Low Molecular Weight Polysaccharides Research Articles

(Semi)-Synthetic Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfate Oligo- and Polysaccharides.

Fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (fCS) is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) polysaccharide with a unique structure, displaying a backbone composed of alternating N-acetyl-d-galactosamine (GalNAc) and d-glucuronic acid (GlcA) units on which l-fucose (Fuc) branches are installed. fCS shows several potential biomedical applications, with the anticoagulant activity standing as the most promising and widely investigated one. Natural fCS polysaccharides extracted from marine organisms (Echinoidea, Holothuroidea) present some advantages over a largely employed antithrombotic drug such as heparin, but some adverse effects as well as a frequently found structural heterogeneity hamper its development as a new drug. To circumvent these drawbacks, several efforts have been made in the last decade to obtain synthetic and semi-synthetic fCS oligosaccharides and low molecular weight polysaccharides. In this Review we have for the first time collected these reports together, dividing them in two topics: (i) total syntheses of fCS oligosaccharides and (ii) semi-synthetic approaches to fCS oligosaccharides and low molecular weight polysaccharides as well as glycoclusters displaying multiple copies of fCS species.

Defensive responses of microalgal-bacterial granules to tetracycline in municipal wastewater treatment

Nowadays, tetracycline has been frequently detected in municipal wastewater, posing a pressing threat for wastewater treatment. This study investigated the defensive responses of microalgal-bacterial granules to tetracycline. It was found that the physical structure of microalgal-bacterial granules tended to shift from individual granules to loosely inter-connected agglomerates. In response to tetracycline, microalgae instead of bacteria in granules were found to produce more low molecular weight polysaccharides in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which increased from 0.26 mg C/g VSS in the control to 17.81 and 25.15 mg C/g VSS after being exposed to 1 and 10 mg/L of tetracycline, respectively. It was further revealed that tetracycline could bind to tryptophan in EPS proteins, and this action in turn could help to alleviate the direct toxicity of tetracycline to microorganisms in granules. Moreover, it appeared that the abundance of Pseudomonas-carrying tetracycline resistant genes increased substantially, together with gradual disappearance of Cyanobacteria.

Interactions of fibroblast growth factors with sulfated galactofucan from Saccharina japonica

A total 68 types of marine algae oligosaccharides and polysaccharides were prepared and used to study the structure-activity relationship of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides in their interactions with fibroblast growth factors (FGF) 1 and 2. Factors considered include different types of algae, extraction methods, molecular weight, sulfate content and fractions. In the case of low molecular weight polysaccharide (SJ-D) from Saccharina japonica and its fractions eluting from anion exchange column, both 1.0 M NaCl fraction (SJ-D-I) and 2.0 M NaCl fraction (SJ-D-S) had stronger binding affinity than the parent SJ-D, suggesting that sulfated galactofucans represented the major tight binding component. Nuclear magnetic resonance showed that SJ-D-I was a typical sulfated galactofucan, composed of four units: 1, 3-linked 4-sulfated α-L-fucose (Fuc); 1, 3-linked 2, 4-disulfated α-L-Fuc; 1, 6-linked 4-sulfated β-D-Gal and/or 1, 6-linked 3, 4-sulfated β-D-Gal. Modification by autohydrolysis to oligosaccharides and desulfation decreased the FGF binding affinity while oversulfation increased the affinity. The solution-based affinities of SJ-D-I to FGF1 and FGF2 were 69 nM and 3.9 nM, suggesting that SJ-D-I showed better preferentially binding to FGF1 than a natural ligand, heparin, suggesting that sulfated galactofucan might represent a good regulator of FGF1.

The Antithrombotic Effects of Low Molecular Weight Fragment from Enzymatically Modified of Laminaria Japonica Polysaccharide.

BackgroundLaminaria japonica polysaccharide (LJP), a fucose enriched sulfated polysaccharide has been demonstrated to have excellent anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities. However, the antithrombotic effect of low molecular weight polysaccharide from enzymatically modified of LJP (LMWEP) remains unknown.Material/MethodsLMWEP was prepared by fucoidanase enzymatic hydrolysis, and the antithrombotic and anticoagulant activities, and the underlying mechanism were investigated thoroughly. Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (8 rats in each group): the blank control group, the blank control group treated with LMWEP (20 mg/kg), the model group, the model group treated with heparin (2 mg/kg), the model group treated with LJP (20 mg/kg), and the model group treated with LMWEP (20 mg/kg). After 7 days of intravenous administration, blood was collected for biochemical parameters examinations.ResultsLMWEP increased the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), 6-keto prostaglandin F1α (6-Keto-PGF1α), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). In addition, LMWEP decreased fibrinogen (FIB), endothelin-1 (ET-1), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and hematocrit (HCT).ConclusionsLMWEP, an enzymatically modified fragment with a molecular weight of 25.8 kDa, is a potential antithrombotic candidate for treatment of thrombosis related diseases.

Cistanche polysaccharides enhance echinacoside absorption in vivo and affect the gut microbiota

The polysaccharides and phenylethanoid glycosides from Cistanche deserticola have been demonstrated with various health benefits, however the interactive effect between these two kinds of compounds in vivo are not in detail known. The objective of this study was to investigate the synergistic actions of cistanche polysaccharides with phenylethanoid glycoside and the effects of polysaccharides on gut microbiota. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with different kinds of cistanche polysaccharides for 20 days, on the last day, all rats were administered the echinacoside at 100 mg/kg. The results were compared mainly on the difference of pharmacokinetic parameters, gut microbiota composition, and short chain fatty acids contents. The results indicated that all the cistanche polysaccharides, including crude polysaccharide, high molecular weight polysaccharide and low molecular weight polysaccharide, could regulate the gut microbiota diversity, increase beneficial bacteria and particularly enhance the growth of Prevotella spp. as well as improve the production of short chain fatty acids and the absorption of echinacoside. By exploring the synergistic actions of polysaccharides with small molecules, these findings suggest that cistanche polysaccharides, particularly low molecular weight polysaccharides, could be used as a gut microbiota manipulator for health promotion.

Magnetic dextrin nanobiomaterial: An organic-inorganic hybrid catalyst for the synthesis of biologically active polyhydroquinoline derivatives by asymmetric Hantzsch reaction.

Dextrin is a low molecular weight polysaccharide obtained from natural resources. Due to exceptional properties such as chemical structure, having extreme reactive functional groups, low cost, commercial availability, non-toxicity and biocompatibility, it can be introduced as a green organocatalyst. The fabrication of hybrid materials from natural polymers and synthetic inorganic materials constructs compounds with new features, abilities and applications. Therefore, magnetic dextrin nanobiocomposite was prepared using a simple chemical co-precipitation. Then, it was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) curve, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis. Subsequently, to evaluate the catalytic performance of the synthetic hybrid catalyst, it was tested for the synthesis of biologically active polyhydroquinoline derivatives by four-component condensation reactions of aromatic aldehyde, ethyl acetoacetate, dimedone, ammonium acetate in ethanol under refluxing conditions. Experimental observations indicated some advantages of the present method, such as the use of green and biopolymer-based catalyst, simple procedure, mild reaction conditions, short reaction times (15-45min), appropriate yield of products (70-95%) and catalyst reusability after five consecutive runs without considerable catalytic performance decrease.

Effects of ultrasound-assisted extraction on antioxidant activity and bidirectional immunomodulatory activity of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharide

In order to investigate the impacts of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) on Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides (FVPs), the differences between FVPs extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction (FVPU) and FVPs extracted by hot water extraction (FVPH) were compared in terms of yield, primary compositions, surface microstructure, helix-coil transition structure, molecular weight distribution, antioxidant activity, and bidirectional immunomodulatory activity. Results indicated that UAE changed the above properties of FVPs. Compared with FVPH, higher yield, protein content, and uronic acid content but lower polysaccharide and polyphenol contents were observed in FVPU. UAE changed the surface microstructure, destroyed the triple helix structure, and increased the proportion of low molecular weight polysaccharide components of FVPU. Compared with FVPH, FVPU showed a stronger reducing power and scavenging activities on DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide anion radical. FVPU was a better inhibitor of inflammation compared with FVPH. However, FVPH had a better immunity enhancing effect compared with FVPU. These results were attributed to the cavitation effect of ultrasonic waves on the structure of polysaccharides during the extraction process of UAE. These findings suggested that UAE was an efficient and environmentally friendly method to produce new polysaccharides from F. velutipes for the development of functional foods or nutraceuticals.

Structural characterization of a low molecular weight polysaccharide from Grifola frondosa and its antitumor activity in H22 tumor-bearing mice

• A low molecular weight polysaccharide (LMw-GFP) was isolated from Grifola frondosa by ultrafiltration. • Structural characteristics of LMw-GFP were identified by HPGPC, MS, FT-IR, GC, NMR and methylation analysis. • LMw-GFP could inhibit the growth of solid tumor via activating anti-tumor immune responses in H22 tumor-bearing mice. • The apoptotic properties of H22 solid tumors in different groups were further investigated. A novel low molecular weight polysaccharide from Grifola frondosa (LMw-GFP) was prepared in this study, and its structural characteristics and antitumor mechanism in vivo were further investigated. The results showed that LMw-GFP contained 95.83% carbohydrate, 0.34% protein and 0.21% uronic acid, with the average molecular weight of approximately 1.79 × 10 3 Da. Additionally, FTIR, GC, NMR and methylation analysis further demonstrated that LMw-GFP was a homogeneous polysaccharide composed of α-T-Glc p (28.26%), α-1 → 4-Glc p (50.24%) and α-1 → 3,4-Glc p (21.50%). The in vivo antitumor experiments showed that LMw-GFP exhibited antitumor effects on H22 hepatoma cells with an inhibitory ratio of 40.1% via protecting immune organs and enhancing the activities of NK cells, macrophages and lymphocytes. Besides, the H&E staining, cell cycle analysis and fluorescent staining results showed that LMw-GFP could induce H22 solid tumor cells apoptosis in vivo via mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

Structural investigation of cell wall polysaccharides extracted from wild Finnish mushroom Craterellus tubaeformis (Funnel Chanterelle)

Craterellus tubaeformis (Funnel Chanterelle) is among the most abundant wild mushrooms in Finland. Three polysaccharide fractions were sequentially extracted from the fruiting bodies of C. tubaeformis, using hot water, 2% and 25% KOH solutions, respectively, and purified. The monomer composition, molecular weight, and chemical structure were determined using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed as well. The hot water extract consisted mainly of high-molecular weight → 2,6)-α-Man-(1 → and → 6)-α-Gal-(1 → chains, covalently bound to proteins. The alkali extracts consisted of acidic → 6)-β-Glc-(1→, with branches of short → 3)-β-Glc-(1 → chains or single β-Glc residues. The use of alkali influenced the glycosidic linkages, molecular mass and thermal stability of the polysaccharide fractions. The use of KOH 2% increased the amount of low molecular weight polysaccharides, resulting in bimodal molecular weight distributions, with little impact on the thermal stability. Conversely, extraction with KOH 25% provided low molecular weight polysaccharides with substantially reduced thermal stability.

Glycoconjugate vaccine using a genetically modified O antigen induces protective antibodies to Francisella tularensis

Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of tularemia, a category A bioterrorism agent. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O antigen (OAg) of F. tularensis has been considered for use in a glycoconjugate vaccine, but conjugate vaccines tested so far have failed to confer protection necessary against aerosolized pulmonary bacterial challenge. When F. tularensis OAg was purified under standard conditions, the antigen had a small molecular size [25 kDa, low molecular weight (LMW)]. Using milder extraction conditions, we found the native OAg had a larger molecular size [80 kDa, high molecular weight (HMW)], and in a mouse model of tularemia, a glycoconjugate vaccine made with the HMW polysaccharide coupled to tetanus toxoid (HMW-TT) conferred better protection against intranasal challenge than a conjugate made with the LMW polysaccharide (LMW-TT). To further investigate the role of OAg size in protection, we created an F. tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS) mutant with a significantly increased OAg size [220 kDa, very high molecular weight (VHMW)] by expressing in F. tularensis a heterologous chain-length regulator gene (wzz) from the related species Francisella novicida Immunization with VHMW-TT provided markedly increased protection over that obtained with TT glycoconjugates made using smaller OAgs. We found that protective antibodies recognize a length-dependent epitope better expressed on HMW and VHMW antigens, which bind with higher affinity to the organism.

A Comparative Study on the Structure and Properties of α‐amylase‐ and Pullulanase‐Modified Starch‐Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Based Nanocomposite Films

Starch‐based nanocomposites have been popular in food packaging for decades, particularly starch‐polyvinyl alcohol‐nanoparticle systems. To further improve the performance of these nanocomposites, α‐amylase, and pullulanase are used to adjust the structure and properties of the starch‐polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)‐laponite RD (LRD) nanocomposite films. The α‐amylase‐treated films show increased elongation at break (E%) and decreased tensile strength (TS). The increased E% primarily results from the uniform dispersion of LRD and the improved miscibility between each component. Low molecular weight polysaccharides obtained by the hydrolyzation of starch function as plasticizers. The decreased molecular weight of starch leads to less physical entanglements of polymer chains and a decreased TS. The pullulanase‐treated films show an increased TS and decreased E%. These results are attributed to the increased amylose content. Amylose tends to reorganize and form intramolecular hydrogen bonds, thus resulting in an increased TS. The decreased miscibility between each component mainly contributes to the decreased E%. This study shows that α‐amylase and pullulanase alters the structure and properties of starch‐based nanocomposites in different manners and shows great potential in controlling the performance of starch‐based nanocomposites.

Effect of steam explosion on dietary fiber, polysaccharide, protein and physicochemical properties of okara

Okara is the byproduct of tofu and soymilk industries. A large amount of okara is produced annually in the world, but only a small amount is fully utilized. The effect of steam explosion (SE) treatment on dietary fiber, protein and physiochemical properties of okara was investigated in this paper. The results showed that untreated okara contained 76.38% total dietary fiber (TDF) and 18.10% protein, but the content of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) was only 1.34%. After SE treatment, SDF content increased significantly. When the SE strength was 1.5 MPa for 30s, SDF content increased to 36.28%, higher by 26 times compared to the control okara. However, the contents of TDF and SDF both decreased when the SE strength enhanced further. Gel filtration chromatography showed that molecular weight of okara polysaccharides were distributed from 55 KDa to 2087 KDa. With the increase of SE strength, the ratio of low molecular weight polysaccharides increased and the molecular weight range of polysaccharides became narrower. Okara protein showed two molecular weight peaks. After SE treatment, the area of high molecular weight peak decreased and low molecular weight peak increased. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that okara protein appeared in five bands: 73.7 KDa, 55 KDa, 41.1 KDa, 32.7 KDa and 20.2 KDa. After SE treatment, the bands of 73.7 KDa, 55 KDa and 41.1 KDa weakened markedly, indicating high SE strength can dissociate macromolecular protein aggregates. Water solubility of okara increased significantly, while swelling capacity, oil and water holding capacities decreased after SE treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that the loose sheet structure of okara surface was destroyed into small fragments after SE treatment and the internal nucleated structure was disintegrated into small particles at high SE strength. The change in morphological structure also produced important influences on physiochemical properties of okara. This study suggested that SE treatment is an effective method for improving SDF content and quality of okara, so as to expand its development and utilization.

Development of a method for obtaining sorbent from bagasse of sweet sorghum for neutralization of soil contamination by heavy metal ions

The object of research is the industrial waste of plant raw materials of sweet sorghum (lignocellulosic bagasse) and a modified sorbent created on its basis for cleaning soils contaminated with heavy metal ions. Traditionally, the modification of plant materials to obtain sorbents involves the oxidation (hydrolysis) of plant material under the action of strong mineral acids at high temperature. After acid treatment, alkaline activation and repeated washing of the sorbent is carried out until neutral wash water. The yield of the sorbent is 20–30 % by weight of raw materials. In addition, a significant amount of decomposition products and large volumes of hazardous wastewater are generated. Therefore in the course of the study, a mercerization method was used to obtain a sorbent – treating lignocellulosic bagasse with an alkali solution. The main components of lignocellulosic bagasse are lignin and cellulose, connected in biopolymer complexes. In their raw form, they have weak sorption properties through the fibrillary structure and low content of free functional groups in them. Under the conditions of the mercerization process, the molecular bonds between the fibers of the biopolymers are partially destroyed and the solution of low molecular weight polysaccharides is dissolved. The structural framework of the lignocellulosic matrix is preserved, and its ability to swell is growing. Integrity is preserved, vegetable fibers improve their structural-porous structure by increasing the internal adsorption surface. The optimal conditions for the mercerization process are a hydro module of 1:10 with an initial alkali concentration of 120 g/l. The maximum sorption values of heavy metal ions increase by a factor of 2–3. The sorbent yield reaches 60–80 %. In addition, the advantage of this method is the absence of harmful wastewater. The developed method can be used for processing waste and other plant materials (corn, sunflower, sugar cane, etc.), and the resulting sorbent is used in agricultural technologies for neutralization of soils contaminated with heavy metal ions.

In-situ power generation and nutrients recovery from waste activated sludge – Long-term performance and system optimization

This study reports an integrated sludge treatment and resource recovery system that consisted of a sludge pre-treatment reactor and a microbial fuel cell (MFC) aiming for simultaneous energy and nutrients recovery. Nearly one year performance of the system in terms of power generation, nutrients removal efficiency, key dissolved organic matters (DOMs) transformation and microbial community change were investigated and reported. Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and other soluble organic matters was produced from fermentation of waste activated sludge under thermophilic alkaline condition. Fermented liquor (FL) was used as feed for MFC, which produced maximum voltage of 0.477 V and power density of 8.07 W m−3. Humic-like substances (HSs) were removed by 48.27% within a 5 days cycle. The analysis on DOMs transformation revealed both high and low molecular weight protein and polysaccharides, and HSs were converted and contributed to power generation. Some unknown compounds in FL could enhance the power generation by 5.5 times more compared to pure VFA as feed. 90.59% of ammonium was removed with majority concentrated in the cathode. Phosphorus was removed and stored in the biomass in the form of polyphosphate (poly-P). Microbial community analysis indicated that Exoelectrogenic was the dominant community while Aquamicrobium, Nitrosomonas, Achromobacter and Rhodocyclaceae were also enriched in the anode. This work demonstrates that the integrated system can successfully remove and recover nutrients and generate power simultaneously with long-term stable performance.

Polysaccharides from Grateloupia filicina enhance tolerance of rice seeds (Oryza sativa L.) under salt stress

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a salt-sensitive crop which could be suppressed seriously by salt stress at germination stage. Some seaweeds polysaccharides could enhance plants resistance but there is little research about polysaccharides from Grateloupia filicina in agriculture. Therefore, G. filicina polysaccharide (GFP) and low molecular weight (MW) G. filicina polysaccharide (LGFP) were applied to rice seeds under salt stress (GFP: 2093.4 kDa, LGFP-1: 40.8 kDa, LGFP-2: 22.6 kDa, LGFP-3: 5.1 kDa, LGFP-4: 3.0 kDa). Relatively low MW polysaccharides LGFP1–4 showed better effect than GFP, and LGFP-1 showed the best effect on germination potential, germination index, shoot/root length and vigor index than negative control by 26.67, 14.27, 30.50, 202.65 and 162.78%, respectively. Optimum concentration was determined at 0.1 mg/mL, and LGFP-1 increased proline content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase activities (POD) which improved ability of osmotic adjustment and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. FITC-labeled LGFP-1 (F-LGFP-1) was to investigate the polysaccharide absorption and it was be observed in root and shoot with different distribution. Finally, expression of Na+/H+ antiporter gene was up regulated which suggested LGFP-1 could protect rice seeds by regulating Na+ content. This research showed potential application of polysaccharides from G. filicina for increasing rice seeds salt tolerance.

Purification and structural-functional characterization of an exopolysaccharide from Bacillus licheniformis PASS26 with in-vitro antitumor and wound healing activities

The exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesized by Bacillus licheniformis PASS26, a salt pan inhabiting bacteria was successfully purified. This is the first report to reveal its structural-functional properties and biological activities. The low molecular weight (56 kDa) polysaccharide was analyzed for monosaccharide composition with TLC and HPLC. The analyses confirmed the hetero-polymeric nature of EPS with 18.44% glucose, 9.89% galactose, 16.15% fructose, 27.32% mannose and 28.18% galacturonic acid. Morphological study by scanning electron microscopy demonstrated less porous flakes like structure. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of a small quantity of nitrogen, indicating a partially charged nature of the polysaccharide. The X-ray diffraction pattern and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) observations reflected semi-crystalline nature. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and rheological studies displayed moderate thermal stability over a range of 30–350 °C and semi-viscous nature respectively. Studies on functional properties displayed concentration-dependent water soluble nature of EPS with good water (98.8%) and oil (101.7%) holding capacity. The EPS acquired moderate emulsification activity with excellent stability against all the food grade oils and hydrocarbons tested. Studies revealed interesting in-vitro anti-tumor activity and wound healing efficiency. EPS showed significant functional and biological properties for potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Mucosal immunomodulatory evaluation and chemical profile elucidation of a classical traditional Chinese formula, Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang

Ethnopharmacological evidenceWith fast development and high pace life in modern society, autoimmune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease had become increasingly common. Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (BZYQT), a famous traditional Chinese medicine prescription (TCMP), has been used for 700 years mainly in Eastern Asia countries for the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory disorder, and weakness after serious diseases. These diseases were proved to be closely related to human immune system, among which, mucosal immune system is the largest immune system. So it is necessary to discover the mucosal immune related bioactive components of BZYQT. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the mucosal immunomodulatory bioactivity of BZYQT and ingredients. Materials and methodsPeyer's patches were collected from mice administrated orally with BZYQT, its related Octadecylsilane (ODS) fractions and polysaccharide part. Productions of several cytokines including IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-γ from T lymphocytes were tested with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) by Peyer's patch cells ex vivo experiments. Chemical profile including low molecular part and polysaccharide part were investigated. Low molecular part of BZYQT and related ODS fractions were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) based on LC-MS information from self-established compound library. exclusion chromatography, and chemical property has been analyzed. ResultThree-days’ administration of BZYQT enhanced productions of IL-4 and IFN-γ in T lymphocytes of Peyer's patches in addition to IL-2. Some hydrophobic low molecular weight fractions (30%, 70% and 100% MeOH ODS fraction), which were fractionated from BZYQT by ODS column chromatography, showed enhancing or suppressive effects on productions of IL-2, IL-4 or IL-5 in T lymphocytes of Peyer's patches after oral administration. Besides, 161 components from hydrophobic low molecular weight fractions of BZYQT were unequivocally identified or tentatively characterized by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS according to retention time behaviors and fragments, and most of them were flavonoids and saponins from Glycyrrhizae Radix, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, and Cimicifugae Rhizoma. Polysaccharide part was separated and purified both by anion-exchange and size. BZYQT also contained at least one neutral and three weakly or strongly acidic polysaccharides, and analysis of their chemical properties indicated that a neutral polysaccharide was glucan, and acidic polysaccharides possessed heteroglycan and pectic arabinogalactan features. Murine administration of polysaccharide fractions of BZYQT induced different changes on functions of T lymphocytes in Peyer's patches from hydrophobic low molecular weight fractions. By experiment using intranasally-immunized mice, BZYQT negatively regulated antibody response in lung as combinatorial actions of its low molecular weight ingredients and polysaccharides. ConclusionBZYQT contains several low and macromolecular weight ingredients, which affect to immune-function of T lymphocytes in Peyer's patches, and the formula expresses its regulative activity on lower respiratory immune system through combinatorial actions of these ingredients on immunocompetent cells in Peyer's patches.

Structure and Bioactivity Screening of a Low Molecular Weight Ulvan from the Green Alga Ulothrix flacca.

A water-soluble low molecular–weight polysaccharide named UP2-1 was isolated and purified from the marine green algae Ulothrix flacca using ion-exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. Composition and characteristics analyses showed that UP2-1 was a sulfated glucuronorhamnan consisting of rhamnose and glucuronic acid in a ratio of 2:1 with 21% sulfate content and a molecular weight of 5.0 kDa. Structural properties were determined using desulfation and methylation analyses combined with infrared spectrum (IR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The results showed that UP2-1 was a type of ulvan composed of alternate 4-linked-α-L-rhamnose residues (→4)-α-L-Rha(1→) and 4-linked-β-D-glucouronoc acid residues. The sulfate groups were mainly present in the O-3 position of →4)-α-L-Rha(1→. Most (70%) of the rhamnose was sulfated. UP2-1 also had a small amount of →4)-α-L-Rha(1→ branch at the O-2 position of the →4)-α-L-Rha(1→. UP2-1 exhibited significant anticoagulant and immunomodulating activity in vitro. This study demonstrated that the green algae Ulothrix flacca, which is used as a food and traditional marine herb in China, could also be considered as a source of bioactive ulvan.

Insights into anaerobic transformation of key dissolved organic matters produced by thermal hydrolysis sludge pretreatment

The detailed dissolved organic matters (DOMs) profile by thermal hydrolysis pretreatment and their transformation during anaerobic digestion (AD) were investigated. Among the temperature tested, 172 °C treatment showed the best sludge solubilization and the maximum methane production. The study revealed that high temperature sludge pretreatment mainly improved the release of low molecular weight (LMW) proteins, LMW neutrals and LMW polysaccharides. Notably, the effluent from thermal treated sludge digesters contained more DOMs residues. The predominant residual DOMs were humic substances, LMW proteins and LMW neutrals. At the molecular level, over 50% of the residual LMW components were slowly biodegradable or nonbiodegradable steroid-like compounds and aromatics. Further profiling of the higher MW compounds detected the recalcitrant or inhibitory compounds, e.g. benzenoids, flavonoids, pyridines and their derivatives. It is recommended that polishing step should be considered to further reduce the refractory residues in AD liquor.

Extraction, chemical composition, rheological behavior, antioxidant activity and functional properties of Cordia myxa mucilage

This paper aims to investigate chemical composition, rheological behavior, antioxidant activity and functional properties of Cordia myxa mucilage (CMM). Response surface methodology (RSM) demonstrated that optimum conditions for CMM extraction were as follow: ultrasound power of 99.37 W, extraction temperature of 88.05 °C and solid to water ratio of 16.25 w/w. CMM had, on average, 77.51% carbohydrate, 5.86% total ash, 8.90% protein, 6.90% moisture, and 1.00% fat. Due to a high level of nutrients, CMM can be suggested as a value added by-product in food and pharmaceutical systems. CMM is a low molecular weight polysaccharide containing three fractions with various molecular weights. FT-IR spectrum illustrated that this polymer had all typical bands and peaks characteristics of polysaccharides. Based on steady shear measurements, CMM can be introduced as a new source of hydrocolloid with high-temperature stability. CMM had the desirable antiradical capacity, water solubility and water/oil holding capacity.