Active packaging coating based on Lepidium sativum seed mucilage and propolis extract: Preparation, characterization, application and modeling the preservation of buffalo meat.

Buffalo meat is naturally perishable, making it susceptible to spoilage due to its high moisture content and vulnerability to microbial contamination. Edible coatings have attracted attention as a packaging method that can prolong the shelf life of meat. The study aimed to examine the impact of a combination of Lepidium sativum mucilage (LS) coating and propolis extract (PE) on prolonging the shelf life of buffalo meat. The chemical characteristics (chemical compounds, total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity) and antimicrobial activity of the PE (disk diffusion agar, well diffusion agar, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration) were investigated. The effect of the PE on the cell wall of pathogenic bacteria was examined using a scanning electron microscope. Biological properties of LS (TPC, TFC, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial effect (pour plate method)) was investigated. Different concentrations of PE (0, 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5%) were added to the coating mixture containing LS, and their effects on extending the shelf life of buffalo meat samples stored at 4°C for 9 days were assessed. The PE included gallic acid, benzoic acid, syringic acid, 4-3 dimethoxy cinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, myricetin, caffeic acid, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, and apigenin. The PE was determined to have a TPC of 36.67 ± 0.57 mg GAE/g and a TFC of 48.02 ± 0.65 mg QE/g. The extract's radical scavenging activity ranged from 0 to 76.22% for DPPH radicals and from 0 to 50.31% for ABTS radicals. The viability of C115 HeLa cell was observed to be 94.14 µg/mL. The PE and LS, exhibited strong antimicrobial properties against pathogenic bacteria. The LS was determined to have a TPC of 15.23 ± 0.43 mg GAE/g and a TFC of 11.51± 0.61 mg QE/g. The LS was determined to have a DPPH of 429.65 ± 1.28 µg/mL and a ABTS of 403.59 ± 1.46 µg/mL. The microbiological analysis revealed that the LS+2.5%PE treatment was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of total viable count (6.23 vs. 8.00 log CFU/g), psychrotrophic bacteria count (3.71 vs. 4.73 log CFU/g), coliforms count (2.78 vs. 3.70 log CFU/g), and fungi count (2.39 vs. 3.93 log CFU/g) compared to the control sample. The addition of PE to the edible coating also demonstrated a concentration-dependent effect on preserving the moisture, pH, color, and hardness of the buffalo meat. Sensory evaluation results suggested that incorporating PE into the edible coating extended the shelf life of buffalo meat by three days. In the second stage of this paper, this investigation employed two distinct forecasting methodologies: the Radial Basis Function (RBF) and the Support Vector Machine (SVM), to predict a range of quality indicators for coated meat products. Upon comparison, the RBF model exhibited a higher level of accuracy, showcasing its exceptional capacity to closely match the experimental outcomes. Therefore, this type of food coating, renowned for its strong antimicrobial properties, has the potential to effectively package and preserve perishable and delicate food items, such as meat.

Aloe vera leaf mucilage and lemon oil as potential penetration-enhancing agents to increase lornoxicam transdermal administration using nano vesicular gel.

The goal of the existing work was to create matrix transdermal patches with lornoxicam (LXM) gel using lemon oil (LO) and Aloe vera leaves mucilage (AVLM) as penetration enhancers to boost LXM transport crossways the skin and test its in vivo analgesic effects. Nine formulas were produced for this purpose using Design Expert® 11 in line with CCD design. The response factors, on the other hand, were Q1d (Y1), Q2d (Y2) and Q3d, or LXM permeation at days 1, 2 and 3. The AVLM concentration (X1) and lemon oil (X2) were selected as independent variables. The optimized patch's skin sensitivity response and analgesic activity were tested on rats. The results exhibited that a matrix system with prolonged (zero-order) LXM release of 24.15% (@24h), 49.00% (@48h) and 69.45% (optimized for the needed analgesic asset by using AVLM and LO as penetration enhancers. It was resolute that the formulation known as LTDP-8, which contains 3mL of AVLM and LO as permeability enhancers, is the best one. In light of its ability to administer LXM across the skin sustainably while producing a tolerable analgesic effect. The study concludes that the artificial transdermal LXM delivery system is a suitable substitution for the oral route.

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.

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.

Cactus mucilage: A review of its rheological and physicochemical properties and use as bio-admixture in building materials.

The Portland cement industry is continuously exploring new admixture alternatives to manipulate building materials properties, including mechanical, rheological, and durability properties. Cactus mucilage is such an admixture alternative. This study reviews the literature on the use of cactus mucilage (specifically, prickly pear cactus) as a bioadmixture in building materials, particularly Portland-cement-based materials. Moreover, the influences on mechanical strength, rheology, and durability are examined. The results show that cactus mucilage, which has been used since ancient times in America, could enhance materials like lime-, Portland-cement-, and earth-based building materials.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Characterization and performance evaluation of colorimetric pH-sensitive indicator based on Ò -carrageenan/quince seed mucilage hydrogel as freshness/spoilage monitoring of rainbow trout fillet.

The aim of research was to fabricate a novel indicator by using κ-carrageenan and quince seed mucilage (QSM) hydrogels and red cabbage anthocyanin. The porosity of the hydrogel was controlled using different ratios of κ-carrageenan(C):QSM(Q) (C90:Q10, C70:Q30, and C50:Q50). The hardness of hydrogels decreased from 28.6 ± 0.3 N for C90Q10 to 11.0 ± 1.0 N for C50Q50 sample. However, according to field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis, the C50R50 sample had the best morphology with smooth surface and uniform interconnected porous network. Hydrogen bonding interactions among anthocyanins, QSM, and κ-carrageenan were confirmed by Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The indicator showed a color variation from red to yellow over the pH range of 2-12. Also, the indicator exhibited high sensitivity to ammonia vapors (SRGB = 115%) and good color stability. The C50QRA indicator was used for monitoring rainbow trout fillet spoilage and revealed a visually-detectable color change from red to green upon detecting total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content produced throughout storage at 4 °C. Generally, the halochromic hydrogel developed in this research can be suggested as a more sensitive and accurate freshness indicator than conventional indicator solid supports.

Enhancing mechanical and water barrier properties of starch film using chia mucilage.

Biodegradable packaging materials are increasingly being investigated due to rising concerns about food safety and environmental conservation. This study examines the incorporation of chia mucilage (CM) into starch-based films using the casting method, aiming to understand its effects on the structure and functionality of the films. CM, an anionic heteropolysaccharide, is hypothesized to enhance the mechanical and barrier properties of the films through polymer interactions and hydrogen bonding. Our findings confirm that CM incorporation results in films with uniformly smooth surfaces, indicating high compatibility and homogeneity within the starch matrix. Notably, CM improves film transparency and crystallinity. Mechanical assessments show a remarkable elevation in tensile strength, soaring from 5.21 MPa to 12.38 MPa, while elongation at break decreases from 61.73 % to 31.42 %, indicating a trade-off between strength and flexibility. Additionally, water solubility decreases from 57.97 % to 41.40 %, and water vapor permeability is reduced by 30 % with CM loading. These results highlight the role of CM in facilitating the formation of a dense, interconnected polymeric network within the starch matrix. Given the soluble dietary fiber nature of CM, the CS/CM (corn starch/chia mucilage) blended films are expected to be safe for food packaging and applicable as edible films with health benefits.

Lactoferrin-chia seed mucilage complex coacervates for intestinal delivery of quercetin and fortification of set yogurt.

This study aimed to develop complex coacervates utilizing lactoferrin (LF) and chia seed mucilage (CSM) for promoting intestinal delivery of quercetin (Q) and fortification of set yogurt. Three cross-linkers, including calcium chloride (CC), transglutaminase (TG), and polyphenolic complex (HP), were used to further reinforce the coacervate network. Cross-linked coacervates had higher values of coacervate yield, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity. They efficiently preserved Q under gastric condition (⁓87%-99%), with CSM-TG-Q-LF being most effective for intestinal delivery of Q. Moreover, digested pellets of the cross-linked coacervates displayed better antioxidant activity than the uncross-linked coacervates with CSM-TG-Q-LF pellets showing maximum bioactivity. The Q-loaded coacervates demonstrated superior assembly in the yogurt matrix compared to the unencapsulated Q. Moreover, the coacervate systems, especially CSM-TG-Q-LF significantly improved the textural properties of yogurt and the stability of Q in it. Therefore, CSM-TG-LF is a promising carrier to promote intestinal delivery and food application of hydrophobic molecules.

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.

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.

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.