A Comprehensive Review on Plant-Derived Mucilage: Characterization, Functional Properties, Applications, and Its Utilization for Nanocarrier Fabrication

Development of a scalable, high-anthocyanin and low-acidity natural red food colorant from Hibiscus sabdariffa L

The hibiscus calyx contains 0.3-2.4% total anthocyanins, and is a promising source for naturally red food colorants. In this study, commercially available hibiscus calyces were subjected to ethanolic-aqueous extraction and chromatographic enrichment with the XAD-7HP resin, to create scalable, high-anthocyanin and low-acidity natural food colorants. Anthocyanins, organic and phenolic acids were monitored after each step using UHPLC-DAD and UHPLC-QQQ/MS. 75.67% total anthocyanins were recovered from calyces after double extractions, and the content increased by 8.50-14.90 times after the column enrichment, reaching 14.51-31.90% (by dry weight) in the final product. Chromatographic fractionation was also shown to effectively increase the total phenolic acids by 11.01-16.22 times, and remove an average of 98.58% of the total organic acids. High intensity redness at pH 2.5-3.5 indicated that the final product may be a promising, versatile natural food and beverage colorant in low pH products.

Assessing physicochemical characteristics of a shear-thinning polysaccharide mucilage extracted from marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis L.) by an ohmic heating system

Althaea officinalis L. root mucilage holds promise for food industries due to its functional properties. Despite various extraction techniques, ohmic systems remain underexplored for mucilage extraction. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of mucilage extraction using ohmic systems with maceration and investigate their physicochemical properties. The mucilage extraction was carried out utilizing maceration (M), ohmic-assisted extraction (OAE), and ohmic-assisted vacuum extraction (OAVE). Various parameters were evaluated, such as densities and specific energy consumption. The mucilage obtained by OAE had the highest yield (8.9 %). The highest solubility corresponded to the mucilage obtained by the OAE system (85.18 % at 65 °C). OAVE mucilage had 76.16 % swelling and 82.5 g water/g dry sample binding capacity, while OAE mucilage had 19.6 g water/g dry sample binding capacity. The OAVE mucilage oil absorption (12.3 g oil/g dry sample) was almost twice that of the OAE system. Rheological analysis characterized them as a pseudoplastic behavior. DSC thermogram of mucilage samples exhibited a singular endothermic peak (92.05 to 108.3 °C). FTIR analysis highlighted that the primary constituents of mucilage samples predominantly consisted of polysaccharides. This study concluded that ohmic-assisted extraction was the most efficient method for obtaining mucilage. Further research could explore the potential applications of this mucilage.

Potential use of extracted flax seed mucilage in the construction of macroporous cryo-scaffolds

Mucilage is a natural source of polysaccharides that has recently attracted attention for use in biomaterial production. It attracts attention with its easy and fast extraction, biocompatibility, high water retention capacity, and biodegradability. Although there are studies on the characterization of mucilage obtained from different plant sources, the interaction of this polymer with other polymers and its potential to form new biomaterials have not yet been sufficiently investigated. Based on this, in this study, the potential of mucilage extracted from flaxseed for the production of cryogels for tissue engineering applications was demonstrated. Firstly, yield, basic physicochemical properties, morphology, and surface charge-dependent isoelectric point determination studies were carried out for the characterization of the extracted mucilage. The successful preparation of mucilage was evaluated for the construction of cryo-scaffolds and 3D, spongy, and porous structures were obtained in the presence of chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol polymers. A heterogeneous morphology with interconnected macro and micro porosity in the range of approximately 85-115 m pore diameter was exhibited. Due to the high hydrophilic structure of the mucilage, which is attached to the structure with weak hydrogen bonds, the contact angle values of the scaffolds were obtained below 80° and they showed the ability to absorb 1000 times their dry weight in approximately 30 min. As a preliminary optimization study for the evaluation of mucilage in cryogel formation, this work introduced a new construct to be developed as wound dressing scaffold for deep and chronic wounds.

Seed mucilage-based advanced carrier systems for food and nutraceuticals: fabrication, formulation efficiency, recent advancement, challenges, and perspectives

Seed mucilages are potential sources of natural polysaccharides. They are biodegradable, biocompatible, sustainable, renewable, and safe for human consumption. Due to the desirable physicochemical and functional properties (e.g. gelling, thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying), seed mucilages have attracted extensive attention from researchers for utilization as a promising material for the development of advanced carrier systems. Seed mucilages have been utilized as natural polymers to improve the properties of various carrier systems (e.g. complex coacervates, beads, nanofibers, and gels) and for the delivery of diverse hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds (e.g. vitamins, essential oils, antioxidants, probiotics, and antimicrobial agents) to achieve enhanced stability, bioavailability, bioactivity of the encapsulated molecules, and improved quality attributes of food products. This review highlights the recent progress in seed mucilage-based carrier systems for food and nutraceutical applications. The main contents include (1) sources, extraction methods, and physicochemical and functional characteristics of seed mucilages, (2) application of seed mucilages for the development of advanced carrier systems, (3) major issues associated with carrier fabrication, and (4) mechanisms of carrier development, latest improvements in carrier formulation, carrier efficiency in the delivery of bioactive agents, and application in food and nutraceuticals. Furthermore, major challenges and future perspectives of seed mucilage-based carriers for a commercial application are discussed.

Stimuli-responsive glucuronoxylan polysaccharide from quince seeds for biomedical, food packaging, and environmental applications

Mucilage is a gelatinous mixture of polysaccharides secreted from the seed coat and/or pericarp of many plant seeds when soaked in water. Mucilage affected seed germination while maintaining hydration levels during scarcity. Cydonia oblonga (quince) seeds are natural hydrocolloids extruding biocompatible mucilage mainly composed of polysaccharides. Quince seed mucilage (QSM) has fascinated researchers due to its applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. On a commercial scale, QSM preserved the sensory and physiochemical properties of various products such as yogurt, desserts, cakes, and burgers. QSM is responsive to salts, pH, and solvents and is mainly investigated as edible coatings in the food industry. In tablet formulations, modified and unmodified QSM as a binder sustained the release of various drugs such as cefixime, capecitabine, diclofenac sodium, theophylline, levosulpiride, diphenhydramine, metoprolol tartrate, and acyclovir sodium. QSM acted as a reducing and capping agent to prepare nanoparticles for good antimicrobial resistance, photocatalytic characteristics, and wound-healing potential. The present review discussed the extraction optimization, chemical composition, stimuli-responsiveness, and viscoelastic properties of mucilage. The potential of mucilage in edible films, tissue engineering, and water purification will also be discussed.

Optimizing the Extraction Efficiency of Flaxseed Gum Using a Response Surface Methodology Approach

The extraction of gum from natural raw materials is of increasing importance in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, particularly due to their emulsifying properties and potential applications as stabilizers and thickeners. This study presents an insight on the influence of changing parameters like reagents and operating condition on yield and some properties of the flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seed gum. The extraction conditions were meticulously examined using a full factorial design, highlighting the significant impact of pretreatment, seed preparation, and solvent selection on the extraction yield. A response surface methodology (RSM) was then applied to optimize the water/benzoic acid ratio of the pretreatment step, the ethyl alcohol/water ratio, and the medium pH of the extraction method, resulting in a maximum yield of 14.47%. Furthermore, detailed analyses of the chemical and emulsifying properties of the gum were conducted showing emulsifying capacities over 94%, offering promising application prospects, particularly in the food industry.

A superabsorbent and pH-responsive copolymer-hydrogel based on acemannan from Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis M.): A smart material for drug delivery

Combining natural polysaccharides with synthetic materials improves their functional properties which are essential for designing sustained-release drug delivery systems. In this context, the Aloe vera leaf mucilage/hydrogel (ALH) was reacted with acrylic acid (AA) to synthesize a copolymerized hydrogel, i.e., ALH-grafted-Polyacrylic acid (ALH-g-PAA) through free radical copolymerization. Concentrations of the crosslinker N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA), and the initiator potassium persulfate (KPS) were optimized to study their effects on ALH-g-PAA swelling. The FTIR and solid-state NMR (CP/MAS 13C NMR) spectra witnessed the formation of ALH-g-PAA. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed superporous nature of ALH-g-PAA. The gel fraction (%) of ALH-g-PAA was directly related to the concentrations of AA and MBA whereas the sol fraction was inversely related to the concentrations of AA and MBA. The porosity (%) of ALH-g-PAA directly depends on the concentration of AA and MBA. The ALH-g-PAA swelled admirably at pH 7.4 and insignificantly at pH 1.2. The ALH-g-PAA offered on/off switching properties at pH 7.4/1.2. The metoprolol tartrate was loaded on different formulations of ALH-g-PAA. The ALH-g-PAA showed pH, time, and swelling-dependent release of metoprolol tartrate (MT) for 24 h following the first-order kinetic and Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Haemocompatibility studies ascertained the non-thrombogenic and non-hemolytic behavior of ALH-g-PAA.

Structure, chemical modification, and functional applications of mucilage from Mimosa pudica seeds - A review

Mimosa pudica (MP) is an ornamental plant due to seismonastic movements that close leaves and fall petioles in response to touch, wind, light, heat, cold, and vibration. The seeds of MP secrete smart, biocompatible, and non-toxic mucilage that has captivated researchers due to its widespread use in various fields such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The mucilage is responsive to pH, salt solutions, and solvents and acts as a binder in tablet formulations for targeted drug delivery. The mucilage is chemically modifiable via acetylation, succinylation, and graft polymerization. Chemically modified MP mucilage appeared supersorbent for heavy metal ion uptake. Nanoparticles synthesized using mucilage as a reducing and capping agent displayed significant antimicrobial and wound-healing potential. Crosslinking of mucilage using citric acid as a crosslinking agent offers a sustained release of drugs. The present review is aimed to discuss extraction optimization, structure, modification, and the stimuli-responsive nature of mucilage. The review article will cover the potential of mucilage as emulsifying, suspending, bio-adhesive, gelling, and thickening agent. The role of mucilage as a capping and reducing agent for nanoparticles will also be discussed.

Mucilage extracted from Chilean papaya seeds is enriched with homogalacturonan domains

Chilean papaya, also known as mountain papaya (Vasconcellea pubescens), is a fruit valued for its nutritional value and pleasant fragrance. The oblong fruit, featuring five ridges and a seed-filled mucilage cavity, is typically consumed cooked due to its high protease content. The mucilage and the seeds are usually discarded as byproducts. This study analyzed the biochemical composition of mountain papaya seed mucilage using methods such as HPAEC and immunolabeling. Results revealed that papaya seeds yield nearly 20% of their weight in mucilage polysaccharides, which can be separated into soluble and adherent layers. The mucilage exhibited a high proportion of acidic sugars, indicating that homogalacturonan (HG) is the predominant domain. It also contained other domains like rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) and hemicelluloses, predominantly xyloglucan. The HG-rich mucilage, currently considered waste, emerges as a promising source of polysaccharides, indicating its multifaceted utility in various industrial applications.

Nano polysaccharides derived from aloe vera and guar gum as a potential fat replacer for a promising approach to healthier cake production

In recent years, there increment demand for healthier food options that can replace high-fat ingredients in bakery products without compromising their taste and texture. This research was focused on a formulation study of the blend of nano polysaccharides derived from aloe vera and guar gum at various concentrations. This study selected the blend concentration of 1 % aloe vera mucilage (AM) and 1 % guar gum (GG) due to its optimal gelling properties. Different magnetic stirring time durations were employed to formulate AGB (aloe vera guar gum blend). The particle size of AGB revealed the lowest nanoparticle size (761.03 ± 62 nm) with a stirring time of 4 h. The FTIR analysis found the presence of monomer sugars in AGB nano polysaccharide powder such as mannose, arabinose, and glucose. The thermogram results displayed an endothermic peak for all samples with a glass transition temperature (Tg) between 16 and 50 °C. The SEM image of the AGB indicated uniform spherical particles. The AGB powder exhibited good functional properties. The antimicrobial activity of AGB powder against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans was 22.32 ± 0.02, 21.56 ± 0.02, and 19.33 ± 0.33 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of different levels of vegetable fat replacement with AGB powder on cake sensory properties, thermal stability, and texture characteristics were also examined. Notably, the cake containing a 50 % substitution of vegetable fat with AGB (C50) supplied desirable physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties. These results can provide advantages for the development of fat replacers in bakery products.

Reduction of Malnutrition Related to Unsafe Water Consumption in Developing Countries: Potabilization of Surface Water and Traditional Well Water, with Plant Extracts

The consumption of unsafe water in rural areas is a real public health problem in developing countries. This situation mainly affects children under five years of age and causes several deaths and many cases of malnutrition every year. The objective of this study was to evaluate and optimize the capacity of four local plant extracts in the potabilization of unsafe water. Thus, Moringa oleifera and Boscia senegalensis seeds, or Aloe vera and Opuntia ficus-indica mucilages were prepared in a solution and applied during a jar test as biocoagulants and bioflocculants on three raw water samples of 82.3 NTU, 549.8 NTU and 796.9 NTU. After treatment results showed that 0.9 g/L of Moringa biocoagulant or 1 g/L of Boscia biocoagulant applied with 0.4 mL of Aloe vera bioflocculant or 0.6 mL of Opuntia ficus-indica bioflocculant reduced the turbidity of each water sample to values less than 5 NTU after only 15 min of decanting. Moreover, the sanitary quality of the water treated by these different extracts showed a perfect conformity of the physicochemical and microbiological parameters with the standards of acceptability in drinking water decreed by the World Health Organization. Thus, the application of these local plant extracts has made it possible to considerably improve the quality of unsafe water in record time. Their popularization could be an alternative in the fight against malnutrition related to the consumption of unsafe water, especially in rural areas.

Fabrication and characterization of talipot starch-based biocomposite film using mucilages from different plant sources: A comparative study

Biocomposite films were prepared by formulating talipot starch with plant mucilage derived from shoeblack leaves, okra, and seeds of basil, fenugreek, and flax, which were identified as SBM-TSF, OKM-TSF, BSM-TSF, FGM-TSF, and FXM-TSF, respectively. The plant mucilages enhanced the crosslinking of the filmogenic solutions, which increased the film's relative crystallinity. Upon topographical investigation, the biocomposite films exhibited the same compact and homogeneous structures as the native talipot starch film (NTSF), but with finer corrugations. When compared to NTSF, the addition of plant mucilage decreased the moisture content while increasing the thickness and opacity. SBM-TSF showed significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) solubility and water vapor permeability, indicating that increased crosslink formation in the film obstructed the water vapor passage. Among all the biocomposite films, the BSM-TSF had the greatest tensile strength, making it more resistant to stretching. Among the studied biocomposite films, SBM-TSF and BSM-TSF demonstrated improved thermal and biodegradation stability.

High pressure homogenization: A promising approach to expand food applications of chia mucilage

Two chia mucilages with different viscosities, obtained by extraction conditions optimized in a previous work, were homogenized by high pressure homogenization (HPH). Particle size, molecular weight, zeta potential, FTIR spectrum, rheological properties, water absorption capacity, water holding capacity and iron binding capacity were determined on both mucilages treated and without treatment. Homogenization led to a significant reduction in viscosity respect to chia mucilage controls, which can be related to the decrease in particle size and molecular weight. A high iron binding capacity was obtained for both mucilages. FTIR spectra of both mucilages with iron showed displacements in bands related with stretching of carboxylic uronic acids, suggesting the interaction site with this mineral. This interaction was also verified by particle size determination with a displacement to higher sizes in the presence of iron. Potential zeta showed a significant reduction in the presence of iron. A model to explain the binding between chia mucilage and iron is proposed. HPH appears as an alternative to expand chia mucilage functionality reducing the viscosity of chia mucilage solutions for the offer of a new ingredient also with optimal levels of hydration and iron binding capacity.

Psyllium and okra mucilage as co-carrier wall materials for fenugreek oil encapsulation and its utilization as fat replacers in pan bread and biscuit production

This study aimed to investigate the potential use of okra and psyllium mucilage as co-carrier wall materials with whey protein and gum Arabic polymers for encapsulation of fenugreek oil to mask its undesirable flavor and promote their health benefits. Particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, morphological properties and fatty acid profiles of crude and encapsulated oils were examined using zeta-sizer, SEM and GC-MS techniques. Crude and encapsulated fenugreek oils were added as functional ingredients during production of pan bread and biscuits. The quality characteristics (baking quality, color and organoleptic properties) of bread and biscuits as well as microbiological properties of bred samples were evaluated. Results showed that the forming microcapsules had sphere particles with the size of 5.05 and 31.64 μm for okra and pysillium mucilage, respectively and had smooth continuous surfaces with no holes or fractures. Fatty acids analysis showed that fenugreek oil is superior functional edible oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids. The organoleptic properties of products were improved when fat replaced with encapsulated fenugreek oil with okra or psyllium mucilage. Likewise, encapsulated fenugreek oil showed antimicrobial activity in bread samples during storage period. On contrary, Bread and biscuits incorporated with crude fenugreek oil gained the lowest scores for all organoleptic parameters. Regarding these results, encapsulated fenugreek oil presents good fat alternatives in dough formulations with acceptable technological, sensory and antimicrobial properties. However, further investigations still needed regarding the biological activity of encapsulated fenugreek oil and its utilization as a food supplement in other food products.

Unveiling the potential of linseed mucilage, its health benefits, and applications in food packaging

Industrial waste products derived from the oil industry often contain valuable substances and elements with great potential. These by-products can be used for various purposes, including as nutrients, bioactive compounds, fuels, and polymers. Linseed mucilage (LM) is one such example of a beneficial by-product obtained from linseed. It possesses favorable chemical and functional properties, depending on its method of extraction. Different pretreatments, such as enzymatic extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pulse electric field, and ultrasound-assisted extraction, have been explored by various researchers to enhance both the yield and quality of mucilage. Furthermore, LM has exhibited therapeutic effects in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, constipation, hyperlipidemia, cancer, and other lifestyle diseases. Additionally, it demonstrates favorable functional characteristics that make it suitable to be used in bioplastic production. These properties preserve food quality, prolong shelf life, and confer antimicrobial activity. It also has the potential to be used as a packaging material, especially considering the increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to plastics because of their detrimental impact on environmental health. This review primarily focuses on different extraction techniques used for linseed mucilage, its mechanism of action in terms of health benefits, and potential applications in food packaging.

Polysaccharides (pectin, mucilage, and fructan inulin) and their fermented products: A critical analysis of their biochemical, gut interactions, and biological functions as antidiabetic agents

Diabetes mellitus is a globally metabolic endocrine syndrome marked by a deficiency of insulin secretion (type-1 DM) or glucose intolerance arising from insulin response impairment (type-2 DM) leading to abnormal glucose metabolism. With an increasing interest in natural dietary components for diabetes management, the identification of novel agents witnessed major discoveries. Plant-derived mucilage, pectin, and inulin are important non-starch polysaccharides that exhibit effective antidiabetic properties often termed soluble dietary fiber (SDF). SDF affects sugar metabolism through multiple mechanisms affecting glucose absorption and diffusion, modulation of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), ameliorating β-pancreatic cell dysfunction, and improving insulin release or sensitivity. Certain SDFs inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and influence the expression levels of genes related to glucose metabolism. This review is designed to discuss holistically and critically the antidiabetic effects of major SDF and their underlying mechanisms of action. This review should aid drug discovery approaches in developing novel natural antidiabetic drugs from SDF.

In vivosoft tissue regenerative potential of flax seed mucilage self-assembled collagen aerogels

The present study demonstrates thein vivosoft tissue regenerative potential of flax seed mucilage (FSM) reinforced collagen aerogels in Wistar rats. The physiochemical, mechanical, and thermal properties were significantly improved upon the incorporation of flax mucilage into collagen when compared to the native collagen scaffold. In addition, the functional group of flax mucilage notably contributed to a better anti-oxidative potential than the control collagen. The flax mucilage-reinforced collagen at 4 mg ml-1concentration showed a 2-fold increase in porosity compared to native collagen. The tensile strength of native collagen, 2 mg ml-1, and 4 mg ml-1FSM reinforced collagen was 5.22 MPa, 9.76 MPa, and 11.16 MPa, respectively, which indicated that 2 mg ml-1and 4 mg ml-1FSM showed an 87% and 113% percentage increase respectively in tensile strength compared to the native collagen control. FSM-reinforced biomatrix showed 97% wound closure on day 15 post-wounding, indicating faster healing than controls, where complete healing occurred only on day 21. The mechanical properties of skin treated with FSM-reinforced collagen scaffold post-healing were considerably better than native collagen. The histological and immunohistochemistry analysis also showed complete restoration of wounded tissue like intact normal skin. The findings paved the way for the development of collagen-polysaccharide mucilage wound dressing materials and their further application in skin tissue engineering.

Electrospun Cactus Mucilage/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanofibers as a Novel Wall Material for Dill Seed Essential Oil (Anethum graveolens L.) Encapsulation: Release and Antibacterial Activities

This study aimed to create long-lasting carriers by producing electrospun nanofibers loaded with dill seed (Anethum graveolens L.) essential oil (DSEO), using cactus mucilage (CM) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Continuous and uniform electrospun nanofibers with a diameter of 158 ± 18 to 230 ± 26 nm were successfully made from the CM/PVA blend solution and the CM/PVA/DSEO emulsion. Atomic force microscopy topographic images revealed that the electrospun nanofibers had a tubular morphology. The thermogravimetric curves of DSEO, CM, pure PVA, and electrospun nanofibers demonstrate that the polymers used and the essential oil have effective chemical interactions. The water contact angle results suggest that the manufactured nanofibers are hydrophilic. CM/PVA consistently achieves a remarkable encapsulation efficiency of 100% DSEO. The electrospun nanofibers enabled the controlled release of free and encapsulated DSEO, resulting in sustained long-term release. The agar disk diffusion technique was used to study the antimicrobial activity of electrospun nanofibers and nanofibers containing DSEO against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. With a minimum inhibitory concentration of 2.5 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration of 5 mg/mL, electrospun nanofibers containing DSEO demonstrated bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities against foodborne pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The DSEO-loaded electrospun nanofibers derived from carbohydrates show promise as an active interior coating for use in biomedical and food packaging applications.

Biodegradable composite films based on mucilage from Opuntia ficus-indica (Cactaceae): Microstructural, functional and thermal properties

This study evaluated the feasibility of using cactus mucilage (CM) to elaborate biobased composite films blended with styrene-butadiene rubber latex (SBL). The CM was extracted and precipitated with ethanol (CMET) and isopropanol (CMIS). Mucilage-based films were formulated using three levels of mucilage (4, 6, and 8 wt%). The microstructure, thickness, moisture content, density, water contact angle, water vapor permeability, film solubility, thermal stability, and toughness of mucilage films blended with SBL (SBL/CMET and SBL/CMIS) were measured. The properties of mucilage-based films varied systematically, depending on the concentration of mucilage. The addition of SBL to CM film produces compatible, hydrophobic, flexible, and stiffer films with low moisture contents and good barrier properties. The mucilage film incorporated with 6 wt% CMET and CMIS reached the highest Young's modulus of 1512 ± 21 and 1988 ± 55 MPa, respectively. The DSC of produced films reveals that the Tg of SBL/CMIS is lower than that of SBL/CMIS. The synthesized films were structurally stable at high temperatures. The biodegradability of the composite films buried in the ground shows that the produced films are 100 % biodegradable after 40 days. Thus, CM blended with SBL can benefit specific applications, especially food packaging.

Analysis of natural okra extracts as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in acidic medium

Plant extracts have been shown to effectively inhibit metal corrosion. Using the Box-Behnken design, gravimetric, and electrochemical techniques, analyses were designed to investigate the anti-corrosion potential of okra in a 1M HCl medium. The inhibition performances derived from the various methods were in good agreement, demonstrating that physio-chemisorption was effective and adhered to the Langmuir isotherm model. The efficiency of okra mucilage extract was 96% at a much lower concentration compared to 91.2% and 88.4% for the unsieved extract and gelly-okra filtrate, respectively. FTIR results showed the presence of several functional groups in the okra mucilage extract that are associated with adsorption, and TGA analysis revealed that the extract has high thermal stability. FESEM analysis also supported evidence of adsorption. It was determined that corrosion inhibition by okra mucilage extract was primarily influenced by temperature, followed by extract concentration, with immersion time having the least effect. From the model optimization, it was observed that okra mucilage extract at 200 ppm, 60°C, and 24 h gave an inhibition efficiency of 89.98% and high desirability. These results demonstrate the high capacity of natural okra as an efficient biodegradable corrosion inhibitor.

Design and fabrication of a magnetic nanobiocomposite based on flaxseed mucilage hydrogel and silk fibroin for biomedical and in-vitro hyperthermia applications

In this research work, a magnetic nanobiocomposite is designed and presented based on the extraction of flaxseed mucilage hydrogel, silk fibroin (SF), and Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4 MNPs). The physiochemical features of magnetic flaxseed mucilage hydrogel/SF nanobiocomposite are evaluated by FT-IR, EDX, FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, VSM, and TG technical analyses. In addition to chemical characterization, given its natural-based composition, the in-vitro cytotoxicity and hemolysis assays are studied and the results are considerable. Following the use of highest concentration of magnetic flaxseed mucilage hydrogel/SF nanobiocomposite (1.75 mg/mL) and the cell viability percentage of two different cell lines including normal HEK293T cells (95.73%, 96.19%) and breast cancer BT549 cells (87.32%, 86.9%) in 2 and 3 days, it can be inferred that this magnetic nanobiocomposite is biocompatible with HEK293T cells and can inhibit the growth of BT549 cell lines. Besides, observing less than 5% of hemolytic effect can confirm its hemocompatibility. Furthermore, the high specific absorption rate value (107.8 W/g) at 200 kHz is generated by a determined concentration of this nanobiocomposite (1 mg/mL). According to these biological assays, this magnetic responsive cytocompatible composite can be contemplated as a high-potent substrate for further biomedical applications like magnetic hyperthermia treatment and tissue engineering.

A Critical Appraisal of the Most Recent Investigations on Ora-Pro-Nobis (Pereskia sp.): Economical, Botanical, Phytochemical, Nutritional, and Ethnopharmacological Aspects

Pereskia aculeata Miller and Pereskia grandfolia Haw, known as 'ora-pro-nobis', are unconventional vegetables belonging to the Cactaceae family, native to the Americas and common in the northeast and southeast regions of Brazil. This review attempts to present a balanced account of both the methods used for obtaining extracts from the diverse parts of the plants and the results that were obtained in terms of their applicability to foods and other products with biological activities. Attention will also be devoted to the properties of their bioactives and their applications to real food products. Methods for obtaining extracts from the diverse parts of the plants will be analyzed, as well as the chemical nature of the bioactives that were hitherto identified. Next, the applicability of ora-pro-nobis in either its integral form or in the form of extracts or other products (mucilages) to the production of food and dietary supplements will be analyzed. The species have been extensively investigated during the last few decades. But, the determination of chemical structures is frequently incomplete and there is a need for new studies on texture determination and color evaluation. Further studies exploring the fruit and flowers of P. aculeata are also required.

Same but different - pseudo-pectin in the charophytic alga Chlorokybus atmophyticus

All land-plant cell walls possess hemicelluloses, cellulose and anionic pectin. The walls of their cousins, the charophytic algae, exhibit some similarities to land plants' but also major differences. Charophyte 'pectins' are extractable by conventional land-plant methods, although they differ significantly in composition. Here, we explore 'pectins' of an early-diverging charophyte, Chlorokybus atmophyticus, characterising the anionic polysaccharides that may be comparable to 'pectins' in other streptophytes. Chlorokybus 'pectin' was anionic and upon acid hydrolysis gave GlcA, GalA and sulphate, plus neutral sugars (Ara≈Glc>Gal>Xyl); Rha was undetectable. Most Gal was the l-enantiomer. A relatively acid-resistant disaccharide was characterised as β-d-GlcA-(1→4)-l-Gal. Two Chlorokybus 'pectin' fractions, separable by anion-exchange chromatography, had similar sugar compositions but different sulphate-ester contents. No sugars were released from Chlorokybus 'pectin' by several endo-hydrolases [(1,5)-α-l-arabinanase, (1,4)-β-d-galactanase, (1,4)-β-d-xylanase, endo-polygalacturonase] and exo-hydrolases [α- and β-d-galactosidases, α-(1,6)-d-xylosidase]. 'Driselase', which hydrolyses most land-plant cell wall polysaccharides to mono- and disaccharides, released no sugars except traces of starch-derived Glc. Thus, the Ara, Gal, Xyl and GalA of Chlorokybus 'pectin' were not non-reducing termini with configurations familiar from land-plant polysaccharides (α-l-Araf, α- and β-d-Galp, α- and β-d-Xylp and α-d-GalpA), nor mid-chain residues of α-(1→5)-l-arabinan, β-(1→4)-d-galactan, β-(1→4)-d-xylan or α-(1→4)-d-galacturonan. In conclusion, Chlorokybus possesses anionic 'pectic' polysaccharides, possibly fulfilling pectic roles but differing fundamentally from land-plant pectin. Thus, the evolution of land-plant pectin since the last common ancestor of Chlorokybus and land plants is a long and meandering path involving loss of sulphate, most l-Gal and most d-GlcA; re-configuration of Ara, Xyl and GalA; and gain of Rha.

Unleashing the potential of nanoparticles on seed treatment and enhancement for sustainable farming

The foremost challenge in farming is the storage of seeds after harvest and maintaining seed quality during storage. In agriculture, studies showed positive impacts of nanotechnology on plant development, seed storage, endurance under various types of stress, detection of seed damages, and seed quality. Seed's response varies with different types of nanoparticles depending on its physical and biochemical properties and plant species. Herein, we aim to cover the impact of nanoparticles on seed coating, dormancy, germination, seedling, nutrition, plant growth, stress conditions protection, and storage. Although the seed treatment by nanopriming has been shown to improve seed germination, seedling development, stress tolerance, and seedling growth, their full potential was not realized at the field level. Sustainable nano-agrochemicals and technology could provide good seed quality with less environmental toxicity. The present review critically discusses eco-friendly strategies that can be employed for the nanomaterial seed treatment and seed enhancement process to increase seedling vigor under different conditions. Also, an integrated approach involving four innovative concepts, namely green co-priming, nano-recycling of agricultural wastes, nano-pairing, and customized nanocontainer storage, has been proposed to acclimatize nanotechnology in farming.

Chia mucilage carrier systems: A review of emulsion, encapsulation, and coating and film strategies

The use of carrier systems for the protection and delivery of bioactive compounds in the agri-food industry is an area of opportunity that requires the design of new systems and sources of materials for their structure. Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) produce mucilage with functional qualities that allow their application in diverse areas of the food industry. These qualities have been used to form very stable carrier systems, such as capsules, emulsions, coatings, and films that can protect and prolong the functionalities of loaded compounds (e.g., antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities). This paper presents a review of chia mucilage-based carrier systems and their applications in food products (micro-and nanoparticles, emulsions, coatings, and films for food packaging), as well as the current technological prospects of these systems. The use of chia mucilage in coatings and films shows a high potential for use in biodegradable, edible, and organic packaging. Although many studies have been conducted on chia mucilage encapsulation systems, there is still a gap in the application of capsules and particles in food.

Interaction of iron and zinc fortification and late-season water deficit on yield and fatty acid composition of Dragon's Head (Lallemantia iberica L.)

Dragon's head (Lallemantia iberica) is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, essential oil, protein, and mucilage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of three different concentrations of Fe and Zn (control, 4, and 8 g lit-1) at two different developmental stages (vegetative stage (VS) and reproductive stage (RS)) on the quantity and quality of dragon's head seed yield and fatty acid composition in two crop seasons (2018 and 2019) under two environments (normal irrigation as control (NI) and post-anthesis water deficit (WD). In NI, average yields of seed, oil, and protein were 1155, 340, and 183 kg ha-1, respectively, and in the WD, they were 879, 283, and 148 kg ha-1, respectively. By applying Zn and Fe, the mean values of seed, oil, and protein yields in the NI were 1425, 478, and 264 kg ha-1, while in the WD, they were 1011, 354, and 200 kg ha-1, respectively. Furthermore, the application of WD resulted in a significant increase in zinc concentration, protein percentage, and saturated fatty acid percentage in seeds. Unlike WD, iron and zinc treatments decreased the percentage of saturated fatty acids and increased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids. The number of capsules per plant had the most positive indirect effect on grain yield. The results showed that foliar spraying of Fe and Zn could effectively mitigate the adverse effects of WD on the quality and quantity of seed and oil yield dragon's head.

Soluble Dietary Fibers as Antihyperlipidemic Agents: A Comprehensive Review to Maximize Their Health Benefits

The number of hypercholesterolemic people is increasing rapidly worldwide, with elevated lipid profiles representing a major risk factor of coronary heart diseases. Dietary intervention was shown to improve the lipid profile, thus enhancing the quality of life. Dietary fiber is a nondigestible form of carbohydrates, due to the lack of the digestive enzyme in humans required to digest fiber, and is classified according to its water solubility properties as either soluble (SDF) or insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). Consumption of SDF is associated with several health benefits such as reduced lipid levels, lower blood pressure, improved blood glucose control, improved immune function, and reduced inflammation. SDF has been shown to lower blood cholesterol by several action mechanisms including directly due to the gelling, mucilaginous, and viscous fiber nature, and indirectly due to its fermented products and modulation of the gut microbiome. This review aims to provide a holistic overview on how SDF impacts the lipid profile. We start by providing an overview of the chemical structure of the major SDFs including mucilage, gums (gum arabic and guar gum), pectin, and inulin.

From Plants to Wound Dressing and Transdermal Delivery of Bioactive Compounds

Transdermal delivery devices and wound dressing materials are constantly improved and upgraded with the aim of enhancing their beneficial effects, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and cost effectiveness. Therefore, researchers in the field have shown an increasing interest in using natural compounds as constituents for such systems. Plants, as an important source of so-called "natural products" with an enormous variety and structural diversity that still exceeds the capacity of present-day sciences to define or even discover them, have been part of medicine since ancient times. However, their benefits are just at the beginning of being fully exploited in modern dermal and transdermal delivery systems. Thus, plant-based primary compounds, with or without biological activity, contained in gums and mucilages, traditionally used as gelling and texturing agents in the food industry, are now being explored as valuable and cost-effective natural components in the biomedical field. Their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity compensate for local availability and compositional variations. Also, secondary metabolites, classified based on their chemical structure, are being intensively investigated for their wide pharmacological and toxicological effects. Their impact on medicine is highlighted in detail through the most recent reported studies. Innovative isolation and purification techniques, new drug delivery devices and systems, and advanced evaluation procedures are presented.

Potential application of polysaccharide mucilages as a substitute for emulsifiers: A review

Mucilages are natural compounds consisting mainly of polysaccharides with complex chemical structures. Mucilages also contain uronic acids, proteins, lipids, and bioactive compounds. Because of their unique properties, mucilages are used in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Typically, commercial gums are composed only of polysaccharides, which increase their hydrophilicity and surface tension, reducing their emulsifying ability. As a result of the presence of proteins in combination with polysaccharides, mucilages possess unique emulsifying properties due to their ability to reduce surface tension. In recent years, various studies have been conducted on using mucilages as emulsifiers in classical and Pickering emulsions because of their unique emulsifying feature. Studies have shown that some mucilages, such as yellow mustard, mutamba, and flaxseed mucilages, have a higher emulsifying capacity than commercial gums. A synergistic effect has also been shown in some mucilages, such as Dioscorea opposita mucilage when combined with commercial gums. This review article investigates whether mucilages can be used as emulsifiers and what factors affect their emulsifying properties. A discussion of the challenges and prospects of using mucilages as emulsifiers is also presented in this review.

Unleashing the potential of xanthan: a comprehensive exploration of biosynthesis, production, and diverse applications

Employing aerobic fermentation, Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the genus Xanthomonas produce the high molecular weight natural heteropolysaccharide known as xanthan. It has various amounts of O-acetyl and pyruvyl residues together with D-glucosyl, D-mannosyl, and D-glucuronyl acid residues in a molar ratio of 2:2:1. The unique structure of xanthan allowed its various applications in a wide range of industries such as the food industry, pharmacology, cosmetics and enhanced oil recovery primarily in petroleum. The cultivation medium used in the manufacture of this biopolymer is critical. Many attempts have been undertaken to generate xanthan gum from agro-based and food industry wastes since producing xanthan gum from synthetic media is expensive. Optimal composition and processing parameters must also be considered to achieve an economically viable manufacturing process. There have been several attempts to adjust the nutrient content and feeding method, temperature, pH, agitation and the use of antifoam in xanthan fermentations. Various modifications in technological approaches have been applied to enhance its physicochemical properties which showed significant improvement in the area studied. This review describes the biosynthesis production of xanthan with an emphasis on the importance of the upstream processes involving medium, processing parameters, and other factors that significantly contributed to the final application of this precious polysaccharide.

Experimental Investigation and Modeling for the Influence of Adding Date Press Cake on Drinkable Yogurt Quality

The extraction of date syrup produces a large quantity of by-product known as date press cake (DPC). This study aimed to utilize valuable ingredients of the DPC by adding 0 (Control), 2, 4, and 6% (g/100 g) of its powder to drinkable yogurt before fermentation. The physicochemical properties, texture profile, and sensory evaluation of the treated DPC-based drinkable yogurt (DPC drinkable yogurt) were measured after fermentation and 5, 10, and 15 days of storage at 4 °C. The modeling of the most critical quality attributes, i.e., pH, acidity, syneresis, water holding capacity (WHC), viscosity, and color difference (ΔE), was conducted to predict their values based on the DPC percentage and storage period. The DPC drinkable yogurt’s total solids, protein, and fat ranged between 11.19–11.83, 3.10–3.42, and 2.26–2.34%, respectively. Adding 2–6% DPC slightly increased the pH of DPC drinkable yogurt and decreased its acidity (p > 0.05) during storage. Increasing the DPC percent in DPC drinkable yogurt decreased the syneresis value, and WHC increased during storage. The color parameters and viscosity of DPC drinkable yogurt recorded the highest value at the end of the storage period for all treatments and increased steadily with the increase in DPC. The evaluation of the prediction models indicated that the predicted values were close to the actual experimental values for pH (R2 = 0.779), acidity (R2 = 0.973), syneresis (R2 = 0.961), WHC (R2 = 0.989), viscosity (R2 = 0.99), L* (R2 = 0.919), a* (R2 = 0.995), b* (R2 = 0.922), and ΔE (R2 = 0.921). The textural analysis indicated that increasing the concentration of DPC in the DPC drinkable yogurt increased hardness (g), springiness, cohesiveness, and gumminess and decreased adhesiveness and resilience during cold storage. The evaluation of sensory acceptance during the cold storage of the DPC drinkable yogurt was conducted by 30 expert panelists. Each panelist received four cups of 10 mL drinkable yogurt treatments at 5–10 °C. The evaluation results indicated that adding 2% of DPC was closest in overall sensory acceptability to the control sample (p < 0.05). This study revealed the potential use of DPC in drinkable yogurt as a natural, functional, and low-cost ingredient to improve the fiber content, physicochemical properties, and overall acceptability. Therefore, the fermented DPC-based yogurt drink has the potency to be a practical, value-added, and novel alternative to dairy-based yogurt.

Mucilage polysaccharide as a plant secretion: Potential trends in food and biomedical applications

Current trends are shifting away from using synthetic compounds in favor of discovering new natural component sources that will allow them to create goods that are healthful, environmentally friendly, sustainable, and profitable. The food industry, in light of these trends, has opted to look for safe natural ingredients that will allow the production of low-fat, artificial-additive-free, gluten-free, prebiotic, and fortified foods. Similarly, the pharmaceutical and medical industries have attempted to apply natural ingredients to address the challenges related to biomaterials more efficiently than synthetic ingredients. Against this background, plant mucilage has proven to be a polysaccharide with excellent health features and technological properties, useful for both food and biomedical applications. Many studies have shown that its inclusion in different food matrices improves the quality of the products obtained under appropriate reformulations. At the same time, plant mucilage has been indicated to be a very interesting matrix in biomedical field especially tissue engineering applications since it has been emerged to favor tissue regeneration with its highly biocompatible structure. This concise review discusses the most recent advances of the applications of plant mucilage in different foods as well as its recent use in biomedical field. In this context, firstly, a general definition of mucilage was made and information about plant-based mucilage, which is frequently used, about the plant parts they are found in, their content and how they are obtained are presented. Then, the use of mucilage in the food industry including bakery products, meat emulsions, fermented dairy products, ice cream, and other foods is presented with case studies. Afterwards, the use of plant mucilage in the biomedical field, which has attracted attention in recent years, especially in applications with tissue engineering approach such as scaffolds for tissue regeneration, wound dressings, drug delivery systems and pharmaceutical industry was evaluated.

Preclinical Trial of Ocotea puberula (Rich.) Nees ("Canela-Guaicá") in Wound Healing: Validation of a Traditional Medicine Practice Used by Indigenous Groups in Southern Brazil

Background

"Canela-guaicá," "guaicá," or "canela-sebo" [Ocotea puberula (Rich.) Nees] is a native species that is traditionally used by Kaingang indigenous groups for wound healing in southern Brazil. The aim of this study was to extract the mucilage from O. puberula barks, perform its phytochemical and physicochemical characterization, and investigate its healing potential.

Methods

A murine wound model was used as a preclinical trial for authentication of the traditional knowledge from Kaingang indigenous communities.

Results

Alkaloids and polysaccharides were identified by usual qualitative reactions and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. This natural product showed thermal stability and pseudoplastic properties that were considered suitable for the intended use. A higher initial exacerbation of inflammatory response after 7 days, an improved angiogenesis after 14 days, and an increased wound shrinkage after 21 days were statistically significant for the "canela-guaicá" bark extract in the preclinical trial when compared to the silver calcium alginate dressing (positive control).

Conclusion

The healing potential of the "canela-guaicá" bark extract, traditionally used by the Kaingang indigenous community from southern Brazil, was preclinically validated. This study paves the way for designing novel wound dressings containing this natural product in order to treat acute and chronic wounds.

Quantitative and qualitative analyses of grafted okra for corrosion inhibition of mild steel in acidic medium

Introduction: Natural plant polymers demonstrate effective corrosion inhibition abilities, because of their numerous binding sites and excellent adsorption abilities. Methodology: In this study, the Box-Behnken method, gravimetric and electrochemical analyses were used to design and investigate the corrosion inhibition potential of a modified graft polymer of okra for mild steel in a 1M HCl medium. The influence of inhibitor concentration, temperature, and time were also investigated. Qualitatively, the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were used to characterize the extracts and evaluate the metal's surface morphology. Results and discussion: The quantitative analyses showed that the modified natural polymer's inhibition efficiency (IE) increased with concentration and reached 73.5% at 800 ppm, with a mixed-type mode of inhibition. From the response surface methodology, it was revealed that temperature influences the IE more than concentration and immersion time. The optimized IE using the desirability function showed the possibility of attaining 88.2% inhibition with inhibitor concentration at 142.3 ppm, temperature at 60.4°C, and an immersion time of 22.4 h. The new functional groups in the hybrid polymer revealed by FTIR analysis shows that grafting improved the inhibitor's adsorption abilities. TGA analysis confirmed the extract's high thermal stability, which highlights the inhibitor's strong adsorption and efficiency for high temperatures. FESEM analysis indicated evidence of inhibitor adsorption onto the metal surface. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the grafting of okra with acrylamide enhances its inhibition properties and contributes to its functionality as a cost-effective plant-based alternative inhibitor against corrosion for mild steel facilities.

Natural Gum-Based Functional Bioactive Films and Coatings: A Review

Edible films and coatings are a current and future food packaging trend. In the food and envi-ronmental sectors, there is a growing need to understand the role of edible packaging and sus-tainability. Gums are polysaccharides of natural origin that are frequently utilized as thickeners, clarifying agents, gelling agents, emulsifiers, and stabilizers in the food sector. Gums come in a variety of forms, including seed gums, mucilage gums, exudate gums, and so on. As a biodegradable and sustainable alternative to petrochemical-based film and coatings, gums could be a promising option. Natural plant gum-based edible packaging helps to ensure extension of shelf-life of fresh and processed foods while also reducing microbiological alteration and/or oxidation processes. In this review, the possible applications of gum-based polymers and their functional properties in development of edible films and coatings, were comprehensively dis-cussed. In the future, technology for developing natural gum-based edible films and coatings might be applied commercially to improve shelf life and preserve the quality of foods.

Effect of Mucilage Extracted from Corchorus olitorius Leaves on Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)-Stabilized Oil-in-Water Emulsions

The present study examined the effect of mucilage extracted from Corchorus olitorius L. leaves on the emulsifying stability of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-stabilized oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions during the storage for seven days. O/W emulsions were prepared with a 90% aqueous phase containing C. olitorius mucilage (0-1.00% w/v) together with 0.5% (w/v) BSA and 10% oil phase. Emulsion properties were analyzed by measuring droplet size, zeta potential, spectroturbidity, backscattering profiles (%BS), and visual observations. The mean droplet size of emulsions prepared with 0.75 and 1.00% mucilage did not show significant changes during storage. The zeta potential of all the emulsions exhibited a negative charge of approximately -40 mV, but electrical repulsion was not the dominant stabilization mechanism in the emulsion. C. olitorius mucilage was able to increase the viscosity of the aqueous phase of the O/W emulsion system, which prevented droplet flocculation and enhanced the emulsion stability against phase separation at higher concentrations. The most stable emulsions during the storage period were those with 1.00% C. olitorius mucilage. In conclusion, C. olitorius mucilage has good potential for the preparation of stable O/W emulsions and can be used as a plant-based natural emulsifying and thickening agent in the food industry.

A novel source of food hydrocolloids from Trigonella elliptica seeds: extraction of mucilage and comprehensive characterization

BACKGROUND

In this study, the effects of seed weight (4, 8, and 12 g), extraction temperature (30, 60, and 90 °C), and pH (4, 7, and 10) on the yield of mucilage extraction from fenugreek seeds and its chemical properties were investigated using response-surface methodology.

RESULTS

The optimum condition for mucilage extraction was a seed weight of 8.30 g, a temperature of 86.10 °C, and pH 6.90. The results showed that the dry weight of extracted mucilage increased with increase and decrease of extraction temperature and pH respectively at high seed weight. Increasing temperature and pH increased the extraction yield, and the effect was more considerable at low seed weight. The maximum carbohydrate content of mucilage was achieved at average levels of variables. The protein, flavonoid, and total phenolic contents of extracted mucilage increased with increasing temperature. Both flavonoid and total phenolic contents were maximum at neutral pH, but they were maximum at moderate and low levels of seed weight respectively. Maximum antioxidant activity was obtained at the highest extraction temperature, seed weight of 8 g, and neutral pH. The study of rheological properties indicated that extracted mucilage solution showed mainly elastic and shear-thinning behavior.

CONCLUSION

The Fourier transform infrared spectra of extracted mucilage exhibited the existence of polysaccharides and protein chains in fenugreek seeds mucilage. The X-ray diffraction corroborated the presence of crystals in the mucilage structure. The proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra confirmed the polysaccharides and protein composition of extracted mucilage. The maximum mucilage mass loss was observed at 190-350 °C using thermogravimetric analysis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Hydrophobically Modified Abelmoschus esculentus Polysaccharide Based Nanoparticles and Applications: A Review

Nanomaterials are indeed a nanoscale technology that deals with the creation, evaluation, fabrication, and utilization of systems at the nanometre scale by manipulating their size and shape. We consider natural polysaccharides such as promising polysaccharides, which are biodegradable, nontoxic, abundant, and inexpensive bio-polymeric precursors for preparing the materials of choice in various industries. The aim is to review different methods to produce hydrophobically modified Abelmoschus esculentus nanoparticles and study the evaluation processes of these nanoparticles as given in the literature. It proved the benefits of derivatives of gum by introducing different chemical groups. The chemical functionalization of gum mainly includes the esterification, etherification, and crosslinking reactions of the hydroxyl groups and contains a special fibre which takes sugar levels in the blood under control, providing a sugar quantity suitable for the bowels. Okra contains mucilage that helps remove poisonous chemicals and bad cholesterol, often overloads the liver. Recovering from psychological conditions, like depression, general weakness, and joint healthiness can be done with Okra. Someone additionally applied it for pulmonary inflammation, bowel irritation, and sore throat. Purgative properties okra possesses are beneficial for bowel purification. It is used to counteract the acids. Fibre okra contains a valuable nutrient for intestinal microorganisms and ensures proper intestine functionality. It also protects the mucosa of the digestive tract by covering them with an extra layer because of its alkaline nature. Nanotechnology has emerged as a critical component of pharmaceutics, with many applications in drug carriers of interest aimed at improving drug clinical outcomes such as cancer, diabetes mellitus, wound care management, atopic dermatitis, cosmeceutical, etc. Beneficial outcomes of this review are discussed briefly.

Novel bioactive adhesive dressing based on gelatin/ chitosan cross-linked cactus mucilage for wound healing

The development of natural-based wound dressings is of great interest in the field of skin tissue engineering. Herein, different bioactive molecules such as gelatin (GEL), chitosan (CH) and mucilage (MU) were used to prepare a wound dressing. The physico-chemical and biological characterizations occurring after γ-irradiation were investigated. Results showed that Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of un-irradiated GEL-CH-MU biomaterial showed two paramagnetic centers which correspond to g = 1.89 and g = 2.033. A generated new active center appeared at g = 2.003 at 25 kGy due to the interactions of gamma rays with the polymer chain creating signals at the absorbing functional groups. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra preserved the semi-crystalline structures between a range of 2θ (5° and 45°). Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the initiation of cross linking phenomena. Moreover, γ-rays significantly increased antioxidant activity (9.1 ± 0.07%, p < 0.05) and exhibited a high anti-inflammatory activity (70%) at 25 kGy. Significant antibacterial activities in vitro liquid medium was observed. In addition GEL-CH-MU dressing exhibited high hemocompatibility. Conducted investigations state that such innovative dressing natural-based polymers for advanced wound care may be considered as useful for biomedical purposes.

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

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

Multi-Responsive Optimization of Novel pH-Sensitive Hydrogel Beads Based on Basil Seed Mucilage, Alginate, and Magnetic Particles

Conventional drug delivery systems often cause side effects and gastric degradation. Novel drug delivery systems must be developed to decrease side effects and increase the efficacy of drug delivery. This research aimed to fabricate hydrogel beads for use as a drug delivery system based on basil seed mucilage (BSM), sodium alginate (SA), and magnetic particles (MPs). The Taguchi method and Grey relational analysis were used for the design and optimization of the hydrogel beads. Three factors, including BSM, SA, and MPs at four levels were designed by L-16 orthogonal arrays. BSM was the main factor influencing bead swelling, drug release rate at pH 7.4, and release of antioxidants at pH 1.2 and 7.4. In addition, SA and MPs mainly affected drug loading and drug release rate in acidic medium, respectively. Grey relational analysis indicated that the composition providing optimal overall properties was 0.2 vol% BSM, 0.8 vol% SA, and 2.25 vol% MPs. Based on the findings of this work, BSM/SA/MPs hydrogel beads have the potential to be used as a pH-sensitive alternative material for drug delivery in colon-specific systems.

Quantifying Cardinal Temperatures of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Using Non-Linear Regression Models

Temperature is the main factor that impacts germination and therefore the success of annual crops, such as chia (Salvia hispanica L.), whose seeds are known for their high nutritional value related to its oil. The effect of temperature on germination is related to cardinal-temperature concepts that describe the range of temperature over which seeds of a particular species can germinate. Therefore, in this study, in addition to calculated germinative parameters such as total germination and germination rate of S. hispanica seeds, the effectiveness of non-linear models for estimating the cardinal temperatures of chia seeds was also determined. We observed that germination of S. hispanica occurred in cold to moderate-high temperatures (10-35 °C), having an optimal range between 25 and 35 °C, with the highest GR and t₅₀ at 30 °C. Temperatures higher than 35 °C significantly reduced germination. Output parameters of the different non-linear models showed that the response of chia germination to temperature was best explained by beta models (B). Cardinal temperatures calculated by the B1 model for chia germination were: 2.52 ± 6.82 °C for the base, 30.45 ± 0.32 °C for the optimum, and 48.58 ± 2.93 °C for the ceiling temperature.

Quantifying Cardinal Temperatures of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Using Non-Linear Regression Models

Temperature is the main factor that impacts germination and therefore the success of annual crops, such as chia (Salvia hispanica L.), whose seeds are known for their high nutritional value related to its oil. The effect of temperature on germination is related to cardinal-temperature concepts that describe the range of temperature over which seeds of a particular species can germinate. Therefore, in this study, in addition to calculated germinative parameters such as total germination and germination rate of S. hispanica seeds, the effectiveness of non-linear models for estimating the cardinal temperatures of chia seeds was also determined. We observed that germination of S. hispanica occurred in cold to moderate-high temperatures (10-35 °C), having an optimal range between 25 and 35 °C, with the highest GR and t₅₀ at 30 °C. Temperatures higher than 35 °C significantly reduced germination. Output parameters of the different non-linear models showed that the response of chia germination to temperature was best explained by beta models (B). Cardinal temperatures calculated by the B1 model for chia germination were: 2.52 ± 6.82 °C for the base, 30.45 ± 0.32 °C for the optimum, and 48.58 ± 2.93 °C for the ceiling temperature.

Malva parviflora Leaves and Fruits Mucilage as Natural Sources of Anti-Inflammatory, Antitussive and Gastro-Protective Agents: A Comparative Study Using Rat Models and Gas Chromatography

Malva parviflora L., Little mallow, has been traditionally used as an alternative food source. It acts as a medicinal herb containing a potential source of mucilage thus herein; we aimed to assess the toxicity, anti-inflammatory, antitussive and gastro-protective actions of M. parviflora mucilage extracted from its leaves (MLM) and fruit (MFM). Toxicity studies were investigated by in vitro hemolytic assay whereas acute anti-inflammatory and antitussive activities were assessed by carrageenan-induced paw edema and sulphur dioxide induced cough model in rats, respectively. Gastro-protective effects were studied using ethanol induced acute and chronic gastric ulcer rat models. Their metabolic profiles were determined using gas chromatography. The results revealed that MLM and MFM were non-toxic towards human erythrocytes and their lethal doses were found to be greater than 5 g/kg. Pretreatment with MLM (500 mg/kg) and MFM (500 mg/kg) significantly reduced the carrageenan-induced paw thickness (p < 0.001). Maximum edema inhibition (%) was observed at 4 h in diclofenac sodium (39.31%) followed by MLM (27.35%) and MFM (15.68%). Animals pretreated with MLM (500 mg/kg) significantly lower the cough frequency in SO2 gas induced cough models in contrast to control. Moreover, MLM at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg reduced the ethanol induced gastric mucosal injuries in acute gastric ulcer models presenting ulcer inhibition of 23.04 and 38.74%, respectively. The chronic gastric ulcer model MFM (500 mg/kg) demonstrated a remarkable gastro-protective effect showing 63.52% ulcer inhibition and results were closely related to standard drug sucralfate. In both models, MLM and MFM decreased gastric juice volume and total acidity in addition to an increased gastric juice pH and gastric mucous content justifying an anti-secretary role of this mucilage that was further confirmed by histopathological examination. Meanwhile, GC analyses of the mucilage revealed their richness with natural as well as acidic monosaccharides. It is concluded that MLM and MFM can be used therapeutically for the management of inflammation, cough and gastric ulcer.

A Concise Review on Taro Mucilage: Extraction Techniques, Chemical Composition, Characterization, Applications, and Health Attributes

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is an important source of carbohydrates as an energy source and is used as a staple food throughout the world. It is rich in mucilage and starch granules, making it a highly digestible ingredient. Mucilage can act as a matrix and a thickening, binding, emulsifying, or foaming agent in food, pharmaceutical, and several other fields of research. Moreover, mucilage can be extracted from several living organisms and has excellent functional properties, such as water-holding, oil-holding, and swelling capacities. Therefore, these remarkable functional properties make mucilage a promising ingredient with possible industrial applications. Furthermore, several extraction techniques, including enzyme-assisted, ultrasonication, microwave-assisted, aquatic, and solvent extraction methods, are used to obtain quantitative amounts of taro mucilage. Coldwater extraction with ethanol precipitation can be considered an effective and cost-effective technique to obtain high-quality mucilage with suitable industrial applications, whereas the ultrasonication method is more expensive but results in a higher amount of mucilage than other emerging techniques. Mucilage can also be used as a fat replacer or reducer, dye remover, coating agent, and antioxidating agent. Therefore, in this review, we detail the key properties related to the extraction techniques, chemical composition, and characterization of taro mucilage, along with its suitable applications and health benefits.

Polysaccharides as wall materials in spray-dried microencapsulation of bioactive compounds: Physicochemical properties and characterization

Natural bioactive compounds (BCs) are types of chemicals found in plants and certain foods that promote good health, however they are sensitive to processing and environmental conditions. Microencapsulation by spray drying is a widely used and cost-effective approach to create a coating layer to surround and protect BCs and control their release, enabling the production of high functional products/ingredients with extended shelf life. In this process, wall materials determine protection efficiency, and physical properties, bioavailability, and storage stability of microencapsulated products. Therefore, an understanding of physicochemical properties of wall materials is essential for the successful and effective spray-dried microencapsulation process. Typically, polysaccharide-based wall materials are generated from more sustainable sources and have a wider range of physicochemical properties and applications compared to their protein-based counterparts. In this review, we highlight the essential physicochemical properties of polysaccharide-based wall materials for spray-dried microencapsulation of BCs including solubility, thermal stability, and emulsifying properties, rheological and film forming properties. We provide further insight into possibilities for the chemical structure modification of native wall materials and their controlled release behaviors. Finally, we summarize the most recent studies involving polysaccharide biopolymers as wall materials and/or emulsifiers in spray-dried microencapsulation of BCs.