Molecular Weight Research Articles

The synergistic enhancement or inhibition of different molecular weight components of mannoproteins after ultrafiltration on the encapsulation.

This study investigated the effects of molecular weight regulation on mannoproteins (MPs) in encapsulating both monomeric and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (MOPC). To achieve this, two different conformations of MPs were fractionated by ultrafiltration into two main molecular weight components. The results indicated that regulating molecular weight through ultrafiltration altered the conformation of MPs chains, which in turn affected the intermolecular forces with MOPC. Specifically, the interactions among the different molecular weight components of MPs formed a cross-linking network. High molecular weight components provided external support to this network, while low molecular weight components contributed to internal stabilization. The dense, flexible, and irregular coil structure of MPs facilitated the entry of MOPC into the internal spaces of the cross-linking network. Additionally, protein unfolding into a more stable β-sheet structure further stabilized MPs' cross-linking network, enhancing its capacity to encapsulate MOPC. The presence of more hydrophobic regions and positive charges within the proteins increased the number of binding sites for MOPC. This study aimed to identify the primary structural forms of MPs with potent initial bitter inhibition capabilities on MOPC, and a proposed ultrafiltration method was introduced to modify the triple helix structure of polysaccharide, offering a foundational theoretical framework for enhancing the functional attributes of current or prospective MPs. Additionally, the mixed regulation of polysaccharides with varying conformations was also beneficial for guiding the production of high-efficiency polysaccharide products.

Immunoliposomes for Neuroblastoma: Review of the Past Experience and Design of a Novel Nanoparticle.

High-risk/refractory neuro-blastoma (NBL) treatments include anti-GD2-monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Several immunoliposomes (ILs) covered with anti-GD2-mAbs (GD2-ILs) have been tested pre-clinically. We aimed to review literature on GD2-IL for characteristics of nanoparticles/payloads, conjugation of mAb/fragments and preclinical data, as well as to explore the feasibility of a recently proposed GD2-IL loaded with the antimetabolite oxamate. Initial PubMed search was generalized for immunoliposomes in cancer. Further search was focused on papers for GD2-IL [keywords: "Immunoliposomes and cancer (or neuroblastoma)"]. There were 811 results on "immunoliposomes"; >50% were on "immunoliposomes, cancer" (n=439, June 2024). Seventeen items resulted from "immunoliposomes, neuroblastoma" (one was "publishers' correction"). Sixteen GD2-IL references were reviewed (1993-current). The mean±SD GD2-ILs size was 124.8±31 nm (range=86-171). Six papers described GD2-ILs with DNA-damaging agents [doxorubicin (n=4), etoposide (n=1), irinotecan+HDAC inhibitor (n=1)]. Other payloads included: fenretinide (n=4 papers), C-myb antisense (n=2), survivin inhibitor (n=1), tyrosine kinase inhibitor (n=1), IL15 (n=1), and oxamate (n=1). These 9 drug-loads included both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules. Except for IL15 and C-myb antisense with high molecular weights (MWs), and oxamate with low MW, the remaining compounds had comparable MWs (496±100 g/mol, range=349-588.6). The overall encapsulation efficiency was 66.2±25.6%. There were 17-30 mAb molecules attached to an IL with PEGylation. Experiments with GD2-positive/GD2-negative cells demonstrated selective efficacy/tropism of GD2-ILs. Mouse models confirmed efficacy, GD2-specific tumor accumulation, decreased toxicity, and improved pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamics. PEGylated anti-GD2-IL may allow NBL tropism. A size of approximately 100 nm could allow vascular permeability and packaging of oxamate in amounts needed for profound/selective lactate dehydrogenase-A inhibition. Thus, oxamate-loaded GD2-ILs may allow exploring the great translational potential of Warburg effect inhibition in GD2-positive cancers.

Experimental evaluation of temporary plugging performance and mechanism analysis of degradable preformed particle gel based on NMR technology

Utilizing chemical temporary plugging systems to further increase the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) and improve oil recovery (IOR) has become a hot topic in the current petroleum industry. Pre-formed gel particles (PPG) possess excellent swelling properties and can form high-strength plugging in high-permeability channels. In addition, degradable pre-formed gel particles (DPPG) also exhibit self-degradation characteristics and excellent temporary plugging and fluid diverting performance. In our previous studies, we examined the temporary plugging mechanisms of DPPG prepared with different molecular weight (MW) of crosslinking agents (PEGDA) through bottle tests and core displacement experiments. However, the micro-swelling mechanism and the micro-scale temporary plugging mechanism in pore throats of reservoir cores are still unclear. In this paper, comprehensive research was conducted on the micro-temporary plugging mechanism of DPPG prepared with different MW crosslinking agents using a static temporary plugging performance evaluation method based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology and a dynamic temporary plugging performance evaluation method in cores. The research results showed that DPPG with different compositions have different micro-swelling mechanisms. NMR-T2 analysis showed that DPPG-M1 (with the smallest MW of crosslinking agent) gradually decreased in nuclear size during the water absorption and swelling process, and had the largest swelling volume and swelling rate. On the other hand, DPPG-M5 (with the largest MW of crosslinking agent) exhibited a slow diffusion process of surface water towards the nucleus, resulting in the smallest swelling volume and swelling rate. However, its complete degradation time was longer. The T2 (i.e., spin-spin relaxation time) variation results of the cores in the dynamic temporary plugging experiment showed that the decrease of the MW of the crosslinking agent enhanced the plugging performance, and with less damage to the formation. The MRI images confirmed that DPPG-M5 had strong injection capability in the core and caused greater damage to the core. The research results of this study showed that NMR technology can reveal the temporary plugging mechanism of DPPG from a micro-level perspective.

Ion-Mediated Cross-Linking of Hyaluronic Acid into Hydrogels without Chemical Modification.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a biomedically relevant polymer widely explored as a component of hydrogels. The prevailing approaches for cross-linking HA into hydrogels require chemically modifying the polymer, which can increase processing steps and complicate biocompatibility. Herein, we demonstrate an alternative approach to cross-link HA that eliminates the need for chemical modifications by leveraging the interactions between metal cations and the negatively charged, ionizable functional groups on HA. We demonstrate that HA can be cross-linked with the bivalent metal cations Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Pd(II), and notably Mg(II). Using Mg(II) as a model, we show that ion-HA hydrogel rheological properties can be tuned by altering the HA molecular weight and concentrations of ions, NaOH, and HA. Mg(II)-HA hydrogels showed the potential for self-healing and stimulus response. Our findings lay the groundwork for developing a new class of HA-based hydrogels for use in biomedical applications and beyond.

Multiple fingerprinting and chromatography-immunoreactivity relationship of polysaccharides from Dioscorea opposite Thunb

The quality evaluation of Dioscorea opposite Thunb. mainly focuses on determining water-soluble contents. Polysaccharides are now recognized as the significant constituents of yam with activities such as immune enhancement, and it is necessary to use polysaccharides as an indicator for quality control of yam in this study. Sixty batches of yam polysaccharides were obtained by conventional hot water extraction and analysis for their physicochemical properties and structure. The results showed the functional groups (four shared peaks including 3500–3300 cm−1) and molecular weights (2.06 × 103 Da-2.28 × 103 Da). The PMP-HPLC fingerprints calibrated 5 familiar peaks, and the relative retention times of each characteristic peak to the Glc peak (S peak) were 0.47 (Man), 0.86 (GalA), 1.00 (Glc), 1.13 (Gal), 1.24 (Ara), Glc and Gal, which were the main differentiated monosaccharide components in the HPLC fingerprinting of YPs. This study provided a preliminary data reference for quality control of YPs.

Structural characteristics of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ACS5 exopolysaccharide in association with its antioxidant and antidiabetic activity in vitro

A novel structure of exopolysaccharide from the Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ACS5, isolated from home-made Turkish cheese, is described. After lyophilization, the L-EPS-ACS5 was characterized in production and functional activities in vitro, including antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. The physicochemical characterizations of the L-EPS-ACS5 were determined through molecular weight, UV, FTIR, SEM, TGA, HPLC, NMR, methylation, and GC–MS analysis. Strong antioxidant activities of L-EPS-ACS5 were confirmed from the results obtained in the hydroxyl radical, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, superoxide anion radical, total antioxidant activity, and DNA damage protective effect, and also the L-EPS-ACS5 exhibited high antidiabetic activity (60 %). This study isolated L-EPS-ACS5 from a home-made cheese L. rhamnosus strain, demonstrating its novel and enhanced functionalities compared to existing strains. This opens exciting avenues for its development in the fields of biomedicine and pharmaceuticals.

Analysis of Nirmatrelvir Entry into Pulmonary Lining Fluid in Patients with COVID-19: A Unique Perspective to Explore and Understand the Target Plasma Concentration of 292 ng/mL in Antiviral Activity.

Currently, the applicant has chosen a target plasma trough concentration for nirmatrelvir, which is adjusted to 292 ng/mL based on the drug's molecular weight (499.54 Daltons), its binding to human plasma proteins (69%), and the in vitro antiviral EC90 value (181 nM). However, the current exposure-effect relationships (ER) analysis of viral load in patients enrolled in the EPIC-HR study has not revealed clinically significant trends in the ER. Given that the lungs are the primary site of COVID-19 infection, we aim to further understand this exposure relationship by exploring and analyzing the penetration characteristics of nirmatrelvir in the lungs. To explore and understand the target plasma concentration of 292 ng/mL in antiviral activity. We identified all critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 who received nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment in the respiratory intensive care unit of Changhai hospital between January 2023 and October 2023. Samples of plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were obtained at pre-dose trough concentrations after administration of nirmatrelvir (NMV). The relationship between NMV levels in plasma and the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) was assessed by determining concentrations of NMV. There was a significant relationship between NMV levels in plasma and ELF (ELF = 0.4976*PLASMA- 204; R = 0.96), with a correlation whose slope (0.4976) suggested that the blood-to-ELF ratio of drug penetration was 2:1. A negative value from the equation indicates that NMV requires to reach baseline concentration to penetrate the ELF. The relationship between NMV levels in plasma and ELF with low permeability and a negative baseline value suggests that the target plasma concentration of 292 ng/mL is insufficient for antiviral activity. This study provides a unique perspective to explore and understand no clinically meaningful trend of exposure-response relationships in patients enrolled in EPIC-HR.

Characterization of Biocompatible Gellan Gum Fractions for Prolonged Retention in Ocular Drug Delivery Systems

ABSTRACTGellan gum (GG) emerges as a promising candidate for developing polymeric carriers with extended retention on the ocular surface, aiming to enhance the efficacy of topical ocular drug delivery systems. This study undertakes the purification of commercial GG through fractional dissolution and ultrasonic treatment, producing fractions characterized by 1H, 13C NMR, FTIR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The intrinsic viscosity of GG samples was measured in a 0.025 M tetramethylammonium chloride solution and their molecular weights were calculated via the Mark‐Kuhn‐Houwink equation. Methodological choices regarding synthetic procedures, solvents and reagents were guided by considerations of biocompatibility, aligning with the end goal of drug delivery applications. The study further explores the mucoadhesive potential of GG fractions with varying molecular weights for ocular drug delivery, utilizing an in vitro flow‐through technique with fluorescent detection on freshly excised bovine corneal mucosa surfaces. The findings under‐score the viability of GG formulations in enhancing ocular drug retention and pave the way for future applications in topical ocular therapeutics.

Effect of chitosan molecular weight and protein to polysaccharide ratio on the rheological and physicochemical properties of milk proteins–chitosan complex coacervate

The small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) rheological properties of complex coacervate of milk proteins with high (HMC), medium (MMC), and low (LMC) molecular weight chitosan in the optimal ratios of milk proteins to chitosan (15:1, 10:1, and 5:1, respectively) were measured. In addition, the morphological (SEM), structural (XRD), and thermal (DSC) properties of the complex coacervates were investigated in comparison with the milk protein concentrate. Complex coacervates showed the shear-thinning behavior due to a linear decrease of complex viscosity with increasing frequency. Furthermore, the highest complex modulus and the more compact structure under optimal conditions, in terms of the ratio of protein to chitosan and pH, revealed strong electrostatic bonding between proteins and chitosan. All coacervates showed a G′ > G″ (Tanδ<1), indicating the formation of an interconnected gel-like structure that was described by the power law model. The maximum fracture stress was obtained at optimum conditions (R = 15:1, pH =6.7 for HMC; R = 10:1, pH =5.5 for MMC and R = 5:1, pH =4.6 for LMC), indicating the highest intermolecular interaction between milk proteins and chitosan. The coacervates had a completely amorphous structure similar to MPC, and according to DSC results, the ionic bonds between milk proteins and chitosan were not destroyed up to 300 °C. Coacervation leads to purified milk proteins at a low cost. In addition, the coacervates can be used for the encapsulation of heat-sensitive compounds, and also as a stabilizer to improve the texture of food.

Influence of hydrogen bonding interactions, entanglement, and covalent crosslinking on the viscoelasticity of acrylic viscoelastomers containing urea group

The structure–property relationship of acrylic clear viscoelastomer films (acrylic CVFs) as foldable optical clear adhesives (OCAs) has always been unclear. In our work, a series of acrylic CVFs with different hydrogen-bonding interactions (H-bondings) and cross-linking densities (namely, CL-H-copolymers) were synthesized. The effects of entanglement, H-bonding, and covalent crosslinking on the recovery and adhesive properties of CL-H copolymers were analyzed by rheology, equilibrium swelling, and tensile stress–strain tests (tensile tests). The structural parameter Mx/MeH was obtained by combining the affine deformation model, the Flory-Rehner equation, and the UCM-Gent model, where Mx is the molecular weight between covalent crosslinkers and MeH is the a physical crosslinking molecular weight affected by H-bondings. The experimental results showed that the CL-H-copolymers had an obvious dependence on Mx/MeH. Recovery properties tended to stabilize (>90 %) at Mx/MeH < 1, while adhesion strengths continued to decrease with decreasing Mx/MeH. This conclusion and methodology are instructive for the design of foldable OCAs with high elasticity and high adhesion performance.

Polymerization of six-membered propylene oxalate

Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of the six-membered cyclic propylene oxalate was studied for the first time. The reaction proceeded with a high limiting conversion of about 96 % at 100 °C in the presence of tin(II) octoate. Linear macromolecules, Mw of 20–30 × 103, Ð ∼ 2, represented 86 % of the product, 4 % came from the equilibrium concentration of monomer, while the rest 10 % were cyclic oligomers consisting of 3–10 repeat units. ROP was accompanied by partial (about 30 %) conversion of the catalyst into the insoluble tin(II) oxalate in the course of polymer cross-linking reaction. The kinetics of polymerization obeyed first-order law, indicating typical for ROP constant number of active centers during the process. Polymerization without catalyst was 2000 times slower and also resulted in formation of polymer with Ð ∼ 2. Addition of benzyl alcohol to the polymerization mixture resulted in its inclusion into linear macromolecules and a decrease in their molecular weight. The results point to the possibility of synthesizing propylene oxalate block copolymers using macroinitiators with hydroxyl end groups.

Physicochemical, techno-functional, biochemical and structural characterization of a protein isolate from groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) paste treated with high-intensity ultrasound

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of ultrasound (HISound) (200, 400 and 600 W; 15–30 min) on the physicochemical, biochemical and structural techno-functional properties of a groundnut paste protein isolate (GPPI). HISound increased the contents of free sulfhydryls (552.22 %), total sulfhydryls (124.68 %) and α-helix (389.75 %), as well as molecular flexibility (50.91 %), hydrophobic surface (38.99 %), and particle size (171.45 %) of GPPI, which improved protein solubility by 8.05 %, oil holding capacity by 73.54 %, emulsifying stability index by 226.25 % and foaming capacity by 216.00 %, compared with non-sonicated GPPI. Also, the microstructure analysis revealed smooth structures, with molecular weights in the range of 13.88–67.07 kDa. Pearson analysis determined some highly significant correlations (r ≥ 0.90, p < 0.01) between some GPPI protein properties. The improvement of GPPI properties by HISound could contribute to its use as an ingredient for human consumption.

Effect of Extraction Processes on the Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Protein-Rich Extracts from the Red Seaweed Pyropia Seriata (Nori)

This study examined the physicochemical and techno-functional properties of protein extracts from the red seaweed (Pyropia seriata). The extraction processes involved variations of some of the following steps: alkaline treatment, milling, freeze drying, neutralisation, heating, and concentration. The extracts had total amino acid contents ranging between 40–55% of the powders with essential amino acids comprising 25–30% of the powders. The extracts were particularly abundant in aspartic acid and limited in the essential sulphur amino acids. The molecular weight (MW) distribution of the proteins within the extracts ranged from <10 to 50 kDa. All the extracts were soluble, with a solubility of 65–100% depending on the final pH of the solution. The extracts had significant foaming-producing and emulsifying potential. The foaming stability ranged between 75–91% for solutions between pH 7 to 11 and less than 75% for solutions with pH of 5 or 3. Alkaline treatment significantly improved foaming capacity (120-160%). A similar effect was also observed for emulsifying activity (0.29–0.51) and emulsifying stability (15–40%). Milling enhanced the emulsifying potential and decreased the mg of amino acids per g powder. Neutralisation with hydrochloric acid instead of citric acid and subsequent heating and concentration showed minimal effect on the properties of the extracts and decreased the mg amino acids per g powder. This research highlights the potential of Pyropia seriata as a source of soluble alternative protein for food applications.

Association Constant of the Charge‐Transfer Complex Between Pyrene and Naphthalenediimide Derivatives in PDMS Elastomers

AbstractPolydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers with varying crosslink densities were synthesized using prepolymers with different molecular weights. The association constants (Ka) between a pyrene derivative (PySi) and naphthalenediimide derivative (NDISi) were measured in linear PDMS and PDMS elastomers. The shape of the absorption peak in the charge‐transfer (CT) band and the association constants were nearly independent of the crosslink density. Moreover, the temperature dependence of the association constants demonstrated consistent behavior across all PDMS media. This indicates that the structure of the CT complex and the Gibbs free energy of its formation in the PDMS are unaffected by the crosslink density, providing insights into the design of supramolecular architectures formed by the CT complex in a PDMS network.

Unveiling the optical and molecular characteristics of aging microplastics derived dissolved organic matter transformed by UV/chlor(am)ine oxidation and its potential for disinfection byproducts formation

The investigations into the existence and behavior of microplastics (MPs) in water environment were widely conducted, while the characteristics of dissolved organic matter derived from MPs (MPs-DOM) during advanced oxidation have garnered comparatively little attention. In this study, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) was employed along with multiple statistical analyses to gain a deeper understanding of the conversion of MPs-DOM in UV/chlor(am)ine advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The diverse treatments exhibited varying degrees of augmentation in both aging and fragmentation of MPs with the order of UV/Cl2 > UV > UV/NH2Cl. The fragmentation degree of MPs upon two UV-based AOPs (UV-AOPs) was dependent on their monomer chemical structure. The highest TOC values of three MPs-DOM were observed after UV/Cl2 AOP and the lowest after UV/NH2Cl AOP. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) displayed a greater release of MPs-DOM under varying leaching conditions. UV/Cl₂ AOP favored the reaction with saturated MPs-DOM, while UV/NH₂Cl AOP reduced unsaturated MPs-DOM, alleviating disinfection byproducts (DBPs) formation after chlorination. The precursors generated by UV/Cl₂ AOP owned lower H/C, higher modified aromatic index (AImod), and lower molecular weight (MW) products after chlorination. PVC-DOM with fewer CH₂ groups was more reactive. -H₂O, +O and -CH₂ reactions dominated in PVC-DOM (CHO compounds), while -2H, +O, -CH₂ did in PVC-DOM (CHON compounds). The dominant chlorine addition/substitution reactions occurred in PVC-DOM treated by UV/Cl₂ AOP, identifying 195 Cl-DBPs with 220 precursor-product pairs. Mass difference analyses showed that +2H and +O reactions were the most frequent of the 24 reaction types. Environmental ImplicationMicroplastics derived dissolved organic matters (MPs-DOM) transformed into disinfection byproducts (DBPs) under advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), heightening environmental risks. In this study, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry was employed to gain a deeper understanding of MPs-DOM conversion in UV/chlor(am)ine AOPs. MPs fragmentation and fluorescent components varied with monomer chemistry and polymers. UV/Cl₂ AOP reacted with saturated MPs-DOM. UV/NH₂Cl AOP reduced unsaturated MPs-DOM, alleviating DBPs formation. DBPs precursors generated by UV/Cl₂ AOP owned higher modified aromatic index, lower H/C and molecular weight. Unveiling the MPs-DOM transformation during AOPs can mitigate the negative environmental impacts of MPs and their derivatives.

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fecal fermentation behaviors of pectin from feijoa (Acca sellowiana) peel and its impact on gut microbiota

This study investigated the digestion and fermentation characteristics of pectin from feijoa peel (FPP) and its effect on gut microbiota via in vitro simulated digestion and fecal fermentation. The gastrointestinal results showed that the molecular weight (Mw) of FPP kept stable with small production of reducing sugar and free monosaccharides, indicating that FPP was basically not degraded during digestion. However, during the fecal fermentation, the Mw of FPP significantly decreased with the release of free monosaccharides, which were further utilized by gut microbiota. The content of reducing sugar showed a trend of increasing at first and then decreasing. The production of gases and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) increased with the utilization of FPP, along with the pH decrease in fecal culture. Meanwhile, FPP regulated the composition of gut microbiota by suppressing enteropathogenic bacteria (genera Escherichia-Shigella and Fusobacterium) and promoting beneficial bacteria (genera Lactiplantibacillus and Bifidobacterium). Significantly positive correlation was found between SCFAs and bacteria including Lactiplantibacillus and Bifidobacterium. These results suggested that FPP had potential prebiotic functions to promote human intestinal health.

A lab-scale frugal solar bioreactor design for cleaner production of bioproducts from thermophilic bacteria in outdoor conditions

Our study introduces an economical solar-powered bioreactor design for producing a model bioproduct, elucidated as a variant of poly-gamma-glutamic acid, using a thermophilic Bacillus licheniformis in a sterile-compromised growth environment. This frugal solar bioreactor (SB) setup repurposes an out-of-service jacketed stirred tank reactor with a working volume of 5 L and incorporates solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and a solar thermal unit to supply the necessary electrical load (1680 Wh) and heat for carrying out 24-hour batch fermentation at 50 °C. By repurposing the condemned equipments, the cost of SB fabrication was brought down by 59 %. In a batch mode of operation, the solar bioreactor yielded a maximum biopolymer concentration of 19.8 ± 0.9 g/L, which was 14.5 % less than the biopolymer titre obtained from a commercial bioreactor under similar production conditions. The molecular weight (MW) of the biopolymer was found to be dependent on the temperature of fermentation with a maximum MW of 865.7 kDa achieved at 50 °C. It is envisaged that the proposed solar bioreactor design can be used for the effective production of thermophilic bacterial products suited for various low-cost applications.

Characteristics of polysacchadride from Psoralea corylifolia in simulated gastrointestinal digestion and microbial fermentation

Psoralea corylifolia polysaccharide (PPs) was the bioactive ingredient that confered health benefits. In this study, simulated digestion and anaerobic fermentation models were employed to explore the digestion and fermentation characteristics of PPs and its effect on the intestinal microbiota. The results revealed that while the total and reducing sugar contents of PPs increased after simulated digestion, their molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and overall structure remained unchanged, indicating that PPs was not degraded during digestion. On the other hand, during anaerobic fermentation, PPs was metabolized by intestinal microbiota, leading to the production of acetic acid and propionic acid, which subsequently reduced the pH of the fecal culture solution. Additionally, PPs modulated the composition of the intestinal flora, significantly decreasing the relative abundance of Proteobacteria while increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Firmicutes to varying degrees. This study highlighted the potential of PPs for development as functional foods and therapeutic agents.

Extraction of molecular information from experimental data on liquids using manifold learning

This study proposes that microscopic information can be extracted from experimental data on liquid substances using a manifold learning technique. Here, 98 liquid substances could be classified based on their functional groups by applying the isomap method, a manifold learning technique, to nine thermal properties of the substances. Moreover, information related to their intermolecular interactions, which could be divided into the contributions of van der Waals and polar interactions, molecular weight, and number of carbon atoms could be extracted by the proposed method. This study could guide future research on the utilization of manifold learning techniques in liquid-substance characterization and development.

A highly branched glucomannan from the fruiting body of Schizophyllum commune: Structural characteristics and antitumor properties analysis

In this study, a highly branched glucomannan (SCP-1) from Schizophyllum commune fruiting body with good solubility was isolated, and its structural characteristics and antitumor properties were analyzed. The monosaccharides of SCP-1 were fucose, glucosamine hydrochloride, galactose, glucose and mannose with a relative molar ratio of 14:6:210:593:177, and the molecular weight (Mw) of SCP-1 was 15.1 kDa. SCP-1 showed a rough and dense surface, and it was aggregated to particles in distilled water, though it might have triple-helix conformation. The main backbone chain of SCP-1 was →[3)-β-D-Glcp-(1]3→3)-β-D-Glcp-(1→2)-α-D-Manp-(1→2)-α-D-Manp-(1→3)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ and three sides chains including α-D-Glcp-(1→[6)-β-D-Glcp-(1]2→, α-D-Glcp-(1→3)-α-D-Manp-(1→ and α-D-Glcp-(1→[6)-α-D-Galp-(1]3→ were linked with 1,6-glycosidic bond, which was significantly different with the schizophyllan isolated from the mycelia of S. commune. SCP-1 could significantly inhibit the growth of A549 cells, the inhibition rate reached 41.62 % and the percentage of cells in S phase increased from 27.17 % to 56.40 % (400 μg/mL, 48 h). Moreover, SCP-1 could induce cell apoptosis and the total apoptosis rate reached 28.13 %. SCP-1 exerted apoptosis inducing effect probably by reducing the expression ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and the p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR expression level. The results showed that SCP-1 might have the potential to act as an antitumor agent for lung cancer therapy.