ABSTRACT
Inulin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide derived from plants such as chicory root, has emerged as a significant ingredient in pharmaceutical sciences due to its diverse therapeutic and functional properties. This review explores the multifaceted applications of inulin, focusing on its chemical structure, sources, and mechanisms of action. Inulin's role as a prebiotic is highlighted, with particular emphasis on its ability to modulate gut microbiota, enhance gut health, and improve metabolic processes. The review also delves into the therapeutic applications of inulin, including its potential in managing metabolic health issues such as diabetes and lipid metabolism, as well as its immune-modulating properties and benefits in gastrointestinal health. Furthermore, the article examines the incorporation of inulin in drug formulation and delivery systems, discussing its use as a stabilizing agent and its impact on enhancing drug bioavailability. Innovative inulin-based delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and hydrogels, are explored for their potential in controlled release formulations. The efficacy of inulin is supported by a review of clinical studies, underscoring its benefits in managing conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular health, and gastrointestinal disorders. Safety profiles, regulatory aspects, and potential side effects are also addressed. This comprehensive review concludes with insights into future research directions and the challenges associated with the application of inulin in pharmaceutical sciences.
ABSTRACT
Using hydrolysates of the North American prairie grass prairie cordgrass buffered at pH 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 or 6.0, xylitol production, xylitol yield, cell biomass production and productivity were investigated for three strains of yeast Candida. Of the three strains, the highest xylitol concentration of 20.19 g xylitol (g xylose consumed)-1 and yield of 0.89 g xylitol (g xylose consumed)-1 were produced by Candida mogi ATCC 18364 when grown for 120 h at 30° C on the pH 5.5-buffered hydrolysate-containing medium. The highest biomass level being 7.7 g cells (kg biomass)-1 was observed to be synthesized by Candida guilliermondii ATCC 201935 after 120 h of growth at 30° C on a pH 5.5-buffered hydrolysate-containing medium. The highest xylitol specific productivity of 0.73 g xylitol (g cells h)-1 was determined for C. guilliermondii ATCC 20216 after 120 h of growth at 30°C on a pH 5.0-buffered hydrolysate-containing medium. Xylitol production and yield by the three Candida strains was higher on prairie cordgrass than what was previously observed for the same strains after 120 h at 30° C when another North American prairie grass big bluestem served as the plant biomass hydrolysate indicating that prairie cordgrass may be a superior plant biomass substrate.