Facile method for preparation of oligo-carboxymethyl cellulose and other oligosaccharides: Physicochemical properties and bioactivity

Abstract

Widely available enzymes, α-amylase from Aspergillus oryzae and pectinase from Aspergillus aculeatus, have been examined for their ability to perform nonspecific hydrolysis of polysaccharides chitosan, pectin, alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and methyl cellulose (MC) to form the corresponding oligosaccharides. The good yields of oligo-CMC (50–60%), oligo-pectin (40–60%) and oligo-alginate (25–54%) have been achieved. The hydrolysis of chitosan yielded 26-10% oligosaccharides, while HPMC and MC did not undergo significant hydrolysis process, pointing out the importance of polar groups, preferably carboxyl, for this reaction. Among the received oligomers, oligo-CMC is the least explored. Therefore, its bioactivity was examined, demonstrating a notable elicitation potential increasing the content of phenolic compounds and glucosinolates in broccoli sprouts. Furthermore, oligo-CMC was combined with H2O2 and found to diminish drawbacks and enhance advantages of this elicitor.As oligosaccharides find numerous applications in food, health, beauty and agriculture fields, sustainable and cost-effective method for their mass production is of importance. Moreover, the eliciting potential of oligo-CMC may allow its use in “super treatment” formulations that prevent damages, accelerate growth and increase content of beneficial nutrients in plants.