Abstract
In this study, the microbial fermentation characteristics of okra pectic-polysaccharide (OPP) and its degraded products (DOPP-1 and DOPP-3) with different molecular weights ( M w ) and degrees of branching (DB) were investigated, and related impacts on gut microbial composition were also revealed. Results indicated that microbial fermentation characteristics of OPP were obviously affected by its different structural features. The fermentabilities of OPP (high M w and DB), DOPP-1 (middle M w and DB), and DOPP-3 (low M w and DB) were measured to be 49.49%, 58.34%, and 48.16%, indicating that the utilization of total carbohydrates of DOPP-1 was relatively higher compared to OPP and DOPP-3. The ways in which gut bacteria metabolized OPP, DOPP-1 and DOPP-3 were quite different, and a lower M w and a higher DB were more beneficial to the fermentation by intestinal bacteria. Additionally, selective modulations of gut microbial composition by different types of okra pectic-polysaccharides were observed. Both OPP and DOPP-1 could increase relative abundances of several beneficial bacteria, such as Bacteroides and Phascolarctobacterium . While DOPP-3 could notably improve relative abundances of Megasphaera and Megamonas. Results suggested that the modulation of gut microbiota by okra pectic-polysaccharide was structure-dependent, and both DB and M w played critical roles in the selective modulation of gut microbial composition. Collectively, our findings are beneficial to revealing the potential relationship between chemical structures of OPP and its gut microbial fermentation characteristics, which are also helpful for the design of potential OPP for selective modulation of beneficial bacteria in the gut. • Microbial fermentation characteristics of okra pectic-polysaccharide (OPP) were studied. • Molecular weight ( M w ) and branched chain notably affected its fermentation characteristics. • A lower M w and a higher degree of branching are more beneficial to the fermentation. • OPP and its degraded products could selectively modulate the microbial composition. • The modulation of gut microbial composition by OPP is structure-dependent.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.