Hydrogels as a Potential Biomaterial for Multimodal Therapeutic Applications

Hydrogels, composed of hydrophilic polymer networks, have emerged as versatile materials in biomedical applications due to their high water content, biocompatibility, and tunable properties. They mimic natural tissue environments, enhancing cell viability and function. Hydrogels' tunable physical properties allow for tailored antibacterial biomaterial, wound dressings, cancer treatment, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Their ability to respond to physiological stimuli enables the controlled release of therapeutics, while their porous structure supports nutrient diffusion and waste removal, fostering tissue regeneration and repair. In wound healing, hydrogels provide a moist environment, promote cell migration, and deliver bioactive agents and antibiotics, enhancing the healing process. For cancer therapy, they offer localized drug delivery systems that target tumors, minimizing systemic toxicity and improving therapeutic efficacy. Ocular therapy benefits from hydrogels' capacity to form contact lenses and drug delivery systems that maintain prolonged contact with the eye surface, improving treatment outcomes for various eye diseases. In mucosal delivery, hydrogels facilitate the administration of therapeutics across mucosal barriers, ensuring sustained release and the improved bioavailability of drugs. Tissue regeneration sees hydrogels as scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix, supporting cell growth and differentiation for repairing damaged tissues. Similarly, in bone regeneration, hydrogels loaded with growth factors and stem cells promote osteogenesis and accelerate bone healing. This article highlights some of the recent advances in the use of hydrogels for various biomedical applications, driven by their ability to be engineered for specific therapeutic needs and their interactive properties with biological tissues.

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

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

High-yield production of completely linear dextrans and isomalto-oligosaccharides by a truncated dextransucrase from Ligilactobacillus animalis TMW 1.971

Several lactic acid bacteria are capable of producing water-soluble exopolysaccharides such as dextran from sucrose by using glucansucrases. Several recombinant glucansucrases were described, however, yields were often limited and most dextrans were branched at position O3. In this study, the dextransucrase from Ligilactobacillus animalis TMW 1.971 was recombinantly produced without its N-terminal variable region and used for dextran synthesis. The enzyme expressed well and showed very high total as well as transferase activities compared to other glucansucrases. It was able to transfer nearly all glucose from sucrose to oligo- and polymeric products under certain conditions (about 95 % of glucose transferred). The high efficiency of the enzyme made it possible to obtain absolute dextran yields of up to 214.9 g/L from a 1.5 M sucrose solution. Structural characterization of the products showed that the dextrans produced have a rather low molecular weight, a narrow size distribution, and are completely linear. Furthermore, we showed that various low molecular weight dextrans or 1,6-linked isomalto-oligosaccharides can be efficiently produced by acid hydrolysis. Overall, we demonstrated that Ligilactobacillus animalis TMW 1.971 dextransucrase can be used to efficiently synthesize dextrans with a quite unique structural composition. The dextrans produced have a high potential for further applications such as synthesis of copolymers or size standards with a very defined molecular structure.

Esterification of dextran by octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA): Physicochemical characterization and functional properties assessment

The chemical modification of biopolymers to enhance their functional properties in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries is an area of particular interest today. In this study, different molecular weight dextrans were chemically modified for the first time with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA). This reaction involves an esterification process wherein the hydroxy groups of dextran are partially substituted by a carbonaceous chain, imparting hydrophobic properties to dextran molecules and, consequently, an amphiphilic nature. To assess and quantify the incorporation of OSA into the dextran structure, reaction products were analysed using NMR and FTIR. Additionally, the thermal properties, the Z-potential and the foaming and emulsifying capacity of both native and modified dextrans were examined. The introduction of OSA groups to dextran molecules, with degrees of substitution between 0.028 and 0.058, increased the zeta potential and the thermal stability of the polymer. Furthermore, the chemical modification of dextran backbone with this radical conferred a hydrophobic nature to the biopolymer, which enhance its foaming and emulsifying capacity. Therefore, these results demonstrate that the incorporation of hydrophobic moieties into dextran polymers improves their functional properties and broadens their potential applications in the industry.

Functional characterization of the riboflavin-overproducing and dextran-producing Weissella cibaria BAL3C-5 C120T strain for the development of biofortified plant-based beverages

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is essential for human beings and it has to be provided by healthy nutrition. The use of fermentation with riboflavin-overproducing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) represents an ideal strategy to generate, by in situ biofortification, functional drinks. These beverages can positively contribute to consumer health and address nutritional deficiencies. In the present work, the functional capabilities of Weissella cibaria BAL3C-5 C120T for riboflavin-overproduction and dextran-production during fermentation of oat-, rice-, soybean- and almond-based drinks have been evaluated. It was confirmed that the strain was capable of producing riboflavin and dextran in the analysed drinks. This property was especially pronounced in the oat-based drink, where after 24 h of fermentation the strain was able to increase riboflavin and dextran levels up to 3.4 mg/L and 3.2 g/L, respectively. Moreover, under optimized conditions the strain was able to enrich the fermented oat-based drinks with the prebiotic oligosaccharide panose (up to 6.6 g/L). In addition, in the oat-based drinks BAL3C-5 C120T showed a good pH-lowering ability (from 7.0 to 3.8) as well as a high 80 % cell viability after one month of storage. Rheological analysis of the resulting fermented oat-based beverages revealed a thixotropic structure related to a gel-like behaviour which was not observed in the non-fermented control drinks. In summary, these results confirmed the unique characteristics of W. cibaria BAL3C-5 C120T strain for the development of biofortified and functional plant-based beverages with improved nutritional and rheological properties. Analysis of the BAL3C-5 C120T strain survival under gastrointestinal conditions and its autoaggregation properties, also indicated its potential use as a probiotic delivered in an oat-based fermented beverage. In this context, this study also promotes the utilization of W. cibaria species in health and food industries where it has not yet been used as a starter or adjunct culture.

Advances in Polysaccharide-Based Microneedle Systems for the Treatment of Ocular Diseases

The eye, a complex organ isolated from the systemic circulation, presents significant drug delivery challenges owing to its protective mechanisms, such as the blood-retinal barrier and corneal impermeability. Conventional drug administration methods often fail to sustain therapeutic levels and may compromise patient safety and compliance. Polysaccharide-based microneedles (PSMNs) have emerged as a transformative solution for ophthalmic drug delivery. However, a comprehensive review of PSMNs in ophthalmology has not been published to date. In this review, we critically examine the synergy between polysaccharide chemistry and microneedle technology for enhancing ocular drug delivery. We provide a thorough analysis of PSMNs, summarizing the design principles, fabrication processes, and challenges addressed during fabrication, including improving patient comfort and compliance. We also describe recent advances and the performance of various PSMNs in both research and clinical scenarios. Finally, we review the current regulatory frameworks and market barriers that are relevant to the clinical and commercial advancement of PSMNs and provide a final perspective on this research area.

Principles and Design of Bionic Hydrogel Adhesives for Skin Wound Treatment

Over millions of years of evolution, nature has developed a myriad of unique features that have inspired the design of adhesives for wound healing. Bionic hydrogel adhesives, capable of adapting to the dynamic movements of tissues, possess superior biocompatibility and effectively promote the healing of both external and internal wounds. This paper provides a systematic review of the design and principles of these adhesives, focusing on the treatment of skin wounds, and explores the feasibility of incorporating nature-inspired properties into their design. The adhesion mechanisms of bionic adhesives are analyzed from both chemical and physical perspectives. Materials from natural and synthetic polymers commonly used as adhesives are detailed regarding their biocompatibility and degradability. The multifunctional design elements of hydrogel adhesives for skin trauma treatment, such as self-healing, drug release, responsive design, and optimization of mechanical and physical properties, are further explored. The aim is to overcome the limitations of conventional treatments and offer a safer, more effective solution for the application of bionic wound dressings.

Bottom-Up Synthesized Glucan Materials: Opportunities from Applied Biocatalysis

Linear d-glucans are natural polysaccharides of simple chemical structure. They are comprised of d-glucosyl units linked by a single type of glycosidic bond. Noncovalent interactions within, and between, the d-glucan chains give rise to a broad variety of macromolecular nanostructures that can assemble into crystalline-organized materials of tunable morphology. Structure design and functionalization of d-glucans for diverse material applications largely relies on top-down processing and chemical derivatization of naturally derived starting materials. The top-down approach encounters critical limitations in efficiency, selectivity, and flexibility. Bottom-up approaches of d-glucan synthesis offer different, and often more precise, ways of polymer structure control and provide means of functional diversification widely inaccessible to top-down routes of polysaccharide material processing. Here the natural and engineered enzymes (glycosyltransferases, glycoside hydrolases and phosphorylases, glycosynthases) for d-glucan polymerization are described and the use of applied biocatalysis for the bottom-up assembly of specific d-glucan structures is shown. Advanced material applications of the resulting polymeric products are further shown and their important role in the development of sustainable macromolecular materials in a bio-based circular economy is discussed.

Navigating Skin Delivery Horizon: An Innovative Approach in Pioneering Surface Modification of Ultradeformable Vesicles

In the dynamic landscape of pharmaceutical advancements, the strategic application of active pharmaceutical ingredients to the skin through topical and transdermal routes has emerged as a compelling avenue for therapeutic interventions. This non-invasive approach has garnered considerable attention in recent decades, with numerous attempts yielding approaches and demonstrating substantial clinical potential. However, the formidable barrier function of the skin, mainly the confinement of drugs on the upper layers of the stratum corneum, poses a substantial hurdle, impeding successful drug delivery via this route. Ultradeformable vesicles/carriers (UDVs), positioned within the expansive realm of nanomedicine, have emerged as a promising tool for developing advanced dermal and transdermal therapies. The current review focuses on improving the passive dermal and transdermal targeting capacity by integrating functionalization groups by strategic surface modification of drug-loaded UDV nanocarriers. The present review discusses the details of case studies of different surface-modified UDVs with their bonding strategies and covers the recent patents and clinical trials. The design of surface modifications holds promise for overcoming existing challenges in drug delivery by marking a significant leap forward in the field of pharmaceutical sciences.

New insights into polysaccharide-based nanostructured delivery systems in breast cancer: Possible application of antisense oligonucleotides in breast cancer therapy

The lack of more effective therapies for breast cancer has enhanced mortality among breast cancer patients. Recent efforts have established efficient treatments to reduce breast cancer-related deaths. The ever-increasing attraction to employing biocompatible polysaccharide-based nanostructures as delivery systems has created interest in various disease therapies, especially breast cancer treatment. A wide range of therapeutic cargo comprising bioactive or chemical drugs, oligonucleotides, peptides, and targeted biomarkers have been considered to comprehend their anti-cancer effects against breast cancer. Some limitations of naked agents or undesired constructs, such as no or low bioavailability, enzymatic digestion, short-range stability, low-cellular uptake, poor solubility, and low surface area, have lessened their effectiveness. However, nanoscale formulations of therapeutic ingredients have provided a promising platform to address the mentioned concerns. For instance, some capable polysaccharides, including cellulose, pectin, chitosan, alginate, and dextran, were developed as breast cancer therapeutics with great nanoparticle structures. This review carefully examines the characteristics of beneficial polysaccharides that are utilized in the formation of nanoparticles (NPs). It also highlights the applications of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and NPs made from polysaccharides in the treatment of breast cancer and suggests ways to enhance these particles for future research.

Real time monitoring peripheral nerve function with ICG and BDA-ICG by NIR-II fluorescence imaging

Neuroanatomical tract tracers are important for studying axoplasmic transport and the complex interconnections of the nervous system. Though traditional fluorescent tracers are widely used, they have several prominent drawbacks when imaging, including low resolutions and low tissue penetrations and inability to be supervised dynamically within a long peripheral nerve during the long term. Here, we explored the potential of ICG as a neural tracer for axoplasmic transport and for the first time demonstrated that ICG could be used to detect transport function within peripheral nerve by near-infrared region II (NIR-II) imaging. On basis of this finding, a novel bi-directional neural tracer biotinylated dextran amine-indocyanine green (BDA-ICG) was prepared and characterized with better long-term stability and higher nerve-to-background ratio than ICG in vivo, and successfully imaged the injured peripheral nerve from the healthy one within 24 h. Our results show that BDA-ICG are promising neural tracers and clinically available dyes with NIR-II emission tail characteristics as ICG.

A Review of Recent Developments in Biopolymer Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems with Antioxidative Properties: Insights into the Last Five Years

In recent years, biopolymer-based nano-drug delivery systems with antioxidative properties have gained significant attention in the field of pharmaceutical research. These systems offer promising strategies for targeted and controlled drug delivery while also providing antioxidant effects that can mitigate oxidative stress-related diseases. Generally, the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, necessitating the continual development of innovative therapeutic approaches and drug delivery systems (DDSs). DDSs play a pivotal role in enhancing treatment efficacy, minimizing adverse effects, and optimizing patient compliance. Among these, nanotechnology-driven delivery approaches have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties, such as improved solubility, controlled release, and targeted delivery. Nanomaterials, including nanoparticles, nanocapsules, nanotubes, etc., offer versatile platforms for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Additionally, biopolymer-based DDSs hold immense promise, leveraging natural or synthetic biopolymers to encapsulate drugs and enable targeted and controlled release. These systems offer numerous advantages, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low immunogenicity. The utilization of polysaccharides, polynucleotides, proteins, and polyesters as biopolymer matrices further enhances the versatility and applicability of DDSs. Moreover, substances with antioxidative properties have emerged as key players in combating oxidative stress-related diseases, offering protection against cellular damage and chronic illnesses. The development of biopolymer-based nanoformulations with antioxidative properties represents a burgeoning research area, with a substantial increase in publications in recent years. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments within this area over the past five years. It discusses various biopolymer materials, fabrication techniques, stabilizers, factors influencing degradation, and drug release. Additionally, it highlights emerging trends, challenges, and prospects in this rapidly evolving field.

Recent Advances in the Degradability and Applications of Tissue Adhesives Based on Biodegradable Polymers

In clinical practice, tissue adhesives have emerged as an alternative tool for wound treatments due to their advantages in ease of use, rapid application, less pain, and minimal tissue damage. Since most tissue adhesives are designed for internal use or wound treatments, the biodegradation of adhesives is important. To endow tissue adhesives with biodegradability, in the past few decades, various biodegradable polymers, either natural polymers (such as chitosan, hyaluronic acid, gelatin, chondroitin sulfate, starch, sodium alginate, glucans, pectin, functional proteins, and peptides) or synthetic polymers (such as poly(lactic acid), polyurethanes, polycaprolactone, and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)), have been utilized to develop novel biodegradable tissue adhesives. Incorporated biodegradable polymers are degraded in vivo with time under specific conditions, leading to the destruction of the structure and the further degradation of tissue adhesives. In this review, we first summarize the strategies of utilizing biodegradable polymers to develop tissue adhesives. Furthermore, we provide a symmetric overview of the biodegradable polymers used for tissue adhesives, with a specific focus on the degradability and applications of these tissue adhesives. Additionally, the challenges and perspectives of biodegradable polymer-based tissue adhesives are discussed. We expect that this review can provide new inspirations for the design of novel biodegradable tissue adhesives for biomedical applications.

α-Glucan-type exopolysaccharides with varied linkage patterns: Mitigating post-prandial glucose spike and prolonging the glycemic response

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are traditionally known as prebiotics that foster colon health by serving as microbiota nutrients, while remaining undigested in the small intestine. However, recent findings suggest that α-glucan structures in EPS, with their varied α-linkage types, can be hydrolyzed by mammalian α-glucosidases at differing rates. This study explores α-glucan-type EPSs, including dextran, alternan, and reuteran, assessing their digestive properties both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, while fungal amyloglucosidase - a common in vitro tool for carbohydrate digestibility analysis - shows limited efficacy in breaking down these structures, mammalian intestinal α-glucosidases can partially degrade them into glucose, albeit slowly. In vivo experiments with mice revealed that various EPSs elicited a significantly lower glycemic response (p < 0.05) than glucose, indicating their nature as carbohydrates that are digested slowly. This leads to the conclusion that different α-glucan-type EPSs may serve as ingredients that attenuate post-prandial glycemic responses. Furthermore, rather than serving as mere dietary fibers, they hold the potential for blood glucose regulation, offering new avenues for managing obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and other related-chronic diseases.

Microbial- and seaweed-based biopolymers: Sources, extractions and implications for soil quality improvement and environmental sustainability - A review

Improving soil quality without creating any environmental problems is an unescapable goal of sustainable agroecosystem management, according to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Therefore, sustainable solutions are in high demand. One of these is the use of biopolymers derived from microbes and seaweed. This paper aims to provide an overview of the sources of extraction and use of microbial (bacteria and cyanobacteria) and seaweed-based biopolymers as soil conditioners, the characteristics of biopolymer-treated soils, and their environmental concerns. A preliminary search was also carried out on the entire Scopus database on biopolymers to find out how much attention has been paid to biopolymers as biofertilizers compared to other applications of these molecules until now. Several soil quality indicators were evaluated, including soil moisture, color, structure, porosity, bulk density, temperature, aggregate stability, nutrient availability, organic matter, and microbial activity. The mechanisms involved in improving soil quality were also discussed.

Enhancing Stability and Antioxidant Activity of Resveratrol-Loaded Emulsions by Ovalbumin-Dextran Conjugates

A reliable strategy for improving the stability and shelf life of protein-stabilized systems is by covalently attaching the protein onto a polysaccharide. In this study, ovalbumin (OVA) was modified with dextran (DEX) of different molecular weights by the Maillard reaction, and was used to enhance the stability of emulsions loaded with resveratrol. The surface hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and FT-IR spectroscopy of the OVA-DEX conjugates were evaluated. The results showed that the surface hydrophobicity of OVA decreased, while the thermal stability of OVA was significantly improved after DEX covalent modification. The OVA-DEX1k-stabilized emulsion exhibited high encapsulation efficiency of resveratrol, with the value of 89.0%. In addition, OVA-DEX was considerably more effective in droplet stabilization against different environmental stresses (heat, pH, and ionic strength). After 28 days of storage at 25 °C, the OVA-stabilized emulsion showed faster decomposition of resveratrol, whereas the OVA-DEX-conjugate-stabilized emulsion had approximately 73% retention of resveratrol. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of resveratrol-loaded emulsions stabilized by OVA-DEX was higher during storage under different temperatures. These results proved that the OVA-DEX conjugates had the potential to form stable, food-grade emulsion-based delivery systems against environmental stresses, which strongly supports their potential in the field of food and biomedical applications.

Regioselective palladium-catalysed aerobic oxidation of dextran and its use as a bio-based binder in paperboard coatings

The coatings industry is aiming to replace petrochemical-based binders in products such as paints and lacquers with bio-based alternatives. Native polysaccharide additives are already used, especially as adhesives, and here we show the use of oxidised dextran as a bio-based binder additive. Linear dextran with a molecular weight of 6 kDa was aerobically oxidised in water at the C3-position of its glucose units, catalysed by [(neocuproine)PdOAc]2(OTf)2. The resulting keto-dextran with different oxidation degrees was studied using adipic dihydrazide as a crosslinker in combination with the commercial petrochemical-based binder Joncryl®. Coating experiments show that part of the Joncryl® can be replaced by keto-dextran while maintaining the desired performance.

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron metabolic activity decreases with polysaccharide molecular weight

The human colon hosts hundreds of commensal bacterial species, many of which ferment complex dietary carbohydrates. To transform these fibers into metabolically accessible compounds, microbes often express a series of dedicated enzymes homologous to the starch utilization system (Sus) encoded in polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs). The genome of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (Bt), a common member of the human gut microbiota, encodes nearly 100 PULs, conferring a strong metabolic versatility. While the structures and functions of individual enzymes within the PULs have been investigated, little is known about how polysaccharide complexity impacts the function of Sus-like systems. We here show that the activity of Sus-like systems depends on polysaccharide size, ultimately impacting bacterial growth. We demonstrate the effect of size-dependent metabolism in the context of dextran metabolism driven by the specific utilization system PUL48. We find that as the molecular weight of dextran increases, Bt growth rate decreases and lag time increases. At the enzymatic level, the dextranase BT3087, a glycoside hydrolase (GH) belonging to the GH family 66, is the main GH for dextran utilization, and BT3087 and BT3088 contribute to Bt dextran metabolism in a size-dependent manner. Finally, we show that the polysaccharide size-dependent metabolism of Bt impacts its metabolic output in a way that modulates the composition of a producer-consumer community it forms with Bacteroides fragilis. Altogether, our results expose an overlooked aspect of Bt metabolism that can impact the composition and diversity of microbiota.

IMPORTANCE

Polysaccharides are complex molecules that are commonly found in our diet. While humans lack the ability to degrade many polysaccharides, their intestinal microbiota contain bacterial commensals that are versatile polysaccharide utilizers. The gut commensal Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron dedicates roughly 20% of their genomes to the expression of polysaccharide utilization loci for the broad range utilization of polysaccharides. Although it is known that different polysaccharide utilization loci are dedicated to the degradation of specific polysaccharides with unique glycosidic linkages and monosaccharide compositions, it is often overlooked that specific polysaccharides may also exist in various molecular weights. These different physical attributes may impact their processability by starch utilization system-like systems, leading to differing growth rates and nutrient-sharing properties at the community level. Therefore, understanding how molecular weight impacts utilization by gut microbe may lead to the potential design of novel precision prebiotics.

Exploring polysaccharide-based bio-adhesive topical film as a potential platform for wound dressing application: A review

Wound dressings act as a physical barrier between the wound site and the external environment, preventing additional harm; choosing suitable wound dressings is essential for the healing process. Polysaccharide biopolymers have demonstrated encouraging findings and therapeutic prospects in recent decades about wound therapy. Additionally, polysaccharides have bioactive qualities like anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant capabilities that can help the process of healing. Due to their excellent tissue adhesion, swelling, water absorption, bactericidal, and immune-regulating properties, polysaccharide-based bio-adhesive films have recently been investigated as intriguing alternatives in wound management. These films also mimic the structure of the skin and stimulate the regeneration of the skin. This review presented several design standards and functions of suitable bio-adhesive films for the healing of wounds. Additionally, the most recent developments in the use of bio-adhesive films as wound dressings based on polysaccharides, including hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dextran, alginate, chitosan, cellulose, konjac glucomannan, gellan gum, xanthan gum, pectin, guar gum, heparin, arabinogalactans, carrageen, and tragacanth gum, are thoroughly discussed. Lastly, to create a road map for the function of polysaccharide-based bio-adhesive films in advanced wound care, their clinical performances and future challenges in making bio-adhesive films by three-dimensional bioprinting are summarized.

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

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

Instant Candida albicans Detection Using Ultra-Stable Aptamer Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles

Fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans have significant impacts on women's health and the economy worldwide. Current detection methods often require access to laboratory facilities that are costly, inconvenient, and slow to access. This often leads to self-diagnosis, self-treatment and eventual antifungal resistance. We have created a rapid (within five minutes), cost-effective, and user-friendly method for the early detection of Candida albicans. Our platform utilises aptamer-tagged-gold-core-shell nanoparticles for Candida albicans detection based on the presence of 1,3-β-d glucan molecules. Nanoparticle aggregation occurs in the presence of Candida albicans fungal cells, causing a redshift in the UV-visible absorbance, turning from pink/purple to blue. This colour change is perceptible by the naked eye and provides a "yes"/"no" result. Our platform was also capable of detecting Candida albicans from individual yeast colonies without prior sample processing, dilution or purification. Candida albicans yeast cells were detected with our platform at concentrations as low as 5 × 105 cells within a 50 μL sample volume. We believe that this technology has the potential to revolutionise women's health, enabling women to test for Candida albicans accurately and reliably from home. This approach would be advantageous within remote or developing areas.

A Long-Chain Dextran Produced by Weissella cibaria Boosts the Diversity of Health-Related Gut Microbes Ex Vivo

Long-chain dextrans are α-glucans that can be produced by lactic acid bacteria. NextDextTM, a specific long-chain dextran with a high degree of polymerisation, produced using Weissella cibaria, was recently shown to exert prebiotic potential in vitro. In this study, the ex vivo SIFR® technology, recently validated to provide predictive insights into gut microbiome modulation down to the species level, was used to investigate the effects of this long-chain dextran on the gut microbiota of six human adults that altogether covered different enterotypes. A novel community modulation score (CMS) was introduced based on the strength of quantitative 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the highly controlled ex vivo conditions. This CMS overcomes the limitations of traditional α-diversity indices and its application in the current study revealed that dextran is a potent booster of microbial diversity compared to the reference prebiotic inulin (IN). Long-chain dextran not only exerted bifidogenic effects but also consistently promoted Bacteroides spp., Parabacteroides distasonis and butyrate-producing species like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Anaerobutyricum hallii. Further, long-chain dextran treatment resulted in lower gas production compared to IN, suggesting that long-chain dextran could be better tolerated. The additional increase in Bacteroides for dextran compared to IN is likely related to the higher propionate:acetate ratio, attributing potential to long-chain dextran for improving metabolic health and weight management. Moreover, the stimulation of butyrate by dextran suggests its potential for improving gut barrier function and inflammation. Overall, this study provides a novel tool for assessing gut microbial diversity ex vivo and positions long-chain dextran as a substrate that has unique microbial diversity enhancing properties.

Overview of processed excipients in ocular drug delivery: Opportunities so far and bottlenecks

Ocular drug delivery presents a unique set of challenges owing to the complex anatomy and physiology of the eye. Processed excipients have emerged as crucial components in overcoming these challenges and improving the efficacy and safety of ocular drug delivery systems. This comprehensive overview examines the opportunities that processed excipients offer in enhancing drug delivery to the eye. By analyzing the current landscape, this review highlights the successful applications of processed excipients, such as micro- and nano-formulations, sustained-release systems, and targeted delivery strategies. Furthermore, this article delves into the bottlenecks that have impeded the widespread adoption of these excipients, including formulation stability, biocompatibility, regulatory constraints, and cost-effectiveness. Through a critical evaluation of existing research and industry practices, this review aims to provide insights into the potential avenues for innovation and development in ocular drug delivery, with a focus on addressing the existing challenges associated with processed excipients. This synthesis contributes to a deeper understanding of the promising role of processed excipients in improving ocular drug delivery systems and encourages further research and development in this rapidly evolving field.

Comprehensive structural characterization of water-soluble and water-insoluble homoexopolysaccharides from seven lactic acid bacteria

Several lactic acid bacteria are able to produce water-soluble and water-insoluble homoexopolysaccharides (HoEPS) from sucrose. In this study, structures of all HoEPS which were fermentatively produced by Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. dextranicum NRRL B-1121 and B-1144, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides NRRL B-1149, B-1438 and B-1118, Leuconostoc suionicum DSM 20241, and Liquorilactobacillus satsumensis DSM 16230 were systematically analyzed. Monosaccharide analysis, methylation analysis, NMR spectroscopy, size-exclusion chromatography, and different enzymatic fingerprinting methods were used to obtain detailed structural information. All strains produced water-soluble dextrans and/or levans as well as water-insoluble glucans. Levans showed different degrees of branching and high molecular weights, whereas dextrans had comparable structures and broader size distributions. Fine structures of water-soluble HoEPS were analyzed after endo-dextranase and endo-levanase hydrolysis. Water-insoluble glucans were composed of different portions of 1,3-linkages (5 to 40 %). Hydrolysis with endo-dextranase and endo-mutanase yielded further information on block sizes and varying fine structures. Overall, clear differences between HoEPS yields and structures were observed.

Exploring the potential of polysaccharide-based hybrid hydrogel systems for their biomedical and therapeutic applications: A review

Hydrogels are a versatile category of biomaterials that have been widely applied in the fields of biomedicine for the last several decades. The three-dimensional polymeric crosslinked hydrophilic structures of the hydrogel can proficiently hold drugs, nanoparticles, and cells, making them a potential delivery system. However, disadvantages like low mechanical strength, poor biocompatibility, and unusual in-vivo biodegradation are associated with conventional hydrogels. To overcome these hurdles, hybrid hydrogels are designed using two or more structurally different polymeric units. Polysaccharides, characterized by their innate biocompatibility, biodegradability, and abundance, establish an ideal foundation for the development of these hybrid hydrogels. This review aims to discuss the studies that have utilized naturally occurring polysaccharides to prepare hybrid systems, which were aimed for various biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, bone and cartilage regeneration, wound healing, skin cancer treatment, antimicrobial therapy, osteoarthritis treatment, and drug delivery. Furthermore, this review extensively examines the properties of the employed polysaccharides within hydrogel matrices, emphasizing the advantageous characteristics that make them a preferred choice. Furthermore, the challenges associated with the commercial implementation of these systems are explored alongside an assessment of the current patent landscape.

Exploring the diverse applications of Carbohydrate macromolecules in food, pharmaceutical, and environmental technologies

Carbohydrates are a class of macromolecules that has significant potential across several domains, including the organisation of genetic material, provision of structural support, and facilitation of defence mechanisms against invasion. Their molecular diversity enables a vast array of essential functions, such as energy storage, immunological signalling, and the modification of food texture and consistency. Due to their rheological characteristics, solubility, sweetness, hygroscopicity, ability to prevent crystallization, flavour encapsulation, and coating capabilities, carbohydrates are useful in food products. Carbohydrates hold potential for the future of therapeutic development due to their important role in sustained drug release, drug targeting, immune antigens, and adjuvants. Bio-based packaging provides an emerging phase of materials that offer biodegradability and biocompatibility, serving as a substitute for traditional non-biodegradable polymers used as coatings on paper. Blending polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) with carbohydrate biopolymers, such as starch, cellulose, polylactic acid, etc., reduces the undesirable qualities of PHA, such as crystallinity and brittleness, and enhances the PHA's properties in addition to minimizing manufacturing costs. Carbohydrate-based biopolymeric nanoparticles are a viable and cost-effective way to boost agricultural yields, which is crucial for the increasing global population. The use of biopolymeric nanoparticles derived from carbohydrates is a potential and economically viable approach to enhance the quality and quantity of agricultural harvests, which is of utmost importance given the developing global population. The carbohydrate biopolymers may play in plant protection against pathogenic fungi by inhibiting spore germination and mycelial growth, may act as effective elicitors inducing the plant immune system to cope with pathogens. Furthermore, they can be utilised as carriers in controlled-release formulations of agrochemicals or other active ingredients, offering an alternative approach to conventional fungicides. It is expected that this review provides an extensive summary of the application of carbohydrates in the realms of food, pharmaceuticals, and environment.

Marine-derived polysaccharides and their therapeutic potential in wound healing application - A review

Polysaccharides originating from marine sources have been studied as potential material for use in wound dressings because of their desirable characteristics of biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity. Marine-derived polysaccharides used as wound dressing, provide several benefits such as promoting wound healing by providing a moist environment that facilitates cell migration and proliferation. They can also act as a barrier against external contaminants and provide a protective layer to prevent further damage to the wound. Research studies have shown that marine-derived polysaccharides can be used to develop different types of wound dressings such as hydrogels, films, and fibres. These dressings can be personalised to meet specific requirements based on the type and severity of the wound. For instance, hydrogels can be used for deep wounds to provide a moist environment, while films can be used for superficial wounds to provide a protective barrier. Additionally, these polysaccharides can be modified to improve their properties, such as enhancing their mechanical strength or increasing their ability to release bioactive molecules that can promote wound healing. Overall, marine-derived polysaccharides show great promise for developing effective and safe wound dressings for various wound types.

Remineralization of Dentin with Cerium Oxide and Its Potential Use for Root Canal Disinfection

Objective

This study was to investigate a novel antibacterial biomimetic mineralization strategy for exploring its potential application for root canal disinfection when stabilized cerium oxide was used.

Material and Methods

A biomimetic mineralization solution (BMS) consisting of cerium nitrate and dextran was prepared. Single-layer collagen fibrils, collagen membranes, demineralized dentin, and root canal system were treated with the BMS for mineralization. The mineralized samples underwent comprehensive characterization using various techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and micro-CT. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of the BMS and the remineralized dentin were also analyzed with broth microdilution method, live/dead staining, and SEM.

Results

Cerium ions in the BMS underwent a transformation into cerium oxide nanoparticles, which were deposited in the inter- and intra-fibrillar collagen spaces through a meticulous bottom-up process. XPS analysis disclosed the presence of both Ce (III) and Ce (IV) of the generated cerium oxides. A comprehensive examination utilizing SEM and micro-CT identified the presence of cerium oxide nanoparticles deposited within the dentinal tubules and lateral canals of the root canal system. The BMS and remineralized dentin exhibited substantial antibacterial efficacy against E. faecalis, as substantiated by assessments involving the broth dilution method and live/dead staining technique. The SEM findings revealed the cell morphological changes of deceased E. faecalis.

Conclusion

This study successfully demonstrated antibacterial biomimetic mineralization as well as sealing dentinal tubules and lateral branches of root canals using cerium nitrate and dextran. This novel biomimetic mineralization could be used as an alternative strategy for root canal disinfection.

Macromolecular Crowding and DNA: Bridging the Gap between In Vitro and In Vivo

The cellular environment is highly crowded, with up to 40% of the volume fraction of the cell occupied by various macromolecules. Most laboratory experiments take place in dilute buffer solutions; by adding various synthetic or organic macromolecules, researchers have begun to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo measurements. This is a review of the reported effects of macromolecular crowding on the compaction and extension of DNA, the effect of macromolecular crowding on DNA kinetics, and protein-DNA interactions. Theoretical models related to macromolecular crowding and DNA are briefly reviewed. Gaps in the literature, including the use of biologically relevant crowders, simultaneous use of multi-sized crowders, empirical connections between macromolecular crowding and liquid-liquid phase separation of nucleic materials are discussed.

Mechanical properties and wound healing potential of bacterial cellulose-xyloglucan-dextran hydrogels

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a promising material for use as an artificial skin in wound healing application, however, its applications are limited due to its poor malleability. Incorporating non-cellulosic polysaccharides such as dextran and xyloglucan (XG) may enhance its respective wound healing and malleability. This study presents a novel in situ biopreparation method to produce BC-based hybrid hydrogels containing dextran (BC-D) and xyloglucan-dextran (BC-XG-D) with unique mechanical and rheological properties. Structural analysis revealed that dextran of different sizes (10 k, 70 k and 2 M of Mw) form micron-sized particles by loosely binding to cellulosic fibres. The addition of xyloglucan resulted acts as a lubricant in mechanical testing. The BC-XG-D hybrid hydrogels showed a reduced Young's modulus of 4 MPa and a higher maximum tensile strain of 53 % compared to native BC. Moreover, they displayed less plastic but more viscous behaviour under large shear strain deformation. The wound healing animal model experiments demonstrated that the BC-XG-D hybrid hydrogels promoted wound healing process and skin maturation. Overall, these findings contribute to the development of functional BC-based medical materials with desired mechanical and rheological properties that have the potential to accelerate wound healing.

Activation and differentiation of cognate T cells by a dextran-based antigen-presenting system for cancer immunotherapy

Immunotherapeutic modulation of antigen-specific T-cell responses instead of the whole repertoire helps avoid immune-related adverse events. We have developed an artificial antigen-presenting system (aAPS) where multiple copies of a multimeric peptide-MHC class I complex presenting a murine class I MHC restricted ovalbumin-derived peptide (signal 1), along with a costimulatory ligand (signal 2) are chemically conjugated to a dextran backbone. Cognate naive CD8+ T cells, when treated with this aAPS underwent significant expansion and showed an activated phenotype. Furthermore, elevated expression of effector cytokines led to the differentiation of these cells to cytotoxic T lymphocytes which resulted in target cell lysis, indicative of the functional efficacy of the aAPS. CD8+ T cells with decreased proliferative potential due to repeated antigenic stimulation could also be re-expanded by the developed aAPS. Thus, the developed aAPS warrants further engineering for future application as a rapidly customizable personalized immunotherapeutic agent, incorporating patient-specific MHC-restricted tumor antigens and different costimulatory signals to modulate both naive and antigen-experienced but exhausted tumor-specific T cells in cancer.

Translational Challenges and Prospective Solutions in the Implementation of Biomimetic Delivery Systems

Biomimetic delivery systems (BDSs), inspired by the intricate designs of biological systems, have emerged as a groundbreaking paradigm in nanomedicine, offering unparalleled advantages in therapeutic delivery. These systems, encompassing platforms such as liposomes, protein-based nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, and polysaccharides, are lauded for their targeted delivery, minimized side effects, and enhanced therapeutic outcomes. However, the translation of BDSs from research settings to clinical applications is fraught with challenges, including reproducibility concerns, physiological stability, and rigorous efficacy and safety evaluations. Furthermore, the innovative nature of BDSs demands the reevaluation and evolution of existing regulatory and ethical frameworks. This review provides an overview of BDSs and delves into the multifaceted translational challenges and present emerging solutions, underscored by real-world case studies. Emphasizing the potential of BDSs to redefine healthcare, we advocate for sustained interdisciplinary collaboration and research. As our understanding of biological systems deepens, the future of BDSs in clinical translation appears promising, with a focus on personalized medicine and refined patient-specific delivery systems.

Production of Exopolysaccharide-Based Porous Structures for Biomedical Applications: A Review

Exopolysaccharides, obtained from microorganisms as fermentation products, are interesting candidates for biomedical applications as scaffolds: they are biocompatible, nontoxic, antimicrobial, antitumor materials. To produce exopolysaccharide-based scaffolds, sol-gel technology could be used, which ends with the removal of the liquid phase from the polymeric network (i.e., the drying step). The aim of this review is to point out the most relevant strengths and weaknesses of the different drying techniques, focusing attention on the production of exopolysaccharide-based porous structures. Among these drying processes, supercritical carbon dioxide-assisted drying is the most promising strategy to obtain dried gels to use in the biomedical field: it produces highly porous and lightweight devices with outstanding surface areas and regular microstructure and nanostructure (i.e., aerogels). As a result of the analysis carried out in the present work, it emerged that supercritical technologies should be further explored and applied to the production of exopolysaccharide-based nanostructured scaffolds. Moving research towards this direction, exopolysaccharide utilization could be intensified and extended to the production of high added-value devices.

Dextranase Production Using Marine Microbacterium sp. XD05 and Its Application

Dextranase, also known as glucanase, is a hydrolase enzyme that cleaves α-1,6 glycosidic bonds. In this study, a dextranase-producing strain was isolated from water samples of the Qingdao Sea and identified as Microbacterium sp. This strain was further evaluated for growth conditions, enzyme-producing conditions, enzymatic properties, and hydrolysates. Yeast extract and sodium chloride were found to be the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources for strain growth, while sucrose and ammonium sodium were found to be suitable carbon and nitrogen sources for fermentation. The optimal pH was 7.5, with a culture temperature of 40 °C and a culture time of 48 h. Dextranase produced by strain XD05 showed good thermal stability at 40 °C by retaining more than 70% relative enzyme activity. The pH stability of the enzyme was better under a weak alkaline condition (pH 6.0-8.0). The addition of NH4+ increased dextranase activity, while Co2+ and Mn2+ had slight inhibitory effects on dextranase activity. In addition, high-performance liquid chromatography showed that dextran is mainly hydrolyzed to maltoheptanose, maltohexanose, maltopentose, and maltootriose. Moreover, it can form corn porous starch. Dextranase can be used in various fields, such as food, medicine, chemical industry, cosmetics, and agriculture.

Structural diversity, functional versatility and applications in industrial, environmental and biomedical sciences of polysaccharides and its derivatives - A review

Recent efforts on the expansion of sustainable and commercial primal matters are essential to enhance the knowledge of their hazards and noxiousness to humans and their environments. For example, polysaccharide materials are widely utilized in food, wound dressing, tissue engineering, industry, targeted drug delivery, environmental, and bioremediation due to their attractive degradability, nontoxicity and biocompatibility. There are numerous easy, quick, and efficient ways to manufacture these materials that include cellulose, starch, chitosan, chitin, dextran, pectin, gums, and pullulan. Further, they exhibit distinctive properties when combined favourably with raw materials from other sources. This review discusses the synthesis and novel applications of these carbohydrate polymers in industrial, environmental and biomedical sciences.

Fibrin-Dextran Hydrogels with Tunable Porosity and Mechanical Properties

Hydrogels as scaffolds in tissue engineering have gained increasing attention in recent years. Natural hydrogels, e.g., collagen or fibrin, are limited by their weak mechanical properties and fast degradation, whereas synthetic hydrogels face issues with biocompatibility and biodegradation. Therefore, combining natural and synthetic polymers to design hydrogels with tunable mechanical stability and cell affinity for biomedical applications is of interest. By using fibrin with its excellent cell compatibility and dextran with controllable mechanical properties, a novel bio-based hydrogel can be formed. Here, we synthesized fibrin and dextran-methacrylate (MA)-based hydrogels with tailorable mechanical properties, controllable degradation, variable pore sizes, and ability to support cell proliferation. The hydrogels are formed through in situ gelation of fibrinogen and dextran-MA with thrombin and dithiothreitol. Swelling and nuclear magnetic resonance diffusometry measurements showed that the water uptake and mesh sizes of fabricated hydrogels decrease with increasing dextran-MA concentrations. Cell viability tests confirm that these hydrogels exhibit no cytotoxic effect.

Photocrosslinked methacrylated natural macromolecular hydrogels for tissue engineering: A review

A hydrogel is a three-dimensional (3D) network structure formed through polymer crosslinking, and these have emerged as a popular research topic in recent years. Hydrogel crosslinking can be classified as physical, chemical, or enzymatic, and photocrosslinking is a branch of chemical crosslinking. Compared with other methods, photocrosslinking can control the hydrogel crosslinking initiation, crosslinking time, and crosslinking strength using light. Owing to these properties, photocrosslinked hydrogels have important research prospects in tissue engineering, in situ gel formation, 3D bioprinting, and drug delivery. Methacrylic anhydride modification is a common method for imparting photocrosslinking properties to polymers, and graft-substituted polymers can be photocrosslinked under UV irradiation. In this review, we first introduce the characteristics of common natural polysaccharide- and protein-based hydrogels and the processes used for methacrylate group modification. Next, we discuss the applications of methacrylated natural hydrogels in tissue engineering. Finally, we summarize and discuss existing methacrylated natural hydrogels in terms of limitations and future developments. We expect that this review will help researchers in this field to better understand the synthesis of methacrylate-modified natural hydrogels and their applications in tissue engineering.

Microbial exopolysaccharides in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries

The most significant and renewable class of polymeric materials are extracellular exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by microorganisms. Because of their diverse chemical and structural makeup, EPSs play a variety of functions in a variety of industries, including the agricultural industry, dairy industry, biofilms, cosmetics, and others, demonstrating their biotechnological significance. EPSs are typically utilized in high-value applications, and current research has focused heavily on them because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and compatibility with both people and the environment. Due to their high production costs, only a few microbial EPSs have been commercially successful. The emergence of financial barriers and the growing significance of microbial EPSs in industrial and medical biotechnology has increased interest in exopolysaccharides. Since exopolysaccharides can be altered in a variety of ways, their use is expected to increase across a wide range of industries in the coming years. This review introduces some significant EPSs and their composites while concentrating on their biomedical uses.

Marine Microbial Polysaccharides: An Untapped Resource for Biotechnological Applications

As the largest habitat on Earth, the marine environment harbors various microorganisms of biotechnological potential. Indeed, microbial compounds, especially polysaccharides from marine species, have been attracting much attention for their applications within the medical, pharmaceutical, food, and other industries, with such interest largely stemming from the extensive structural and functional diversity displayed by these natural polymers. At the same time, the extreme conditions within the aquatic ecosystem (e.g., temperature, pH, salinity) may not only induce microorganisms to develop a unique metabolism but may also increase the likelihood of isolating novel polysaccharides with previously unreported characteristics. However, despite their potential, only a few microbial polysaccharides have actually reached the market, with even fewer being of marine origin. Through a synthesis of relevant literature, this review seeks to provide an overview of marine microbial polysaccharides, including their unique characteristics. In particular, their suitability for specific biotechnological applications and recent progress made will be highlighted before discussing the challenges that currently limit their study as well as their potential for wider applications. It is expected that this review will help to guide future research in the field of microbial polysaccharides, especially those of marine origin.

Fabrication, in-vitro digestion and pH-responsive release behavior of soy protein isolate glycation conjugates-based hydrogels

Hydrogel made by glycated soy protein isolate (SPI) conjugates is a promising gastrointestinal targeted delivery system for bioactives. In this study, SPI conjugates were prepared with dextran molecules at various molecular weights by Maillard reaction -based heating, and then used to fabricate hydrogel aided by transglutaminase. The modification on the structure, interfacial and rheological properties of SPI by dextran was studied. The physicochemical properties, digestion behavior and curcumin-encapsulation capacity of resultant SPI-dextran hydrogels were comprehensively studied. As compared to SPI and SPI-glucose conjugates-based hydrogels, SPI-dextran hydrogels showed lower mechanical properties but more homogeneous gel network. Dextran with higher molecular weight showed lower grafting degree on SPI, but was more effective on improving the thermos-set gel performance, and resistance to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The contribution of glycinin and β-conglycinin, two major individual proteins of SPI, in the dextran conjugates formation were predicated by molecular docking for the first time. The impact of molecular weight of dextran on glycated SPI hydrogel-based delivery systems was comprehensively investigated, which is promising for development of functional food applications.

Microbiome Analysis of Sugarcane Juices and Biofilms from Louisiana Raw Sugar Factories

During postharvest processing of sugarcane for raw sugar, microbial activity results in sucrose loss and undesirable exopolysaccharide (EPS) production. Historically, culture-based approaches have focused on the bacterium Leuconostoc mesenteroides as the main contributor to both processes. However, recent studies have shown that diverse microbes are present in sugarcane factories and may also contribute to sugarcane juice deterioration. In the present study, high-throughput amplicon-based sequence profiling was applied to gain a more comprehensive view of the microbial community in Louisiana raw sugar factories. Microbial profiling of the bacterial and fungal microbiomes by 16S V4 and ITS1 sequences, respectively, identified 417 bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and 793 fungal ASVs. While Leuconostoc was indeed the most abundant bacterial genus overall (40.9% of 16S sequences), multiple samples were dominated by other taxa such as Weissella and Lactobacillus, underscoring the microbial diversity present in sugarcane factories. Furthermore, flask cultures inoculated with the same samples demonstrated differences in the rate of sucrose consumption, as well as the production of exopolysaccharides and other organic acids, which may result from the observed differences in microbial composition. IMPORTANCE Amplicon-based sequencing was utilized to address long-ignored gaps in microbiological knowledge about the diversity of microbes present in processing streams at Louisiana sugarcane raw sugar factories. These results support an emerging model where diverse organisms contribute to sugarcane juice degradation, help to contextualize microbial contamination problems faced by raw sugar factories, and will guide future studies on biocontrol measures to mitigate sucrose losses and operational challenges due to exopolysaccharide production.

Wall Materials for Encapsulating Bioactive Compounds via Spray-Drying: A Review

Spray-drying is a continuous encapsulation method that effectively preserves, stabilizes, and retards the degradation of bioactive compounds by encapsulating them within a wall material. The resulting capsules exhibit diverse characteristics influenced by factors such as operating conditions (e.g., air temperature and feed rate) and the interactions between the bioactive compounds and the wall material. This review aims to compile recent research (within the past 5 years) on spray-drying for bioactive compound encapsulation, emphasizing the significance of wall materials in spray-drying and their impact on encapsulation yield, efficiency, and capsule morphology.

A bacteriostatic hemostatic dressing prepared from l-glutamine-modified chitosan, tannic acid-modified gelatin and oxidized dextran

In this study, porous hemostatic sponges (CGS1, CGS2 and CGS3) with proper absorption (38-43×) and air permeability (2214 g/m²·day) were prepared from l-glutamine-modified chitosan (CG), tannic acid-modified gelatin (GTA), and oxidized dextran (ODEX) by Schiff base crosslinking reaction. Among them, CGS2 was proved to have high porosity (88.98 %), durable water retention (>6 h), strong antibacterial activity, proper mechanical quality, and suitable tissue adhesion. In addition, CGS2 had good biocompatibility, mainly manifested in low hemolysis rate (<0.4 %), low cytotoxicity (relative cell activity>90 %), and good biodegradability in vitro. The hemostatic time and blood loss in CGS2 group were much lower than those in commercial gelatin sponge group in three animal injury models. Moreover, the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and the prothrombin time (PT) results indicated that CGS2 promoted coagulation by activating the endogenous coagulation pathway. These results suggested that CGS2 had great potential for rapid hemostasis and avoidance of wound infection.

Microbial Exopolysaccharide Composites in Biomedicine and Healthcare: Trends and Advances

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPSs), e.g., xanthan, dextran, gellan, curdlan, etc., have significant applications in several industries (pharma, food, textiles, petroleum, etc.) due to their biocompatibility, nontoxicity, and functional characteristics. However, biodegradability, poor cell adhesion, mineralization, and lower enzyme activity are some other factors that might hinder commercial applications in healthcare practices. Some EPSs lack biological activities that make them prone to degradation in ex vivo, as well as in vivo environments. The blending of EPSs with other natural and synthetic polymers can improve the structural, functional, and physiological characteristics, and make the composites suitable for a diverse range of applications. In comparison to EPS, composites have more mechanical strength, porosity, and stress-bearing capacity, along with a higher cell adhesion rate, and mineralization that is required for tissue engineering. Composites have a better possibility for biomedical and healthcare applications and are used for 2D and 3D scaffold fabrication, drug carrying and delivery, wound healing, tissue regeneration, and engineering. However, the commercialization of these products still needs in-depth research, considering commercial aspects such as stability within ex vivo and in vivo environments, the presence of biological fluids and enzymes, degradation profile, and interaction within living systems. The opportunities and potential applications are diverse, but more elaborative research is needed to address the challenges. In the current article, efforts have been made to summarize the recent advancements in applications of exopolysaccharide composites with natural and synthetic components, with special consideration of pharma and healthcare applications.

Biopolymers Produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria: Characterization and Food Application

Plants, animals, bacteria, and food waste are subjects of intensive research, as they are biological sources for the production of biopolymers. The topic links to global challenges related to the extended life cycle of products, and circular economy objectives. A severe and well-known threat to the environment, the non-biodegradability of plastics obliges different stakeholders to find legislative and technical solutions for producing valuable polymers which are biodegradable and also exhibit better characteristics for packaging products. Microorganisms are recognized nowadays as exciting sources for the production of biopolymers with applications in the food industry, package production, and several other fields. Ubiquitous organisms, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are well studied for the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS), but much less as producers of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Based on their good biodegradability feature, as well as the possibility to be obtained from cheap biomass, PLA and PHAs polymers currently receive increased attention from both research and industry. The present review aims to provide an overview of LAB strains' characteristics that render them candidates for the biosynthesis of EPS, PLA, and PHAs, respectively. Further, the biopolymers' features are described in correlation with their application in different food industry fields and for food packaging. Having in view that the production costs of the polymers constitute their major drawback, alternative solutions of biosynthesis in economic terms are discussed.

Biodegradable Biopolymeric Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications-Challenges and Future Outlook

Biopolymers are polymers obtained from either renewable or non-renewable sources and are the most suitable candidate for tailor-made nanoparticles owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity and immunogenicity. Biopolymeric nanoparticles (BPn) can be classified as natural (polysaccharide and protein based) and synthetic on the basis of their origin. They have been gaining wide interest in biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, imaging and cancer therapy. BPn can be synthesized by various fabrication strategies such as emulsification, ionic gelation, nanoprecipitation, electrospray drying and so on. The main aim of the review is to understand the use of nanoparticles obtained from biodegradable biopolymers for various biomedical applications. There are very few reviews highlighting biopolymeric nanoparticles employed for medical applications; this review is an attempt to explore the possibilities of using these materials for various biomedical applications. This review highlights protein based (albumin, gelatin, collagen, silk fibroin); polysaccharide based (chitosan, starch, alginate, dextran) and synthetic (Poly lactic acid, Poly vinyl alcohol, Poly caprolactone) BPn that has recently been used in many applications. The fabrication strategies of different BPn are also being highlighted. The future perspective and the challenges faced in employing biopolymeric nanoparticles are also reviewed.

The in-situ dextran produced in rice protein yogurt: Effect on viscosity and structural characteristics

Phase separation is one of the primary quality control issues for plant-based beverages during storage. This study applied the in-situ-produced dextran (DX) from Leuconostoc citreum DSM 5577 to solve this problem. Rice flour milled from broken rice was used as the raw material and Ln. citreum DSM 5577 as the starter to prepare rice-protein yogurt (RPY) under different processing conditions. The microbial growth, acidification, viscosity change, and DX content were first analyzed. Then, the proteolysis of rice protein was evaluated, and the role of the in-situ-synthesized DX in viscosity improvement was explored. Finally, the in-situ-synthesized DXs in RPYs under different processing conditions were purified and characterized. The in-situ-produced DX caused a viscosity increase up to 1.84 Pa s in RPY and played a major role in this improvement by forming a new network with high water-binding capacity. The processing conditions affected the content and the molecular features of DXs, with a DX content up to 9.45 mg/100 mg. A low-branched DX (5.79 %) with a high aggregating ability possessed a stronger thickening ability in RPY. This study may guide the application of the in-situ-synthesized DX in plant protein foods and may promote the utilization of broken rice in the food industry.

Biological properties of exopolysaccharides produced by Bacillus spp

There is currently a constant search for ecofriendly bioproducts, which could contribute to various biomedical applications. Among bioproducts, exopolysaccharides are prominent contemporary extracellular biopolymers that are produced by a great variety of bacterial species. These homo- or heteropolymers are composed of monomeric sugar units linked by glycosidic bonds, which are secreted to the external medium. Bacillus spp. are reported to be present in different ecosystems and produce exopolysaccharides with different biological properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral anti-inflammatory, among others. Since a great diversity of bacterial strains are able to produce exopolysaccharides, a great variation in the molecular composition is observed, which is indeed present in some of the chemical structures predicted until date. These molecular characteristics and their relations with different biological functions are discussed in order to visualize future applications in biomedical section.