Enhancement of subunit vaccine delivery with zinc-carnosine coordination polymer through the addition of mannan.

Vaccines represent a pivotal health advancement for preventing infection. However, because carrier systems with repeated administration can invoke carrier-targeted immune responses that diminish subsequent immune responses (e.g., PEG antibodies), there is a continual need to develop novel vaccine platforms. Zinc carnosine microparticles (ZnCar MPs), which are composed of a one-dimensional coordination polymer formed between carnosine and the metal ion zinc, have exhibited efficacy in inducing an immune response against influenza. However, ZnCar MPs' limited suspendability hinders clinical application. In this study, we address this issue by mixing mannan, a polysaccharide derived from yeast, with ZnCar MPs. We show that the addition of mannan increases the suspendability of this promising vaccine formulation. Additionally, since mannan is an adjuvant, we illustrate that the addition of mannan increases the antibody response and T cell response when mixed with ZnCar MPs. Mice vaccinated with mannan + OVA/ZnCar MPs had elevated serum IgG and IgG1 levels in comparison to vaccination without mannan. Moreover, in the mannan + OVA/ZnCar MPs vaccinated group, mucosal washes demonstrated increased IgG, IgG1, and IgG2c titers, and antigen recall assays showed enhanced IFN-γ production in response to MHC-I and MHC-II immunodominant peptide restimulation, compared to the vaccination without mannan. These findings suggest that the use of mannan mixed with ZnCar MPs holds potential for subunit vaccination and its improved suspendability further promotes clinical translation.

Polysaccharide-fecal microbiota-based colon-targeted self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of curcumin for treating polycystic ovarian syndrome.

The gut microbiome is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Modulating the gut microbiome can lead to eubiosis and treatment of various metabolic conditions. However, there is no proper study assessing the delivery of microbial technology for the treatment of such conditions. The present study involves the development of guar gum-pectin-based solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) containing curcumin (CCM) and fecal microbiota extract (FME) for the treatment of PCOS. The optimized S-SNEDDS containing FME and CCM was prepared by dissolving CCM (25 mg) in an isotropic mixture consisting of Labrafil M 1944 CS, Transcutol P, and Tween-80 and solidified using lactose monohydrate, aerosil-200, guar gum, and pectin (colon-targeted CCM solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system [CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS]). Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation was carried out on letrozole-induced female Wistar rats. The results of pharmacokinetic studies indicated about 13.11 and 23.48-fold increase in AUC of CCM-loaded colon-targeted S-SNEDDS without FME (CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS (WFME)) and CCM-loaded colon-targeted S-SNEDDS with FME [(CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS (FME)) as compared to unprocessed CCM. The pharmacodynamic study indicated excellent recovery/reversal in the rats treated with CCM-CT-S-SNEDDS low and high dose containing FME (group 13 and group 14) in a dose-dependent manner. The developed formulation showcasing its improved bioavailability, targeted action, and therapeutic activity in ameliorating PCOS can be utilized as an adjuvant therapy for developing a dosage form, scale-up, and technology transfer.

Structural characterization of a galactoglucomannan with anti-neuroinflammatory activity from Ganoderma lucidum.

According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) presents certain effects for nourishing nerves and calming the mind. G. lucidum polysaccharides (GLPs) have various biological activities; however, the structural characterization and the structure-activity relationship in anti-neuroinflammation of GLPs needs to be further investigated. In this work, the crude polysaccharide GL70 exhibited a remarkable impact on enhancing the spatial learning and memory function, as well as reducing the anxiety symptoms of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A galactoglucomannan (GLP70-1-2) was isolated from GL70, and characterized by monosaccharide composition, partial acid hydrolysis, methylation, and NMR analysis. The backbone of GLP70-1-2 was →6)-α-D-glcp-(1 â†’ 6)-ß-D-galp-(1 â†’ [6)-ß-D-manp-(1]3 â†’ 4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ 6)-α-D-glcp-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-galp-(1 â†’ [4)-α-D-glcp-(1 â†’ 6)-ß-D-manp-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-galp-(1]2 â†’ 6)-ß-D-glcp-(1 â†’ 6)-ß-D-glcp-(1→ with two side chains attached to O-4 of →6)-ß-D-galp-(1→ and O-3 of →6)-ß-D-glcp-(1→, respectively. In addition, GLP70-1-2 exhibited remarkable efficacy in decreasing the level of pro-inflammatory factors in LPS-activated BV2 cells through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. Collectively, GLP70-1-2 exhibited significant anti-neuroinflammatory activity and may have the potential for developing as a drug for AD.

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.

The Impact of Glucomannan, Inulin, and Psyllium Supplementation (SolowaysTM) on Weight Loss in Adults with FTO, LEP, LEPR, and MC4R Polymorphisms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to determine the impact of a fiber supplement on body weight and composition in individuals with obesity with specific genetic polymorphisms. It involved 112 adults with obesity, each with at least one minor allele in the FTO, LEP, LEPR, or MC4R polymorphism. Participants were randomized to receive either a fiber supplement (glucomannan, inulin, and psyllium) or a placebo for 180 days. The experimental group showed significant reductions in body weight (treatment difference: -4.9%; 95% CI: -6.9% to -2.9%; p < 0.01) and BMI (treatment difference: -1.4 kg/m2; 95% CI: -1.7 to -1.2; p < 0.01) compared to placebo. Further significant decreases in fat mass (treatment difference: -13.0%; 95% CI: -14.4 to -11.7; p < 0.01) and visceral fat rating (treatment difference: -1.3; 95% CI: -1.6 to -1.0; p < 0.01) were noted. Homozygous minor allele carriers experienced greater decreases in body weight (treatment difference: -3.2%; 95% CI: -4.9% to -1.6%; p < 0.01) and BMI (treatment difference: -1.2 kg/m2; 95% CI: -2.0 to -0.4; p < 0.01) compared to heterozygous allele carriers. These carriers also had a more significant reduction in fat mass (treatment difference: -9.8%; 95% CI: -10.6 to -9.1; p < 0.01) and visceral fat rating (treatment difference: -0.9; 95% CI: -1.3 to -0.5; p < 0.01). A high incidence of gastrointestinal events was reported in the experimental group (74.6%), unlike the placebo group, which reported no side effects. Dietary supplementation with glucomannan, inulin, and psyllium effectively promotes weight loss and improves body composition in individuals with obesity, particularly those with specific genetic polymorphisms.

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.

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.

Effects of acetyl groups on the prebiotic properties of glucomannan extracted from Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch seeds.

This study explores the structural modification of glucomannan extracted from Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch seeds (60S) to assess the impact of acetyl groups on its prebiotic characteristics. The structural changes were examined, with a focus on the degree of acetyl group substitution (DS). Both deacetylation and acetylation had limited influence on the molecular properties of 60S. Despite these modifications, the apparent viscosity of all samples remained consistently low. In vitro fermentation experiments revealed that Escherichia-Shigella decreased as DS increased, while Bacteroides ovatus was enriched. Acetylation had no significant impact on the utilization rate of 60S but led to a reduction in the production of propionic acid. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomics analysis confirmed the changes in propionic acid levels. Notably, metabolites such as N-acetyl-L-tyrosine, γ-muricholic acid, and taurocholate were upregulated by acetylated derivatives. Overall, acetyl groups are speculated to play a pivotal role in the prebiotic properties of 60S.

Effectiveness of a Food Supplement Based on Glucomannan, D-Chiro-Inositol, Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume and Inulin in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and abdominal obesity. Given the growing need to investigate food supplements with positive health effects, this study was aimed at testing the benefits of a specific supplement for people with MetS. Fifty-eight subjects with MetS and T2DM or impaired glucose tolerance assuming metformin, were randomly assigned to take a food supplement of glucomannan, D-chiro-inositol, Cinnamomum zeylanicum blume and inulin at a daily fixed dose of 4 g orally for four months. Body weight, waist circumference, plasma lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyc-erides), plasma glycaemic profile and visceral adiposity index (VAI) were measured at baseline and after four months of supplementation. After 16 weeks, in subjects with T2DM or insulin resistance who took the supplement (+ metformin), there was a significant reduction in body weight and BMI (p < 0.0001), serum insulin (p < 0.05) and the HOMA index (p < 0.01), as well as in the lipaemic pattern, with a significant improvement in total serum cholesterol (p < 0.005), triglycerides (p < 0.03) and LDL (p < 0.02). Our study shows that the food supplement tested is a valid and safe alternative therapeutic approach in the management of MetS and all its resulting risk factors, as its efficacy has been demonstrated across anthropometric, glucose, lipid and hepatic parameters.

Study on structure and properties of galactomannan and enzyme changes during fenugreek seeds germination.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) galactomannan play an important role in the food and pharmaceutical sectors due to its attractive physicochemical properties. In this study, the changes of structure, properties and biological activity of fenugreek galactomannan (FG) during germination are analyzed by the activity and mechanism of endogenous enzymes (α-D-galactosidase and ß-D-mannanase). The enzymes generally increased during germination and synergistically altered the structure of GM by cutting down the main chains and removing partial side residues. The mannose to galactose ratio (M/G) increased from 1.11 to 1.59, which is accompanied by a drastic decrease in molecular weight from 3.606 × 106 to 0.832 × 106 g/mol, and the drop of viscosity from 0.27 to 0.06 Pa·sn. The degraded macromolecules are attributed to the increase in solubility (from 64.55 % to 88.62 %). In terms of antioxidation and antidiabetic ability, germinated fenugreek galactomannan has the ability to scavenge 67.17 % ABTS free radicals and inhibit 86.89 % α-glucosidase. This galactomannan with low molecular weight and excellent biological activity precisely satisfies the current demands of pharmaceutical reagents and food industry. Seeds germination holds promise as a means of industrial scale production of low molecular weight galactomannans.

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), Pharmacological and Phytochemical Activities of Neglected Legume of the Mediterranean Basin, as Functional Food.

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) has been widely cultivated in different parts of the world, particularly in the Mediterranean region, and the tree belongs to the family Leguminosae. Several studies have indicated that carobs and their products can improve human health and help prevent different specific chronic diseases. Carob can considered as functional food due to its high content in dietary fibers, low-fat content, and high content of minerals. Its fruit is a pod containing 10%-20% seeds, and the pods consist of sugars, proteins, crude fibers, minerals, vitamins, polyphenols, vitamins, and lipids. In many countries in the Middle east, carob is mainly used to prepare as a traditional drink and some kinds of confectioneries. The powders can be utilized to prepare carob juice concentrate. The systematic review of documents from clinical trials and scientific societies dedicated to traditional medicine in China has been carried out. The goal of this review article is a survey of chemical compounds, and pharmaceutical benefits of carob, especially by considering traditional medicinal sciences. Moreover, clinical trials research promotes studies to highlight and focus on the scope of application of traditional medicinal science in the growing system of medicine.

Maternal supplementation with konjac glucomannan improves maternal microbiota for healthier offspring during lactation.

BACKGROUND: The maternal diet during gestation and lactation affects the health of the offspring. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a significantly functional polysaccharide in food research, possessing both antioxidant and prebiotic properties. However, the mechanisms of how KGM regulates maternal nutrition remain insufficient and limited. This study aimed to investigate maternal supplementation with KGM during late gestation and lactation to benefit both maternal and offspring generations. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that KGM improves serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the KGM group displayed a significant increase in the feed intake-related hormones neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY), Ghrelin, and adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase (AMPK) levels. KGM modified the relative abundance of Clostridium, Candidatus Saccharimonas, unclassified Firmicutes, and unclassified Christensenellaceae in sow feces. Acetate, valerate, and isobutyrate were also improved in the feces of sows in the KGM group. These are potential target bacterial genera that may modulate the host's health. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation analysis unveiled significant correlations between the altered bacteria genus and feed intake-related hormones. More importantly, KGM reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in milk, further improved IL-10 levels, and reduced zonulin levels in the serum of offspring. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, maternal dietary supplementation with KGM during late gestation and lactation improves maternal nutritional status by modifying maternal microbial and increasing lactation feed intake, which benefits the anti-inflammatory capacity of the offspring serum. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals to improve the physicochemical and bioactive properties of pectin-konjac glucomannan composite films containing clove essential oil.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) isolated from cotton in augmenting pectin (PEC)/konjac glucomannan (KGM) composite films containing clove essential oil (CEO) for food packaging application. The effects of CNC dosage on film properties were examined by analyzing the rheology of film-forming solutions and the mechanical, barrier, antimicrobial, and CEO-release properties of the films. Rheological and FTIR analysis revealed the enhanced interactions among the film components after CNC incorporation due to its high aspect ratio and abundant hydroxyl groups, which can also prevent CEO droplet aggregation, contributing to form a compact microstructure as confirmed by SEM and 3D surface topography observations. Consequently, the addition of CNC reinforced the polysaccharide matrix, increasing the tensile strength of the films and improving their barrier properties to water vapor. More importantly, antibacterial, controlled release and kinetic simulation experiments proved that the addition of CNC could further slow down the release rate of CEO, prolonging the antimicrobial properties of the films. PEC/KGM/CEO composite films with 15 wt% CNC was found to have relatively best comprehensive properties, which was also most effective in delaying deterioration of grape quality during the storage of 9 days at 25 °C.

Acetylation of homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan-I is catalyzed by a suite of trichome birefringence-like proteins.

Plant cell wall polysaccharides, including xylan, mannan, xyloglucan, and pectins, are often acetylated and members of the domain of unknown function 231 (DUF231)/trichome birefringence-like (TBL) family have been shown to be O-acetyltransferases mediating the acetylation of xylan, mannan, and xyloglucan. However, little is known about the O-acetyltransferases responsible for pectin acetylation. In this report, we biochemically characterized a suite of Arabidopsis DUF231/TBL proteins for their roles in pectin acetylation. We generated 24 TBL recombinant proteins in mammalian cells and demonstrated that 10 of them were able to transfer acetyl groups from acetyl-CoA onto the pectins homogalacturonan (HG) or rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I), and thus were named pectin O-acetyltransferase 1 to 10 (POAT1 to 10). It was found that POAT2,4,9,10 specifically acetylated HG and POAT5,6 acetylated RG-I, whereas POAT1,3,7,8 could act on both HG and RG-I. The acetylation of HG and RG-I by POATs was further corroborated by hydrolysis with pectin acetylesterases and by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In addition, mutations of the conserved GDS and DXXH motifs in POAT3 and POAT8 were shown to lead to a loss of their ability to acetylate HG and RG-I. Furthermore, simultaneous RNA interference downregulation of POAT1,3,6,7,8 resulted in reduced cell expansion, impaired plant growth, and decreased pectin acetylation. Together, our findings indicate that these POATs are pectin O-acetyltransferases involved in acetylation of the pectin polysaccharides HG and RG-I.

Immature carob pods extract and its fractions prevent lipid metabolism disorders and lipoprotein-rich plasma oxidation in mice: A phytochemical and pharmacological study.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Morocco carob fruits are used traditionally to treat hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and related diseases. AIMS: This study was designed to evaluate the hypolipidemic activity of Ceratonia siliqua green pods extract and its fractions in Triton WR-1339 and high fat/cholesterol diet (HFCD) induced hyperlipidemia mice, as well as their ability to prevent lipoproteins oxidation in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to determine the phenolic composition of the immature carob pods extract (HWCE). Antioxidant activities were evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging test as well as MDA measurement in oxidized lipoprotein rich plasma. Plasma lipids, glucose and biliary total cholesterol, as well as lipids level in liver and feces, were analyzed. The acute oral toxicity was performed in mice single dosed with the HWCE at 2000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight. RESULTS: HPLC analysis shows that gallic acid is the main phenolic compound in the HWCE. The acute oral toxicity assessment revealed that the HWCE is not toxic (LD50 is greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight). In the acute hypolipidemic study, mice treated with the HWCE and its fractions exhibited a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Importantly, immature carob aqueous extract was more effective in lowering mice hypercholesterolemia than its fractions. Indeed, mice fed the HFCD for 12 weeks showed a significant raise in plasma TC, TG and LDL-C, as well as in hepatic and fecal TC and TG levels. The HWCE at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight significantly (P < 0.001) reversed the plasmatic levels of these lipid parameters, increased plasma HDL-C level, reduced hepatic lipids accumulation, but increased cholesterol level in the bile and fecal lipids excretion. The HWCE decreased also the atherogenic index, the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and plasma glucose level after 12 weeks' experiment. On the other hand, the HWCE was more effective in preventing mice lipoprotein-rich plasma oxidation than its fractions, with a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: C. siliqua green fruits extract could be effective in preventing atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular complications through the inhibition of lipoprotein oxidation and cholesterol clearance.

Phenolic compounds profile of macerates of different edible parts of carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) using UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MSE: Phytochemical screening and biological activities.

Locust bean pulp and gum extracts were prepared, and phytochemical tests based on color reactions and chromatographic analyzes were performed. A profile of seventy-six phenolic compounds was obtained by the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The main groups of phenolic compounds identified in the both extracts of Ceratonia siliqua L., were flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acids. Moreover, carob pulp and gum extracts were tested for their antimicrobial activity using disk diffusion tests which showed sensitivity of the different strains to the analyzed extracts at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of Ceratonia siliqua L. extracts was assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl acid test, which confirmed stronger antioxidant properties in the case of the pulp extract. To sum up, carob pulp and gum extracts present promising alternatives to synthetic additives within the medicinal industry, serving as potential antioxidant agents and preservatives that combat bacterial contamination, thereby offering a more natural approach to enhancing product safety and efficacy.

Properties of konjac glucomannan/curdlan-based emulsion films incorporating camellia oil and the preservation effect as coatings on 'Kyoho' grapes.

The strategy of emulsion coating was used for grape preservation. Camellia oil (CO) was incorporated with KGM/curdlan (KC) to fabricate KC-CO emulsion systems. KC-CO emulsions were analyzed by droplet size distribution and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and KC-CO films were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical properties, dissolution, gas permeability, water contact angle (WCA). KC-CO coating was used for preservation of 'Kyoho' grapes. The results indicated that the addition of CO had a positive effect on KC system. CO could form a uniform emulsion with KC, and the droplets were evenly dispersed in the KC matrix. KC-CO films displayed a continuous microstructure, and elongation at break (EAB) was improved, while tensile strength decreased. The dissolution, water vapor permeability (WVP), and WCA were significantly enhanced, while the permeability of oxygen and carbon dioxide exhibited no advantage compared with KC film. KC-CO-10 possessed optimal properties and was selected as an emulsion coating for preservation. The results suggested that KC-CO-10 significantly maintained the appearance, total solid and acid content of 'Kyoho' grapes, and delayed the weight loss and firmness decrease. This study contributed to the understanding of polysaccharide-lipid emulsion system and the applications.

Mannan oligosaccharides selenium ameliorates intestinal mucosal barrier, and regulate intestinal microbiota to prevent Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli -induced diarrhea in weaned piglets.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a common diarrheal pathogen in humans and animals. To prevent and treat ETEC induced diarrhea, we synthesized mannan oligosaccharide selenium (MOSS) and studied its beneficial effect on ETEC-induced diarrhea. A total of 32 healthy weaned piglets (6.69 ± 0.01 kg) were randomly divided into four groups: NC group (Basal diet), MOSS group (0.4 mg/kg MOSS supplemented diet), MOET group (0.4 mg/kg MOSS supplemented diet + ETEC treatment), ETEC group (ETEC treatment). NC and ETEC group fed with basal diet, MOSS and MOET group fed with the MOSS supplemented diet. On the 8th and 15th day of the experiment, MOET and ETEC group were gavaged with ETEC, and NC and MOSS group were gavaged with stroke-physiological saline solution. Our data showed that dietary MOSS supplementation increased average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) and significantly decreased diarrhea index and frequency in ETEC-treated piglets. MOSS did not affect the α diversity and ß diversity of ileal microbial community, but it significantly decreased the proportion of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis in ileal microbial community. MOSS supplementation regulated colonic microbiota community composition, which significantly increased carbohydrate metabolism, and inhibited lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathway in colonic microbial community. Moreover, MOSS significantly decreased inflammatory stress, and oxidative stress in ETEC treated piglets. Furthermore, dietary MOSS supplementation significantly decreased intestinal barrier permeability, and alleviated ETEC induced intestinal mucosa barrier irritation. In conclusion, our study showed that dietary MOSS supplementation ameliorated intestinal mucosa barrier, and regulated intestinal microbiota to prevent ETEC induced diarrhea in weaned piglets.

Food packaging films based on ionically crosslinked konjac glucomannan incorporating zein-pectin nanoparticle-stabilized corn germ oil-oregano oil Pickering emulsion.

This study addresses the limitations of konjac glucomannan (KGM) films in mechanical properties, hydrophobicity and antibacterial activities. For the first time, a zein-pectin nanoparticle-stabilized corn germ oil-oregano essential oil Pickering emulsion (ZPCEO) was incorporated into KGM, with the resulting film being further ionically crosslinked with Ca2+, Cu2+ or Fe3+. FTIR, SEM and EDS results showed that the metal ions were crosslinked with the hydroxyl and carbonyl groups of polysaccharides and uniformly distributed throughout the films (degree of crosslinking: Fe3+ > Cu2+ > Ca2+). Compared with pure KGM films, the ionic crosslinked ZPCEO/KGM (IL-ZPCEO/KGM) films have superior water resistance mechanical properties, and exhibit unique UV-blocking properties, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The ZPCEO/KGM-Fe3+ film offered the best all-round properties, including the highest tensile strength, water resistance, UV-blocking capacity, and antimicrobial activity. Thus, ionic crosslinking of ZPCEO/KGM films can be applied to the preparation of food packaging for use in high humidity environments.

Immunochemical Identification of the Main Cell Wall Polysaccharides of the Early Land Plant Marchantia polymorpha.

Plant primary cell walls are composite structures surrounding the protoplast and containing pectins, hemicelluloses, and cellulose polysaccharides, as well as proteins. Their composition changed during the evolution of the green lineage from algae to terrestrial plants, i.e., from an aquatic to a terrestrial environment. The constraints of life in terrestrial environments have generated new requirements for the organisms, necessitating adaptations, such as cell wall modifications. We have studied the cell wall polysaccharide composition of thalli of Marchantia polymorpha, a bryophyte belonging to one of the first land plant genera. Using a collection of specific antibodies raised against different cell wall polysaccharide epitopes, we were able to identify in polysaccharide-enriched fractions: pectins, including low-methylesterified homogalacturonans; rhamnogalacturonan I with arabinan side-chains; and hemicelluloses, such as xyloglucans with XXLG and XXXG modules, mannans, including galactomannans, and xylans. We could also show the even distribution of XXLG xyloglucans and galactomannans in the cell walls of thalli by immunocytochemistry. These results are discussed with regard to the cell wall proteome composition and in the context of the evolution of the green lineage. The cell wall polysaccharides of M. polymorpha illustrate the transition from the charophyte ancestors of terrestrial plants containing xyloglucans, xylans and mannans as hemicelluloses, and embryophytes which do not exhibit mannans as major primary cell wall polysaccharides.