In-depth understanding of transport behavior of sulfided nano zerovalent iron/reduced graphene oxide@guar gum slurry: Stability and mobility.

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI), which has the advantages of small particle size, large specific surface area, and high reactivity, is often injected into contaminated aquifers in the form of slurry. However, the prone to passivation and agglomeration as well as poor stability and mobility of NZVI limit the further application of this technology in fields. Therefore, sulfided NZVI loaded on reduced graphene oxide (S-NZVI/rGO) and guar gum (GG) with shear-thinning properties as stabilizers were used to synthesize S-NZVI/rGO@GG slurries. SEM, TEM, and FT-IR confirmed that the dispersion and anti-passivation of NZVI were optimized in the coupled system. The stability and mobility of the slurry were improved by increasing the GG concentration, enhancing the pH, and decreasing the ionic strength and the presence of Ca2+ ions, respectively. A modified advection-dispersion equation (ADE) was used to simulate the transport experiments considering the strain and physicochemical deposition/release. Meanwhile, colloidal filtration theory (CFT) demonstrated that Brownian motion plays a dominant role in the migration of S-NZVI/rGO@GG slurry, and the maximum migration distance can be increased by appropriately increasing the injection rate. Extended-Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (XDLVO) theory showed that the excellent stability and migration of S-NZVI/rGO@GG slurry mainly came from the GG spatial forces. This study has important implications for the field injection of S-NZVI/rGO@GG slurry. According to the injection parameters, the injection range of S-NZVI/rGO@GG slurry is effectively controlled, which lays the foundation for the promotion of application in actual fields.

Konjac glucomannan-fibrin composite hydrogel as a model for ideal scaffolds for cell-culture meat.

In this study, composite gel was prepared from konjac glucomannan (KGM) and fibrin (FN). Composite gels with different concentration ratios were compared in terms of their mechanical properties, rheological properties, water retention, degradation rate, microstructure and biocompatibility. The results showed that the composite gels had better gel strength and other properties than non-composite gels. In particular, composite hydrogels with low Young's modulus formed when the KGM concentration was 0.8% and the FN concentration was 1.2%. The two components were cross linked through hydrogen-bond interaction, which formed a more stable gel structure with excellent water retention and in-vitro degradation rates, which were conducive to myogenic differentiation of ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs). KGM-FN composite gel was applied to the preparation of cell-culture meat, which had similar texture properties and main nutrients to animal meat as well as higher content of dry base protein and dry base carbohydrate.

Construction of biodegradable superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic materials with CNF (cellulose nanofiber) fence-like attached on the surface for efficient oil/water emulsion separation.

Superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic materials for the separation of oil-water emulsions by filtration have received much attention in order to solve the pollution problem of oil-water emulsion. In this paper, a fence-like structure on the surface of CNF/KGM (Konjac Glucomannan) materials by a simple method using CNF instead of metal nanowires was successfully developed based on the hydrogen bonding of KGM and CNF. The resulted organic CNF/KGM materials surface has outstanding superhydrophilic (WCA = 0°) in air and superoleophobicity (OCA≥151°) in water, which could separate oil-water mixtures with high separation efficiency above 99.14 % under the pressure of the emulsion itself. The material shows good mechanical properties because of the addition of CNF and has outstanding anti-fouling property and reusability. More importantly, the material can be completely biodegraded after buried in soil for 4 weeks since both of KGM and CNF are organic substances. Therefore, it may have a broad application prospect in the separation of oil-water emulsion because of its outstanding separation properties, simply preparation method and biodegradability.

Molecular modification of low-dissolution soy protein isolates by anionic xanthan gum, neutral guar gum, or neutral konjac glucomannan to improve the protein dissolution and stabilize fish oil emulsion.

Herein, the effects of anionic xanthan gum (XG), neutral guar gum (GG), and neutral konjac glucomannan (KGM) on the dissolution, physicochemical properties, and emulsion stabilization ability of soy protein isolate (SPI)-polysaccharide conjugates were studied. The SPI-polysaccharide conjugates had better water dissolution than the insoluble SPI. Compared with SPI, SPI-polysaccharide conjugates had lower ß-sheet (39.6 %-56.4 % vs. 47.3 %) and α-helix (13.0 %-13.2 % vs. 22.6 %) percentages, and higher ß-turn (23.8 %-26.5 % vs. 11.0 %) percentages. The creaming stability of SPI-polysaccharide conjugate-stabilized fish oil-loaded emulsions mainly depended on polysaccharide type: SPI-XG (Creaming index: 0) > SPI-GG (Creaming index: 8.1 %-21.2 %) > SPI-KGM (18.1 %-40.4 %). In addition, it also depended on the SPI preparation concentrations, glycation times, and glycation pH. The modification by anionic XG induced no obvious emulsion creaming even after 14-day storage, which suggested that anionic polysaccharide might be the best polysaccharide to modify SPI for emulsion stabilization. This work provided useful information to modify insoluble proteins by polysaccharides for potential application.

Antimicrobial polysaccharide hydrogels embedded with methyl-ß-cyclodextrin/thyme oil inclusion complexes for exceptional mechanical performance and chilled chicken breast preservation.

While hydrogels have potential for food packaging, limited research on hydrogels with excellent mechanical performance and antibacterial activity for preserving chicken breasts. Herein, we created antibacterial hydrogels by embedding methyl-ß-cyclodextrin/thyme oil inclusion complexes (MCD/TO-ICs) into a polyvinyl alcohol matrix containing dendrobium polysaccharides and guar gum in varying ratios using freeze-thaw cycling method. The resulting hydrogels exhibited a more compact structure than those without MCD/TO-ICs, enhancing thermal stability and increasing glass transition temperature due to additional intermolecular interactions between polymer chains that inhibited chain movement. XRD analysis showed no significant changes in crystalline phase, enabling formation of a 3D network through abundant hydrogen bonding. Moreover, the hydrogel demonstrated exceptional durability, with a toughness of 350 ± 25 kJ/m3 and adequate tearing resistance of 340 ± 30 J/m2, capable of lifting 3 kg weight, 1200 times greater than the hydrogel itself. Additionally, the hydrogels displayed excellent antimicrobial activity and antioxidant properties. Importantly, the hydrogels effectively maintained TVB-N levels and microbial counts within acceptable ranges, preserving sensory properties and extending the shelf life of chilled chicken breasts by four days. This study highlights the potential of MCD/TO-IC-incorporated polysaccharide hydrogels as safe and effective active packaging solutions for preserving chilled chicken in food industry.

Konjac glucomannan films incorporated pectin-stabilized Mandarin oil emulsions: Structure, properties, and application in fruit preservation.

To enhance the water-resistance and antibacterial properties of KGM films, mandarin oil (MO), was directly emulsified by pectin and then dispersed to the KGM matrix. The effect of MO concentration (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2 wt%) on the performance of the film-forming emulsions as well as the emulsion films was investigated. The results revealed that pectin could encapsulate and protect MO, and KGM as film matrix could further contributed to the high stability of the film-forming emulsions. The FT-IR, XRD, and SEM suggested that MO stabilized by pectin was uniformly distributed in the KGM matrix. The compatibility and good interaction between KGM and pectin contributed to highly dense and compact structure. Furthermore, increasing the concentration of MO effectively improved water-resistance, oxygen barrier, and antimicrobial activity of the KGM based films. The 1.5 wt% MO loaded KGM film had the highest tensile strength (72.22 MPa) and water contact angle (θ = 95.73°), reduced the WVP and oxygen permeability by about 25.8 % and 32.8 times, respectively, prolonged the shelf life of strawberries for 8 days. As demonstrated, the 1.5 wt% MO-loaded KGM film has considerable potential for high-performance natural biodegradable active films to ensure food safety and reduce environmental impacts.

Semisynthesis of new sulfated heterorhamnan derivatives obtained from green seaweed Gayralia brasiliensis and evaluation of their anticoagulant activity.

Marine green algae produce sulfated polysaccharides with diverse structures and a wide range of biological activities. This study aimed to enhance the biotechnological potential of sulfated heterorhamnan (Gb1) from Gayralia brasiliensis by chemically modifying it for improved or new biological functions. Using controlled Smith Degradation (GBS) and O-alkylation with 3-chloropropylamine, we synthesized partially water-soluble amine derivatives. GBS modification increase sulfate groups (29.3 to 37.5 %) and α-l-rhamnose units (69.9 to 81.2 mol%), reducing xylose and glucose, compared to Gb1. The backbone featured predominantly 3- and 2-linked α-l-rhamnosyl and 2,3- linked α-l-rhamnosyl units as branching points. Infrared and NMR analyses confirmed the substitution of hydroxyl groups with aminoalkyl groups. The modified compounds, GBS-AHCs and GBS-AHK, exhibited altered anticoagulant properties. GBS-AHCs showed reduced effectiveness in the APTT assay, while GBS-AHK maintained a similar anticoagulant activity level to Gb1 and GBS. Increased nitrogen content and N-alkylation in GBS-AHCs compared to GBS-AHK may explain their structural differences. The chemical modification proposed did not enhance its anticoagulant activity, possibly due to the introduction of amino groups and a positive charge to the polymer. This characteristic presents new opportunities for investigating the potential of these polysaccharides in various biological applications, such as antimicrobial and antitumoral activities.

Understanding the foam stability mechanisms of complex formed by soy protein isolate and different charged polysaccharides: Air/water interfacial behavior and rheological characteristics.

This study evaluated the foaming properties, the dynamic adsorption behavior at the air/water (A/W) interface and the foam rheological characteristics of complexes formed by soy protein isolate (SPI) and different charged polysaccharides, including chitosan (CS), guar gum (GUG) and gellan gum (GEG). The results showed that the SPI/CS10 had the highest initial foam volume (26.67 mL), which were 3.89 %, 100.08 % and 70.19 % higher than that of single SPI, SPI/GUG and SPI/GEG complexes, respectively. Moreover, three charged polysaccharides could all significantly improve the foam stability of complexes. Among them, foams stabilized by SPI/GEG10 were the most stable that the foam volume slightly changed (approximately 1 mL) and no drainage occurred throughout the whole recording process. The interfacial behavior analysis showed that SPI/CS10 had higher diffusion (Kdiff) and rearrangement rate (KR) but lower penetration rate (KP) at the A/W interface compared with single SPI, while SPI/GUG10 and all SPI/GEG complexes showed higher KR and KP but lower Kdiff. In addition, SPI/CS10 was beneficial to concurrently enhance the elastic strength and solid-like behavior of foam system, while all SPI/GEG complexes could improve the elastic strength of foam system but was not conducive to the solid-like behavior.

The preventive and therapeutic consumption of meat enriched with carob fruit extract, rich in phenolic compounds, improves colonic antioxidant status in late-stage T2DM rats.

Oxidative stress is prevalent in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and has been associated with high meat consumption. Carob Fruit Extract (CFE) contains phenolic compounds, making it a suitable functional ingredient. Current study aims to evaluate the effect of CFE-enriched meat (CFE-meat) consumption on the antioxidant status of proximal and distal colon, and its relationship with fecal phenolic compounds in late-stage T2DM rats. Three groups of eight rats were studied: 1) D, fed control-meat; 2) ED, fed CFE-meat since the beginning of the study; 3) DE, fed CFE-meat after confirming T2DM. CFE-meat consumption reduces colonic oxidative stress mainly in the proximal section and helps to ameliorate glutathione metabolism and antioxidant score. Difference between ED and DE groups were associated with colon homeostasis and T2DM progression suggesting greater fermentation but lower absorption in the DE group. CFE appears as a promising tool to improve the antioxidant status observed in late-stage T2DM.

Enzyme-responsive mannose-grafted magnetic nanoparticles for breast and liver cancer therapy and tumor-associated macrophage immunomodulation.

BACKGROUND: Chemo-immunotherapy modifies the tumor microenvironment to enhance the immune response and improve chemotherapy. This study introduces a dual-armed chemo-immunotherapy strategy combating breast tumor progression while re-polarizing Tumor-Associated Macrophage (TAM) using prodigiosin-loaded mannan-coated magnetic nanoparticles (PG@M-MNPs). METHODS: The physicochemical properties of one-step synthetized M-MNPs were analyzed, including X-ray diffraction, FTIR, DLS, VSM, TEM, zeta potential analysis, and drug loading content were carried out. Biocompatibility, cancer specificity, cellular uptake, and distribution of PG@M-MNPs were investigated using fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy, and flow cytometry. Furthermore, the expression levels of IL-6 and ARG-1 after treatment with PG and PG@M-MNPs on M1 and M2 macrophage subsets were studied. RESULTS: The M-MNPs were successfully synthesized and characterized, demonstrating a size below 100 nm. The release kinetics of PG from M-MNPs showed sustained and controlled patterns, with enzyme-triggered release. Cytotoxicity assessments revealed an enhanced selectivity of PG@M-MNPs against cancer cells and minimal effects on normal cells. Additionally, immuno-modulatory activity demonstrates the potential of PG@M-MNPs to change the polarization dynamics of macrophages. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the potential of a targeted approach to breast cancer treatment, offering new avenues for improved therapeutic outcomes and patient survival.

Konjac glucomannan-based highly antibacterial active films loaded with thyme essential oil through bacterial cellulose nanofibers/Ag nanoparticles stabilized Pickering emulsions.

The aim of this study was to develop novel konjac glucomannan (KGM)-based highly antibacterial active films, where five types of films were prepared and compared. The microstructure results showed that KGM-based films loaded with thyme essential oil (TEO) through bacterial cellulose nanofibers/Ag nanoparticles (BCNs/Ag nanoparticles) stabilized Pickering emulsions (Type V films) displayed the smoothest surface and the most evenly dispersed TEO droplets as compared with the other four types of films. Moreover, Type V films showed the highest contact angle value (86.28°), the best thermal stability and mechanical properties. Furthermore, Type V films presented the highest total phenol content (13.23 mg gallic acid equivalent/g film) and the best antioxidant activity (33.96 %) as well as the best sustained-release property, thus showing the best antibacterial activity, which was probably due to that BCNs/Ag nanoparticles and TEO displayed a synergistic effect to some extent. Consequently, Type V film-forming solutions were used as coatings for tangerines. The results showed that the tangerines treated with Type V coatings displayed excellent fresh-keeping properties. Therefore, the coatings, KGM-based film-forming solutions loaded with TEO through BCNs/Ag nanoparticles stabilized Pickering emulsions, have great potential for the preservation of fruits and vegetables.

Tick cysteine protease inhibitors suppress immune responses in mannan-induced psoriasis-like inflammation.

Protease inhibitors regulate various biological processes and prevent host tissue/organ damage. Specific inhibition/regulation of proteases is clinically valuable for treating several diseases. Psoriasis affects the skin in the limbs and scalp of the body, and the contribution of cysteine and serine proteases to the development of skin inflammation is well documented. Cysteine protease inhibitors from ticks have high specificity, selectivity, and affinity to their target proteases and are efficient immunomodulators. However, their potential therapeutic effect on psoriasis pathogenesis remains to be determined. Therefore, we tested four tick cystatins (Sialostatin L, Sialostatin L2, Iristatin, and Mialostatin) in the recently developed, innate immunity-dependent mannan-induced psoriasis model. We explored the effects of protease inhibitors on clinical symptoms and histological features. In addition, the number and percentage of immune cells (dendritic cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and γδT cells) by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry and, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-6, IL-22, IL-23, and IL-17 family) by qPCR were analyzed using skin, spleen, and lymph node samples. Tick protease inhibitors have significantly decreased psoriasis symptoms and disease manifestations but had differential effects on inflammatory responses and immune cell populations, suggesting different modes of action of these inhibitors on psoriasis-like inflammation. Thus, our study demonstrates, for the first time, the usefulness of tick-derived protease inhibitors for treating skin inflammation in patients.

Effects of different oil fractions and tannic acid concentrations on konjac glucomannan-stabilized emulsions.

Polysaccharide-stabilized emulsions have received extensive attention, but emulsifying activity of polysaccharides is poor. In this study, konjac glucomannan (KGM) and tannic acid (TA) complex (KGM-TA) was prepared via non-covalent binding to increase the polysaccharide interfacial stability. The emulsifying stabilities of KGM-TA complex-stabilized emulsions were analyzed under different TA concentrations and oil fractions. The results indicated that hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic bonds were the main binding forces for KGM-TA complex, which were closely related to TA concentrations. The interfacial tension of KGM-TA complex decreased from 20.0 mN/m to 13.4 mN/m with TA concentration increasing from 0 % to 0.3 %, indicating that TA improved the interfacial activity of KGM. Meanwhile, the contact angle of KGM-TA complex was closer to 90° with the increasing TA concentrations. The emulsifying stability of KGM-TA complex-stabilized emulsions increased in an oil mass fraction-dependent manner, reaching the maximum at 75 % oil mass fraction. Moreover, the droplet sizes of KGM-TA complex-stabilized high-internal-phase emulsions (HIPEs) decreased from 82.7 µm to 44.7 µm with TA concentration increasing from 0 to 0.3 %. Therefore, high TA concentrations were conducive to the improvement of the emulsifying stability of KGM-TA complex-stabilized HIPEs. High oil mass fraction promoted the interfacial contact of adjacent droplets, thus enhancing the non-covalent binding of KGM molecules at the interfaces with TA as bridges. Additionally, the high TA concentrations increased the gel network density in the aqueous phase, thus enhancing the emulsifying stability of emulsions. Our findings reveal the mechanisms by which polysaccharide-polyphenol complex stabilized HIPEs. Therefore, this study provides theoretical basis and references for the developments of polysaccharide emulsifier with high emulsifying capability and high-stability emulsions.

Study on preservation and monitoring effect of sodium alginate-konjac glucomannan films loaded with tea polyphenols and Lycium ruthenicum anthocyanins.

To investigate the efficacy of sodium alginate-konjac glucomannan (SA-KGM) films with anthocyanins (LRA) and tea polyphenols (TP) in meat, beef and grass carp were selected as representative meat products for preservation and freshness monitoring experiments at 4 °C. Concurrently, storage experiments of the films were conducted in this controlled environment. The results of the storage experiment showed that the films delayed meat spoilage by 2-4 days, nearly doubling the preservation time compared to the blank control. Additionally, the film exhibited significant capability to monitor the spoilage process of beef and grass carp. It was revealed by curve fitting analysis that there was a significant correlation between the color change of the film and the spoilage index of the meat. Throughout the storage experiment with the film, it was observed that moisture significantly influenced the microstructure and bonding situation of the films, thereby impacting their mechanical and barrier properties. However, the films were still able to maintain satisfactory physicochemical properties in general. The above findings were crucial in guiding the promotion of the film within the food preservation industry.

Konjac glucomannan-based nanocomposite spray coating with antimicrobial, gas barrier, UV blocking, and antioxidation for bananas preservation.

Fruit is prone to rot and deterioration due to oxidative browning and microbial infection during storage, which can cause serious economic losses and food safety problems. It is urgent to develop a multifunctional composite coating to extend the shelf life of fruits. In this work, multifunctional quaternized chitosan nanoparticles (QCs/TA NPs) with excellent antibacterial and antioxidant properties were prepared based on electrostatic interaction using tannic acid instead of conventional cross-linking agents. Meanwhile, konjac glucomannan (KGM) with high viscosity, edible and biodegradable properties was used as a dispersant to disperse and stabilize the nanoparticles, and as a film-forming agent to form a multifunctional composite coating. The composite coating exhibited excellent oxygen and water vapor barrier properties, antioxidant, antibacterial, mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, and UV shielding properties. Surprisingly, the oxygen permeability of the K-NPs-15 composite film was as low as 1.93 × 10-13 (cm3·cm)/(cm2·s·Pa). The banana spray preservation experiments proved that the K-NPs-15 composite coating could effectively prolong the shelf life of bananas. Therefore, this study provides a new idea for designing multifunctional freshness preservation coatings, which has a broad application prospect.

The immunogenicity of p24 protein from HIV-1 virus is strongly supported and modulated by coupling with liposomes and mannan.

Anti-viral and anti-tumor vaccines aim to induce cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (CTL) and antibodies. Conserved protein antigens, such as p24 from human immunodeficiency virus, represent promising component for elicitation CTLs, nevertheless with suboptimal immunogenicity, if formulated as recombinant protein. To enhance immunogenicity and CTL response, recombinant proteins may be targeted to dendritic cells (DC) for cross presentation on MHCI, where mannose receptor and/or other lectin receptors could play an important role. Here, we constructed liposomal carrier-based vaccine composed of recombinant p24 antigen bound by metallochelating linkage onto surface of nanoliposomes with surface mannans coupled by aminooxy ligation. Generated mannosylated proteonanoliposomes were analyzed by dynamic light scattering, isothermal titration, and electron microscopy. Using murine DC line MutuDC and murine bone marrow derived DC (BMDC) we evaluated their immunogenicity and immunomodulatory activity. We show that p24 mannosylated proteonanoliposomes activate DC for enhanced MHCI, MHCII and CD40, CD80, and CD86 surface expression both on MutuDC and BMDC. p24 mannosylated liposomes were internalized by MutuDC with p24 intracellular localization within 1 to 3 h. The combination of metallochelating and aminooxy ligation could be used simultaneously to generate nanoliposomal adjuvanted recombinant protein-based vaccines versatile for combination of recombinant antigens relevant for antibody and CTL elicitation.

Physical impediment to sodium houttuyfonate conversely reinforces ß-glucan exposure stimulated innate immune response to Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is a dimorphic opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. We have previously demonstrated that sodium houttuyfonate (SH), a derivative of medicinal herb Houttuynia cordata Thunb, was effective for antifungal purposes. However, the physical impediment of SH by C. albicans ß-glucan may weaken the antifungal activity of SH. In this study, the interactions of SH with cell wall (CW), extracellular matrix (EM), CW ß-glucan, and a commercial ß-glucan zymosan A (ZY) were inspected by XTT assay and total plate count in a standard reference C. albicans SC5314 as well as two clinical fluconazole-resistant strains Z4935 and Z5172. After treatment with SH, the content and exposure of CW ß-glucan, chitin, and mannan were detected, the fungal clearance by phagocytosis of RAW264.7 and THP-1 was examined, and the gene expressions and levels of cytokines TNF-ɑ and IL-10 were also monitored. The results showed that SH could be physically impeded by ß-glucan in CW, EM, and ZY. This impediment subsequently triggered the exposure of CW ß-glucan and chitin with mannan masked in a time-dependent manner. SH-induced ß-glucan exposure could significantly enhance the phagocytosis and inhibit the growth of C. albicans. Meanwhile, the SH-pretreated fungal cells could greatly stimulate the cytokine gene expressions and levels of TNF-ɑ and IL-10 in the macrophages. In sum, the strategy that the instant physical impediment of C. albicans CW to SH, which can induce the exposure of CW ß-glucan may be universal for C. albicans in response to physical deterrent by antifungal drugs.

Addition of konjac glucomannan improves spraying efficiency on fruits and vegetables: Effect of surface hydrophilicity and molecular weight.

Biomacromolecules have attracted interest as spraying additives due to their degradability, renewability, and non-toxicity. However, microscopic mechanism of the biomacromolecules regulating the droplet behavior on fruits and vegetables is still unclear. In this study, konjac glucomannan (KGM) was used to improve the spraying efficiency and the fresh-keeping performance of tea polyphenols solution. KGM increased effective spreading ratio on hydrophilic surfaces and retention ratio of the main droplet on hydrophobic surfaces, thus improving spraying efficiency. Computational fluid dynamics and Brown dynamics simulations were implemented to investigate KGM behaviors during droplets colliding on hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. Most KGM molecules extended and then collapsed in gradually weakened shear flow. Meanwhile, on the hydrophobic surface, most KGM molecules were continuously stretched by the unstable flow field. As the KGM extended, the kinetic energy of droplets converted into elastic energy stored in the KGM, promoting the stability of droplets on target surfaces and improving the spraying efficiency. The KGM molecular weight of 3.8 × 105 Da was optimal from the point of energy storage density. This study provides more understanding of the mechanism of biomacromolecules on spraying efficiency and guidance to develop biomass spraying additives for fruit and vegetable preservation.

Structural and biofunctional diversity of sulfated polysaccharides from the genus Codium (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta): A review.

It is believed that polysaccharides will become a focal point for future production of food, pharmaceuticals, and materials due to their ubiquitous and renewable nature, as well as their exceptional properties that have been extensively validated in the fields of nutrition, healthcare, and materials. Sulfated polysaccharides derived from seaweed sources have attracted considerable attention owing to their distinctive structures and properties. The genus Codium, represented by the species C. fragile, holds significance as a vital economic green seaweed and serves as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. To date, the cell walls of the genus Codium have been found to contain at least four types of sulfated polysaccharides, specifically pyruvylated ß-d-galactan sulfates, sulfated arabinogalactans, sulfated ß-l-arabinans, and sulfated ß-d-mannans. These sulfated polysaccharides exhibit diverse biofunctions, including anticoagulant, immune-enhancing, anticancer, antioxidant activities, and drug-carrying capacity. This review explores the structural and biofunctional diversity of sulfated polysaccharides derived from the genus Codium. Additionally, in addressing the impending challenges within the industrialization of these polysaccharides, encompassing concerns regarding scale-up production and quality control, we outline potential strategies to address these challenges from the perspectives of raw materials, extraction processes, purification technologies, and methods for quality control.

Advances in the construction and application of konjac glucomannan-based delivery systems.

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) has been widely used to deliver bioactive components due to its naturalness, non-toxicity, excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility, and other characteristics. This review presents an overview of konjac glucomannan as a matrix, and the types of konjac glucomannan-based delivery systems (such as hydrogels, food packaging films, microencapsulation, emulsions, nanomicelles) and their construction methods are introduced in detail. Furthermore, taking polyphenol compounds, probiotics, flavor substances, fatty acids, and other components as representatives, the applied research progress of konjac glucomannan-based delivery systems in food are summarized. Finally, the prospects for research directions in konjac glucomannan-based delivery systems are examined, thereby providing a theoretical basis for expanding the application of konjac glucomannan in other industries, such as food and medicine.