicinal mushrooms with comprehensive information on their phytochemical constituents and properties as part of food and medicine for futuristic exploitation. Future outlook and prospective challenges associated with the cultivation and processing of these medicinal mushrooms as functional foods are also discussed.

Recent Advances on Bioactive Ingredients of Morchella esculenta

Morchella esculenta (M. esculenta) is a delicious edible mushroom prized for its special flavor and strong health promoting abilities. Several bioactive ingredients including polysaccharides, polyphenolic compounds, proteins, and protein hydrolysates all contribute to the biological activities of M. esculenta. Different polysaccharides could be extracted and purified depending on the extraction methods and M. esculenta studied. Monosaccharide composition of M. esculenta polysaccharides (MEP) generally includes mannose, galactose, and glucose, etc. MEP possess multiple bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, immunoregulation, hypoglycemic activity, atherosclerosis prevention and antitumor ability. Other components like polyphenols, protein hydrolysates, and several crude extracts are also reported with strong bioactivities. In terms of potential applications of M. esculenta and its metabolites as nutritional supplements and drug supplements, this review aims to comprehensively summarize the structural characteristics, biological activities, research progress, and research trends of the active ingredients produced by M. esculenta. Among the various biological activities, the substances extracted from both natural collected and submerged fermented M. esculenta are promising for antioxidants, immunomodulation, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory applications. However, further researches on the extraction conditions and chemical structure of bioactive compounds produced by M. esculenta still need investigations.

Multi-Pharmaceutical Activities of Chinese Herbal Polysaccharides in the Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis: Concept and Future Prospects

Pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal chronic progressive respiratory disease, characterized by continuous scarring of the lung parenchyma, leading to respiratory failure and death. The incidence of PF has increased over time. There are drugs, yet, there are some limitations. Hence, it is of importance to find new therapies and new drugs to replace the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. In recent years, there have been a great number of research reports on the treatment of traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides in various system fields. Among them, the treatment of PF has also gained extensive attention. This review summarized the source of polysaccharides, the drug activity of traditional Chinese medicine, and the protective effects on targets of Pulmonary fibrosis. We hope it can inspire researchers to design and develop polysaccharides, serving as a reference for potential clinical therapeutic drugs.

Structural characterization and immunomodulatory mechanisms of two novel glucans from Morchella importuna fruiting bodies

Two novel glucans named MIPB50-W and MIPB50-S-1 were obtained from edible Morchella importuna with molecular weights (M_w) of 939.2 kDa and 444.5 kDa, respectively. MIPB50-W has a backbone of α-(1 → 4)-d-glucan, which was substituted at O-6 position by α-d-Glcp-(1→. Moreover, MIPB50-S-1 has a backbone of α-(1 → 4)-d-glucan, which was substituted at O-6 position by α-d-Glcp-(1 → 6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→. This is the first report about glucan found in Morchella mushrooms. Furthermore, MIPB50-W and MIPB50-S-1 strengthened the phagocytosis function and the promoted secretion of interleukins (IL)-6/tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO), which induced the activation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4 as well as mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways. Interestingly, MIPB50-S-1 performed the better immunomodulatory activity than that of MIPB50-W in almost all tests. Therefore, MIPB50-W and MIPB50-S-1 are potential immune-enhancing components of functional foods.

Isolation, Characterization, and Medicinal Potential of Polysaccharides of Morchella esculenta

Mushroom polysaccharides are active medicinal compounds that possess immune-modulatory and anticancer properties. Currently, the mushroom polysaccharides krestin, lentinan, and polysaccharopeptides are used as anticancer drugs. They are an unexplored source of natural products with huge potential in both the medicinal and nutraceutical industries. The northern parts of Pakistan have a rich biodiversity of mushrooms that grow during different seasons of the year. Here we selected an edible Morchella esculenta (true morels) of the Ascomycota group for polysaccharide isolation and characterization. Polysaccharopeptides and polysaccharides from this mushroom were isolated using the green chemistry, hot water treatment method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the sugar nature and possible beta-glucan type structure of these polysaccharides. Antioxidant assays showed that the deproteinized polysaccharides have moderate free radical scavenging activity. These isolated polysaccharides exhibited good acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyryl cholinesterase (BChE) inhibition activities. Therefore, these polysaccharides may be valuable for the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Further bioassays are needed to discover the true potential of M. esculenta polysaccharides for medicinal purposes.

Polysaccharide from wild morels alters the spatial structure of gut microbiota and the production of short-chain fatty acids in mice

Polysaccharides from morels possess many characteristics beneficial to health, such as anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities. The gut microbiota plays a critical role in the modulation of immune function. However, the impact of morel polysaccharides on the gut microbiota has not yet been explored. In this study, a high-throughput pyrosequencing technique was used to investigate the effects of MP, a new heteropolysaccharide extracted from wild morels, on the diversity and composition of microbiota along the intestine in mice, as well as the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The results showed that MP treatment increased the number of operational taxonomic unit (OTUs) and diversity along the intestine, especially in the small intestine. MP treatment induced a significant decrease in the number of Firmicutes and a significant increase in the number of Bacteroidetes in the small intestine microbiota. It was also observed that the relative abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, especially Lachnospiraceae, was increased in both the cecum and colon of MP-treated mice. Moreover, MP promoted the production of SCFAs in mice. These results provide a foundation for further understanding the health benefits conferred by morel polysaccharides.

Characterization and assessment of barnacle larval settlement-inducing activity of extracellular polymeric substances isolated from marine biofilm bacteria

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) are the hydrated gelatinous matrix produced by microorganisms for attachment in a biofilm environment. In this study, the compositional variation between EPSs of three marine biofilm bacteria (Pseudoalteromonas shioyasakiensis, Vibrio harveyi and Planomicrobium sp.) were analysed by GC-MS, ¹H NMR, FT-IR and XRD and SEM. The ecological significance of exopolymers was assessed in vivo using marine model organism barnacle larvae for their settlement-inducing activity. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of glycan fucosylated oligosaccharides, tetraose, trisaccharides, iso-B-Pentasaccharides, sialyllactose, oligomannose, galacto-N-biose, difucosyl-para-lacto-N-neohexaose, 3′-sialyl N-acetyllactosamine and isoglobotriaose-β-N(Acetyl)-Propargyl in all extracted EPSs. Bioassay results indicated that treatment of the barnacle larvae with EPSs from three bacterial strains enhanced settlement on substrates. In conclusion, this study highlighted the role of water-soluble EPSs in the invertebrate larval settlement on artificial materials.

The whole-genome sequence analysis of Morchella sextelata

Morchella are macrofungi and are also called morels, as they exhibit a morel-like upper cap structure. Morels contain abundant essential amino acids, vitamins and biologically active compounds, which provide substantial health benefits. Approximately 80 species of Morchella have been reported, and even more species have been isolated. However, the lack of wild Morchella resources and the difficulties associated with culturing Morchella have caused a shortage in the morels available for daily consumption. Additionally, in-depth genomic and morphological studies are still needed. In this study, to provide genomic data for further investigations of culturing techniques and the biological functions of Morchella sextelata (M. sextelata), de novo genome sequencing was carried out on the Illumina HiSeq. 4000 platform using both the Illumina 150 and PacBio systems. The final estimated genome size of M. sextelata was 52.93 Mb, containing 59 contigs and a GC content of 47.37%. A total of 9,550 protein-coding genes were annotated. In addition, the repeat sequences, gene components and gene functions were analyzed using various databases. Furthermore, the secondary metabolite gene clusters and the predicted structures of their products were analyzed. Finally, a genomic comparison of different species of Morchella was performed.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Morchella esculenta against Alcohol-Induced Acute Liver Injury in the C57BL/6 Mouse Related to Nrf-2 and NF-κB Signaling

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of Morchella esculenta fruit body (ME) and the underlying mechanisms in mice with alcohol-induced acute liver injury. Systematic analysis revealed that ME contained 21 types of fatty acid, 17 types of amino acid, and 12 types of mineral. Subsequently, a mouse model of acute alcohol-induced liver injury was established by oral administration of alcohol for 14 days. Fourteen-day administration of ME prevented alcohol-induced increases in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels and reduced the activity of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase in blood serum and liver tissue. ME appears to regulate lipid metabolism by suppressing triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein in the liver. ME inhibited the production of inflammatory factors including chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL 40), interleukin-7 (IL-7), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) in blood serum and/or liver tissue. ME treatment relieved the alcohol-induced imbalance in prooxidative and antioxidative signaling via nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), as indicated by upregulation of superoxide dismutase-1, superoxide dismutase-2, catalase, heme oxygenase-1, and heme oxygenase-2 expression and downregulation of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1) in the liver. Moreover, ME reduced the levels of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa-B kinase α/β, inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B α and nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κB p65) in the liver. The hepatoprotective effects of ME against alcohol-induced acute liver injury were thus confirmed. The mechanism of action may be related to modulation of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways, partially via regulation of Nrf-2 and NF-κB signaling.

Proteolytic Activity of Edible Spruce Morchella esculenta

This study focused on the determination of non-specific proteolytic activity of edible spruce Morchella esculenta in water extract, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution (pH = 7.5) extract and a suspension prepared from 200 mg DW (dry weight) of edible spruce in PBS solution (pH 7.5). A clear casein solution was used as a substrate. The absorbances were measured in quartz cuvettes at the wavelength of 280 nm against a blank with zero concentration of trypsin. Non-specific proteolytic activity was expressed as trypsin equivalents per kilogram of mushroom dry weight (mg.kg−1 DW). All of the extracts demonstrated non-specific enzymatic activity. The highest activity was observed in the PBS suspension and the lowest enzymatic activity was measured in the water extract of the Morchella esculenta fungi. The non-specific proteolytic activity decreased in the following order: PBS suspension extract (pH 7.5; 22.9 mg.kg−1 DW), followed by PBS extract (pH 7.5; 13.6 mg.kg−1 DW) and finally the water extract (10.94 mg.kg−1 DW).

Evaluation of Biomass and Chitin Production of Morchella Mushrooms Grown on Starch-Based Substrates

Morchella sp. is one of the most expensive mushrooms with a high nutritional profile. In this study, the polysaccharide content of Morchella species was investigated. Specifically, mycelium growth rate, biomass production, sclerotia formation, and glucosamine and total polysaccharides content of six Morchella species grown on a starch-based media were evaluated. Submerged fermentations in potato dextrose broth resulted in a glucosamine content of around 3.0%. In solid-state fermentations (SSF), using potato dextrose agar, a high linear growth rate (20.6 mm/day) was determined. Increased glucosamine and total polysaccharides content were observed after the formation of sclerotia. Biomass and glucosamine content were correlated, and the equations were used for the indirect estimation of biomass in SSF with agro-industrial starch-based materials. Wheat grains (WG), potato peels (PP), and a mixture of 1:1 of them (WG-PP) were evaluated as substrates. Results showed that the highest growth rate of 9.05 mm/day was determined on WG and the maximum biomass yield (407 mg/g) on WG-PP. The total polysaccharide content reached up to 18.4% of dried biomass in WG-PP. The results of the present study proved encouraging for the efficient bioconversion of potato and other starch-based agro-industrial waste streams to morel biomass and sclerotia eliciting nutritional and bioactive value.

Characterization and antitumor activity of the extracellular carbohydrate polymer from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis ΔsigF mutant

Cyanobacterial extracellular carbohydrate polymers are particularly attractive for biotechnological applications. Previously, we determined the monosaccharidic composition of the polymer of a Synechocystis ΔsigF overproducing mutant. Here, we further characterized this polymer, demonstrated that it is possible to recover it in high yields, and successfully use it for biomedical research. This amorphous polymer is formed by a mesh of fibrils/lamellar structures with high porosity, is constituted by high molecular mass fractions, is highly sulfated and displays low viscosity, even in highly concentrated aqueous solutions. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of several functional groups. We demonstrated that the ΔsigF polymer has strong biological activity, decreasing the viability of melanoma, thyroid and ovary carcinoma cells by inducing high levels of apoptosis, through p53 and caspase-3 activation. Therefore, the ΔsigF Synechocystis mutant is a promising platform for the sustainable production of biological active carbohydrate polymer(s) with the desired characteristics for biomedical applications.

Secondary Metabolites and Antiradical Activity of Liquid Fermentation of Morchella sp. Isolated from Southwest China

Morels famous for their taste and nutrition are in short supply all over the world although they were considered as one of the most highly prized edible and medicinal mushrooms. Because of the limitation of resource and cultivation technology, fermentation of edible mushroom was gradually applied to nutrient, bioactivity and breeder seed preparation. At present, there are more reports on sugar and amino acid but less on other components. Morchella sp. YDJ-ZY-1 was isolated from the wild fruiting body by the spores releasing method in Zunyi Guizhou province in Southwest China and identified based on phenotype and genotype characteristics. Chemical compositions of YDJ-ZY-1 were investigated from liquid fermentation that will lay the foundation for further development and utilization. Four pyranoids (1–4) and 2-(1-oxo-2-hydroxyethyl) furan (5), linoleic acid (6), Morelin (2-hydroxy-cinnamic acid methyl ester, (7) and 1-O-β-d-ribofuranose-Morelin (8) were obtained from EtOAc extraction and elucidated by spectral data. Product 4 and 8 were new compounds and 7 was isolated from nature for the first time. Antiradical activity was evaluated by free radical scavenging effect on DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical 2,2-Diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl). Compound 5 exhibited strong antiradical activity while compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate activity. Thus, incubation of Morchella sp YDJ-ZY-1 separated from the wild fruit body afforded eight compounds. Secondary metabolites with new structures were mined from fermentation of Morchella sp. and antiradical activity was evaluated.