Low Molecular Weight Research Articles

Recovery of Selenium-Enriched Polysaccharides from Cardamine violifolia Residues: Comparison on Structure and Antioxidant Activity by Different Extraction Methods.

The residues from selenium-enriched Cardamine violifolia after the extraction of protein were still rich in polysaccharides. Thus, the recovery of selenium polysaccharides (SePSs) was compared using hot water extraction and ultrasonic-assisted extraction techniques. The yield, extraction rate, purity, specific energy consumption, and content of total and organic selenium from different SePS extracts were determined. The results indicated that at conditions of 250 W (ultrasonic power), 30 °C, and a liquid-to-material ratio of 30:1 extracted for 60 min, the yield of SePSs was 3.97 ± 0.07%, the extraction rate was 22.76 ± 0.40%, and the purity was 65.56 ± 0.35%, while the total and organic selenium content was 749.16 ± 6.91 mg/kg and 628.37 ± 5.93 mg/kg, respectively. Compared to traditional hot water extraction, ultrasonic-assisted extraction significantly improves efficiency, reduces energy use, and boosts both total and organic selenium content in the extract. Measurements of particle size, molecular weight, and monosaccharide composition, along with infrared and ultraviolet spectroscopy, revealed that ultrasonic-assisted extraction breaks down long-chain structures, decreases particle size, and changes monosaccharide composition in SePSs, leading to lower molecular weight and reduced dispersity. The unique structure of SePSs, which integrates selenium with polysaccharide groups, results in markedly improved antioxidant activity and reducing power, even at low concentrations, due to the synergistic effects of selenium and polysaccharides. This study establishes a basis for using SePSs in functional foods.

Raman spectroscopy for monitoring free sulfhydryl formation during monoclonal antibody manufacturing

During production, harvested cell culture fluid (HCCF) can degrade due to reductases breaking interchain disulfide bonds, forming low molecular weight (LMW) impurities that contain free sulfhydryl and high molecular weight (HMW) impurities through disulfide shuffling. Thus, detecting and quantifying the free sulfhydryl increase in HCCF is critical. Herein, Raman spectroscopy is implemented as a process analytical technology, and multivariate data analysis is applied to characterize and quantify sulfhydryl formation in HCCF with disulfide-containing indicator molecules. Raman spectra qualitatively probe the presence or absence of disulfide bond breakage in antibodies, consistent with offline non-reduced capillary electrophoresis sodium dodecyl sulfate results. Between two antibodies studied, mAb A was identified for a higher risk of antibody reduction where sulfhydryl formation was observed within 16 h, while mAb B did not show similar concerns even after 1 week. The offline measurement of redox potential is below –100 mV in HCCF for mAb A, while the stable mAb B HCCF shows redox potentials above +20 mV. A multivariate partial least squares (PLS) model for quantification is developed using an offline free sulfhydryl assay, applying Raman spectra to predict free sulfhydryl concentration with high accuracy (R2 > 0.98) and expected mean error of 0.677 mM from the offline Ellman’s Assay. This work confirms the use of Raman PAT to monitor real-time disulfide reduction, enabling improvements to process understanding and product quality.

Polysilaketals: High‐Performance Polyether‐Based Electrolytes with Tunable Disubstituted Silane Linkers

Polymer electrolytes exhibit higher energy density and improved safety in lithium‐ion batteries relative to traditionally used liquid electrolytes but are currently limited by their lower electrochemical performance. Aiming to access polymer electrolytes with competitive electrochemical properties, we developed the anionic ring‐opening polymerization (AROP) of cyclic silaketals to synthesize amorphous silicon‐containing polyether‐based electrolytes with varying substituent bulk of the general formula [OSi(R)2(CH2CH2O)2]n (R = alkyl, phenyl). As opposed to previously reported uncontrolled polycondensation routes toward low molecular weight polysilaketals, AROP allows access to targeted molecular weights above the entanglement threshold of the polymers. The polysilaketal with the lowest steric bulk (P(OSiMe,Me‐2EO)) exceeds the conductivity of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), a leading polymer electrolyte. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first solid polymer electrolyte to achieve this benchmark. Steric bulk in polysilaketals was found to impart stability and two bulkier polysilaketals, P(OSiEt,Et‐2EO) and P(OSiMe,Ph‐2EO), exhibited higher current fractions than PEO over a wide range of salt loadings. Moreover, the efficacy of P(OSiEt,Et‐2EO) was competitive with that of PEO. Taken together, the tunable and competitive electrochemical properties of polysilaketals validate the systematic incorporation of silyl groups as a strategy to access high performance polymer electrolytes.

Polysilaketals: High-Performance Polyether-Based Electrolytes with Tunable Disubstituted Silane Linkers.

Polymer electrolytes exhibit higher energy density and improved safety in lithium-ion batteries relative to traditionally used liquid electrolytes but are currently limited by their lower electrochemical performance.Aiming to access polymer electrolytes with competitive electrochemical properties, we developed the anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP) of cyclic silaketals to synthesize amorphous silicon-containing polyether-based electrolytes with varying substituent bulk of the general formula [OSi(R)2(CH2CH2O)2]n(R = alkyl, phenyl).As opposed to previously reported uncontrolled polycondensation routes toward low molecular weight polysilaketals, AROP allows access to targeted molecular weights above the entanglement threshold of the polymers. The polysilaketal with the lowest steric bulk (P(OSiMe,Me-2EO)) exceeds the conductivity of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), a leading polymer electrolyte. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first solid polymer electrolyte to achieve this benchmark. Steric bulk in polysilaketals was found to impart stability and two bulkier polysilaketals, P(OSiEt,Et-2EO) and P(OSiMe,Ph-2EO), exhibited higher current fractions than PEO over a wide range of salt loadings. Moreover, the efficacy of P(OSiEt,Et-2EO) was competitive with that of PEO. Taken together, the tunable and competitive electrochemical properties of polysilaketals validate thesystematic incorporation of silyl groups as a strategy to access high performance polymer electrolytes.

Scallop farming impacts on dissolved organic matter cycling in coastal waters: Regulation of the low molecular weight fraction

To elucidate the impacts of scallop farming on the biogeochemical characteristics of low molecular weight (LMW, <1 kDa) dissolved organic matter (DOM), samples collected from a bay scallop mariculture area (MA) and its surrounding areas were determined for absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy after microfiltration and centrifugal ultrafiltration. The values of absorption coefficient a350 showed a spatial variation trend of inshore area (IA) > MA > non-mariculture area (NMA) for both bulk (<0.7 μm) and LMW fractions. Four fluorescent components, namely two protein-like components (tryptophan-like C1 and tyrosine-like C2) and two humic-like components (microbial humic-like C3 and terrestrial humic-like C4), were identified. Scallop farming influenced DOM transformation by altering phytoplankton abundance and promoting microbial degradation. In July, the net contributions of phytoplankton to the spectroscopy parameters of LMW-DOM in the surface seawater were 11.0% for a350, 4.3% for C1, 0.8% for C2, 0.6% for C3 and 3.0% for C4, respectively; the corresponding values of bulk DOM in the surface seawater were 24.3% for a350, 20.1% for C1, 5.9% for C2, 2.0% for C3, 2.9% for C4, respectively. Compared with NMA, the contributions of microbial degradation to a350 in MA's surface seawater increased by 9.0% for LMW-DOM and 6.9% for bulk DOM in July; however, the effects on different fluorescent components varied. In August, compared with NMA, the contributions of microbial degradation to spectroscopy parameters in the bottom water of MA decreased by 35.7% for a350, 6.3% for C2, 1.3% for C3, and 4.4% for C4 for LMW-DOM fraction; for bulk DOM, the corresponding contribution decreased by 10.8% for C1. These variations indicate that protein-like substances from scallop aquaculture are easily degraded into LMW substances, while humic-like substances degradation diminishes over time.

Deciphering the Wound-Healing Potential of Collagen Peptides and the Molecular Mechanisms: A Review.

Collagen peptides have been reported to display various bioactivities and high bioavailability. Recently, increasing evidence has revealed the excellent wound-healing activity of collagen peptides, but their molecular mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. This review systematically evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of collagen peptides from diverse sources based on various wound models. Furthermore, the structure-activity relationships of collagen peptides and wound-healing mechanisms are discussed and summarized. Characterized by their low molecular weight and abundant imino acids, collagen peptides facilitate efficient absorption by the body to deliver nutrition throughout the wound-healing process. The specific mechanism of collagen peptide for wound healing is mainly through up-regulation of related cytokines and participation in the activation of relevant signaling pathways, such as TGF-β/Smad and PI3K/Akt/mTOR, which can promote cell proliferation, angiogenesis, collagen synthesis and deposition, re-epithelialization, and ECM remodeling, ultimately achieving the effect of wound healing. Collagen peptides can offer a potential therapeutic approach for treating incision and excision wounds, mucosal injuries, burn wounds, and pressure ulcers, improving the efficiency of wound healing by about 10%-30%. The present review contributes to understanding of the wound-healing potential of collagen peptides and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Efficient desalination and synergistic toxic organics removal in RO concentrates with electrochemical advanced oxidation processes

A novel Ce-doped Ti4O7 (Ti/Ti4O7-Ce) electrode was fabricated and investigated in treatment of reverse osmosis (RO) concentrates with Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs). Characterization results showed that Ce was successfully incorporated into the Ti4O7, leading to an increase on the hydroxyl radical (•OH) generation and electrochemical stability compared with Ti/Ti4O7. Ti/Ti4O7-Ce electrodes achieved efficient desalination and oxidation of toxic organics, which was mainly attributed to the indirect oxidation induced by electro-generated •OH and change of electrochemical properties. The action of electric field had great effect on desalination process, and the anions in reverse osmosis concentrates (ROC) deposited on the cathode through this action by characterization and analysis. In the treatment, about 10.8–11.2 % of desalination efficiencies can be obtained, and the removal efficiency of toxic organics enhanced with the increase of Ce addition and current density. In the experiments, TOC removal efficiencies were 57 %, 66 % and 69 % under 10, 20 and 30 mA/cm2 in the 180 min treatment. Toxic chemicals, such as alkanes, haloalkanes, etc., were the main components in treatment, and the organic pollutants with medium molecular weight (MMW) (1400 g/mol) and low molecular weight (LMW) (40–230 g/mol) in ROC were removed. Although slight decreased durability was observed due to Ce leaching, Ti/Ti4O7-Ce electrode maintained stable desalination performance and total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency within 60 cycles. This study indicated that Ti/Ti4O7-Ce was a promising electrode for synergistic toxic organics removal and desalination in EAOPs.

Diagnostic Ratios and Ecological Risk of Non-carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarcarbons (ncPAHs) in Egi Crude Oil Communities, Nigeria

The loadings of PAHs, its diagnostic ratios and ncPAHs at three cluster communities in Egi sub district of Niger-Delta with geographic coordinates of latitude 150 32ʹ 50ʺ N and longitude 60 34ʹ 42ʺ E were ascertained using Gas Chromatography (GC-FID, HP 5890 Series). The diagnostic ratios showed that Obagi had an LMW/HMW ratio of 0.2340, Ibewa's was 0.2222, and Obite's was 0.2549. In Obagi, the proportion of Low Molecular Weight (LMW) PAHs compared to High Molecular Weight (HMW) PAHs was 19%, while in Obite it was 18%, and in the Ibewa cluster it was 20%. The sediments of the Obagi, Obite, and Ibewa cluster sites exhibited a significant abundance of PAHs derived from pyrogenic sources, as evidenced by the presence of LMW/HWM ratios below 1. The identified ncPAHs include: Naphthalene, Acenaphthene, Acenaphthylene, Fluorene, Anthracene, Phenanthrene, Fluoranthene, Pyrene and Benzo(ghi)perylene. According to the results obtained the Obite cluster area exhibited the lowest concentrations (1.503mg/Kg) amongst the ncPAHs, while the Obagi study zone demonstrated the highest concentrations (1.5733mg/Kg). Among the nc(PAHs) examined, benzo (g,h,i) perylene exhibited the highest concentrations (2.086mg/Kg) across all locations, whereas acenaphthylene displayed the lowest concentration (0.123mg/kg) across the three cluster areas. However, none of the three study locations had any ncPAHs that are above the maximum permissible limit. Results from the application of risk quotient models (RQNCs and RQMPCs) to assess the ecological risk of ncPAHs as presented indicated that all the sites where these rivers' sediments were tested had RQNCs values for specific ncPAHs below 1, implying that these ncPAHs pose little or no danger to ecosystems. Also, the RQMPC score is less than 1, it means that the contamination from individual ncPAHs chemicals do not necessitate immediate remediation. Because the RQNCs and RQMPCs for a single PAH molecule are both less than 1, the contamination it generates might be considered low risk. Thus, few measures of control or correction would be required. The ecological risk of non-carcinogenic PAHs using RQMPCs and RQNCs indicated a very negligible risk which could be due to factors like heavy flooding that washed away soil surfaces. Application of Detoxification by chemical reaction technology should be used as future remediation method if there is need.

Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) involving the Uterine Corpus presenting with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: A Rare Case Report

Abstract Introduction/Objective Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Lymphomas affecting the female genital system are extremely rare, accounting for about 1% of extra-nodal lymphomas, with DLBCL being the most common type. We present a rare case of uterine lymphoma presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding. Methods/Case Report A 50-year-old female presented with abnormal uterine bleeding and fatigue for the past three weeks. Laboratory work-up showed hemoglobin level of 5.5 g/dL. Pelvic ultrasound revealed thickening of the endometrium and a 1.6 cm hypoechoic uterine lesion along with multiple enlarged bilateral adnexal lymph nodes. Histological examination of the endometrial biopsy demonstrated endometrial fragments with diffuse subepithelial proliferation of large, poorly differentiated cells with round nuclear contours, finely dispersed chromatin, relatively inconspicuous nucleoli and moderate amount of cytoplasm. Many scattered mitoses and apoptotic bodies were present. Primary set of immunohistochemical stains were performed to rule out primary uterine epithelial or mesenchymal tumors. The tumor cells were negative for pan-keratin, high and low molecular weight keratins and positive for CD45. Further work-up demonstrated CD20 positivity. It was diagnosed as DLBCL with a non-germinal center, double expressor phenotype and a high Ki-67 proliferation. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization studies were negative for MYC and BCL6 gene rearrangements and IGH-BCL2 translocation. Further radiological workup revealed diffuse lymphadenopathy with multiple pulmonary and renal nodules consistent with Stage IV DLBCL. She was treated with six cycles of R-CHOP regimen, and complete metabolic response was achieved. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Uterine lymphomas are very rare and on small biopsies may histologically mimic poorly differentiated uterine malignancies such as dedifferentiated/undifferentiated carcinomas. Adding lymphoma lineage markers to poorly differentiated tumors is recommended to avoid missing such a rare entity.

Occurrence and Fate of Fluoroalkyl Sulfonamide-Based Copolymers in Earthworms-Bioavailability, Transformation, and Potential Impact of Sludge Application.

To date, considerable knowledge and data gaps regarding the occurrence, environmental levels, and fate of polymeric perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exist. In the present study availability, accumulation, and transformation of C4- and C8-fluoroalkylsulfonamide (FASA)-based copolymers were assessed in laboratory-grown earthworms (Eisenia fetida, triplicate of exposure tests and control). Further, a field study on earthworms (18 pooled samples) in sludge-amended soil was conducted to assess the environmental impact of sludge-amended soil with regard to the FASA-based copolymers, together with the applied sludge (n = 3), and the field soils during the period (n = 4). In the laboratory study, the FASA-based copolymers were taken up by the earthworms in concentrations between 19 and 33 ng/g of dw for the C8- and between 767 and 1735 ng/g of dw for the C4-FASA-based copolymer. Higher biota soil accumulation factors (BAFs) were observed for the copolymer with a longer perfluorinated side-chain length (C8, average BAF value of 0.7) compared to the copolymer with a shorter side-chain length (C4, average BAF value of 0.02). Perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetates (FOSAAs) and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA), including both branched and linear isomers, were detected after exposure to the C8-FASA-based copolymer. Two metabolites were detected in the earthworms exposed to the C4-FASA-based copolymer: perfluorobutanesulfonamide (FBSA) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS). Although the presence of other monomers or impurities in the copolymer formulation cannot be ruled out, the present laboratory study suggests that the FASA-based copolymers may be an indirect source of lower molecular weight PFAS in the environment through transformation. Elevated levels of C8-FASA-based copolymer were found in the field sludge-amended soil compared to nontreated soil (32 versus 11 ng/g d.w.), and higher concentrations of PFAS in earthworms living in sludge-amended soil compared to nontreated soil (566 versus 103 ng/g d.w.) were observed. These findings imply that the application of sludge is a potential pathway of PFAS to the environment.

Direct oral anticoagulants for the treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) remains a challenging aspect of managing patients with cancer. This review discusses evidence regarding anticoagulants in the treatment of CAT, with particular emphasis on direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC). Apixaban, rivaroxaban and edoxaban have proven attractive alternatives to low-molecular weight heparins, and interactions with medical cancer treatment does not pose a major challenge. The majority of guidelines have endorsed the use of DOAC, and we highlight points to consider when choosing the optimal anticoagulant for the individual patient.

Compatibilization of Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(propylene carbonate) blends by star-shaped multi-arm polymer with low molecular weight

Compatibilizing polymer blends via a facile and efficient manner is of great significance since polymer blends are practical in industrial applications but limit severely by poor compatibility. Herein, we propose a novel compatibilization strategy that star-shaped multi-arm polymer with low molecular weight can be an excellent compatibilizer for polymer blends. As an example of the concept, a modified tannic acid (mTA) with a star-shaped multi-arm structure is fabricated to compatibilize biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(propylene carbonate) (PLA/PPC) blend. Compared to traditional compatibilization methods, mTA shows higher compatibilization efficiency and lower limitation in distribution as mTA can exert compatibilization at the interface and in PLA and PPC phases. Consequently, mTA compatibilizes the PLA/PPC blend efficiently, leading to strikingly reduced size of PPC dispersed phase and optimized interface. The mechanism is revealed to stem from the reduced interfacial tension and regulated viscosity ratio. With the improved compatibility, PLA70/PPC30/mTA4 shows an elongation at break of 307.5 ± 15.4 % and a toughness of 85.2 ± 4.5 MJ/m3, which is 680 % and 800 % of that of PLA70/PPC30 respectively. We envision that this work provides a novel and facile compatibilization strategy and will promote the fabrication of high-performance polymer blends.

Predictors of recurrent venous thromboembolism and major bleeding in patients with cancer: A secondary analysis of the CANVAS trial

IntroductionPatients with cancer have an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) but also have an increased risk of both recurrent VTE and bleeding with anticoagulation compared to anticoagulated patients without cancer. CANVAS, a randomized pragmatic effectiveness trial, compared the direct oral anticoagulants a class to low molecular weight heparin for treatment of a new VTE in patients with cancer. The aim of this prespecified secondary analysis of the CANVAS trial is to identify predictors of both recurrent VTE and major bleeding in patients with cancer and new VTE. MethodsData from the 671 participants in the analysis population were used to identify predictors of recurrent VTE and bleeding during the 6-month treatment period. Significant predictors identified in the univariable models were carried forward in the multivariable models to identify independent predictors of both risks. ResultsIndependent predictors of recurrent VTE include ECOG performance status ≥2 (HR, 3.19 [95 % CI, 1.45–7.02]; P < .005), presence of metastatic disease (HR, 2.57 [95 % CI, 1.14–5.80]; P = .023), treatment with bevacizumab (HR, 2.50 [95 % CI, 1.04–5.99]; P = .041), and deep vein thrombosis without pulmonary embolus as index VTE (HR, 1.86 [95 % CI, 1.04–3.33]; P = .037). Independent predictors of major bleeding include serum albumin <3.5 g/dL (HR 1.97 [95 % CI, 1.02–3.79]; P = .044) and metastatic disease (HR 2.80 [95 % CI, 1.08–7.22]; P = .034). ConclusionFindings from this pre-specified analysis of the CANVAS trial identified risk factors for recurrent VTE and major bleeding in a population of participants with cancer and new VTE that reflect current oncology clinical practice. Results can be used to identify at risk patients in practice and inform new risk prediction models to improve the care of these patients.

A green strategy to realize the high value utilization of lignin for hydrogel formation

Grafting lignin extracted from pulping black liquor onto hydrogel not only endows hydrogel with strong adsorption capacity, but also realizes the high value utilization of lignin, thereby alleviating the environmental pressure caused by the exhaust gas generated by direct combustion of black liquor. However, those lignin fragments have lost generous active functional groups as the high temperature polycondensation during industrial production, restricting the improvement of lignin-based hydrogel adsorption capacity. Herein, we propose a strategy combining amination and oxidation to prepare lignin derivatives with low molecular weight and high activity groups. The introduced amino groups promote the Cα-Cβ cleavage of β-O-4 unit and the oxidation treatment converts S-unit hydroxyl to carboxyl. The hydrogel obtained by grafting aminated-oxidized-lignin shows satisfactory adsorption performance with a methylene blue adsorption capacity of 697.47 mg/g (vs. 195.12 mg/g for pristine hydrogel). The retention ability has also been greatly improved that only 0.43 % of the adsorbed methylene blue is released even after 96 h (vs. 5 % within just 12 h for pristine hydrogel). This work not only provides a new strategy for the high-value utilization of biomass resources, but also offers a new idea for the preparation of hydrogels with high adsorption performance.

Exploring the antimicrobial efficacy of tea tree essential oil and chitosan against oral pathogens to overcome antimicrobial resistance

BackgroundConsidering that antimicrobial resistance among oral pathogens is a significant concern in dental practice, with broader implications for overall health due to the oral microbiota serving as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), research into natural products is crucial for addressing this issue. ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate tea tree oil (TTO) and chitosan (CH) performance against oral pathogens, including mixed-species biofilm, and its effects on bacteria growth, in addition to chemical characterization and cytotoxicity of TTO. MethodsTea Tree Oil and low molecular weight chitosan were used in this study. The chemical composition of TTO was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). To evaluate TTO's antimicrobial properties, time-kill and cell viability assays were conducted. Additionally, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum microbiocidal concentration (MMC), checkerboard, and biofilm assays were performed using TTO and CH alone and in combination. ResultsTTO chromatography peaks found consistent with the standard ISO4730:2017 and literature. TTO and CH exhibited inhibitory activity against all tested microorganisms. The predominantly microbiostatic activity of TTO is probably related to terpinen-4-ol associated with terpinene. The oil at MIC value was able to delay the log phase of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans growth. Fibroblasts (L929) viability remained above 70 % during 24 h for TTO concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 0.0625 mg/ml. TTO-CH combination showed a synergistic activity (FIC = 0.5) against A. actinomycetemcomitans and Streptococcus sanguinis, at a concentration of 0,25MIC for both species. The compounds at MIC concentration inhibited both monospecies and mixed-species biofilms studied bacteria to the same extent as the azithromycin control. ConclusionTTO and CH demonstrated efficacy in combating oral pathogens and TTO-CH combination offers a promising approach to confront microbial resistance in the oral environment.

Structural characterization, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of a polysaccharide from a traditional Chinese rice wine, Guangdong Hakka Huangjiu

Hakka Huangjiu, a traditional Chinese rice wine, boasts a rich history and is known for its immunomodulatory, antibacterial, anti-aging and anti-fatigue effects. However, there is limited research on the primary active components and molecular mechanism of the bioactivity of Hakka Huangjiu. To address this gap, this study assessed the structural characteristics, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities of the polysaccharide-1 of Guangdong Hakka Huangjiu (HP1). Structural analysis revealed that HP1 had a low molecular weight polysaccharide of 5550 Da, primarily consisting of glucose (93.2 %), with smaller amounts of xylose, mannuronic acid and galactose. Methylation and NMR analysis suggested that the main glycosidic linkages present in HP1 are α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → and →6) -α-D-Glcp-(1→. Furthermore, HP1 exhibited dose-dependent DPPH·, ABTS+ and OH· scavenging activity. HP1 exhibited significant protection of HepG2 cells from H2O2 damage. Additionally, HP1 induced the release of NO, TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS in RAW264.7 cells. HP1 treatment significantly increased mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β and TGF-β1. These results suggested that polysaccharides HP1 may have potential as a novel natural antioxidant and immunomodulatory product for use in nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Dual-Self-Crosslinking Effect of Alginate-Di-Aldehyde with Natural and Synthetic Co-Polymers as Injectable In Situ-Forming Biodegradable Hydrogel.

Injectable, in situ-forming hydrogels, both biocompatible and biodegradable, have garnered significant attention in tissue engineering due to their potential for creating adaptable scaffolds. The adaptability of these hydrogels, made from natural proteins and polysaccharides, opens up a world of possibilities. In this study, sodium alginate was used to synthesize alginate di-aldehyde (ADA) through periodate oxidation, resulting in a lower molecular weight and reduced viscosity, with different degrees of oxidation (54% and 70%). The dual-crosslinking mechanism produced an injectable in situ hydrogel. Initially, physical crosslinking occurred between ADA and borax via borax complexation, followed by chemical crosslinking with gelatin through a Schiff's base reaction, which takes place between the amino groups of gelatin and the aldehyde groups of ADA, without requiring an external crosslinking agent. The formation of Schiff's base was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. At the same time, the aldehyde groups in ADA were characterized using FT-IR, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), which determined its molecular weight. Furthermore, borax complexation was validated through boron-11 nuclear magnetic resonance (¹¹B NMR). The hydrogel formulation containing 70% ADA, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and 9% gelatin exhibited a decreased gelation time at physiological temperature, attributed to the increased gelatin content and higher degree of oxidation. Rheological analysis mirrored these findings, showing a correlation with gelation time. The swelling capacity was also enhanced due to the increased oxidation degree of PEG and the system's elevated gelatin content and hydrophilicity. The hydrogel demonstrated an average pore size of 40-60 µm and a compressive strength of 376.80 kPa. The lower molecular weight and varied pH conditions influenced its degradation behavior. Notably, the hydrogel's syringeability was deemed sufficient for practical applications, further enhancing its potential in tissue engineering. Given these properties, the 70% ADA/gelatin/PEG hydrogel is a promising candidate and a potential game-changer for injectable, self-crosslinking applications in tissue engineering. Its potential to revolutionize the field is inspiring and should motivate further exploration.

Polyamines in Plant-Pathogen Interactions: Roles in Defense Mechanisms and Pathogenicity with Applications in Fungicide Development.

Polyamines (PAs), which are aliphatic polycationic compounds with a low molecular weight, are found in all living organisms and play essential roles in plant-pathogen interactions. Putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, the most common PAs in nature, respond to and function differently in plants and pathogens during their interactions. While plants use certain PAs to enhance their immunity, pathogens exploit PAs to facilitate successful invasion. In this review, we compile recent studies on the roles of PAs in plant-pathogen interactions, providing a comprehensive overview of their roles in both plant defense and pathogen pathogenicity. A thorough understanding of the functions of PAs and conjugated PAs highlights their potential applications in fungicide development. The creation of new fungicides and compounds derived from PAs demonstrates their promising potential for further research and innovation in this field.

Effect of Complexation with Different Molecular Weights of Oat β-Glucan and Sea Buckthorn Flavonoid on the Digestion of Rice Flour.

The complex of oat β-glucan (OBG) and flavonoids hampered the digestion of starch-based food and retarded the blood glucose response; however, its effect on gastric emptying and its relative mechanism have not been thoroughly investigated. By using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), antioxidant ability, and enzymic inhibitory tests for the characterization and in vitro semi-dynamic digestion of complexes of OBG (high and low molecular weights) and sea buckthorn flavonoids, we found that the higher molecular weight complex (FU) exhibited stronger ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging abilities and higher α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition rates. Mice fed with rice flour with FU addition exhibited the slowest gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion rates and blood glucose rise and had the lowest activity of digestive enzymes and levels of insulin, ghrelin, motilin (MTL), and relevant gene (ghrelin and GHSR mRNA) expression than those in the control and low-molecular-weight groups. This study provided scientific data for the development of foods with delayed gastric rate and hypoglycemic index for specific populations.

Metabolomic analysis reveals the potential of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate from sea cucumber in modulating metabolic homeostasis

In this study, we prepared four derivatives of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FCS): full-length FCS (flFCS) from Holothuria leucospilota, low molecular weight FCS (lmFCS) derived from flFCS, and their de-branched counterparts, de-branched flFCS (d-flFCS) and de-branched lmFCS (d-lmFCS) via controlled acid treatment. Following structural verification using various analytical techniques, we applied targeted metabolomics to examine the impact of FCS on nutritional efficacy and its structure-activity relationship. Analysis of 225 plasma and feces samples from 75 mice revealed a positive correlation between metabolomic shifts and increased weight gain, underscoring FCS’s potential to enhance nutrient absorption and promote growth. The observed linear relationship between the levels of short-chain fatty acids in plasma and feces suggests that FCS may facilitate catabolic activities in the gastrointestinal tract. The comparative study of different FCS derivatives on mouse growth and metabolic homeostasis regulation led to the conclusion that FCS exhibits greater biological activity with a higher degree of branching and larger molecular weight.