Multi-strategy dynamic cross-linking to prepare EGCG-loaded multifunctional Pickering emulsion/α-cyclodextrin/konjac glucomannan composite films for ultra-durable preservation of perishable fruits.

Developing multifunctional films with antibacterial, antioxidant, and sustained-release properties is a robust strategy for preventing contamination of perishable fruits by foodborne microorganisms. This study engineered a sustained-release biodegradable antibacterial film loaded with EGCG (Pickering emulsion (PE)/α-Cyclodextrin (α-CD)/Konjac glucomannan (KGM)) through multi-strategy cross-linking for fruit preservation. EGCG is stabilized using PE and incorporated into the α-CD/KGM inclusion compound; the unique structure of α-CD enhances EGCG encapsulation, while KGM provides the film toughness and surface adhesion. The composite film's physicochemical properties, antioxidant, bacteriostatic and biodegradability were studied. Results showed that Pickering emulsions with 3 % oil phase exhibited excellent stability. Moreover, α-CD introduction increased the loading and sustained release of EGCG from the film, and its concentration significantly affected the light transmission, thermal stability, mechanical strength, mechanical characteristics and antioxidant capacity of the composite membrane. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the composite film increased significantly with increasing α-CD concentration. Application of the film to tomatoes and strawberries effectively inhibited Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus growth, prolonging the shelf-life of the fruits. Notably, the composite film exhibits superior biodegradability in soil. This EGCG-loaded PE/α-CD/KGM composite film is anticipated to be a multifunctional antimicrobial preservation material with sustained-release properties and biodegradable for perishable food applications.

Understanding the mechanism of high viscosity food delaying gastric emptying.

Controlling the structure and viscosity of food can influence the development of diet-related diseases. Food viscosity has been linked with health through its impact on human digestion and gastrointestinal transit, however, there is limited understanding of how the viscosity of food regulates gastric emptying. Here, we used model food preparations with different viscosities using guar gum, to explore the mechanism underlying the influence of viscosity on gastric motility, gastric emptying and postprandial blood glucose. Based on experiments in human volunteers and animals, we demonstrated that high viscosity meals increased gastric antrum area and gastric retention rate. Viscosity also affected gut hormone secretion, reduced the gene expression level of interstitial cells of Cajal, resulting in a delay of gastric emptying and limiting the increase in postprandial glucose. This improved mechanistic understanding of food viscosity during gastric digestion is important for designing new foods to benefit human health.

High-protein high-konjac glucomannan diets changed glucose and lipid metabolism by modulating colonic microflora and bile acid profiles in healthy mouse models.

High protein and fiber diets are becoming increasingly popular for weight loss; however, the benefits or risks of high protein and fiber diets with a normal calorie level for healthy individuals still need to be elucidated. In this study, we explored the role and mechanisms of long-term high protein and/or konjac glucomannan diets on the metabolic health of healthy mouse models. We found that high konjac glucomannan contents improved the glucose tolerance of mice and both high protein and high konjac glucomannan contents improved the serum lipid profile but increased the TNF-α levels. In the liver, high dietary protein contents reduced the expression of the FASN gene related to fatty acid synthesis. Interactions of dietary protein and fiber were shown in the signaling pathways related to lipid and glucose metabolism of the liver and the inflammatory status of the colon, wherein the high protein and high konjac glucomannan diet downregulated the expression of the SREBF1 and FXR genes in the liver and downregulated the expression of TNF-α genes in the colon compared to the high protein diet. High konjac glucomannan contents reduced the colonic secondary bile acid levels including DCA and LCA; this was largely associated with the changed microbiota profile and also contributed to improved lipid and glucose homeostasis. In conclusion, high protein diets improved lipid homeostasis and were not a risk to metabolic health, while high fiber diets improved glucose and lipid homeostasis by modulating colonic microbiota and bile acid profiles, and a high protein diet supplemented with konjac glucomannan might improve hepatic lipid homeostasis and colonic inflammation in healthy mouse models through long-term intervention.

Antibacterial activity of lysozyme after association with carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan.

The unique high isoelectric point of lysozyme (LYZ) restricts its application in composite antibacterial coating due to the unfavorable liability to electrostatic interaction with other components. In this work, the antibacterial activity of a dispersible LYZ-carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (CMKGM) polyelectrolyte complex was evaluated. Kinetic analysis revealed that, compared with free LYZ, the complexed enzyme exhibited decreased affinity (Km) but markedly increased Vmax against Micrococcus lysodeikticus, and QCM and dynamic light scattering analysis confirmed that the complex could bind with the substrate but in a much lower ratio. The complexation with CMKGM did not alter the antibacterial spectrum of LYZ, and the complex exerted antibacterial function by delaying the logarithmic growth phase and impairing the cell integrity of Staphylococcus aureus. Since the LYZ-CMKGM complex is dispersible in water and could be assembled easily, it has great potential as an edible coating in food preservation.

Effectiveness of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum on Cognitive Function and Sleep Efficiency in Healthy Elderly Subjects in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, and Parallel-Group Study.

The consumption of functional foods in a daily diet is a promising approach for the maintenance of cognitive health. The present study examines the effects of water-soluble prebiotic dietary-fiber, partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG), on cognitive function and mental health in healthy elderly individuals. Participants consumed either 5 g/day of PHGG or a placebo daily for 12 weeks in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group study. An assessment of cognitive functions, sleep quality, and subjective mood evaluations was performed at baseline and after 8 and 12 weeks of either PHGG or placebo intake. The visual memory scores in cognitive function tests and sleepiness on rising scores related to sleep quality were significantly improved in the PHGG group compared to the placebo group. No significant differences were observed in mood parameters between the groups. Vigor-activity scores were significantly improved, while the scores for Confusion-Bewilderment decreased significantly in the PHGG group when compared to the baseline. In summary, supplementation with PHGG was effective in improving cognitive functions, particularly visual memory, as well as enhancing sleep quality and vitality in healthy elderly individuals (UMIN000049070).

Nano polysaccharides derived from aloe vera and guar gum as a potential fat replacer for a promising approach to healthier cake production.

In recent years, there increment demand for healthier food options that can replace high-fat ingredients in bakery products without compromising their taste and texture. This research was focused on a formulation study of the blend of nano polysaccharides derived from aloe vera and guar gum at various concentrations. This study selected the blend concentration of 1 % aloe vera mucilage (AM) and 1 % guar gum (GG) due to its optimal gelling properties. Different magnetic stirring time durations were employed to formulate AGB (aloe vera guar gum blend). The particle size of AGB revealed the lowest nanoparticle size (761.03 ± 62 nm) with a stirring time of 4 h. The FTIR analysis found the presence of monomer sugars in AGB nano polysaccharide powder such as mannose, arabinose, and glucose. The thermogram results displayed an endothermic peak for all samples with a glass transition temperature (Tg) between 16 and 50 °C. The SEM image of the AGB indicated uniform spherical particles. The AGB powder exhibited good functional properties. The antimicrobial activity of AGB powder against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans was 22.32 ± 0.02, 21.56 ± 0.02, and 19.33 ± 0.33 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of different levels of vegetable fat replacement with AGB powder on cake sensory properties, thermal stability, and texture characteristics were also examined. Notably, the cake containing a 50 % substitution of vegetable fat with AGB (C50) supplied desirable physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties. These results can provide advantages for the development of fat replacers in bakery products.

Enhanced hypoglycemic effects of konjac glucomannan combined with Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua polysaccharide in complete nutritional liquid diet fed type 2 diabetes mice.

In our aging society, dysphagia and malnutrition are growing concerns, necessitating intervention. Liquid nutrition support offers a practical solution for traditional dietary issues, but it raises a key issue: the potential for post-meal glucose spikes impacting efficacy. This study examined the effects of supplementation of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua polysaccharide (PCP), konjac glucomannan (KGM) and their combination on acute phase postprandial glycemic response and long-term glucose metabolism in T2DM mice on a complete nutritional liquid diet. KGM was more effective in reducing postprandial glucose response, while PCP was more prominent in ameliorating long-term glucose metabolism. The KGM-PCP combination demonstrated superior outcomes in fasting blood glucose, insulin, and glucose homeostasis. PCP and KGM also influenced the composition and abundance of the gut microbiome, with the H-PCP group showing optimal performance. Moreover, the KGM-PCP combination improved body weight, lipid homeostasis, and liver health the most. PCP potentially regulates glycemia through metabolic pathways, while KGM improves glycemic metabolism by reducing postprandial glucose levels in response to viscous intestinal contents. This research identifies the structure, viscosity properties, and hypoglycemic effects of KGM and PCP in complete nutritional liquid diet fed T2DM mice, enabling their strategic utilization as hypoglycemic components in nutritional administration and glycemic regulation.

Artificial nonenzymatic antioxidant Prussian blue/KGM-BSA nanocomposite hydrogel dressing as ROS scavenging for diabetic wound healing.

The process of diabetic wound healing was influenced by the excessive proliferation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, in the process of healing diabetic wounds, it was crucial to removing ROS. This study designed composited nanoparticles: KBP, consisted by Konjac glucomannan, bovine serum albumin, and Prussian blue. Then they were embedded in Konjac glucomannan and hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride chitosan composite hydrogel (KH), The KBP@KH hydrogel finally achieved excellent efficacy in diabetic wound healing. The in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that KPB nanoparticles exhibited favorable ROS scavenging capability and biosafety. The KBP@KH hydrogel not only effectively eliminated ROS from diabetic wounds, but also exhibited excellent wound adaptability. The KBP@KH hydrogel facilitated angiogenesis and suppressed the production of inflammatory factors. Overall, the KBP@KH hydrogel dressing was characterized by its user-friendly nature, safety, and high efficiency.

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.

Extraction, structural characterization and immunoactivity of glucomannan type polysaccahrides from Lilium brownii var. viridulum Baker.

Homogeneous polysaccharide (LBP) was extracted and purified from the bulblets of Lilium brownii var. viridulum Baker with a molecular weight of 312 kDa. The monosaccharides are composed of mannose and glucose, and the corresponding molar ratios are 0.582 and 0.418, respectively. FT-IR, LC-MS, NMR, GC-MS and HPAEC were used to analyze the functional groups, glycosidic linkages and chemical structure of LBP, which was a 1-4-linked glucomannan and contained a dodecasaccharide repeating units of →4)-ß-D-Manp-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-D-Manp-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-D-Manp-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-D-Manp-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-D-Manp-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ 4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-D-Manp-(1 â†’ 4)-ß-D-Manp-(1 â†’ . In vitro experimental results showed that LBP had noble biocompatibility, and a low dose of 5 µg/mL LBP significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α, iNOS, IL-6, IL-1ß and Toll-like receptors family (TLRs) in RAW 264.7 cells. In conclusion, LBP played an important role in immunomodulation, and further studies on the specific immunomodulatory mechanisms of LBP on RAW 264.7 cells are still needed.

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

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

Galactomannan inhibits Trichinella spiralis invasion of intestinal epithelium cells and enhances antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity related killing of larvae by driving macrophage polarization.

Previous studies have shown that recombinant Trichinella spiralis galectin (rTsgal) is characterized by a carbohydrate recognition domain sequence motif binding to beta-galactoside, and that rTsgal promotes larval invasion of intestinal epithelial cells. Galactomannan is an immunostimulatory polysaccharide composed of a mannan backbone with galactose residues. The aim of this study was to investigate whether galactomannan inhibits larval intrusion of intestinal epithelial cells and enhances antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), killing newborn larvae by polarizing macrophages to the M1 phenotype. The results showed that galactomannan specially binds to rTsgal, and abrogated rTsgal facilitation of larval invasion of intestinal epithelial cells. The results of qPCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry showed that galactomannan and rTsgal activated macrophage M1 polarization, as demonstrated by high expression of iNOS (M1 marker) and M1 related genes (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α), and increased CD86+ macrophages. Galactomannan and rTsgal also increased NO production. The killing ability of macrophage-mediated ADCC on larvae was also significantly enhanced in galactomannan- and rTsgal-treated macrophages. The results demonstrated that Tsgal may be considered a potential vaccine target molecule against T. spiralis invasion, and galactomannan may be a novel adjuvant therapeutic agent and potential vaccine adjuvant against T. spiralis infection.

Title: Le galactomannane inhibe l'invasion par Trichinella spiralis des cellules de l'épithélium intestinal et améliore la cytotoxicité cellulaire dépendante des anticorps tuant les larves en activant la polarisation des macrophages. Abstract: Des études antérieures ont montré que la galectine recombinante de Trichinella spiralis (rTsgal) est caractérisée par un motif de séquence de domaines de reconnaissance des glucides se liant au bêta-galactoside, et que la rTsgal favorise l'invasion larvaire des cellules épithéliales intestinales. Le galactomannane est un polysaccharide immunostimulateur composé d'un squelette mannane avec des résidus galactose. Le but de cette étude était de déterminer si le galactomannane inhibe l'intrusion larvaire des cellules épithéliales intestinales et améliore la cytotoxicité cellulaire dépendante des anticorps (CCDA) tuant les larves nouvelles-nées en polarisant les macrophages au phénotype M1. Les résultats ont montré que le galactomannane se liait spécialement au rTsgal et supprimait la facilitation du rTsgal sur l'invasion larvaire des cellules épithéliales intestinales. Les résultats de la qPCR, du Western blot et de la cytométrie en flux ont montré que le galactomannane et le rTsgal activaient la polarisation des macrophages M1, comme le démontre la forte expression de l'iNOS (marqueur de M1) et des gènes liés à M1 (IL-1ß, IL-6 et TNF-α), et l'augmentation des macrophages CD86+. Le galactomannane et le rTsgal ont également augmenté la production de NO. La capacité de destruction de la CCDA médiée par les macrophages sur les larves était également significativement améliorée dans les macrophages traités au galactomannane et au rTsgal. Les résultats ont démontré que Tsgal pourrait être considéré comme une molécule cible potentielle d'un vaccin contre l'invasion par T. spiralis, et que le galactomannane pourrait être un nouvel agent thérapeutique adjuvant et un adjuvant vaccinal potentiel contre l'infection à T. spiralis.

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.

Physical stability, microstructure and antimicrobial properties of konjac glucomannan coatings enriched with Litsea cubeba essential oil nanoemulsion and its effect on citruses preservation.

This study purposed to develop konjac glucomannan (KGM) based antimicrobial coatings containing Litsea cubeba essential oil nanoemulsion (LNE) for citruses preservation. Physical stability, rheological, structural and antimicrobial properties of the coating solutions were investigated, along with the release characteristics of Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCO). Results showed that the coating solutions displayed shear thinning behavior. The oil droplets were distributed homogeneously in KGM phase with good stability. The coating structure became loose with increasing LNE content due to LNE interfering with molecular interactions and entanglement of KGM. The coating solutions showed stronger antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli than against Staphylococcus aureus and were effective in inhibiting the growth of Penicillium italicum on citrus surfaces. KGM-LNE 10 negatively affected citruses due to phytotoxicity caused by high levels of LCO. LCO was released slowly and continuously from the coatings, and its release was faster in deionized water than in an ethanol-water solution. KGM-LNE 2.5 coated citruses had the least weight loss, the greatest hardness, and kept the minimum changes in total soluble solids, total acid and vitamin C content, implying that KGM-LNE 2.5 best maintained the quality of citruses. The findings suggest that KGM-based coatings containing LNE have high potential for citruses preservation.

The potential mechanism of concentrated mannan-oligosaccharide promoting goldfish's (Carassius auratus Linnaeus) resistance to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis invasion.

Because of the low host specificity, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) can widely cause white spot disease in aquatic animals, which is extremely difficult to treat. Prior research has demonstrated a considerable impact of concentrated mannan-oligosaccharide (cMOS) on the prevention of white spot disease in goldfish, but the specific mechanism is still unknown. In this study, transcriptome sequencing, histological analysis, immunofluorescence analysis, phagocytosis activity assay and qRT-PCR assay were used to systematically reveal the potential mechanism of cMOS in supporting the resistance of goldfish (Carrasius auratus) to Ich invasion. According to the transcriptome analysis, the gill tissue of goldfish receiving the cMOS diet showed greater expression of mannose-receptor (MRC) related genes, higher phagocytosis activity, up-regulated expression of phagocytosis-related genes and inflammatory-related genes compared with the control, indicating that cMOS can have an effect on phagocytosis and non-specific immunity of goldfish. After the Ich challenge, transcriptome analysis revealed that cMOS fed goldfish displayed a higher level of phagocytic response, whereas non-cMOS fed goldfish displayed a greater inflammatory reaction. Besides, after Ich infection, cMOS-fed goldfish displayed greater phagocytosis activity, a stronger MRC positive signal, higher expression of genes associated with phagocytosis (ABCB2, C3, MRC), and lower expression of genes associated with inflammation (IL-1ß, IL-17, IL-8, TNF-α, NFKB). In conclusion, our experimental results suggest that cMOS may support phagocytosis by binding to MRC on the macrophage cell membrane and change the non-specific immunity of goldfish by stimulating cytokine expression. The results of this study provide new insights for the mechanism of cMOS on parasitic infection, and also suggest phagocytosis-related pathways may be potential targets for prevention of Ich infection.

Konjac Glucomannan Counteracted the Side Effects of Excessive Exercise on Gut Microbiome, Endurance, and Strength in an Overtraining Mice Model.

Excessive exercise without adequate rest can lead to overtraining syndrome, which manifests a series of side effects, including fatigue, gut dysbiosis, and decremental sports performance. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a plant polysaccharide with numerous health-improving effects, but few studies reported its effects on the gut microbiome, endurance, and strength in an overtraining model. This study assessed the effect of KGM on gut microbiome, endurance, and strength in mice with excessive exercise. Three doses of KGM (1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 mg/mL) were administrated in drinking water to mice during 42 days of a treadmill overtraining program. The results showed that excessive exercise induced a significant microbial shift compared with the control group, while a high dose (5.00 mg/mL) of KGM maintained the microbial composition. The proportion of Sutterella in feces was significantly increased in the excessive exercise group, while the moderate dose (2.50 mg/mL) of KGM dramatically increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and SCFA production in feces. Additionally, the moderate dose and high dose of KGM counteracted the negative effects of excessive exercise on strength or/and endurance (43.14% and 39.94% increase through a moderate dose of KGM, Bonferroni corrected p < 0.05, compared with the excessive exercise group). Therefore, it suggests that KGM could prevent overtraining and improve sports performance in animal models.

Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum Intake Supports the Gut Microbiota and Attenuates Inflammation during Influenza H1N1 Virus Infection in Mice.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a soluble dietary fiber that is effective for defecation control. It influences the gut microbiota, by which it is metabolized to yield short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and it was also recently shown to protect against influenza infection in humans. We here investigated the effects of PHGG in a mouse model of influenza H1N1 virus infection. Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed normal chow with or without PHGG (500 mg/kg per day) for 4 weeks, infected with H1N1 at 10 weeks of age, and analyzed at 12 weeks of age. Administration of PHGG attenuated the decline in body weight induced by H1N1 infection without affecting food intake. It also ameliorated intestinal atrophy and increased the production of SCFAs including acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid in the cecum, thereby preventing the inhibitory effect of H1N1 infection on SCFA production. The H1N1-induced increases in the serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines including interferon-γ and interleukin-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokine such as interleukin-10 were all inhibited by PHGG intake. In addition, PHGG administration attenuated inflammatory gene expression in the lung and promoted both natural killer cell activity and regulatory T-cell differentiation in the spleen. Our findings suggest that the consumption of PHGG may improve the gut environment and thereby limit the inflammatory response to H1N1 infection. They may thus provide the basis for novel dietary intervention strategies to suppress the excessive inflammation associated with virus infection.

Characterization and evaluation of Bletilla striata polysaccharide/konjac glucomannan blend hydrogel for wound healing.

Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) is effective for wound healing and has important applications in health care. A series of blend hydrogels was designed with BSP and konjac glucomannan (KGM) in this study to overcome the deficient mechanical performance caused by the excessive dissolution of BSP without affecting its physiological activity. The interplay between them, as well as the effects of KGM concentration on the physical properties and microstructures of hydrogels, were also explored. It was proved that the frame of the hydrogel was primarily formed by KGM. BSP was dispersed uniformly and linked to KGM through hydrogen bonding, which effectively improved the physical properties, such as increasing the water-holding capacity, improving the swelling degree, and enhancing the mechanical properties. Blend hydrogel BK2-2 (containing 1.0% BSP and 1.0% KGM, w/v) was found to be the optimal formulation based on the thermal stability and microstructure, which was used for further research. In vitro experiments revealed the L929 cell proliferative effects of the blend hydrogel, and no difference was found with BSP sponge extract after 72 h of exposure. In vivo animal studies indicated that the BK2-2 accelerated wound healing compared with the control group; however, no difference was found with dressings only made of BSP. These results demonstrated that KGM improved the physical properties of BSP-based material without negatively affecting its physiological properties. Also, the BSP/KGM blend hydrogel had good comprehensive properties and is expected to be used as a wound healing material in the future.

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.

An exopolysaccharide from Lactobacillus pentosus YY-112: structure and effect on the human intestinal microbiota.

The development of novel prebiotics, which could regulate the intestinal microbiota, may help prevent and treat intestinal diseases. Here, we studied a homogeneous polysaccharide, LPE-2, produced by Lactobacillus pentosus YY-112 during fermentation. Methylation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, combined with nuclear magnetic resonance results, suggested that the structural unit of LPE-2 comprises a branched mannan moiety and a linear glucan moiety. In vitro simulated intestinal fermentation showed that LPE-2 reduced harmful intestinal gas production and promoted short-chain fatty acid production (especially propionic acid). Moreover, it reduced the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, increased that of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and had a stronger regulatory effect on intestinal flora in women than in men. The potential sex-specific prebiotic effects of LPE-2 on human intestinal health, were possibly related to its mannan branch with (1→2) and (1→3) linkages and backbones with flexible α configurations, which are sheared and degraded/utilized easier by Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.