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Fructans have long been known with their role in protecting organisms against various stress factors due to their ability to induce controlled dehydration and support membrane stability. Considering the vital importance of such features in cryo-technologies, this study aimed to explore the cryoprotective efficacy of fructans in mammalian cell systems where structurally different fructan polymers were examined on in vitro cell models derived from organs such as the liver, frequently used in transplantation, osteoblast, and cord cells, commonly employed in cell banking, as well as human seminal fluids that are of vital importance in assisted reproductive technology. To gain insights into the fructan/membrane interplay, structural differences were linked to rheological properties as well as to lipid membrane interactions where both fluorescein leakage from unilamellar liposomes and membrane integrity of osteoblast cells were monitored. High survival rates obtained with human endothelial, osteoblast and liver cells for up to two months clearly showed that fructans could be considered as effective non-permeating cryoprotectants, especially for extended periods of cryopreservation. In trials with human seminal fluid, short chained levan in combination with human serum albumin and glycerol proved very effective in preserving semen samples across multiple patients without any morphological abnormalities. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fructans are water-soluble polymers of fructose in which fructose units are linked by β-(2 → 1) and/or β-(2 → 6) linkages. In plants, they are synthesized in the vacuole but have also been reported in the apoplastic sap under abiotic stress suggesting that they are involved in plasmalemma protection and in plant-microbial interactions. However, the lack of fructan-specific antibodies currently prevents further study of their role and the associated mechanisms of action, which could be elucidated thanks to their immunolocalization. We report the production of two monoclonal antibodies (named BTM9H2 and BTM15A6) using mice immunization with antigenic compounds prepared from a mixture of plant inulins and levans conjugated to serum albumin. Their specificity towards fructans with β-(2 → 1) and/or β-(2 → 6) linkage has been demonstrated by immuno-dot blot tests on a wide range of carbohydrates. The two mAbs were used for immunocytolocalization of fructans by epifluorescence microscopy in various plant species. Fructan epitopes were specifically detected in fructan-accumulating plants, inside cells as well as on the surface of root tips, confirming both extracellular and intracellular localizations. The two mAbs provide new tools to identify the mechanism of extracellular fructan secretion and explore the roles of fructans in stress resistance and plant-microorganism interactions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fructans, are carbohydrates defined as fructose-based polymers with countable degree of polymerization (DP) ranging so far from DP3 to DP60. There are different types of fructans depending on their molecular arrangement. They are categorized as linear inulins and levans, neoseries of inulin and levan, branched graminans, and highly branched neofructans, so called agavins (Agave carbohydrates). It is worth to note that agavins are the most recently described type of fructans and they are also the most complex ones. The complexity of these carbohydrates is correlated to their various isomers and degree of polymerization range, which is correlated to their multifunctional application in industry and human health. Here, we narrate the story of the agavins' discovery. This included their chemical characterization, their benefits, biotechnological applications, and drawbacks over human health. Finally, a perspective of the study of agavins and their interactions with other metabolites through metabolomics is proposed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsicum annuum L. is a crop of great economic importance in Mexico and is severely affected by the wilt caused by Phytophthora capsici. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of selenite and inulin on the incidence of Phytophthora capsici and the growth of serrano pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L.) in greenhouse. Seedlings 30 days after sowing were treated twice with selenite (100 μM) (Se + PHC) or inulin (200 μM) (I + PHC) per application to the base of the plants: 10 days before and at the time of inoculation with P. capsici (PHC). A PHC control and an absolute control without treatment or inoculation were included. After two weeks of treatment, the control seedlings remained without symptoms, while those inoculated with PHC, and those treated with selenite and inulin and inoculated showed a survival rate of 0, 80 and 40%, respectively. The height was higher in the control seedlings. In plants treated with selenite and inoculated a seedling fresh mass was higher than in the PHC and I + PHC, treatments. The viability of the root was similar in the treatments with selenite and inulin and decreased in the seedlings inoculated with PHC. Selenite was more effective than inulin in reducing the incidence of the disease, increasing the fresh mass and maintaining the viability of the plant tissue. The results suggest the potential use of selenite and inulin in the integral management of P. capsici.

Despite the recognition of Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul as raw material for producing tequila and obtaining prebiotics, there are other highly relevant Agave species in Mexico. Oaxaca contains a startlingly diverse range of Agave species; Agave angustifolia Haw. and Agave potatorum Zucc. are two classic specimens with great commercial potential. In this study, we examined the fructan fluctuation in these two species during their lifetime in the field (from 1 to 6 years old). First, we analyzed their morphological diversity based on vegetative characteristics. Subsequently, fructan extracts were analyzed by TLC, FT-IR, and HPAEC-PAD to identify carbohydrates. Multivariate analyses of the morphological parameters indicated a morphological divergence between the two species. Furthermore, we found that the concentration of simple carbohydrates and fructans, as well as the fructan DP, changed during plant development. Glucose, fructose, and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) were more abundant in A. potatorum, while A. angustifolia showed a greater amount of sucrose and fructans with a high DP. Fructan DP heatmaps were constructed using HPAEC-PAD profiles—the heatmaps were very helpful for establishing an easy correlation between age and the carbohydrate types present in the fructan extracts. This study is an important contribution to the agave fructan knowledge of the Mexican agave diversity.

BACKGROUND: Codonopsis pilosula and C. tangshen are both plants widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Polysaccharides, which are their primary active components, are thought to be important in their extensive use. In this study, two neutral polysaccharide fractions of C. pilosula (CPPN) and C. tangshen (CTPN) were obtained by fractionation on a DEAE–Sepharose column and characterized. RESULTS: It was confirmed that the neutral polymers CPPN and CTPN were β‐(2,1)‐linked inulin‐type fructans with non‐reducing terminal glucose, and degree of polymerization (DP) of 19.6 and 25.2, respectively. The antioxidant and prebiotic activities in vitro were assayed based on IPEC‐J2 cell lines and five strains of Lactobacillus. Results indicated that the effects of CPPN and CTPN were increased antioxidant defense in intestinal epithelial cells through enhanced cell viability, improved expression of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and reduced levels of malondialdehyde and lactic dehydrogenase. The prebiotic activity of CPPN and CTPN was demonstrated by the promoting effect on Lactobacillus proliferation in vitro. The different biological activities obtained between the two fractions are probably due to the different DP and thus molecular weights of CPPN and CTPN. CONCLUSION: The inulin fractions from C. pilosula and C. tangshen were natural sources of potential intestinal antioxidants as well as prebiotics, which will be valuable in further studies and new applications of inulin‐containing health products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteria from the genus Lactobacillus are responsible for spontaneous food fermentations. Some species, such as Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus brevis, have the "Qualified Presumption of Safety" status recognized by the European Food Safety Authority. Several of their strains are used as probiotics in foods and sometimes are included in synbiotic combinations together with prebiotics. New microbial strains isolated from different sources represent an opportunity to use them for the production of traditional food products. The capacity of three selected strains (one isolated from Camel's milk and identified by partial 16 S rRNA gene sequencing as L. brevis, and two isolated from human colostrum and identified as L. paracasei/L. casei and L. brevis, respectively) was assessed in vitro for the ability to survive in gastrointestinal conditions (low pH and high bile salts concentrations). We also tested the capacity of growth and the production of organic acids and volatile compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, respectively, when these bacteria were incubated anaerobically in the presence of inulin, fructooligosaccharides, or galactooligosaccharides as the main carbon sources. The strains were able to survive in simulated gastrointestinal conditions and to grow in inulin, fructooligosaccharides, and galactooligosaccharides. However, they displayed different profiles of organic acids and volatile compounds, mainly depending on the microbial species and the prebiotic used. The influence that the combined use of strains and different prebiotics could exert on the organic acids and volatiles formed in food and in the gut should be assessed for each synbiotic combination and food product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the effect of fructan obtained from Serish root (Eremurus spectabilis) as a new film-base material in order to improve the barrier and mechanical properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) film. The effects of fructan (0, 50, 60, 70% v/v) and glycerol (Gly) (40 and 50% v/v) ratios on the mechanical, chemical, thermal, surface wetting, water vapor permeability (WVP), and morphological properties of WPI film were investigated. According to scanning electron microscope (SEM), the substitution of fructan to WPI significantly modified the surface properties of composite films, which had fewer cracks and pores compared to WPI films. The substitution of fructan decreased the water vapor permeability (6.64 × 10–6-1.85 × 10–6 g / m.s.pa) and increased the tensile strength (6.91–16.25 Mpa) and Young's modulus (30.84–42.84 Mpa) of the WPI film. Increasing the fructan content improved the mechanical properties and reduced the water vapor permeability of composite films. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the formation of hydrogen bonding interactions between WPI and fructan. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis exhibited a slight increase in the enthalpy values (81.43–154.3 J/g) with increasing fructan ratio of composite films, so that the thermal stability of WPI film improved due to stablishing more hydrogen bonds which also evidenced by FTIR. These results suggest that WPI 30 / Fructan 70 (40% Gly) can be considered as the best ratio for preparation of the composite film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We profiled the grain oligosaccharide content of 154 two-row spring barley genotypes and quantified 27 compounds, mainly inulin- and neoseries-type fructans, showing differential abundance. Clustering revealed two profile groups where the 'high' set contained greater amounts of sugar monomers, sucrose, and overall fructans, but lower fructosylraffinose. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified a significant association for the variability of two fructan types: neoseries-DP7 and inulin-DP9, which showed increased strength when applying a novel compound ratio-GWAS approach. Gene models within this region included three known fructan biosynthesis genes (fructan:fructan 1-fructosyltransferase , s ucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase , and s ucrose:fructan 6-fructosyltransferase). Two other genes in this region, 6(G)-fructosyltransferase and vacuolar invertase1 , have not previously been linked to fructan biosynthesis and showed expression patterns distinct from those of the other three genes, including exclusive expression of 6(G)-fructosyltransferase in outer grain tissues at the storage phase. From exome capture data, several single nucleotide polymorphisms related to inulin- and neoseries-type fructan variability were identified in fructan:fructan 1-fructosyltransferase and 6(G)-fructosyltransferase genes. Co-expression analyses uncovered potential regulators of fructan biosynthesis including transcription factors. Our results provide the first scientific evidence for the distinct biosynthesis of neoseries-type fructans during barley grain maturation and reveal novel gene candidates likely to be involved in the differential biosynthesis of various types of fructan in barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Interventions using prebiotic inulin‐type fructans (ITFs) are widely prescribed to modulate the gut microbiota composition and activity to promote health. However, the impacts of ITFs on post‐antibiotic reconstitution of the gut microbiome remain incompletely understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ITFs supplementation on intestinal inflammation, the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the colonic transcriptome after antibiotic treatment. Methods and Results: Male BALB/c mice were subjected to an antibiotic cocktail (ABx) treatment for 7 days, and their microbiomes were then reconstituted either spontaneously or with ITFs supplementation (5%) for 14 days. Our data showed that ITFs supplementation delayed the recovery of antibiotic‐induced colitis compared with the spontaneous recovery. Neither ITFs supplementation nor spontaneous recovery could restore the microbial community composition at the genus level back to its initial composition. ITFs supplementation increased the relative abundance of some beneficial bacteria and butyrate levels, but resulted in selective blooms of some opportunistic pathogens and elevated the pathways associated with diseases linked to gut microbiota function. Both ITFs supplementation and spontaneous recovery could restore the colonic transcriptome nearly to the initial profile to a certain extent; however, ITFs supplementation delayed the restoration of the immunoglobulin genes compared to spontaneous recovery. Conclusion: These data showed that post‐antibiotic ITFs consumption did not always lead to beneficial effects but might lead to potential adverse effects in the context of dysbiosis. Significance and Impact of the Study: These findings highlighted that caution is required when supplementing ITFs to restore intestinal homeostasis in the context of dysbiosis resulting from broad‐spectrum antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the extent to which fructans from various sources and added in various forms (raw materials in diet alone or incorporated into a strawberry matrix) differ in their effectiveness towards selected parameters related to bone health under calcium hypoalimentation in growing female Wistar rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of selected parameters involved in calcium metabolism, in response to a 12-week restriction of Ca intake: serum ions (Ca, Mg, P); the activity of alkaline phosphatase—using a BS 120 analyzer; the markers of bone turnover (osteocalcin, CTX; using a Rat-MidTMOsteocalcinEIA Kit and RatLapsTMEIA, respectively); and the bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD), using a Norland Excell Plus Densitometer. Among the examined markers, the CTX concentration increased dramatically under calcium hypoalimentation. The presence of Jerusalem artichoke (independently of the form of addition) and yacon root powder (with strawberry sorbet matrix) in the rats’ diet led to a significantly lower CTX concentration than was observed in the low-calcium control group. The type of fructan influenced the bone mass content. When fructan was added to the low-calcium diet as an ingredient of sorbet, it exerted more pronounced effects on the biochemical parameters of bone metabolism than when added alone, in the growing-female-rat model.

Cultivation of crops in salt-affected soils is a major challenge for growers. Despite the use of multiple amendments, salinity stresses adversely affect the crops to some extent. On the other hand, imbalance in the use of boron (B) as a nutrient also creates toxicity. Mismanagement of B fertilizer application decreases the growth and yield of crops. It is necessary to study in depth the adverse effects of salinity and B toxicity. This is why the current research work was conducted in a glass house at Murdoch University, Perth, Australia. The aim of study was to investigate the influence of salinity and B toxicity on carbohydrate partitioning, growth, and ionic composition of two Australian wheat varieties. There were four treatments, i.e., control, high B (15 kg ha−1), salinity (15 dS m−1), and B + salinity. The results showed that the salt-tolerant Halberd (HB) variety accumulated more Na+, B, and Cl− in their leaf sheath and kept the leaf blades free of these toxic ions as compared to the sensitive variety Westonia (WS). Water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC; i.e., glucose, sucrose, fructose, and fructans) concentration increased in response to individual as well as combined constrains of soil salinity and toxic B in the leaf blade of both tolerant and sensitive wheat varieties, but the increase was higher in the tolerant variety as compared to the sensitive one. The concentration of WSCs in leaf sheath of the salt-tolerant wheat variety was increased in response to stress conditions, but those remained low in salt-sensitive ones. Therefore, the salt-tolerant HB genotype was found to be a good source for future wheat breeding programs or to be grown by farmers in B toxic, saline, and B toxic–saline conditions.

Summary: Background: Dietary fructans may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms in children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Aim: To determine whether gut microbiome composition and function are associated with childhood IBS fructan‐induced symptoms. Methods: Faecal samples were collected from 38 children aged 7‐17 years with paediatric Rome III IBS, who previously completied a double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled crossover (fructan vs maltodextrin) trial. Fructan sensitivity was defined as an increase of ≥30% in abdominal pain frequency during the fructan diet. Gut microbial composition was determined via 16Sv4 rDNA sequencing. LEfSe evaluated taxonomic composition differences. Tax4Fun2 predicted microbial fructan metabolic pathways. Results: At baseline, 17 fructan‐sensitive (vs 21 fructan‐tolerant) subjects had lower alpha diversity (q < 0.05) and were enriched in the genus Holdermania. In contrast, fructan‐tolerant subjects were enriched in 14 genera from the class Clostridia. During the fructan diet, fructan‐sensitive (vs tolerant) subjects were enriched in both Agathobacter (P = 0.02) and Cyanobacteria (P = 0.0001). In contrast, fructan‐tolerant subjects were enriched in three genera from the Clostridia class. Comparing the fructan vs maltodextrin diet, fructan‐sensitive subjects had a significantly increased relative abundance of Bifidobacterium (P = 0.02) while fructan‐tolerant subjects had increased Anaerostipes (P = 0.03) during the fructan diet. Only fructan‐sensitive subjects had a trend towards increased predicted β‐fructofuranosidase during the fructan vs maltodextrin diet. Conclusions: Fructan‐sensitive children with IBS have distinct gut microbiome signatures. These microbiome signatures differ both at baseline and in response to a fructan challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methodology combining mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) with ion mobility separation (IMS) has emerged as a biological imaging technique due to its versatility, sensitivity and label-free approach. This technique has been shown to separate isomeric compounds such as lipids, amino acids, carboxylic acids and carbohydrates. This report describes mass spectrometry imaging in combination with traveling-wave ion mobility separation and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). Positive ionization mode was used to locate fructans on tissue printed sections of Agave rhizome and stem tissue and distinguished fructan isoforms. Here we show the location of fructans ranging from DP3 to DP17 to be differentially abundant across the stem tissue and for the first time, experimental collision cross sections of endogenous fructan structures have been collected, revealing at least two isoforms for fructans of DP4, DP5, DP6, DP7, DP8, DP10, and DP11. This demonstrates that complex fructans such as agavins can be located and their isoforms resolved using a combination of MALDI, IMS, and MSI, without the need for extraction or derivatization. Use of this methodology uncovered patterns of fructan localization consistent with functional differences where higher DP fructans are found toward the central section of the stem supporting a role in long term carbohydrate storage whereas lower DP fructans are concentrated in the highly vascularized central core of rhizomes supporting a role in mobilization of carbohydrates from the mother plant to developing offsets. Tissue specific patterns of expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in fructan metabolism are consistent with fructan structures and localization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synbiotics aim to improve gastrointestinal health by combining pre- and probiotics. This study evaluated combinations of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 with seven fructans: oligofructoses (OF1-OF2; low degree of polymerization (DP)), inulins (IN1-IN2-IN3; high DP) and OF/IN mixtures (OF/IN1-OF/IN2). During monoculture incubations, all fructans were fermented by BB-12 as followed from increased BB-12 numbers and increased acetate and lactate concentrations, with most pronounced fermentation for low DP fructans (OF1-OF2). Further, short-term colonic incubations for three human donors revealed that also in presence of a complex microbiota, all fructans (particularly OF1) consistently selectively enhanced the growth of BB-12. While each fructan as such already increased Bifidobacteriaceae numbers with 0.94–1.26 log(cells/mL), BB-12 co-supplementation additionally increased Bifidobacteriaceae with 0.17–0.46 log(cells/mL). Further, when co-supplemented with fructans, BB-12 decreased Enterobacteriaceae numbers (significant except for IN1-IN3). At metabolic level, all fructans decreased pH due to increased acetate and lactate production, while OF/IN2-IN1-IN2-IN3 also stimulated propionate and butyrate production. BB-12 co-supplementation further increased propionate and butyrate for OF/IN2-IN3 and IN1-IN2, respectively. Overall, combinations of BB-12 with fructans are promising synbiotic concepts, likely due to intracellular consumption of low DP-fructans by BB-12 (either present in starting product or released upon fermentation by indigenous microbes), thereby enhancing effects of the co-administered fructan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this clinical audit was to assess patient-reported outcomes on the effect of dietary intervention, to enhance our understanding of possible treatment options in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Background: A large number of food-related gastro-intestinal disorders have been attributed to IBS for decades. Methods: Patient-reported outcomes from the records of 149 IBS patients treated at secondary and tertiary Gastroenterology outpatients in two UK hospitals between January 2014 and July 2016 were audited. Patients all presented with symptoms fulfilling Rome III-IV criteria for IBS had negative coeliac serology and did not have other gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. A modified version of a low FODMAP diet had been recommended (gluten and lactose free diet (G/LFD)) and was implemented for 6 weeks. Outcomes and dietary adherence were recorded during outpatient's consultations. Results: A total of 134 patients complied with the diet optimally. The majority had an improvement rate >70% and continued with the diet. Fifty-three percent became completely or almost asymptomatic, while 27.6% had a poor response to the diet (scoring < 30%) to G/LFD. The improvement was excellent in patients with normal BMI and good in overweight and obese and where BMI <18. Over 50% did not require any follow-up within 12 months. Conclusion: Although it is unclear whether symptoms are triggered by gluten, fructans or lactose, elimination of gluten and lactose proved to be an effective treatment in patients with IBS. Multidisciplinary team management and implementation of detailed nutrition therapy using the audit algorithm might prove to be both cost effective and efficacious a treatment option in IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levansucrases (LSs) synthesize levan, a β2-6-linked fructose polymer, by successively transferring the fructosyl moiety from sucrose to a growing acceptor molecule. Elucidation of the levan polymerization mechanism is important for using LSs in the production of size-defined products for application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. For a deeper understanding of the levan synthesis reaction, we determined the crystallographic structure of Bacillus subtilis LS (SacB) in complex with a levan-type fructooligosaccharide and utilized site-directed mutagenesis to identify residues involved in substrate binding. The presence of a levanhexaose molecule in the central catalytic cavity allowed us to identify five substratebinding subsites (-1, +1, +2, +3, and +4). Mutants affecting residues belonging to the identified acceptor subsites showed similar substrate affinity (Km) values to the wildtype (WT) Km value but had a lower turnover number and transfructosylation/hydrolysis ratio. Of importance, compared with the WT, the variants progressively yielded smaller-sized low-molecular-weight levans, as the affected subsites that were closer to the catalytic site, but without affecting their ability to synthesized high-molecular-weight levans. Furthermore, an additional oligosaccharide-binding site 20 Å away from the catalytic pocket was identified, and its potential participation in the elongation mechanism is discussed. Our results clarify, for the first time, the interaction of the enzyme with an acceptor/product oligosaccharide and elucidate the molecular basis of the nonprocessive levan elongation mechanism of LSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inulin fructotransferase converts prebiotic polysaccharide inulin to difructose anhydride III, known for its numerous beneficial physiological effects. While previous studies focused on using inulin extracts under optimal conditions, this study delves into the enzyme's behavior when dealing with more complex food materials, inulin-rich burdock root, which possesses greater nutritional value but may influence the enzymatic reaction. An inulin fructotransferase from Arthrobacter sp. ISL-85 was identified and characterized, which has the highest activity of 783 U mg -1 at pH 6.5 and 65 °C and remains stable even up to 80 °C. When applied to inulin-rich burdock root (pH 4.7) at 80 °C for 2 h, the enzyme yielded 4.1 g of difructose anhydride III, concurrently increasing fructo-oligosaccharides. This study demonstrates the potential of this enzyme as a valuable tool for efficiently processing inulin within whole food materials under high temperatures. Such an approach could pave the way for enhancing nutrition and promoting health benefits., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Goal: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of supplementation with Agave tequilana Weber blue variety fructans (Predilife) in the improvement of symptoms in functional constipation., Background: Fiber supplementation is the first-line treatment for constipation. Fibers-like fructans have a known prebiotic effect., Materials and Methods: A randomized, double-blind, study comparing agave fructans (AF) against psyllium plantago (PP). Four groups were randomized. Group 1: AF 5 g (Predilife), group 2: AF 10 g (Predilife), group 3: AF 5 g (Predilife)+10 g maltodextrin (MTDx), and group 4: PP 5 g+10 g MTDx. The fiber was administered once daily for 8 weeks. All fibers were similarly flavored and packaged. Patients kept their usual diet and fiber sources were quantified. Responders were defined as ≥1 complete spontaneous bowel movement from baseline to 8 weeks. Adverse events were reported. The study was registered in Clinicaltrials.gov with registration number NCT04716868., Results: Seventy-nine patients were included (group 1: 21, group 2: 18, group 3: 20, and group 4: 20), of which 62 (78.4%) were women. The responders were similar across groups (73.3%, 71.4%, 70.6%, and 69%, P >0.050). After 8 weeks, all groups significantly increased complete spontaneous bowel movements, showing the greatest increase in spontaneous bowel movements in group 3 ( P =0.008). All groups improved in symptoms, stool consistency, and quality of life. Diet and fiber intake were similar between groups. Adverse events were mild and similar between groups., Conclusions: AF (Predilife) are as effective at different doses and combined with MTDx as PP and are a feasible option for the treatment of functional constipation., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to compare the structural features and functional properties of polysaccharides from single-clove garlic (SGPs) and multiclove garlic (MGPs) and to establish their structure-function relationships. Both SGPs and MGPs were identified as fructans consisting mainly of →1)-β-d-Fru f (2→ and →6)-β-d-Fru f (2→ residues but differed in average molecular weights (6.76 and 5.40 kDa, respectively). They shared similar thermodynamic properties, X-ray diffraction patterns, and high gastrointestinal digestive stability. These two purified fructans could dose-dependently scavenge free radicals, reduce oxidized metals, and effectively alleviate metronidazole-induced oxidative stress and CuSO 4 -induced inflammation in zebrafish via inhibiting the overexpression of inflammation-related proteins and cytokines. SGPs showed lower free radical scavenging activity in vitro than MGPs but higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vivo . Taken together, the molecular weight was the main structural difference between the two garlic fructans of different varieties, which is a potential reason for their differences in biological activities.

Inulin is a fructan biosynthesized mainly in plants of the Asteraceae family. It is also found in edible vegetables and fruits such as onion, garlic, leek, and banana. For the industrial production of inulin, chicory and Jerusalem artichoke are the main raw material. Inulin is used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic as well biotechnological industries. It has a GRAS status and exhibits prebiotic properties. Inulin can be used as a wall material in the encapsulation process of drugs and other bioactive compounds and the development of their delivery systems. In the review, the use of inulin for the encapsulation of probiotics, essential and fatty oils, antioxidant compounds, natural colorant and other bioactive compounds is presented. The encapsulation techniques, materials and the properties of final products suitable for the delivery into food are discussed. Research limitations are also highlighted., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Levan, a β-2,6-glycosidic linked fructan, is a promising alternative for the inulin dominated fructan market. Although levan is already used in some cosmetic products, the commercial availability of the fructan is still limited. Here we show that Gluconobacter japonicus LMG 1417 is a potent levan-forming organism and a promising platform for the industrial production of levan. The levansucrase LevS1417, which is produced by G. japonicus LMG 1417 and secreted by a signal-peptide-independent pathway, exhibited extraordinary high activity (4726 ± 821 U mg−1 at 50 °C). A cell-free levan production based on the supernatant of the investigated strain led to a final levan yield of 157.9 ± 7.6 g L−1. The amount of secreted levansucrase was more than doubled by plasmid-mediated homologous overproduction of LevS1417 in G. japonicus LMG 1417. Accordingly, the space-time yield of cell-free levan production was doubled using the plasmid-bearing mutant. • Gluconobacter japonicus LMG 1417 was identified as a highly efficient levan producer. • The organism produced and secreted a highly active levansucrase (LevS1417). • LevS1417 exhibited extremely high activity (V max > 4500 U mg−1 at 50 °C). • The supernatant of LMG 1417 was used for high-yield cell-free levan production. • Homologous overexpression of LevS1417 doubled the space-time-yield of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-structural carbohydrates are abundant constituents of the ripe flesh of all stone fruits. The bulk of their content comprises sucrose, glucose, fructose and sorbitol. However, the abundance of each of these carbohydrates in the flesh differs between species, and also with its stage of development. In this article the import, subcellular compartmentation, contents, metabolism and functions of non-structural carbohydrates in the flesh of commercially cultivated stone fruits of the family Rosaceae are reviewed.

Aguamiel is the sap collected from agave, while pulque is the result of the natural fermentation of aguamiel. Despite its ancestral origin and numerous publications on pulque production, little is known about the evolution and concentration of sugars and fructo-oligosaccharides in aguamiel, either during its daily accumulation or through the agave production lifetime. In this study, we examined aguamiel composition in three agave plants during their productive lifetime (4 to 9 months). After each collection, the agave pine is scraped to induce aguamiel to flow into an internally created cavity (cajete), producing a residual bagasse (metzal). We found that the concentration of agave fructans and sucrose, as well as the fructan profile, change during the aguamiel production process. During the daily collection, a small amount of agave fructans released from the pine by scraping is drawn into the cajete with the first milliliters of sap where it is then diluted with the inflow of aguamiel. The main component of aguamiel is the sucrose produced in high concentration in the leaves through photosynthesis and then hydrolyzed in the cajete as aguamiel accumulates. We also describe how the fructan profile changes during the accumulation of aguamiel in the cajete. In addition to the varying amount of sucrose that is hydrolyzed in the aguamiel accumulated, we found that fructo-oligosaccharides are either diluted, consumed, or hydrolyzed, depending on the plant and its production stage, thus yielding different fructan profiles. New fructo-oligosaccharides are, in some cases, synthesized by bacteria present in aguamiel. These profiles were also observed in aguamiel collected from ten different plants in the same production region. We also found that a considerable amount of agave fructans is lost in metzal (bagasse), the agave material that is scraped and thrown away twice a day during the production process.

Kefir grains represent a symbiotic association group of yeasts, lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria within an exopolysaccharide and protein matrix known as kefiran. The mechanism of growth of a biomass of kefir after successive fermentations and optimal conditions is not well understood yet. Biomass growth kinetics were determined to evaluate the effects of temperatures (10 °C to 40 °C) and different substrates, such as monosaccharides (fructose, galactose, glucose), disaccharides (lactose, saccharose) and polysaccharides (Agave angustifolia fructans) at 2%, in reconstituted nonfat milk powder at 10% (w/v) and inoculated with 2% of milk kefir grain (105 CFU/g), after determining the pH kinetics. The best conditions of temperature and substrates were 20 °C and fructans and galactose. An increase in cells, grain sizes and a change in the morphology of the granules with the best substrates were observed using environmental scanning electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and Image Digital Analysis (IDA). Kefir grains with agave fructans as their carbon source showed the higher fractal dimension (2.380), related to a greater co-aggregation ability of LAB and yeasts, and increase the formation of exopolysaccharides and the size of the kefir grains, which opens new application possibilities for the use of branched fructans as a substrate for the fermentation of milk kefir grains for the enhancement of cellular biomasses and exopolysaccharide production, as well as IDA as a characterization tool.

Wild cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) is a widespread Mediterranean plant that accumulates inulin in its roots. This study aimed to analyze the enzyme systems involved in inulin metabolism in the roots of one Sicilian wild cardoon population in relation to the plant’s growth and development stages. During the winter season, the plant showed slow growth; its biomass was represented mainly by leaves and saccharides were mobilized into its roots. During the spring season, the plant doubled its growth rate and differentiated its reproduction organs as a consequence of the cold conditions. The maximum activities of the 1-SST were recorded in line with the high sucrose and inulin levels in roots, which increased quickly. The increase in the 1-FEH activity suggests that fructan-hydrolyzing activity is associated with the sprouting and elongation of plant stalks. The peak of the invertase activity occurred before the 1-FEH peak. The inulin accumulation in the wild cardoon roots was associated with the plant’s reproduction. Sequential 1-SST and 1-FEH activities and the involvement of invertase and 1-FFT in carbohydrate mobilization, in response to the additional energy demand of the plant for stalk elongation before and for capitula development were observed, along with subsequent grain ripening.

The objective of this work was to develop the shelf life stability study, at room temperature, of the prebiotic composed of fructans from Agave fourcroydes, for its use as additive in livestock. Shelf life method was used for a period of 12 months at room temperature. The physical chemical characteristics were evaluated at baseline, six months and 12 months. Shelf-life stability results indicated that the prebiotic maintained its physical stability for six months and the chemical stability of the active ingredient for 12 months. It was demonstrated that the prebiotic, composed of fructans from Agave fourcroydes, kept the physical stability of the product for six months and the chemical stability of the active ingredient for up to 12 months, stored at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-D-fructofuranosyl glycosidases are enzymes that produce health-beneficial fructooligosaccharides from natural fructans. In a recent issue of JBC, Kashima et al. identified a novel α-D-fructofuranosyl-active enzyme, αFFase1, from the caries-associated bacterium Bifidobacterium dentium. αFFase1 reversibly forms a potential prebiotic also found in caramel, difructose dianhydride I, via intramolecular condensation of the substrate inulobiose. Kashima et al. elegantly combine NMR, X-ray crystallography, and molecular dynamics to describe an original mechanism for the reversible reactions catalyzed by αFFase1 that establishes the new glycoside hydrolase family GH172. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-structural carbohydrates are abundant constituents of the ripe flesh of all stone fruits. The bulk of their content comprises sucrose, glucose, fructose and sorbitol. However, the abundance of each of these carbohydrates in the flesh differs between species, and also with its stage of development. In this article the import, subcellular compartmentation, contents, metabolism and functions of non-structural carbohydrates in the flesh of commercially cultivated stone fruits of the family Rosaceae are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and objective: The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is a tuber with high soluble fiber. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the method of preparation and pilot test this substance as an additive to enteral feeding. Materials and methods: We processed Jerusalem artichoke into a 600 micrometers powder, tested its properties, and pilot tested its use in patients who had diarrhea (King's stool score ≥12) in a surgical intensive care unit. Two grams of Jerusalem artichoke powder were mixed in each 100 mL of hospital enteral feeding formula and administered for 5 days. Results: Artichoke powder slightly increased the viscosity of enteral feeding formula. The dietary fiber content of the mixture was 20.8-21.6 g% and the content of fructans was 66.0-71.5 g%. In the pilot study in 11 patients, diarrhea was improved (diarrhea score < 12) in 7/11 (63.6%) patients by day 5. Improvement in diarrhea started on day 2 [median different diarrhea score (interquartile range): -4 (-8 to 0); p = 0.03] and peaked by days 4 and 5 [-7(-10 to -3); p < 0.01 and -8(-12 to -4); p < 0.01, respectively]. There were no complications during the study except three patients had a high gastric residual volume (>200 mL). Conclusion: Processed powder of Jerusalem artichoke tuber has a high fiber content and increases viscosity of enteral feeding solutions only slightly. When administered as part of enteral nutrition to critically ill surgical patients, the diarrhea score improves in most patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skim milk was microfiltered in a pilot system equipped with ceramic membranes that have a novel configuration in their active layer, for the production of microbiologically‐stable milk. The linear velocity (LV), temperature (T), and transmembrane pressure (TMP) were studied to assess the effect on bacterial reduction and protein permeation in the microfiltration system. Statistical analysis showed significant effects (α = 0.05) of T on flux, LV on protein permeation, and all the three conditions on the logarithmic reduction of microorganisms. The optimal operational conditions in the system obtained by the surface response method were LV = 6 m/s, T = 30°C, and TMP = 1.5 bar. These operational conditions ensured high filtration performance and a logarithmic reduction of bacteria by 4.55 log and extension of the shelf life to 5 days during storage at 4°C, the microbiological stability of microfiltered milk was not affected by the addition of prebiotic agave fructans of a high degree of polymerization. The microfiltration allows microbiological stability, conservation of functional compounds, and preservation of organoleptic sensory properties of milk, for the production of healthy and innocuous fresh dairy products with higher shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that may afflict even 12% of the European population. One of the ways to counteract IBS-related ailments is to implement a diet with reduced contents of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs). The prevailing components from the FODMAPs group that may be found in rye bread include fructans. The study was conducted with endosperm and wholemeal rye flours. Dough was prepared from both flours with the use of two methods: I-stage method—with the addition of dry leavening—and II-stage method with the use of a sourdough produced with Lactobacillus plantarum, and all with fermentation times of 90, 120, 150, and 180 min. After baking, bread loaves were subjected to quality and consumer analysis and fructan content determination. The endosperm rye flour used for bread-making revealed better baking properties. Bread made of this flour had a higher loaf volume and received higher scores in the consumer assessment than bread made with wholemeal. Study results conclude that the content of fructans in bread was significantly affected by the dough-making method, and that it was decreased by the use of the sourdough. In contrast, the extended fermentation time of dough failed to reduce the fructan content of the bread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Los fructanos son carbohidratos de estructura química diversa distribuidos en diferentes taxa. En las plantas, además de constituir una importante fuente de carbono, han sido asociados con la tolerancia a diferentes tipos de estrés. La biosíntesis de estos compuestos se lleva a cabo por la acción de las enzimas fructosiltransferasas, mientras que su degradación es mediada por las exohidrolasas fructosílicas, ambos tipos forman parte de la familia 32 de las enzimas hidrolasas glicosídicas. Las exohidrolasas fructosílicas son exo-enzimas que liberan secuencialmente residuos de fructosa terminales de los fructanos para hacerlos disponibles como fuente de carbono en diferentes procesos celulares o bien moléculas de señalización. En esta revisión se hace una descripción de los fructanos y las exohidrolasas fructosílicas en algunas plantas importantes para el consumo humano y para el aprovechamiento industrial, con un enfoque particular en el género Agave, específicamente en A. tequilana. Concluimos, que el estudio de las exohidrolasas fructosílicas en agaves podría ser útil en varias aplicaciones biotecnológicas como en la hidrólisis de estructuras de fructanos no digeridos durante la etapa de cocción del agave en el proceso de producción de tequila. Sin embargo, el primer paso es conocer la funcionalidad de estas enzimas, lo que podría facilitar su incorporación en diferentes procesos biotecnológicos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fructans are added to infant formula and adult nutritionals for their prebiotic effect. A method (AOAC 2016.14) was developed for their analysis which has already demonstrated excellent performance during single laboratory validation. Objective: To determine repeatability and reproducibility of the method through a collaborative study. Methods: Fourteen laboratories from 11 different countries enrolled for the study. Participants analyzed a practice sample, then 8 formula or adult nutritionals in blind duplicate. Results and any method modifications were reported to the study director. Results: Twelve laboratories provided results on time for reporting. Precision results for five samples met the requirements of the Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPR 2014.002), with RSDr ranging from 3.60 to 4.25% and RSDR ranging from 5.90 to 11.7%. The practice sample also met the requirements of SMPR 2014.002, with RSDr and RSDR of 2.53% and 6.70% respectively. Precision results for three test samples did not fully meet the SMPR, with RSDr ranging from 2.27 to 7.65% and RSDR ranging from 12.8 to 15.1%. After review, the AOAC Stakeholder Panel for Infant Formula and Adult Nutritional Expert Review Panel (SPIFAN ERP) concluded that the data presented mostly met the SMPR and hence recommended that the method to be advanced for adoption as an AOAC Final Action method. Conclusions: The method described in AOAC 2016.14 is suitable for the determination of fructans in infant formula and adult nutritionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The promoting effects of both high nitrogen (N) and exogenous gibberellin (GA) supply on regrowth of Lolium perenne have been widely reported. The mobilisation of carbohydrate reserves in response to N is a critical mechanism for promoting plant regrowth. However, our knowledge about GA regulation of carbohydrate metabolism remains limited. Here, we analysed the effects of both N and exogenous GA on the molecular mechanisms controlling perennial ryegrass regrowth and investigated the similarities and differences. Our analyses show that both high N and exogenous GA supply lead to a decline in the accumulation of carbohydrate reserves, but the regulatory mechanisms responsible for this decline varied between N and GA supply. The effects of elevated N were mainly through declining fructan biosynthesis which results in improving photosynthate use efficiency to promote plant regrowth, whereas the application of exogenous GA resulted in an increase in the hydrolytic activities of fructan exohydrolase and invertases capable of cleaving reserved carbohydrates to release energy sources for plant regrowth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study shows the effect of agave fructans as a carrier agent compared with maltodextrin to evaluate the particle stability of blackberry and raspberry juices. A pilot spray dryer was used with feed flow of 20 mL h-1 and atomization rate of 28 000 rpm. The inlet air temperature of 180 °C and outlet air temperature of 80 °C were used as parameter constants. Only the parameters of the carrier agent concentration of 5, 7.5 to 10% (w/v) were changed. The concentration of 10% agave fructans was high enough to recover the higher yields of 89% only for blackberry, for raspberry the concentration of 7.5% agave fructans was sufficient to recover the yield of 67%. The stability diagrams show the conditions of the particles that should not be exceeded when leaving spray drying, as well as the storage conditions that must be followed to avoid agglomeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable processing from native vegetation such as agave, nopal and aloe, is mainly centered on the components of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, defined generally as lignocellulosic. Cytotoxicity of lignocellulosic biopolymer membranes (LBMs) of mucilages of Opuntia ficus-indica, Aloe barbadensis Miller, fructans, and residual Agave tequilana Weber fibers at different concentrations (30, 50 and 70%), was evaluated in contact with human fibroblast cells (ATCC® PCS-201-010), cultured in vitro. Long and short LMBs were formed from the fibrous material. The interaction showed mild cytotoxicity according to ISO 10993-5: 2009. Cytotoxic activity demonstrated in the presence of fibroblasts implied a maximum cytotoxicity of close to 46% and a minimum of 7% in LBMs. UV light absorption results of the large fiber LMBs showed the highest prevention of passage of light, having a protective effect mechanism of delaying the response of hypersensitivity as a result of exposure to UV radiation. The morphology and structure were characterized using SEM, FT-IR, and image texture analysis. According to the LBMs reactivity measured, the feasible uses of these membranes can be suggested as materials for biomedical applications over a short period of time, with feasibility as a support to provide some beneficial solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inulin-type fructans are known to exert different effects on the fermentation profile depending on the average and range of the degree of polymerization (DP). Here, swine fecal cultures were used to investigate the prebiotic properties of native chicory inulin (NIN), extracted from the chicory root, and synthetic inulin (SIN), which has a narrower DP distribution than NIN. Both NIN and SIN showed prebiotic effects, but NIN exhibited a significant decrease in pH and increase in the production of propionate and butyrate compared to SIN. There were also differences in the production of succinate and lactate, the precursors of propionate and butyrate, and the relative abundance of associated genes. Furthermore, NIN induced the growth of certain species of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus more strongly than SIN. These results suggest that NIN and SIN exhibit different prebiotic properties due to differences in DP, and that NIN might be more beneficial to host health. The superior prebiotic properties of native chicory inulin (NIN) compared to those of synthetic inulin (SIN), as demonstrated by propionate and butyrate production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley is described to mostly use sucrose for night carbon requirements. To understand how the transient carbon is accumulated and utilized in response to cold, barley plants were grown in a combination of cold days and/or nights. Both daytime and night cold reduced growth. Sucrose was the main carbohydrate supplying growth at night, representing 50–60% of the carbon consumed. Under warm days and nights, starch was the second contributor with 26% and malate the third with 15%. Under cold nights, the contribution of starch was severely reduced, due to an inhibition of its synthesis, including under warm days, and malate was the second contributor to C requirements with 24–28% of the total amount of carbon consumed. We propose that malate plays a critical role as an alternative carbon source to sucrose and starch in barley. Hexoses, malate, and sucrose mobilization and starch accumulation were affected in barley elf3 clock mutants, suggesting a clock regulation of their metabolism, without affecting growth and photosynthesis however. Altogether, our data suggest that the mobilization of sucrose and malate and/or barley growth machinery are sensitive to cold. Barley uses almost equally sucrose, starch and malate for night growth under optimal growth temperatures. Under cold, mostly sucrose and malate are used, starch synthesis being strongly repressed, even when cold is only applied at night. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivation condition have a large effect on efficiency of buckwheat. Drought, high temperatures and their fluctuations, salinity, oxygen deficit in the soil, ultraviolet radiation, and abnormal nutrient content in the soil are the most common reasons of decreasing productivity of plants. Suboptimal parameters of the cultivation technology can also cause abiotic stress. Plant can decrease its efficiency from 30% to 50% depend on stress conditions. Using bacterial cultures is one of the preventive approaches to overcoming the negative impact of stressors. Microorganisms produce biologically active substances that stimulate plant growth, increase their resistance to abiotic factors. They are growth regulators and long-acting anti-stressants as well. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is formed as a result of the oxidative degradation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fructans are polysaccharides that are derived from D-fructose residues found in higher plants, green algae and bacteria. Fructans are involved in the adaptation of plants to the action of abiotic stressors and are valuable nutrients. The effect of Azospirillum brasilense pre-sowing treatment of buckwheat seeds on physiological and biochemical processes of MDA and fructan content was researched. Seed treatment with Azospirillun brasilense reduced the content of MDA in Ukrayinka and Syn 3/02. Sofia and Olga had a low level of MDA, but seed treatment increase it. Seed treatment increased the efficiency of photosynthesis (Fv/Fm) in Syn 3/02 from 0.58 to 0.72, in other varieties this effect was negligible. All cultivars have a strong relation between MDA and fructan content, that shows their participation in responses on cultivation conditions. Efficiency of photosynthesis in flowering-seed formation stage (BBCH 65-75) was close to maximum in field condition (0.70 ± 0.05) and seed treatment can increase it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fructans are carbohydrates found in many plants, including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and they serve physiological roles in both plants and humans. Genomic selection (GS) could facilitate the rapid development of climate‐resilient, nutritionally improved wheat cultivars, such as high‐fructan cultivars, while decreasing resource‐intensive phenotyping requirements. However, few empirical studies have examined GS for nutritional quality breeding. Although GS can accelerate gain from selection, loss of genetic variation and inbreeding may limit the potential for long‐term gain. The objectives of this study were (a) to determine realized gain from GS for wheat grain fructan content with simple truncated selection (TS) and optimized contribution selection (OCS) methods, (b) to determine if gains agree with theoretical expectations, and (c) to compare impacts of selection on inbreeding, genetic variance, and indirect selection on agronomic characteristics. Over 2 yr, two cycles of GS were performed with equal contribution TS and inbreeding‐constrained OCS selection. Genomic selection with TS and OCS led to a 25 ± 12% and 34 ± 6.4% increase in wheat grain fructan content, respectively. Although positive gains from selection were observed for both populations, OCS populations exhibited these gains while simultaneously retaining greater genetic variance and lower inbreeding levels relative to TS populations. Selection for wheat grain fructan content did not change plant height but significantly decreased days to heading in OCS populations. In this study, GS effectively improved the nutritional quality of wheat, and OCS controlled the rate of inbreeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fructans, such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), have several effects on human health owing to their prebiotic character, including anti-microbial and anti-cancer effects, and to their influence on the absorption of minerals, which is very important in childhood and adolescence. Our aim was to review the role of some fructans in the absorption of vitamins and minerals in children and adolescents. We conducted a narrative review of the absorption of nutrients with fructans. We collected quantitative data for our thematic analysis, which was performed using the electronic databases Medline, Lilacs, Web of Science, and Scopus from January 2000 and January 2019. This review comprises a total of 10 articles. Few studies were found regarding the use of prebiotics and nutrient absorption in children. Studies on calcium, iron, magnesium, and vitamin D were the most prevalent. Some studies reported that FOS appears to increase calcium uptake in the gut and stimulates the growth of bifidobacterium in the colon, reducing iron intake by enteric pathogens, and increasing the absorption of these minerals. Others reported an improvement in the absorption of vitamin D and E with inulin. Consumption of fructans improves the health of the microbiota, altering the absorption of some nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fructans are generally divided into two different types: β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→1)-linked inulin and β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→6)-linked levan. Previously, Radix Codonopsis was found to be rich in inulin type of fructans with low molecular weight (<5000 Da). In this study, a novel macromolecular fructan with a molecular weight of 1.70 × 103 KD was isolated from Radix Codonopsis, and its homogeneity was shown to be a single peak by high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), and its structure was confirmed to contain a new type of linkage, α-D-fructofuranosyl-(2→3)-β-D-fructofuranosyl linkage, by 1D- and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrolysis of levan using compressed hot water for the production of functional fructooligosaccharides (FOSs) was investigated. Levans from Erwinia herbicola (EH) and Halomonas smyrnensis (HS) were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and light scattering techniques, and hydrolyzed using compressed hot water at four temperatures (120, 140, 160, and 180°C). The hydrolysates were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry. Levan HS showed a crystalline morphology, whereas levan EH showed an aggregated structure. Both levans had molar masses on the order of 106 g/mol, but levan EH had a smaller radius of gyration, hydrodynamic radius, and intrinsic viscosity. Levan EH hydrolyzed into FOSs at approximately 120°C, whereas levan HS required a temperature of at least 160°C, possibly because of differences in the degree of branching of the two levans. Both samples were degraded to fructose when treated at 180°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]