Design of Recyclable Carboxylic Metal-Organic Framework/Chitosan Aerogels for Oil Bleaching.

Novel hierarchical metal-organic framework/chitosan aerogel composites were developed for oil bleaching. UiO-66-COOH-type metal organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) were synthesized and integrated onto a chitosan matrix with different contents and named MOF-aerogel-1 and MOF-aerogel-2. Due to the compatibility of chitosan, the carboxylic zirconium MOF-aerogels not only maintained the inherent chemical accessibility of UiO-66-COOH, but the unique crystallization and structural characteristics of these MOF nanoparticles were also preserved. Through 3-dimensional reconstructed images, aggregation of the UiO-66-COOH particles was observed in MOF-aerogel-1, while the MOF was homogeneously distributed on the surface of the chitosan lamellae in MOF-aerogel-2. All aerogels, with or without immobilized MOF nanoparticles, were capable of removing carotenoids during oil bleaching. MOF-aerogel-2 showed the most satisfying removal proportions of 26.6%, 36.5%, and 47.2% at 50 °C, 75 °C, and 100 °C, respectively, and its performance was very similar to that of commercial activated clay. The reuse performance of MOF-aerogel-2 was tested, and the results showed its exceptional sustainability for carotenoid removal. These findings suggested the effectiveness of the MOFaerogel for potential utilization in oil bleaching treatments.

Characterization and application in yogurt of genipin-crosslinked chitosan microcapsules encapsulating with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DMDL 9010.

Microcapsules could improve the protection of probiotics in the lyophilization and gastrointestinal digestion process. The purpose of this study was to prepare Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DMDL 9010 (LP9010) microcapsules by cross-linking chitosan with genipin and to determine the encapsulation efficiency, morphological characterization, storage stability and the application of the microcapsules in fermentation. The results showed that the LP9010 microcapsules embedded in 1.00 wt% genipin cross-linked chitosan were in a uniform spherical shape with a smooth surface and satisfying agglomeration. The LP9010 microcapsules demonstrated the reasonable thermal stability and persistence of biological activity in the range of -20 °C to 25 °C. Additionally, yogurt obtained from the ST + LB + ELP9010 strain formulation with the addition of microencapsulated LP9010 had smaller particles, better taste, and better stability compared with the yogurt obtained from other strain formulations. As detected by GC-MS, the yogurt formulated with ST + LB + ELP9010 as a strain retained more flavor substances and the content of flavor substances was greater than that of the yogurt obtained from other strain formulations. Therefore, genipin cross-link chitosan could be a suitable microencapsulated material for producing yogurt fermentation strains.

Structural, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities of an acidic exopolysaccharide from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DMDL 9010.

This study investigated the structural, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities of acidic exopolysaccharide (EPS-LP2) isolated from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DMDL 9010. EPS-LP2 is composed of fucose (Fuc), arabinose (Ara), galactose (Gal), glucose (Glc), mannose (Man), and D-fructose (Fru) with a molar ratio of 0.13: 0.69: 8.32: 27.57: 62.07: 0.58: 0.46, respectively. Structural analysis of EPS-LP2 exhibited a smooth irregular lamellar surface, rod-like structure with swollen ends and slippery surfaces, and good thermal stability. Based on the methylation and NMR analysis, sugar residues including t-Manp, t-Glcp, 2-Manp, 6-Galp, 6-Glcp, and 4-Glcp were found to exist in EPS-LP2. In the 50∼400 µg/ml range, EPS-LP2 showed negligible neurotoxicity to RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, EPS-LP2 could protect RAW264.7 cells from oxidative injury by lowering the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the secretion of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). In contrast, an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the concentrations of glutathione (GSH) were observed. Immunoreactivity assays showed that EPS-LP2 could suppress the expression of NO, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and inhibit the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor-κB-gene binding (NF-κB) cell pathway. Conclusively, EPS-LP2 could be a potential natural antioxidant and immunomodulatory agent in functional foods and medicines.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DMDL 9010 alleviates dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and behavioral disorders by facilitating microbiota-gut-brain axis balance.

Previous studies have found that probiotic supplements can ameliorate mental behavioral disorders. This study investigated the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DMDL 9010 (LP9010) intake on the depression-like behavior induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and its possible mechanism. Male C57BL/6N mice were fed with DSS to establish the model of ulcerative colitis. LP9010 intake reduced the DSS-induced inflammatory response, and repaired intestinal barrier damage, as well as lightened depression-like behavior. LP9010 supplementation also inhibited neuroinflammation by up-regulating the levels of neurotransmitters, especially 5-HT, NE, DA, and 5-HIAA. Moreover, the intake of LP9010 reorganized the gut microbiome by increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, and decreasing the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. Furthermore, treatment with LP9010 increased the levels of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyric acid and propionic acid. In conclusion, LP9010 intake was a promising probiotic intervention strategy for the prevention of colitis-induced behavioral disorders through the microbiota-gut-brain axis.