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Physalis alkekengi L. is one of the most popular berries in the world, and its calyx is rich in nutrients. Still, the study of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from Physalis alkekengi L. calyx (PC) has not been reported. This study aimed to extract Physalis alkekengi L. calyx soluble dietary fiber (PCSDF), and the optimal extraction process was investigated using response surface methodology. After ultrasonic pretreatment, the yield of PCSDF reached 8.74 ± 0.17% under the conditions of liquid-solid ratio of 30 mL/g, thermostable α-amylase concentration of 2000 U/mL, dispase concentration of 20,000 U/mL, amyloglucosidase concentration of 40,000 U/mL. For the first time, PCSDF was characterized by UV spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, and the composition of the monosaccharides, namely mannose, glucuronic acid, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose, arabinose and fucose, was identified by HPLC. For antioxidant activity, the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) against DPPH, ABTS+, ·OH, and ·O2−radicals were 3.67, 2.96, 5.45, and 2.90 mg/mL, respectively, and there was a specific Fe3+ reducing capacity. In terms of hypoglycemic feature, the IC50 values for the inhibitory ability of α-glucosidase and α-amylase were 1.20 and 9.21 mg/mL, respectively. For lipid-lowering potential, the IC50 value for pancreatic lipase inhibitory ability for lipid-lowering was 16.95 mg/mL. This paper fills the research gap of PCSDF and provides a basis for further evaluation of PCSDF using in vivo studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a method for effective pectin extraction from the laminae of three tobacco varieties as a means of biomass valorisation. Two pre-treatment methods (cold ethanol vs. accelerated solvent extraction [ASE] with ethanol) were compared for their capacities to produce a high pectin yield. Enzymatic extraction of pectin was also tested as a green extraction procedure and compared to the acid extraction approach. The optimisation experiments revealed that cold ethanol extraction followed by acid hydrolysis is the most convenient method for pectin extraction; the optimal set of conditions for hydrolysis were identified as 90°C, pH 1.5, and 4 h of extraction. Applying these optimised conditions to the three Nicotiana rustica tobacco varieties yielded pectin recoveries of 66.2%, 57.8%, and 56.7% from the NRT63, Bakoum Miena, and NRT61 samples, respectively. Tobacco pectins were found to have a medium molecular weight and low methoxy content. These results highlight the potential of tobacco residues as feedstock for to produce pectin with dietary applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pectin‐oligosaccharides (POS) serve diverse purposes as a food ingredient, antimicrobial and biostimulant in plants, and their functionality is linked to the degree of esterification. Grape and broccoli wastes emerge as environmentally friendly alternatives to obtaining pectin, serving as a sustainable source to producing POS. For example, microwaves have proven to be an effective and sustainable method to extract polysaccharides from plant matrices. Objective: This work aims to use grape and broccoli wastes as alternative sources for obtaining pectin by microwave‐assisted extraction and biotransformation into POS, which possess biological properties. Material and Methods: The extraction conditions were identified at a power of 400 W, 300 s for the extraction of pectin from grape pomace and broccoli waste. Biotransformation of pectins into POS, using commercial enzyme preparations (Viscozyme L and Pectinase). Characterisation was carried out by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Physicochemical analysis indicated grape pomace and broccoli waste pectins had galacturonic acid content of 63.81 ± 1.67 and 40.83 ± 2.85 mg 100 mg−1, low degree of esterification of 34.89% and 16.22%, respectively. Biotransformation of pectins into POS resulted in a 20% hydrolysis rate. The main enzymatic activity was polygalacturonase for the degradation of the main structure of the pectin. Conclusion: Production of POS from agro‐industrial wastes by emerging technologies, such as the combined use of microwave‐assisted extraction and enzymatic processes, represents an alternative method for the generation of bioactive compounds with distinctive properties suitable for different applications of interest. Grape and broccoli waste, regarded as environmentally friendly alternatives, are explored for sustainable pectin production, specifically pectin‐oligosaccharides. Microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE), optimised at 400 W for 300 s, utilised galacturonic acid content and degree of esterification as indicators. Commercial enzymes (Viscozyme L and Pectinase) facilitated a 20% hydrolysis rate. Physicochemical analysis revealed grape pomace and broccoli waste pectins with galacturonic acid content of 63.81 ± 1.67 and 40.83 ± 2.85 mg 100 mg−1, and low degree of esterification of 34.89% and 16.22%, respectively. This study showcases a sustainable approach for generating bioactive pectin‐oligosaccharides, promising for diverse applications in food, antimicrobial, and plant biostimulant formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of cell wall polysaccharides in pineapple fruit during softening was investigated in the present study. Two pectin fractions and two hemicellulose fractions were extracted from the cell wall materials of 'Comte de Paris' pineapple fruit at five softening stages, and their compositional changes were subsequently analyzed. The process of softening of the fruit corresponded to an increase in the water-soluble pectin (WSP) and 1 M KOH-soluble hemicellulose (HC1) fractions, and a decrease in the acid-soluble pectin (ASP) fraction, which suggested the solubilization and conversion of cellular wall components. However, the content of 4 M KOH-soluble hemicellulose (HC2) decreased and then returned to the initial level. Furthermore, WSP, ASP, and HC1 showed an increment in the content of low molecular weight polymers while a decline in the high molecular weight polymers throughout softening, and not significant change in the contents of different molecular polymers of HC2 was observed. Moreover, the galacturonic acid (GalA) content in the main chain of WSP was maintained at a relatively constant level, but the major branch monosaccharide galactose (Gal) in WSP decreased. Different from WSP, the molar percentages of Gal and GalA in ASP decreased. The Gal or Arabinose (Ara) in HC1 exhibited a gradual decline while the molar percentages of xylose (Xyl) and glucose (Glu) in the main chain increased. These suggested that the main chain of ASP degraded while the branched chains of ASP, WSP and HC1 depolymerized during pineapple softening. Overall, fruit softening of 'Comte de Paris' pineapple was found to be the result of differential modification of pectin and hemicellulose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, polysaccharides were isolated from the leaves (WSPRaL) and stems (WSPRaS) of Rhamnus alaternus with yields of 3% and 3.25% for WSPRaS and WSPRaL, respectively. Crude WSPRaL was composed of proteins (260.740 ± 0.98 µg/mg), lipids (53.34 ± 2.38 µg/mg), total sugars (482.716 ± 3.02 µg/mg), and reducing sugars (420.240 ± 1.68 µg/mg). In contrast, WSPRaS contained proteins (269.629 ± 1.48 µg/mg), lipids (13.33 ± 0.28 µg/mg), total sugars (569.135 ± 3.82 µg/mg), and reducing sugars (531.732 ± 2.59 µg/mg). FTIR, TLC, and HPLC analyses revealed that the carbohydrate fraction of WSPRaS consisted mainly of glucuronic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose, mannose, and arabinose, whereas WSPRaL consisted of galacturonic acid, sucrose, glucose, rhamnose, xylose, mannose, and arabinose. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was used to determine the microstructure of the water-soluble polysaccharides. The physicochemical properties were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and ultraviolet‒visible (UV‒visible) absorption spectroscopy. The total antioxidant activities of the crude polysaccharides were evaluated using various assays: DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 WSPRaL = 615 ± 2.05 µg/mL, IC50 WSPRaS = 628 ± 2.38 µg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging (470 ± 5.78 µg/mL and 559 ± 4.32 µg/mL for WSPRaL and WSPRaS, respectively), reducing power (IC50 WSPRaS = 141.76 ± 3.16 µg/mL, IC50 WSPRaL = 203.89 ± 1.07 µg/mL), and chelating capacity (IC50 WSPRaS = 225 ± 1.75 µg/mL, IC50 WSPRaL = 219 ± 2.51 µg/mL). In addition, the antibacterial and biofilm inhibitory activities of both polysaccharides were tested against pathogenic strains, and the polysaccharides significantly inhibited plant growth. Overall, the results indicate that the crude polysaccharides extracted from R. alaternus are promising for use as functional and bioactive ingredients in the food and nutraceutical industries. These results highlight the potential of both polysaccharides as natural products in various sectors, including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medicine, due to their significant biological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nitrogen-fixing rhizobia-legume symbiosis relies on a complex interchange of molecular signals between the two partners during the whole interaction. On the bacterial side, different surface polysaccharides, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and exopolysaccharide (EPS), might play important roles for the success of the interaction. In a previous work we studied two Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 mutants affected in the rkpK and lpsL genes, which are responsible for the production of glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid, respectively. Both mutants produced an altered LPS, and the rkpK mutant, in addition, lacked EPS. These mutants were differently affected in symbiosis with Glycine max and Vigna unguiculata, with the lpsL mutant showing a stronger impairment than the rkpK mutant. In the present work we have further investigated the LPS structure and the symbiotic abilities of the HH103 lpsL and rkpK mutants. We demonstrate that both strains produce the same LPS, with a truncated core oligosaccharide devoid of uronic acids. We show that the symbiotic performance of the lpsL mutant with Macroptilium atropurpureum and Glycyrrhiza uralensis is worse than that of the rkpK mutant. Introduction of an exoA mutation (which avoids EPS production) in HH103 lpsL improved its symbiotic performance with G. max, M. atropurpureum, and G. uralensis to the level exhibited by HH103 rkpK, suggesting that the presence of EPS might hide the truncated LPS produced by the former mutant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sequential ultrasound‐ and microwave‐assisted natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) were used for the extraction of pectin from mango peels in this study. The two different NADES composed of proline: malonic acid (Pro: MA) and choline chloride: tartaric acid (ChCl: TA) which resulted in higher pectin yield were selected for further optimization studies. The processing conditions such as sonication duration, microwave intensity, microwave processing duration, and liquid–solid ratio were optimized using Box–Behnken design. The optimized conditions are sonication duration (7.5 min), microwave intensity (40 W/g), microwave processing duration (5 min), and liquid–solid ratio (65%). The physicochemical and technofunctional properties of pectin extracted using NADES were compared with conventional acid–extracted pectin. The moisture and ash content of NADES‐extracted pectin were within the specified limit provided by the International Pectin Producers Association. The NADES‐based extracted pectin contains galacturonic acid content higher than 65%, as mentioned by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and the European Commission. The higher anhydrouronic acid content of pectin (88.8 ± 0.21%–90.82 ± 0.11%) represents the superior purity of pectin. The higher degree of esterification (> 50%) indicates the extracted pectin is a high ester pectin. The similarity of FT‐IR spectra at 800–1300 cm−1 with the "fingerprint zone" of carbohydrates indicates that extracted pectin is functional pectin. The results showed that ultrasound‐ and microwave‐assisted NADES are efficient systems for extracting pectin with a high degree of esterification from mango peels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Food & Fermentation Industries is the property of Food & Fermentation Industries and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background Results Conclusion This research aimed to enhance the functional value of dietary fiber from broccoli leaves using supercritical fluid technology. By optimizing pressure, temperature, and time parameters through response surface methodology, the study sought to improve the bioactive properties of the fiber and develop a predictive model for its chemical composition and functional properties.Structural analysis indicated that modified samples had a higher concentration of oligosaccharides than control samples did, with significant increases in galacturonic acid and neutral sugars after supercritical fluid technology treatment, highlighting enhanced pectin release due to cell wall degradation. Functional properties, such as water solubility, glucose absorption capacity, and antioxidant activity, improved significantly under optimized conditions (191 bar, 40 °C, 1 h). Multivariate analysis confirmed the effectiveness of supercritical fluid technology in enhancing the dietary fiber properties, achieving a global desirability value of 0.805.These results underscore the potential of supercritical technology for valorizing broccoli leaf by‐products, enhancing their health‐promoting characteristics and functional applications in the food industry. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPlantaginis Semen (PS) are the dried mature seeds of Plantago asiatica L. or Plantagodepressa Willd. in the Plantago family. Its polysaccharides are important components of PS. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction process of PS polysaccharides (PSP). The results showed that the optimal extraction parameters were a solid-liquid ratio of 1:35 g/mL, an extraction time of 73 min, and a molar ratio of 2:1. The yield of PSP was 0.64% and 1.20% by water immersion and ultrasonic water extraction, respectively, indicating that the DES extraction method (2.21 ± 0.06%) is superior to these two methods, and the optimization effect is good. Through the α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition activities experiment, it was found that the IC50 values of PSPs-1 were 1122 and 220.5 μg/mL. DPPH·and ABTS+ scavenging activity experiments showed that the IC50 values of PSPs-1 were 19.2 and 4.3 μg/mL, respectively. Its molar ratio of monosaccharide composition is rhamnose: galactose: galacturonic acid: glucose: glucuronic acid: arabinose: mannose: xylose = 33.6:13.3:6.5:3:2.6:2:1.4:1. Therefore, this study can provide an experimental basis for the establishment of an industrialized production process of polysaccharides and the study of their biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the structural changes in hemicellulose and cellulose from sunflower seeds before and after roasting at 160°C, 190°C, and 220°C. Sugar composition, molecular weight, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, thermogravimetric, and NMR analyses were utilized to determine the structural properties of these polysaccharides and detect the volatile compounds. The results showed that roasting destroyed the microstructure of these hemicelluloses and cellulose. Glucose and arabinose of hemicellulose were more easily degraded than other sugars during roasting. The galacturonic acid content increased from 7.8% to 46.66% after roasting. The hemicellulose obtained at 220°C had a backbone of D‐xylose residues with a β‐(1→4)‐linkage. The molecular weight of cellulosic polysaccharides decreased with the increase of roasting temperature. The crystallinity increased from 28.92% to 31.86% revealing that mainly the amorphous regions of cellulosic polysaccharides were destroyed by roasting. After roasting, the volatile compounds of these polysaccharides were rich in furfural, which was produced by caramelization and the Maillard reaction, contributing to the characteristic aroma of roasted sunflower seeds. This study provides some information on the relationship between structural changes of polysaccharides and the formation of flavor during roasting sunflower seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides from hemp seeds exhibit antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo. However, crude polysaccharide quality is often low owing to the presence of fibres and pigment impurities, which are difficult to eliminate in the hemp seed shell. In this study, crude polysaccharides from hemp kernels (HKP) were obtained by hot water extraction and separated by membrane ultrafiltration into eight fractions with different molecular weights. Total antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging (DPPH) assays were performed to evaluate the antioxidant activities of HKP and the fractions in vitro. The structural characteristics of HKP were determined using various analytical techniques. The Fe3+-reducing power of HKP was 7.65 ± 0.22 μmol/g, and HKP possessed the highest DPPH radical-scavenging rates (94.30 ± 2.27%), similar to 5 mg/mL Vitamin C (Vc), which had a rate of 95%. The HKP was an acidic polysaccharide with a low molecular weight (4.21 ± 0.12 kDa). The monosaccharide composition indicated that HKP primarily comprised mannose, ribose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, arabinose, and fucose in a molar ratio of 0.96:1.95:8.27:0.98:9.46:1.69:6.10:2.82. The molar mass of HKP was distributed widely in a triple helical conformation. This study provides a scientific basis for further research on the use of hemp polysaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study intends to explore the extraction process, physical and chemical properties, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of polysaccharides from wild bitter melon (WBM). Using the peel of fresh WBM fruit as raw material, based on the single factor experimental results, the liquid-to-material ratio, ultrasonic time and ultrasonic power in the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) process were optimized by Box-Behnken response surface. Two polysaccharide components of WBP50 and WBP75 were obtained through UAE of the optimal conditions and gradient alcohol precipitation, and their physical and chemical properties, in vitro antioxidant and hypoglycemic abilities were evaluated. The results showed that: under the conditions of liquid-to-material ratio of 16 mL/g, ultrasonic time of 16 min, and ultrasonic power of 312 W, the actual yield of crude WBM polysaccharide (WBP) was 8.33%±0.13%. The total sugar, protein, total phenols, total flavonoids, and uronic acid contents of WBP50 and WBP75 were 76.73%/73.38%, 4.78%/0.35%, 0.36%/0.25%, 2.06%/0.86% and 72.85%/49.58%, respectively. The average molecular weights were 27.59 kDa and 23.20 kDa, respectively. WBPs were mainly composed of galacturonic acid, galactose, rhamnose, arabinose, and glucose. The DPPH, ABTS+ and hydroxyl radicals scavenging abilities of WBP50 and WBP75 were 11.28/11.40 μg Trolox/mg, 40.87/44.42 μg Trolox/mg, and 52.47/99.89 U/mg, respectively. Regarding hypoglycemic ability, both WBPs had certain α-amylase inhibitory ability and strong α-glucosidase inhibitory ability. The α-glucosidase inhibition rate of WBP50 and WBP75 reached 93.34%±1.11% and 79.04%±0.76% at a concentration of 750 μg/mL. The UAE of WBP has the advantages of time saving, convenience, high efficiency and low energy consumption, and the extracted WBPs have natural antioxidant and hypoglycemic functional activities. This study lays the foundation for future structural analysis and functional mechanism research of WBPs and provides theoretical references for developing hypoglycemic products and high-value utilization of WBPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of enzymatically modified pectin products derived from grapefruit, jujube, and kumquat on the MKN‐45 gastric cancer cell line in vitro. FTIR analysis revealed that the spectra of the pectins produced were comparable to those of commercial pectin and included the characteristic peaks identified in the literature. The galacturonic acid content was measured as 612 mg/g in grapefruit pectin, 544 mg/g in jujube pectin, and 704 mg/g in kumquat pectin. DSC analysis indicated that all pectin samples and their modifications exhibited one endothermic peak and one exothermic peak. Cytotoxicity assessments revealed that the enzymatically modified grapefruit pectin demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects across all tested concentrations, with 0.075 mg/mL being the most effective. For kumquat pectin, all tested concentrations showed cytotoxic properties, with 0.3, 0.15, and 0.075 mg/mL being the most effective. In the case of jujube pectin, cytotoxic effects were observed at all concentrations except for 1.2 mg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study employed an in vitro static digestion model to simulate the saliva‐gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) extracted from Levilactobacillus brevis M‐14, aiming to understand the dynamic changes in physicochemical properties, biological potential of EPS, as well as their impact on the human enteric microorganism. EPS was mainly composed of polysaccharides. The molecular weight (Mw) showed that EPS comprised two parts with a high Mw and a low Mw fraction of 42.81 × 104 and 1.23 × 104 Da, respectively. EPSs mainly consisted of mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, and galactose in a molar ratio of 0.42∶0.13∶0.21∶0.13∶0.11. In the simulated digestion process, EPS was relatively stable. Furthermore, simulated digestion increased the antioxidant and hypoglycemic capacities of EPS. During the fermentation stage, the total carbohydrate contents of EPS decreased by 20.19%. The Mw of the two components of EPS decreased by 16.37% and 61.67%, respectively, and accompanied by the production of free monosaccharides. EPS had the potential to modulate the composition of gut microbiota, increasing the relative abundance of Enterococcus and Parabacteroides, while decreasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides. The pH decreased and total short‐chain fatty acids contents increased, especially acetic acid and propionic acid. This research provided valuable insights into the potential application of EPS as a prebiotic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA-6) serving as a non-toxic and low-cost plant growth regulator is used for improving plant growth and stress tolerance, but the DA-6-mediated organic metabolites remodeling in relation to drought tolerance is not well documented in crops. The aims of the present study were to evaluate impacts of DA-6 on physiological functions including osmotic adjustment, photochemical efficiency, oxidative damage, and cell membrane stability as well as organic metabolites remodeling in white clover (Trifolium repens) leaves based on the analysis of metabolomics. Plants were foliarly treated with or without DA-6 and subsequently exposed to drought stress for 8 days. Results demonstrated that foliar application of DA-6 (1.5 mM) could significantly ameliorate drought tolerance, which was linked with better leaf water status, photosynthetic performance, and cell membrane stability as well as lower oxidative injury in leaves. Metabolic profiling of organic metabolites identified a total of 59 metabolites including 17 organic acids, 20 sugars, 12 alcohols, and 10 other metabolites. In response to drought stress, the DA-6 induced accumulations of many sugars and sugar alcohols (erythrulose, arabinose, xylose, inosose, galactose, talopyranose, fucose, erythritol, and ribitol), organic acids (propanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybutanoic acid, palmitic acid, linolenic acid, and galacturonic acid), and other metabolites (2-oxazoline, silane, and glycine) in white clover. These altered metabolites induced by the DA-6 could perform critical functions in maintenances of osmo-protection, osmotic adjustment, redox homeostasis, cell wall structure and membrane stability when white clover suffered from water deficit. In addition, the campesterol and stigmasterol significantly accumulated in all plants in spite of the DA-6 pretreatment under drought stress, which could be an important adaptive response to water deficit due to beneficial roles of those two metabolites in regulating cell membrane stability and antioxidant defense. Present findings provide new evidence of DA-6-regulated metabolic homeostasis contributing to drought tolerance in leguminous plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food & Fermentation Industries is the property of Food & Fermentation Industries and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Naematelia aurantialba (N. aurantialba) is a fungus rich in polysaccharides with medicinal and edible properties. Polysaccharides are the main active components of N. aurantialba; however, their biological activities and functional properties have not been widely explored. In this study, the ultrasonic extraction process for N. aurantialba polysaccharides (NAP) is optimized, and the physicochemical, functional, and antioxidant activities of the homogeneous fraction (NAP) are investigated. The optimal extraction conditions are a liquid–solid ratio of 50 mL g−1, ultrasonic power of 430 W, ultrasonic time of 32 min, resulting in an extraction rate of N. aurantialba polysaccharides of 48.68% ± 0.83%. NAP has a molecular weight of 915 kDa. The monosaccharide composition of NAP is as follows: mannose (59.04% ± 0.12%), xylose (23.89% ± 0.03%), glucuronic acid (14.07% ± 0.24%), galacturonic acid (2.12% ± 0.02%), and glucose (0.76% ± 0.02%). NAP exhibites water and oil retention capacities of 14.62 ± 0.25 g g−1 and 23.73 ± 0.85 g g−1, respectively. Furthermore, NAP demonstrates favorable moisture absorption and retention properties. The results show that NAP has a significantly stronger antioxidant effect, as demonstrated by its concentration‐dependent scavenging of ABTS, DPPH, and hydroxyl radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epimedium is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Epimedium polysaccharides have a variety of physiological properties. This study compared three different processes for the extraction of polysaccharides from Epimedium spp., including ultrasonic, aqueous enzymatic, and microwave extraction, to optimize the extraction conditions and determine the optimal extraction method. The optimal parameters for each method were analyzed. The results showed that the optimal process for ultrasonic extraction was an ultrasonic power of 250 W, an extraction time of 60 min, a temperature of 50 °C, and a solid–liquid ratio of 1:35. The optimal conditions for the aqueous enzymatic method were a papain concentration of 70 U/mL, extraction time of 70 min, a temperature of 50 °C, and a material-to-liquid ratio of 1:30, while those for microwave extraction were a microwave power of 650 W, an extraction time of 50 min, a temperature of 40 °C, and a material-to-liquid ratio of 1:25. The polysaccharide yields were 4.85%, 4.72%, and 3.98% for the three methods, respectively, indicating that ultrasonic extraction resulted in the highest yield of polysaccharides from Epimedium brevicornum. After purification with DEAE-cellulose, the polysaccharide yields were 4.13%, 3.67%, and 3.12%, respectively. A comprehensive comparison demonstrated the superiority of the ultrasonic extraction method in terms of both extraction yield and purification efficiency. Characterization of the extracted Epimedium polysaccharides showed the presence of five monosaccharides, i.e., glucose, galactose, mannose, galacturonic acid, and rhamnose, and a number average molecular weight Mn of 1.65 × 105 Da and weight average molecular weight Mw of 6.61 × 105 Da. These results provide a scientific basis for the in-depth study and application of Epimedium polysaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating fungal disease caused by Fusarium graminearum. Pectin lyase, a pectinase, acts on the α-1,4-glycosidic linkage of galacturonic acid primarily by β-elimination. In this study, three pectin lyase genes (FgPel1, 2, 3) in F. graminearum were selected, and deletion mutants (ΔFgPel1, 2, 3) were constructed by homologous recombination for functional characterization. The gene deletions affected the morphology and growth rate of F. graminearum on pectin medium at various concentrations, with the growth rate of ΔFgPel1 being more significant. The growth of ΔFgPel1 colonies slowed at pH 4, with optimal growth at pH 6.5, whereas ΔFgPel2 and ΔFgPel3 exhibited greater inhibition at pH 8. Colony morphology and diameter of the deletion mutants showed no significant differences compared to the wild-type strain PH-1, and there was no effect on conidial production or germination rate. Pathogenicity assays demonstrated that gene deletion significantly reduced the ability of F. graminearum to infest corn silks and wheat ears, and that ΔFgPel2 showed a more pronounced reduction in pathogenicity on wheat spikes. In summary, the pectin lyase genes (FgPel1, 2, 3) are involved in pectin utilization and are influenced by external pH conditions, which attenuate the pathogenicity of F. graminearum without affecting its vegetative growth or asexual spore formation. These findings elucidate the roles of these genes and provide a basis for controlling FHB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the response surface method (RSM) was used to optimize the deproteinization process of polysaccharides from Vitis vinifera L. SuoSuo (VTP). The antioxidant capacities of polysaccharides before and after deproteinization were evaluated. The structure of deproteinized VTP (DVTP), which has relatively strong antioxidant activity, was characterized, and the protective effect of DVTP on H2O2-induced HT22 cell damage was evaluated. The results of the RSM experiment revealed that the ideal parameters for deproteinization included a chloroform/n-butanol ratio (v/v) of 4.6:1, a polysaccharide/Sevage reagent (v/v) ratio of 2:1, a shaking time of 25 min, and five rounds of deproteinization. Preliminary characterization revealed that the DVTP was an acidic heteropolysaccharide composed of seven monosaccharides, among which the molar ratio of galacturonic acid was 40.65. FT-IR and the determination of uronic acid content revealed that DVTP contained abundant uronic acid and that the content was greater than that of VTP. In vitro, the antioxidant activity assay revealed that the hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity and total antioxidant capacity of DVTP were greater than those of VTP. In the range of 0.6~0.8 mg/mL, the DPPH scavenging capacities of VTP and DVTP were greater than that of vitamin C. In addition, cell viability was measured via a CCK-8 assay, which revealed that DVTP had a strong defense effect on H2O2-induced damage to HT22 cells. These findings suggest that DVTP has high antioxidant activity and could be used as a natural antioxidant in functional foods and medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides from cyanobacteria are extensively reported for their complex structures, good biocompatibility, and diverse bioactivities, but only a few cyanobacterial species have been exploited for the biotechnological production of polysaccharides. According to our previous study, the newly isolated marine cyanobacterium Cyanobacterium aponinum SCSIO-45682 was a good candidate for polysaccharide production. This work provided a systematic study of the extraction optimization, isolation, structural characterization, and bioactivity evaluation of polysaccharides from C. aponinum SCSIO-45682. Results showed that the crude polysaccharide yield of C. aponinum reached 17.02% by hot water extraction. The crude polysaccharides showed a porous and fibrous structure, as well as good moisture absorption and retention capacities comparable to that of sodium alginate. A homogeneous polysaccharide (Cyanobacterium aponinum polysaccharide, CAP) was obtained after cellulose DEAE-52 column and Sephadex G-100 column purification. CAP possessed a high molecular weight of 4596.64 kDa. It was mainly composed of fucose, galactose, and galacturonic acid, with a molar ratio of 15.27:11.39:8.64. The uronic acid content and sulfate content of CAP was 12.96% and 18.06%, respectively. Furthermore, CAP showed an in vitro growth inhibition effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. The above results indicated the potential of polysaccharides from the marine cyanobacterium C. aponinum SCSIO-45682 as a moisturizer and anticancer addictive applied in cosmetical and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blackcurrant pomace is a widely available waste stream derived from the industrial production of juice rich in pectin and unextracted polyphenols. Since pectin, an emerging class of gastrointestinal prebiotics, is also a common cosmetic ingredient, the aim of this work was to evaluate blackcurrant pomace as a source of pectin-rich fractions suitable for application in prebiotic cosmetics. Hereby, this raw material was valorised by sequential extraction of acid-soluble (by citric acid, CAP) and Ca-bound (by ammonium oxalate, AOPP) pectic polysaccharides. Both fractions had favourable physicochemical features and a similar degree of methyl-esterification between low- and high-methoxyl pectin (approx. 50%), but CAP had significantly higher galacturonic acid content (72.3%), branching, and purity. Regardless of that, both had very high oil (18.96 mL/g for CAP and 19.32 mL/g for AOPP) and water (9.97 mL/g for CAP and 7.32 mL/g for AOPP)-holding capacities and excellent emulsifying properties, making them promising cosmetic ingredients. The polyphenol content was 10 times higher in CAP, while corresponding antioxidant activity was 3-fold higher. Finally, the influence of varying CAP and AOPP concentrations on common skin pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus, and beneficial skin bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis, was examined. The results show significant prebiotic potential of two pectic fractions since they were capable of selectively stimulating S. epidermidis, while S. aureus growth was inhibited, whereas CAP demonstrated a particularly high capacity of up to 2.2, even with methicillin-resistant S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effects of polysaccharides extracted from crabapples (Malus prunifolia; MP) in vitro and in vivo. Crabapples were subjected to hot water extraction to obtain MP‐HW, which was further separated into low (MP‐L) and high molecular weight (MW) (crude polysaccharide; MP‐CP) fractions by ethanol precipitation. Based on MW distribution, general composition, component sugars, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, MP‐CP was identified as a pectin‐type polysaccharide rich in galacturonic acid with an MW of 106.2 kDa. MP‐CP inhibited the production and mRNA expression of proinflammatory factors in an IL‐1β‐treated intestinal epithelial cell model. In addition, MP‐CP significantly alleviated the body weight, disease activity index score, colon length, and spleen weight in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis. The MP‐CP‐treated group showed effective regulation of the expression of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory factors and immunoglobulin A than the DSS‐treated group. Haematoxylin and eosin and Alcian blue staining revealed that MP‐CP alleviated inflammatory manifestations and mucin expression in the intestinal lumen. Collectively, pectin‐type polysaccharides isolated from crabapples may be used as a new functional food and pharmaceutical agent for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several chemical analytical methods were applied to characterize the chemical structure of polysaccharides extracted from discarded apples and pomegranate peels using hydrodynamic cavitation methods in a circular economy perspective. In particular, the purity of the polysaccharides and the degrees of acetylation and methylation were evaluated by proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) analysis; simple sugars and galacturonic acid were analyzed simultaneously by High-Performance Anion Exchange Chromatography—Pulsed Amperometric Detector (HPAEC-PAD); the molecular weight of the extracted polysaccharides was determined by High-Performance Size Exclusion Chromatography-Refractive Index Detector (HPSEC-RID). The results showed a negligible presence of co-precipitated proteins/tannins, easily removed by dialysis, as well as other co-precipitated molecules such as monosaccharides and organic acids. Polysaccharides from apples consisted mainly of pectic material with a prevalence of homogalacturonans. Polysaccharides from pomegranate peels showed greater compositional variability with significant amounts of arabinose and galactose, a lower content of pectin, and the presence of rhamnogalacturonans I. Both polysaccharides were highly methylated and differed in the degree of acetylation, which could lead to different properties. Polysaccharides from apples presented two main molecular weights (>805 kDa and 348–805 kDa, respectively), while those from pomegranate peel showed a major fraction at 348 kDa and minor fractions < 23 kDa. In conclusion, the research tools proposed by this study have allowed defining the macrostructure of polysaccharides in a quick and efficient way to valorize these food by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review comprehensively explores the multifunctional applications of pectins derived from food waste and by-products, emphasizing their role as versatile biomaterials in the medical-related sectors. Pectins, known for their polyelectrolytic nature and ability to form hydrogels, influence the chemical composition, sensory properties, and overall acceptability of food and pharmaceutical products. The study presents an in-depth analysis of molecular parameters and structural features of pectins, such as the degree of esterification (DE), monosaccharide composition, galacturonic acid (GalA) content, and relative amounts of homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), which are critical for their technofunctional properties and biological activity. Emphasis is placed on pectins obtained from various waste sources, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts. The review also highlights the importance of structure–function relationships, especially with respect to the interfacial properties and rheological behavior of pectin solutions and gels. Biological applications, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities, are also discussed, positioning pectins as promising biomaterials for various functional and therapeutic applications. Recalled pectins can also support the growth of probiotic bacteria, thus increasing the health benefits of the final product. This detailed review highlights the potential of using pectins from food waste to develop advanced and sustainable biopolymer-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This research identified a marine fungal isolate, Aspergillus sp. strain GAD7, which produces an acidic and sulfated extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) with notable anticoagulant and antioxidant properties. Six fungal strains from the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea were screened for EPS production, with Aspergillus sp. strain GAD7 (EPS-AG7) being the most potent, yielding ~5.19 ± 0.017 g/L. EPS-AG7 was characterized using UV-Vis and FTIR analyses, revealing high carbohydrate (87.5%) and sulfate (24%) contents. HPLC and GC-MS analyses determined that EPS-AG7 is a heterogeneous acidic polysaccharide with an average molecular weight (M w ¯) of ~7.34 × 103 Da, composed of mannose, glucose, arabinose, galacturonic acid, galactose, and lyxose in a molar ratio of 6.6:3.9:1.8:1.3:1.1:1.0, linked through α- and β-glycosidic linkages as confirmed by NMR analysis. EPS-AG7 adopted a triple helix-like conformation, as evidenced by UV-Vis (Congo Red experiment) and circular dichroism (CD) studies. This helical arrangement demonstrated stability under various experimental conditions, including concentration, ionic strength, temperature, and lipid interactions. EPS-AG7 exhibited significant anticoagulant activity, doubling blood coagulation time at a concentration of 3.0 mg/mL, and showed significant antioxidant activity, with scavenging activities reaching up to 85.90% and 58.64% in DPPH and ABTS+ assays at 5.0 mg/mL, and EC50 values of 1.40 mg/mL and 3.80 mg/mL, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of EPS-AG7 for therapeutic applications due to its potent biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the structural composition and antioxidant properties of pectic polysaccharides extracted from Rohdea japonica (Thunb.) Roth. Pectins, which belong to a complex category of acidic polysaccharides, possess a wide range of biological effects stemming from their distinctive structural domains. The polysaccharides were extracted using water, and were subsequently purified through ion exchange and gel permeation chromatography. In order to elucidate their structural features, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance techniques were applied. Two specific polysaccharides, WRJP-A2a and WRJP-A3b, with molecular weights of 42.7 kDa and 64.1 kDa, respectively, were identified to contain varying proportions of homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan I, and rhamnogalacturonan II domains. Regarding antioxidant capacity, WRJP-A3b exhibited superior scavenging capabilities against DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals, potentially attributed to its higher galacturonic acid content and abundance of homogalacturonan domains. These results enhance our comprehension of the structure–activity interplay of pectic polysaccharides sourced from Rohdea japonica (Thunb.) Roth and their potential utility in the healthcare and functional food sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textural deterioration in frozen vegetables is a result of softening after freeze-thawing and is a critical issue to address. In the present study, field experiments were conducted on broccoli using six cultivars of three sizes (i.e., different maturities) in two seasons (spring and winter) to evaluate the relationship between the level of tissue softening caused by the freezing process and composition of pectin, which is a main component of the cell wall. The mechanical properties after freeze-thawing depended more on the growing season than on the cultivar or maturity, i.e., the maximum stress after freeze-thawing of spring broccoli was higher than that of winter broccoli. Between the winter broccoli, the samples harvested at lower temperatures showed more pronounced softening after thawing. For all broccolis, the temperature during harvest was strongly correlated with the maximum compressive stress of frozen broccoli (R = 0.867). Broccoli harvested in winter had a higher ratio of galacturonic acid in water-soluble pectin than that harvested in spring, indicating weakened cell wall adhesion. However, the absence of a substantial correlation between the pectin content and mechanical properties of broccoli, suggests that other factors such as cold-responsive materials are also involved in the tissue softening of frozen broccoli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectin is an additive generally extracted from citrous and apple peels, but an increasing demand has stimulated the search for new commercial sources of this product. The cassava cortex is rich in pectin and could be destined for reuse as a new source of this additive, since the disposal of cassava processing residues results in soil and water contamination. Thus, the aim of the present study was to extract pectin from cassava cortex. Initially the flour of this residue was obtained by convective drying and characterized, providing evidence for the possibility of extracting pectin. A central rotational composite design was used to define the best extraction condition based on yield, degree of exterification and galacturonic acid for two extracting solvents (citric and acetic acid) in response to the variables concentration, time and temperature. After extraction, the samples were submitted to convective drying to obtain pectin powders. The optimum condition for pectin extraction was obtained using the desirability function of the Statistica software with the degree of esterification as the priority variable, since the aim was to obtain quality pectin favorable for application. According to the results obtained, the optimized extraction conditions with citric acid were a concentration of 7%, temperature of 62 °C and time of 90 min. With acetic acid they were a concentration of 7%, temperature of 80 °C and process time of 90 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In order to improve the yield of jackfruit peel pectin (JFPP) and obtain high-purity pectin with good functional properties, this study optimized the extraction process of pectin by ultrasound-assisted cellulase enzyme method through response surface experiments. The extracted pectin was preliminarily purified, including degreasing, deproteinization, decolorization, and dialysis concentration process. The purified pectin was then enzymatically esterified and modified by de-esterification to obtain de-esterified jackfruit peel pectin (DE-JFPP), and a comparative analysis was conducted on the basic composition, molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, functional group characteristics, thermal stability, and microstructure of the pectin before and after modification. The results showed that the optimal conditions for the extraction process were enzyme dosage of 0.7%, the enzymatic hydrolysis temperature of 30.4 °C, and the pH of 4.6. It was observed that the yield of JFPP was 15.26%±0.07% under the specified conditions. The galacturonic acid content in the modified pectin increased from 79.10% to 83.24%, with a decrease in total sugar content from 43.42% to 41.90%, a decrease in esterification degree from 84.25% to 32.36%, and a decrease in weight-average molecular weight from 29.24 ku to 28.49 ku. Both JFPP and DE-JFPP contained eleven monosaccharides and belonged to the RG-I pectin with a decrease in the degree of branching in DE-JFPP. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy demonstrated that both the pectin before and after modification had characteristic absorption peaks of pectin, and the peak area corresponding to the esterified carboxyl acid group decreased after modification. The JFPP and DE-JFPP demonstrated high thermal stability, with solubilization temperatures of 160.22 °C and 123.28 °C, and degradation temperatures of 255.11 °C and 230.56 °C, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) showed that JFPP had a smooth surface and a compact structure, and DE-JFPP had a rough surface and a loose structure. This study optimized the extraction process of jackfruit peel pectin, improving its yield. Results demonstrated that the esterified pectin had favorable physicochemical properties and microstructure, meeting requirements for gel carrier systems in various fields and expanding the utilization space of jackfruit peel pectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The honeybee gut microbiome is crucial for degrading diverse pollen glycans. Yet it is unclear how this process shapes the interactions among bacteria. Here, we demonstrate a conditional mutualistic interaction between strains of two honeybee gut bacteria Bifidobacterium asteroides and Gilliamella apicola. When co-occurring in vitro and in vivo, Bifidobacterium provides complementary demethylation service to promote Gilliamella growth on methylated homogalacturonan, an enriched polysaccharide of pectin. In exchange, Gilliamella shares digestive products with Bifidobacterium, through which a positive interaction is established. This positive interaction vanishes when Bifidobacterium is not required on a non-methylated diet. Results from biochemical and gene expression analyses combined with model simulation further suggest that the ratio change of the two major homogalacturonan breakdown products, galacturonic acid (GalA) and di-GalA, determines the bacterial interaction. This study unravels how glycan metabolism may shape the interactions between honeybee gut bacteria. Microbial interactions of the honey bee gut microbiome are incompletely understood. Here, the authors report a reciprocal interaction between two core bacterial genera: Bifidobacterium aids in demethylation of the pectin backbone enabling its breakdown by Gilliamella; in return, Gilliamella shares digestion products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fomitiporia species have aroused the interest of numerous investigations that reveal their biological activity and medicinal potential. The present investigation shows the antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory activity of acidic polysaccharides obtained from the fungus Fomitiporia chilensis. The acidic polysaccharides were obtained for acidic precipitation with 2% O-N-cetylpyridinium bromide. Chemical analysis was performed using FT-IR and GC-MS methods. The antioxidant capacity of acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis was evaluated by scavenging free radicals with an ABTS assay. Macrophage proliferation and cytokine production assays were used to determine the immunomodulatory capacity of the polysaccharides. Anti-tumor and cytotoxicity activity was evaluated with an MTT assay in the U-937, HTC-116, and HGF-1 cell lines. The effect of polysaccharides on the cell cycle of the HCT-116 cell line was determined for flow cytometry. Fourier Transform-infrared characterization revealed characteristic absorption peaks for polysaccharides, whereas the GC-MS analysis detected three peaks corresponding to D-galactose, galacturonic acid, and D-glucose. The secreted TNF-α concentration was increased when the cell was treated with 2 mg mL−1 polysaccharides, whereas the IL-6 concentration was increased with all of the evaluated polysaccharide concentrations. A cell cycle analysis of HTC-116 treated with polysaccharides evidenced that the acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis induce an increase in the G0/G1 cell cycle phase, increasing the apoptotic cell percentage. Results from a proteomic analysis suggest that some of the molecular mechanisms involved in their antioxidant and cellular detoxifying effects and justify their traditional use in heart diseases. Proteomic data are available through ProteomeXchange under identifier PXD048361. The study on acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis has unveiled their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects. These findings underscore the promising therapeutic applications of acidic polysaccharides from F. chilensis, warranting further pharmaceutical and medicinal research exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentinan exhibit a diverse array of biological activities. However, studies investigating the in vitro binding capacity of Lentinan are still lacking. The physicochemical and structural properties, as well as the in vitro binding capacity of Lentinan and its isolated fractions, were comparatively investigated. This investigation focused on in vitro binding of lipids, cholesterol, and bile acid salts. The crude polysaccharide (P20) was extracted using high-pressure hot water extraction and alcohol precipitation with 20% ethanol from L. edodes fruiting body. P20 was then deproteinized to obtain the polysaccharide fraction (P20-1), which was separated using DEAE-52 cellulose anion-exchange columns to yield three polysaccharide fractions (P20-1A, P20-1B, and P20-1C). Among all the polysaccharide fractions, P20-1A had the highest polysaccharide content (54.33%) and P20 had the better emulsifying activity. Deproteinization and column separation decreased the viscosity and increased the water solubility of the fractions. P20 and P20-1 consisted mainly of glucose, galacturonic acid, and mannose, while P20-1A and P20-1B consisted mainly of glucose, galactose, and mannose, and P20-1C consisted mainly of glucose, galacturonic acid, mannose, and galacturonic acid. P20-1A exhibited the best in vitro binding capacity, which may be attributed to its highest polysaccharide content, lower viscosity and viscosity-average molecular weight, higher galactose content, and did not contain glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid. Additionally, its loose and porous microscopic morphology provided more interaction area. This study presents scientific evidence and research progress on the potential use of P20-1A as a functional food supplement for individuals with hyperlipidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis is the property of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of pectin extracted from Premna microphylla Turcz leaves (PTP) against high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced lipid metabolism disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis in obese mice. PTP was made using the acid extraction method, and it was found to be an acidic pectin that had relative mole percentages of 32.1%, 29.2%, and 26.2% for galacturonic acid, arabinose, and galactose, respectively. The administration of PTP in C57BL/6J mice inhibited the HFD-induced abnormal weight gain, visceral obesity, and dyslipidemia, and also improved insulin sensitivity, as revealed by the improved insulin tolerance and the decreased glucose levels during an insulin sensitivity test. These effects were linked to increased energy expenditure, as demonstrated by the upregulation of thermogenesis-related protein UCP1 expression in the brown adipose tissue (BAT) of PTP-treated mice. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that PTP dramatically improved the HFD-induced gut dysbiosis by lowering the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and the quantity of potentially harmful bacteria. These findings may provide a theoretical basis for us to understand the functions and usages of PTP in alleviating obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectin is a renewable, non–toxic and biodegradable polymer made of galacturonic acid units. Its polar groups make it suitable for complexing and supporting metallic nanoparticles (NPs). This work aimed to produce antibacterial nanocomposites using pectin and acoustic cavitation. The metal NPs (Au or Ag) were deposited using ultrasound (US, 21 kHz, 50 W) and compared with those achieved with mechanical stirring. The impact of the reducing agents (NaBH4, ascorbic acid) on the dispersion and morphology of the resulting NPs was also assessed. Characterization by diffuse reflectance (DR) UV‐Vis‐NIR spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed that the use of US improves the dispersion and decreases the size of both Au and Ag NPs. Moreover, with Au NPs, avoiding external reductants led to smaller NPs and more uniform in size. The prepared NPs were functionalized with oxytetracycline in water and tested against Escherichia coli (gram negative) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (gram positive) via the Kirby–Bauer test. The results show a better antibacterial activity of the functionalized nanoparticles compared to antibiotic–free NPs and pure oxytetracycline, advising the potential of the nanoparticles as drug carriers. These findings underscore the significance of US‐assisted synthesis, paving the way to new environmentally friendly antimicrobial materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass such as Miscanthus grown on marginal agricultural land is very challenging and requires severe conditions to fractionate cell wall polymers for further valorization. The current study aimed to determine organic acid-based mild conditions to pretreat contrasting lignocellulosic Miscanthus genotypes for the efficient fractionation of cell wall components, with special focus on hemicellulose extraction. In doing so, five Miscanthus genotypes were subjected to four different acid treatments (sulfuric acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, and citric acid) in a vertical high-pressure steam sterilizer. The results demonstrated that, among the organic acids, oxalic acid was identified as the most effective pretreatment solvent for hemicellulose separation, whereas citric acid yielded the highest amount of galacturonic acid, varying from 15 to 17 mg mL−1 across genotypes. One best performing genotype was selected for the enzymatic hydrolysis. Overall, M. floridulus genotypes exhibited the optimal quality traits for efficient bioconversion with second best in terms of ethanol production potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To maximize the reuse of citrus fruit processing waste, which is generated in large amounts due to juice production, this work shows the results of a new renewable approach for the extraction of high‐added‐value compounds present in orange biomass, specifically in orange peels (OP). The method is based on the use of diluted Ca2+, acid, and base solutions for the extraction of hesperidin (HSD), pectin, lignin, and cellulose sequentially, without generating any organic solid waste at the end, and without the need for air drying the starting biomass. Good yields of hesperidin were recovered (~1.56%), with excellent purity (up to 95%), as well as lignin (yield ~2.2%) and cellulose (yield ~12%). Pectin obtained by this process showed a high amount of galacturonic acid (~88%) and a low degree of methylation (~16%). All products were thoroughly characterized by applying Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and solid‐state cross‐polarization/magic angle spinning carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (CP/MAS 13C‐NMR). The products recovered from OP can be applied in a wide array of fields, such as food, medicine, and pharmaceuticals, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preservation of a healthy, green environment by valorizing the substantial amount of waste generated by the fruit industries is the primary responsibility of the current scientific community. This article addresses the challenges of strategic waste management through cleaner production with the development of the circular economy. Here, the extraction of pectin has been reported from industrial apple pomace using organic acid to enhance pectin yield (26.09%) with better galacturonic acid content (51.03%) under optimal conditions (2 N concentration of citric acid, 90 °C temperature, 110 min reaction time and 450 rpm agitation speed). The central composite design model of response surface methodology was employed for the optimization of the process. The extracted pectin elucidated low methoxyl content (4.43%) and low degree of esterification (34.80%), making itself a favorable choice for food industries. The rheological analysis established its pseudoplastic flow behavior. The Principal Component Analysis was applied to the FTIR spectra to categorize the extracted pectin based on the degree of methyl esterification. Density Functional Theory analyses of polymeric pectin compounds were carried out to determine the effect of the degree of polymerization and methylation on pectin gelation. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance analysis confirmed its chemical structural similarity with that of the commercial low methoxyl pectin. Extracted pectin/nanocellulose-based hydrogel was successfully developed using this improvised low methoxyl pectin, for the potential versatile application in biomedical and other pharmaceutical fields. This will be a ground-breaking concept for the circular economy via generating profit from such horticultural wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angelica sinensis is a long-standing medicine used by Chinese medical practitioners and well-known for its blood-tonic and blood-activating effects. Ferulic acid, ligustilide, and eugenol in Angelica sinensis activate the blood circulation; however, the material basis of their blood-tonic effects needs to be further investigated. In this study, five homogeneous Angelica sinensis polysaccharides were isolated, and their sugar content, molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and infrared characteristics determined. Acetylphenylhydrazine (APH) and cyclophosphamide (CTX) were used as inducers to establish a blood deficiency model in mice, and organ indices, haematological and biochemical parameters were measured in mice. Results of in vivo hematopoietic activity showed that Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (APS) could elevate erythropoietin (EPO), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and interleukin-3 (IL-3) serum levels, reduce tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level in mice, and promote hematopoiesis in the body by regulating cytokine levels. Biological potency test results of the in vitro blood supplementation indicated strongest tonic activity for APS-H2O, and APS0.4 has the weakest haemopoietic activity. The structures of APS-H2O and APS-0.4 were characterized, and the results showed that APS-H2O is an arabinogalactan glycan with a main chain consisting of α-1,3,5-Ara(f), α-1,5- Ara(f), β-1,4-Gal(p), and β-1,4-Gal(p)A, and two branched chains of β-t-Gal(p) and α-t-Glc(p) connected to each other in a (1→3) linkage to α-1,3,5-Ara(f) on the main chain. APS-0.4 is an acidic polysaccharide with galacturonic acid as the main chain, consisting of α-1,4-GalA, α-1,2-GalA, α-1,4-Gal, and β-1,4-Rha. In conclusion, APS-H2O can be used as a potential drug for blood replenishment in patients with blood deficiency, providing a basis for APS application in clinical treatment and health foods, as well as research and development of new polysaccharide-based drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]