Saltbush seedlings (Atriplex spp.) shed border-like cells from closed-type root apical meristems.

Australian saltbush (Atriplex spp.) survive in exceptionally saline environments and are often used for pasture in semi-arid areas. To investigate the impact of salinity on saltbush root morphology and root exudates, three Australian native saltbush species (Atriplex nummularia , Atriplex amnicola , and Atriplex vesicaria ) were grown in vitro in optimised sterile, semi-hydroponic systems in media supplemented with different concentrations of salt (NaCl). Histological stains and chromatographic techniques were used to characterise the root apical meristem (RAM) type and root exudate composition of the saltbush seedlings. We report that saltbush species have closed-type RAMs, which release border-like cells (BLCs). Monosaccharide content, including glucose and fructose, in the root mucilage of saltbush was found to be uniquely low, suggesting that saltbush may minimise carbon release in polysaccharides of root exudates. Root mucilage also contained notable levels of salt, plus increasing levels of unidentified compounds at peak salinity. Un-esterified homogalacturonan, xyloglucan, and arabinogalactan proteins between and on the surface of BLCs may aid intercellular adhesion. At the highest salinity levels, root cap morphology was altered but root:shoot ratio remained consistent. While questions remain about the identity of some components in saltbush root mucilage other than the key monosaccharides, this new information about root cap morphology and cell surface polysaccharides provides avenues for future research.

Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of nanocomposites from chitosan/broccoli mucilage/selenium nanoparticles.

Helicobacter pylori can infect most people worldwide to cause hazardous consequences to health; the bacteria could not easily be controlled or disinfected. Toward exploring of innovative biocidal nanoformulations to control H. pylori, broccoli seeds (Brassica oleracea var. italica) mucilage (MBS) was employed for biosynthesizing selenium nanoparticles (MBS/SeNPs), which was intermingled with chitosan nanoparticles (NCT) to generate bioactive nanocomposites for suppressing H. pylori. The MBS could effectually generate and stabilize SeNPs with 13.61 nm mean diameter, where NCT had 338.52 nm mean diameter and positively charged (+ 39.62 mV). The cross-linkages between NCT-MBS-SeNPs were verified via infrared analysis and the nanocomposites from NCT:MBS/SeNPs at 1:2 (T1), 1:1 (T2) and 2:1 (T3) ratios had mean diameters of 204, 132 and 159 nm, respectively. The entire nanomaterials/composites exhibited potent anti- H. pylori activities using various assaying methods; the T2 nanocomposite was the utmost bactericidal agent with 0.08-0.10 mg/L minimal concentration and 25.9-27.3 mm inhibition zones. The scanning microscopy displayed the ability of nanocomposite to attach the bacterial cells, disrupt their membranes, and completely lyse them within 10 h. The NCT/MBS/SeNPs nanocomposites provided effectual innovative approach to control H. pylori.

Chemical and physical characteristics of wheat root mucilage influenced by Serendipita indica symbiosis: a comparison among four cultivars.

Although there is evidence to suggest that the endophytic fungus Serendipita indica plays a crucial role in enhancing plant tolerance against biotic/abiotic stressors, less is known about the impacts of this symbiosis association on root mucilage chemical composition and its physical functions. The mucilage of inoculated and non-inoculated seedlings of four wheat cultivars (i.e., Roshan, Ghods, Kavir and Pishtaz) were extracted using an aeroponic method. Total solute concentration (TCm), carbon content (Cmucilage), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, fatty acids, surface tension (σm), and viscosity (ηm) of mucilage were measured. Ghods and Kavir had the highest and lowest root colonization percents, respectively. Saturated fatty acids, including palmitic and stearic acids, were dominant over unsaturated fatty acids in wheat root mucilage. However, their compositions were significantly different among wheat cultivars. S. indica colonization, especially for Ghods, increased the TCm, Cmucilage, and palmitic acid. Moreover, root mucilage of S. indica-inoculated Ghods had lower σm and greater ηm. An increased amount of powerful surfactants like palmitic acid in the mucilage of S. indica inoculated treatments led to lower σm and greater ηm. Such studies provide further support for the idea that plant-released mucilage plays a major role in modifying the physical environment of the rhizosphere. This knowledge toward truly understanding the rhizosphere can be potentially used for improving the rhizosphere soil quality and increasing crop growth and yield.

Physicochemical characterization of novel okra mucilage/hyaluronic acid-based oral disintegrating films for functional food applications.

Oral disintegrating films (ODFs) offer a patient-friendly approach with enhanced convenience and rapid onset of action over various health benefits. ODFs are fabricated for geriatric, pediatric, and individuals facing swallowing challenges. The present work aims to fabricate and characterize ODFs mainly composed of okra mucilage (OM), hyaluronic acid (HA), vitamin-C-loaded bioactive glass nanoparticles (VBG NPs), and clove essential oil. A bio-inspired method was employed to synthesize VBG NPs using fructose template. The nutrient analysis of OM depicted that it is a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, magnesium, and flavonoids (quercetin), accounting for its antioxidant activity. The physicochemical characteristics of the ODFs studied using contact angle measurement, surface pH, opacity, and in vitro disintegration time revealed that ODFs disintegrated rapidly in simulated saliva. The neutral surface pH of ODFs indicates their non-irritant behaviour to the oral mucosa. VBG NPs and essential oil (EO) addition enhance the thermal and mechanical properties. Further, EO infusion in the film matrix resulted in the porous and antibacterial nature of the functional film as revealed by FE-SEM micrographs and antibacterial disk diffusion assay respectively. The obtained novel nutrient-rich ODF is hemocompatible with a hemolysis rate (HR%) <5 % and suitable for functional food applications.

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) mucilage: A versatile stimuli-responsive functional biomaterial for pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

The present review is novel as it discusses the main findings of researchers on the topic and their implications, as well as highlights the emerging research in this particular area and its future prospective. The seeds of Flax (Linum usitatissimum) extrude mucilage (FSM) that has a diverse and wide range of applications, especially in the food industry and as a pharmaceutical ingredient. FSM has been blended with several food and dairy products to improve gelling ability, optical properties, taste, and user compliance. The FSM is recognized as a foaming, encapsulating, emulsifying, suspending, film-forming, and gelling agent for several pharmaceutical preparations and healthcare materials. Owing to stimuli (pH) -responsive swelling-deswelling characteristics, high swelling indices at different physiological pHs of the human body, and biocompatibility, FSM is considered a smart material for intelligent, targeted, and controlled drug delivery applications through conventional and advanced drug delivery systems. FSM has been modified through carboxymethylation, acetylation, copolymerization, and electrostatic complexation to get the desired properties for pharma, food, and healthcare products. The present review is therefore devoted to the isolation techniques, structural characterization, highly valuable properties for food and pharmaceutical industries, preclinical and clinical trials, pharmacological aspects, biomedical attributes, and patents of FSM.

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

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

Starch-chitosan-Taro mucilage nanocomposite active food packaging film doped with zinc oxide nanoparticles - Fabrication, mechanical properties, anti-bacterial activity and eco toxicity assessment.

In this research, a novel active food packaging material was developed by blending starch, chitosan, and plant-based mucilage with zinc oxide nanoparticles. The polymeric nanocomposite film, created by incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles into the mixture using a straightforward approach, was analyzed for its structural and functional attributes using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TGA/DSC. These analyses revealed a robust interaction between the polymers' functional groups and the nanoparticles, forming a stable film. The film's mechanical properties, including tensile strength and Young's modulus, were high. It also showed reduced wettability and water solubility, enhancing water resistance. The biodegradability rate was 100 %. Antibacterial tests against Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. showed significant inhibition zones of 26 mm and 30 mm, respectively, demonstrating strong antibacterial effectiveness. The film's non-target toxicity was assessed through phytotoxicity experiments on Vigna angularis and soil nutrient evaluations, with no negative impact on plant growth or soil health observed. These results indicate that this nanocomposite is a safe, biocompatible option for food packaging.

Aloe vera mucilage loaded gelatin electrospun fibers contained in polylactic acid coaxial system and polylactic acid and poly(e-caprolactone) tri-layer membranes for tissue engineering.

BACKGROUND: Polymeric electrospun mats have been used as scaffolds in tissue engineering for the development of novel materials due to its characteristics. The usage of synthetic materials has gone in decline due to environmental problems associated with their synthesis and waste disposal. Biomaterials such as biopolymers have been used recently due to good compatibility on biological applications and sustainability. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work is to obtain novel materials based on synthetic and natural polymers for applications on tissue engineering. METHODS: Aloe vera mucilage was obtained, chemically characterized, and used as an active compound contained in electrospun mats. Polymeric scaffolds were obtained in single, coaxial and tri-layer structures, characterized and evaluated in cell culture. RESULTS: Mucilage loaded electrospun fibers showed good compatibility due to formation of hydrogen bonds between polymers and biomolecules from its structure, evidenced by FTIR spectra and thermal properties. Cell viability test showed that most of the obtained mats result on viability higher than 75%, resulting in nontoxic materials, ready to be used on scaffolding applications. CONCLUSION: Mucilage containing fibers resulted on materials with potential use on scaffolding applications due to their mechanical performance and cell viability results.

Effects of dispersing media on the rheological and tribological properties of basil seed mucilage-based thickened liquids.

The development of thickening powders for the management of dysphagia is imperative due to the rapid growth of aging population and prevalence of the dysphagia. One promising thickening agent that can be used to formulate dysphagia diets is basil seed mucilage (BSM). This work investigates the effects of dispersing media, including water, milk, skim milk, and apple juice, on the rheological and tribological properties of the BSM-thickened liquids. Shear rheology results revealed that the thickening ability of BSM in these media in ascending order is milk < skim milk ≈ apple juice < water. On the other hand, extensional rheology demonstrated that the longest filament breakup time was observed when BSM was dissolved in milk, followed by skim milk, water, and apple juice. Furthermore, tribological measurements showed varying lubrication behavior, depending on the BSM concentration and dispersing media. Dissolution of BSM in apple juice resulted in the most superior lubrication property compared with that in other dispersing media. Overall, this study provides insights on BSM's application as a novel gum-based thickening powder in a range of beverages and emphasizes how important it is for consumers to have clear guidance for the use of BSM in dysphagia management.

Encapsulation of sunflower and flaxseed oils using Opuntia (Cactaceae) mucilage as a core-shell material through coacervation methods: A study on formulation, characterization, and in vitro digestion.

Sunflower oil (SFO) and Flaxseed oil (FSO) were microencapsulated using simple and complex coacervation techniques with Opuntia (Cactaceae) mucilage (Mu) and with a combination of Mu with chitosan (Chit). The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of SFO and FSO in emulsions using Mu/Chit shells was 96.7% and 97.4%, respectively. Morphological studies indicated successful entrapment of oils in core shells with particle sizes ranging from 1396 ± 42.4 to 399.8 ± 42.3 nm. The thermogravimetric analyses demonstrated enhanced core protection with thermal stability noted for microcapsules regardless of encapsulation method. The stability of the microcapsules, during in vitro digestion was studied. The obtained results revealed that the microcapsules are intact in oral conditions and have a slow release of oil over stomach digestion and rapid release in the small intestine. The results showed that Mu and Mu/Chit coacervates can be used as effective carrier systems to encapsulate sensitive ingredients and functional oils.

Structure, mechanical and adhesive properties of the cellulosic mucilage in Ocimum basilicum seeds.

Plant seeds and fruits, like those of Ocimum basilicum, develop a mucilaginous envelope rich in pectins and cellulosic fibers upon hydration. This envelope promotes adhesion for attachment to soils and other substrates for dispersal and protection of the seed for a safe germination. Initially at hydration, the mucilage envelope demonstrates low adhesion and friction, but shows increasing adhesive and frictional properties during dehydration. However, the mechanisms underlying the cellulose fiber arrangement and the mechanical properties, especially the elasticity modulus of the mucilage envelope at different hydration conditions are not fully known. In this study, which is based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and light microscopy, the structure of the seed coat and arrangement of the cellulose fibers of basil seeds were characterized. Moreover, we performed pull-off force measurements to estimate adhesive properties and JKR-tests to estimate E-modulus of the mucilage at different hydration levels. Microscopy results demonstrate that cellulose fibers are split at their free ends into smaller fibrils, which might enhance the adhesive properties of the mucilage. Adhesive forces in contact increased during dehydration and reached maximum of 33 mN shortly before complete dehydration. The E-modulus of the mucilage changed from 1.4 KPa in water to up to 2.1 MPa in the mucilage at the maximum of its adhesion performance. Obtained results showed hydrogel-like mechanical properties during dehydration and cellulose fiber structures similar to the nanofibrous systems in other organisms with strong adhesive properties. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This paper reveals the hierarchical cellulose fiber structure in Ocimum basilicum's mucilaginous seed coat, suggesting increased fiber splitting towards the end, potentially enhancing adhesion contact areas. Mechanical tests explore elasticity modulus and adhesion force during various hydration stages, crucial as these properties evolve with mucilage desiccation. A rare focus on mucilaginous seed coat mechanical properties, particularly cellulose-reinforced fibers, provides insight into the hydrogel-like mucilage of plant seeds. Adhesion forces peak just before complete desiccation and then decline rapidly. As mucilage water content decreases, the E-modulus rises, displaying hydrogel-like properties during early dehydration stages with higher water content. This study might bring the focus to plant seeds as inspiration for biodegradable glues and applications for hydrogel research.

Seed coating with phages for sustainable plant biocontrol of plant pathogens and influence of the seed coat mucilage.

Pathogens resistant to classical control strategies pose a significant threat to crop yield, with seeds being a major transmission route. Bacteriophages, viruses targeting bacteria, offer an environmentally sustainable biocontrol solution. In this study, we isolated and characterized two novel phages, Athelas and Alfirin, which infect Pseudomonas syringae and Agrobacterium fabrum, respectively, and included the recently published Pfeifenkraut phage infecting Xanthomonas translucens. Using a simple immersion method, phages coated onto seeds successfully lysed bacteria post air-drying. The seed coat mucilage (SCM), a polysaccharide-polymer matrix exuded by seeds, plays a critical role in phage binding. Seeds with removed mucilage formed five to 10 times less lysis zones compared to those with mucilage. The podovirus Athelas showed the highest mucilage dependency. Phages from the Autographiviridae family also depended on mucilage for seed adhesion. Comparative analysis of Arabidopsis SCM mutants suggested the diffusible cellulose as a key component for phage binding. Long-term activity tests demonstrated high phage stability on seed surfaces and significantly increasing seedling survival rates in the presence of pathogens. Using non-virulent host strains enhanced phage presence on seeds but also has potential limitations. These findings highlight phage-based interventions as promising, sustainable strategies for combating pathogen resistance and improving crop yield.

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

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

Investigation on Fermented Milk Quality after the Addition of Flaxseed Mucilage and the Use of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AG9.

BACKGROUND: Flaxseed mucilage (FSM) is one of the healthy components of flaxseed. FSM is an example of a material that can be used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries due to its rheological properties. FSM consists mainly of two polysaccharides, arabinoxylan, and rhamnogalacturonan I, and it also contains protein components and minerals. The prospect of using FSM in food is due to its gelling, water binding, emulsifying, and foaming properties. In addition, valuable natural sources of phenolic compounds such as lignans, phenolic acids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and tannins are partially extracted from flaxseed in FSM. These antioxidant components have pharmacological properties, including anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. A combination of FSM and lactobacilli in dairy foods can improve their functional properties. This study aimed to develop dairy products by adding of FSM and using two lactic acid bacteria (LAB). FSM (0.2%) was used as an ingredient to improve both the texture and antioxidant properties of the product. METHODS: Skim milk was fermented with 0.2% flaxseed mucilage using Lactobacillus delbrueckii subs. bulgaricus and the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AG9. The finished fermented milk products were stored at 4 °C for 14 days. Quantitative chemical, textural, and antioxidant analyses were carried out. RESULTS: Adding 0.2% FSM to the dairy product stimulated the synthesis of lactic acid. FSM increased the viscosity and water-holding capacity of L. bulgaricus or L. bulgaricus/L. plantarum AG9 fermented milk products. Combining these starter strains with FSM promoted the formation of a hard, elastic, resilient casein matrix in the product. When only L. plantarum AG9 was used for the fermentation, the dairy product had a high syneresis and a low viscosity and firmness; such a product is inferior in textural characteristics to the variant with commercial L. bulgaricus. The addition of FSM improved the textural properties of this variant. The use of L. plantarum AG9 and FSM makes it possible to obtain a fermented milk product with the highest content of polyphenolic compounds, which have the highest antioxidant properties and stimulate lipase and α-glucosidase inhibitor synthesis. Combining of L. bulgaricus and L. plantarum AG9 in the starter (20% of the total mass of the starter) and adding of 0.2% FSM is the optimal combination for obtaining a dairy product with high textural and antioxidant properties. CONCLUSIONS: The physicochemical properties (viscosity, syneresis, water holding capacity, texture) and antioxidant properties of fermented milk were improved. In the future, as part of the work to investigate the functional properties of dairy products with FSM, studies will be conducted using in in vivo models.

Application of edible nanocomposites from chitosan/fenugreek seed mucilage/selenium nanoparticles for protecting lemon from green mold.

Green (Penicillium digitatum) mold can severely endanger the citrus fruits production and quality. Targeting the protection of lemon fruits from green mold infestations with nanobiotechnology approach, the fenugreek seed mucilage (FM) was extracted and exploited for biosynthesis of selenium (SeNPs) nanoparticles; their nanocomposites (NCs) with chitosan (CT) was constructed and employed as antifungal materials and edible coating (ECs) to protect lemon fruits against green mold. The nanoparticles formation and conjugations were verified by infrared (FTIR) analysis and electron microscopy. The FM-synthesized SeNPs had particles average of 8.35 nm, were the NCs of them with CT had size mean of 49.33 nm and charged with +22.8 mV. The CT/FM/SeNPs composite exhibited superior antifungal actions toward P. digitatum isolates, up to 32.2 mm inhibition diameter and 12.5 mg/mL inhibitory concentration, which exceeded the actions of imazilil. The microscopic screening of exposed P. digitatum to NCs clarified their mycelial destructive action within 30 h. The coating of infected lemons with fabricated NCs led to complete elimination of green mold development after 10 days of coating, without any infestation remarks. The innovative fabrication of NCs from CT/FM/SeNPs is strongly suggested to protect citrus crops from green mold and preserve fruits quality.

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

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

Evaluation of microwave irradiated Polyacrylamide grafted Opuntia leaf mucilage graft copolymer (OPM-g-PAM) as effective controlled release polymer for release of Rosuvastastin as model drug.

Controlled drug delivery systems offer numerous advantages. This research evaluates Opuntia leaf mucilage grafted with polyacrylamide (OPM-g-PAM) as a promising controlled-release polymer. PAM chains were grafted onto the backbone of OPM using a microwave-assisted method. Optimization of the best grade was based on % grafting efficiency and intrinsic viscosity, followed by extensive physical and analytical characterizations. Analytical characterizations revealed semicrystalline nature of the biomaterial. SEM and AFM observations revealed rough and porous surfaces, indicating effective grafting. Swelling behavior showed maximum sensitivity at pH 7, with reduced swelling at higher sodium chloride concentrations. A comparative study of % drug release of Rosuvastatin over 24 h showed that the optimized grade controlled drug release effectively, achieving 78.5 % release compared to 98.8 % for GF-3. The release data fitted the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, with an "n" value of 0.8334, indicating non-Fickian (anomalous) diffusion. Bacterial biodegradability studies confirmed the high biodegradability of the graft copolymer. In vitro acute toxicity tests showed no toxicity, as confirmed by histopathological studies of heart, liver, and kidney. Overall, the results indicate that OPM-g-PAM is a highly promising material for use in drug delivery systems, demonstrating potential as a novel controlled-release polymer.

Mimosa/quince seed mucilage-co-poly (methacrylate) hydrogels for controlled delivery of capecitabine: Simulation studies, characterization and toxicological evaluation.

This research focused on developing pH-regulated intelligent networks using quince and mimosa seed mucilage through aqueous polymerization to sustain Capecitabine release while overcoming issues like short half-life, high dosing frequency, and low bioavailability. The resulting MSM/QSM-co-poly(MAA) hydrogel was evaluated for several parameters, including complex structure formation, stability, pH sensitivity, morphology, and elemental composition. FTIR, DSC, and TGA analyses confirmed the formation of a stable, complex cross-linked network, demonstrating excellent stability at elevated temperatures. SEM analysis revealed the hydrogels' smooth, fine texture with porous surfaces. PXRD and EDX results indicated the amorphous dispersion of Capecitabine within the network. The QMM9 formulation achieved an optimal Capecitabine loading of 87.17 %. The gel content of the developed formulations ranged from 65.21 % to 90.23 %. All formulations exhibited excellent swelling behavior, with ratios between 65.91 % and 91.93 % at alkaline pH. In vitro dissolution studies indicated that up to 98 % of Capecitabine was released after 24 h at pH 7.4, demonstrating the potential for sustained release. Furthermore, toxicological evaluation in healthy rabbits confirmed the system's safety, non-toxicity, and biocompatibility.

Application of seed mucilage as functional biopolymer in meat product processing and preservation.

Meat products consumption is rising globally, but concerns about sustainability, fat content, and shelf life. Synthetic additives and preservatives used for extending the shelf life of meat often carry health and environmental drawbacks. Seed mucilage, natural polysaccharides, possesses unique functional properties like water holding, emulsifying, and film forming, offering potential alternatives in meat processing and preservation. This study explores the application of seed mucilage from diverse sources (e.g., flaxseed, psyllium, basil) in various meat and meat products processing and preservation. Mucilage's water-holding and emulsifying properties can potentially bind fat and decrease the overall lipid content in meat and meat-based products. Moreover, antimicrobial and film-forming properties of mucilage can potentially inhibit microbial growth and reduce oxidation, extending the shelf life. This review emphasizes the advantages of incorporating mucilage into processing and coating strategies for meat and seafood products.

Microwave-assisted extraction of mucilage from juá: Characterization and antioxidant activity.

Microwave-assisted extraction of mucilage from juá was investigated using response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for extraction were a power of 300 W, an extraction time of 240 s, a pH of 8.0, and a water/sample ratio of 1/6, which achieved a 26.43% yield. The monosaccharide composition and antioxidant activity of the mucilage from juá fruits from different regions of Caatinga were investigated. The fruits from Agreste Paraibano showed the highest mucilage extraction yield (18.64%) compared to that of fruits from Mata Paraibana (MP) (12.37%), Borborema (BB) (11.47%), and Sertão Paraibano (8.31%) (p < 0.05). Glucose (32.8%-50.8%) and arabinose (19.3%-32.9%) were the main monosaccharides found in juá mucilage. The mucilage from fruits in the MP presented the highest antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays. Our results demonstrated the potential for the future exploration and application of juá mucilage in the food industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Juá (Ziziphus joazeiro Mart.) mucilage contains phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, and its extraction by MAE is efficient, as it contributed to a higher yield.