Pectin Research Articles

Can Enzymatic Modified Pectin in Mediterranean Fruits Be Therapeutic Against Stomach Cancer?

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of enzymatically modified pectin products derived from grapefruit, jujube, and kumquat on the MKN‐45 gastric cancer cell line in vitro. FTIR analysis revealed that the spectra of the pectins produced were comparable to those of commercial pectin and included the characteristic peaks identified in the literature. The galacturonic acid content was measured as 612 mg/g in grapefruit pectin, 544 mg/g in jujube pectin, and 704 mg/g in kumquat pectin. DSC analysis indicated that all pectin samples and their modifications exhibited one endothermic peak and one exothermic peak. Cytotoxicity assessments revealed that the enzymatically modified grapefruit pectin demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects across all tested concentrations, with 0.075 mg/mL being the most effective. For kumquat pectin, all tested concentrations showed cytotoxic properties, with 0.3, 0.15, and 0.075 mg/mL being the most effective. In the case of jujube pectin, cytotoxic effects were observed at all concentrations except for 1.2 mg/mL.

Preparation of pectin/carboxymethyl cellulose composite films via high-pressure processing and enhancement of antimicrobial packaging

This study investigated the impact of high-pressure processing (HPP) treatment on the structure and physicochemical properties of pectin (PEC)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composite films, along with the development of new active films incorporating emodin as an antibacterial agent. The results showed that 500 MPa/20 min HPP treatment significantly improved the tensile strength (from 45.91 ± 4.63 MPa to 52.24 ± 4.87 MPa) and elongation at the break (from 5.00 ± 1.44 % to 11.72 ± 2.97 %) of the films. It also improved the film's thermal stability and had no significant effect on its thermal degradability. Moreover, emodin was incorporated into the PEC/CMC film-forming solution and subjected to 500 MPa/20 min HPP treatment to investigate the structure, functional properties, optical properties, and antibacterial activity of the film. The emodin caused the film structural alteration, but significantly improved the water vapor barrier properties. It also reduced the film brightness and light transmission. The antibacterial assessment demonstrated that the film's antibacterial activity was correlated positively with increasing emodin content, and the number of viable cells of Staphylococcus aureus decreased by 1.29 log10 CFU/mL, 1.70 log10 CFU/mL, and 1.80 log10 CFU/mL with different levels of EM antimicrobial films after 12 h.

Modification of gel properties of Meretrix meretrix (clam) with polysaccharides: physical characterization and interaction mechanism.

This study investigated the contribution of 11 polysaccharides (2%, w/w), including pectin (PC), κ-carrageenan (KC), ι-carrageenan (IC), gellan gum (GG), guar gum (GM), sodium alginate (SA), konjac gum (KG), gum arabic (GA), fucoidan (FC), locust bean gum (LBG), and curdlan (CD), to the gel and microstructural properties of Meretrix meretrix clam gel (MMG). The hardness, springiness and chewiness of MMG with KC, IC, GG, SA and FC addition increased by ~10%-250%, while PC, GM, KG and LBG groups decreased by ~0.6% to 69%. KC, IC, SA, GG and FC decreased the cooking loss rate (CLR) by 69.4% to 88.7% and correspondingly enhanced the water holding capacity (WHC) by 10.2% to 21.4%, which was accompanied by an increased bound water and immobilized water area and high hydrogen proton density. The addition of KC transformed the MMG microstructure from a loose network with large pores to a compact, dense network, reducing lacunarity by 57.9%. The primary intermolecular forces in MMG with the incorporation of KC, IC, GG, SA and FC were hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bonds, which increased by 32.8%-105.3% and 45.6%-114.5% than MMG alone, respectively. Collectively, KC, IC, GG, SA and FC could improve the gel properties of MMG and the strongest synergistic combination was found in the MMG/KC system. This study suggests that the incorporation of polysaccharides is a strategy with potential for modifying the gel properties of shellfish surimi products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of protein-polysaccharide interactions through ζ-potential and particle size measurements to assess their functionality in wine.

Protein-polysaccharide-tannin interactions are important in every aspect of red wine production from physical stability to color, astringency, and body. For this model study, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was selected as the protein, while carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), mannoproteins, and pectin were the model polysaccharides. Each protein-polysaccharide combination was analyzed for zeta (ζ) potential and particle size at neutral pH and within the wine-like solution. Mixtures were assessed regarding their protective, affinitive, and aggregative behaviors. Based on their individual ζ-potentials, pectin and mannoprotein were most stable at lower concentrations. At higher concentrations, they reduced the suspension's stability and increased the aggregate sizes. CMC consistently increased the stability of any solution under neutral pH conditions. However, with increasing concentrations, these large aggregates are expected to precipitate. Fruit pectin (FP) and BSA interactions seemed to be the main factors in the formation of visible precipitates at neutral pH. FP and the mannoprotein decreased stability enough to cause precipitation without haze formation. The mannoprotein decreased particle sizes, in both the suspension and precipitation, which may indicate greater selectivity toward proteins. FP also decreased the suspended particle sizes under wine conditions. These findings demonstrate the use of ζ-potential and particle size values to characterize macromolecular interactions in model systems and can also be used to indicate effective fining agents. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This work demonstrates the capabilities of ζ-potential analysis paired with size particle measurements to predict and characterize the interactions between macromolecules in complex systems. The interactions between model wine macromolecules can be evaluated with this technology at a level that cannot be reached with any other analytical technique.

Computational Insights into Pectin and Chitosan-Enhanced MOFs: A Green Pathway for Pollutant Remediation

Water contamination with dyes and pharmaceuticals is a major threat to ecological and human well-being. This study highlights the importance of using molecular simulations in designing and predicting the performance of novel adsorbents for wastewater treatment. The research explores the potential of biodegradable polymers like Pectin (PE) and oxidized Chitosan (OCN) in functionalizing a metal-organic framework (MOF) known as UO-66 (Zr) (UO). By incorporating these functional groups, the study aims to improve the adsorption efficiency of UO towards rhodamine B (RHOB, a dye pollutant) and Losartan (LOSA, a pharmaceutical pollutant). Firstly, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to inspect the structures of both pollutants and the modified adsorbents. Subsequently, the research investigated the adsorbents’ various physicochemical characteristics, including fractional free volume, glass transition temperature, and mechanical properties. Finally, molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were accomplished to evaluate the adsorption behaviour of the pollutants on various UO forms (pristine, PE-functionalized, and OCN-functionalized). The study found that all adsorbents showed strong adsorption capabilities, with adsorption energies ranging from -3500 to -4500 kcal/mol for RHOB and -1500 to -2600 kcal/mol for LOSA. Moreover, The drug rejection rate of RHOB for neat is 50% but increases to 80% and 90% with the addition of PE and OCN, respectively, showing their synergistic effect. Similarly, the accumulation rate rises from 6Å (NH2/UO) to 10Å (OCN/UO) and 11Å (PE/UO). For LOSA, the drug rejection rate improves from 30% to 60%, while the accumulation rate increases from 4Å to 8Å with PE and OCN functionalization. The results demonstrated that functionalizing UO with the chosen biodegradable polymers enhanced its adsorption capacity for both pollutants compared to the pristine form. Notably, the developed adsorbent exhibited a higher affinity towards RHOB dye compared to LOSA pharmaceutical.

A pectic polysaccharide from Typhonii Rhizoma: Characterization and antiproliferative activity in K562 cells through regulating mitochondrial function and energy metabolism

The pectic polysaccharide WTRP-A0.2b (43 kDa) has been isolated from Typhonii rhizoma and analyzed in terms of its structural features, anti-tumor activities and mechanism of action. NMR, FT-IR, monosaccharide composition, and enzymology demonstrate that WTRP-A0.2b is composed of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) and homogalacturonan (HG) domains with mass ratios of 3.7:1:1.7, respectively. The RG-I domains contain a highly branched structure that is substituted primarily with β-D-1,4-galactan, α-L-1,5-arabinan, and AG-II. The HG domains contain un-esterified and methyl-esterified and/or acetyl-esterified oligogalacturonides with a degree of polymerization of 1–8. In vitro experiments demonstrate that WTRP-A0.2b inhibits proliferation of K562 cells by inducing mitochondrial damage and suppressing glycolysis. This activity promotes mitochondrial permeability, increases production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), boosts extracellular oxygen consumption and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, while it decreases uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2) expression and lactic acid content. Our results provide valuable insight for screening natural polysaccharide-based anti-tumor effects of polysaccharides from Typhonii rhizoma.

Fabrication and characterization of potato short amylose, zein, and pectin ternary composite particles stabilized pickering emulsions and their application on nuciferine delivery

Nuciferine exhibits properties such as reducing blood sugar and fat, however, it is hindered by its poor water solubility and low bioavailability. Pickering emulsions can efficiently encapsulate, protect and deliver active ingredients. In recent years, the use of biologically derived natural materials as emulsifiers to construct Pickering emulsions has become a research hotspot. This research utilized an enzymatic hydrolysis technique to produce short amylose. Subsequently, a ternary composite of short amylose (DBS), zein, and pectin (PEC) was formulated to stabilize Pickering emulsion, with the incorporation of nuciferine aiming to enhance the performance of lotus leaves in terms of both stability and bioavailability. The study revealed that varying amounts of DBS addition had a significant impact on the micromorphological structure and functional properties of DBS-Zein-PEC ternary composite particles. Specifically, the addition of 0.4 g of DBS led to a notable reduction in particle size to 735.2 nm and Zeta potential to −29.6 mV, creating a three-dimensional network with a closely packed lamellar structure. Optimal process conditions for preparing Pickering emulsion included a 3-minute homogenization time, rotation speed of 15000 rpm, and 5 % ternary composite particle addition. Under these conditions, O/W Pickering emulsion was successfully prepared, achieving a 90.5 % encapsulation rate for nuciferine. The resulting emulsion exhibited a minimum particle size of 4.09 μm, displayed good storage stability, resistance to salt ions and pH variations, viscous fluid characteristics, tolerance to oral and gastric environments, and slow release of nuciferine in the small intestine, thereby enhancing its bioavailability. These findings offer insights into the loading and delivery of nuciferine and serve as a technical guide for developing highly stable emulsion gel systems.

Structuring low-density lipoprotein-based oleogels with pectin via an emulsion-templated approach: Formation and characterization

Due to the adverse health effects associated with saturated and trans fats, novel oleogels based on egg yolk low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and pectin (PE) as solid fat substitutes were developed using the emulsion-template method. This method involves structuring an oil-in-water emulsion with LDL and PE, followed by evaporation of the aqueous phase, resulting in the entrapment of liquid oil within a crystal network. In addition, the methodology evaluated the impacts of pH and PE/LDL mass ratio on the microstructure, physicochemical properties, and stability of the prepared emulsions and their corresponding oleogels. The PE/LDL complex-based emulsions exhibited small droplet size (9.95 and 9.67 μm), pronounced gel-like structure, and high viscosity and stability at optimum pH (6.0) and PE/LDL ratio (1:5), respectively. FTIR results emphasized that electrostatic interactions played more significant roles than hydrogen bonding in the interactions between the carboxyl group of PE and the amino group of LDL. Besides, the oleogels, based on LDL/PE-stabilized emulsions, showed a unique crystal structure and moderate rheological and textural properties, resulting in an increased oil-binding capacity of 83.74%. In conclusion, the unique aspect of this study was the combination of these biopolymers, which could have great potential for creating oleogels from edible oils using an emulsion-templated method. Thereby, these results could provide a novel approach for producing high-quality oleogels from LDL and PE for food applications.

Unlocking the Potential of Food Waste: A Review of Multifunctional Pectins.

This review comprehensively explores the multifunctional applications of pectins derived from food waste and by-products, emphasizing their role as versatile biomaterials in the medical-related sectors. Pectins, known for their polyelectrolytic nature and ability to form hydrogels, influence the chemical composition, sensory properties, and overall acceptability of food and pharmaceutical products. The study presents an in-depth analysis of molecular parameters and structural features of pectins, such as the degree of esterification (DE), monosaccharide composition, galacturonic acid (GalA) content, and relative amounts of homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), which are critical for their technofunctional properties and biological activity. Emphasis is placed on pectins obtained from various waste sources, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts. The review also highlights the importance of structure-function relationships, especially with respect to the interfacial properties and rheological behavior of pectin solutions and gels. Biological applications, including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities, are also discussed, positioning pectins as promising biomaterials for various functional and therapeutic applications. Recalled pectins can also support the growth of probiotic bacteria, thus increasing the health benefits of the final product. This detailed review highlights the potential of using pectins from food waste to develop advanced and sustainable biopolymer-based products.

Novel pectin-carboxymethylcellulose-based double-layered mucin/chitosan microcomposites successfully protect the next-generation probiotic Akkermansia muciniphila through simulated gastrointestinal transit and alter microbial communities within colonic ex vivo bioreactors

The rapid acceleration of microbiome research has identified many potential Next Generation Probiotics (NGPs). Conventional formulation processing methods are non-compatible, leading to reduced viability and unconfirmed incorporation into intestinal microbial communities; consequently, demand for more bespoke formulation strategies of such NGPs is apparent. In this study, Akkermansia muciniphila (A.muciniphila) as a candidate NGP was investigated for its growth and metabolism properties, based on which a novel microcomposite-based oral formulation was formed. Initially, a chitosan-based microcomposite was coated with mucin to establish a surface culture of A.muciniphila. This was followed by ‘double encapsulation’ with pectin (PEC) using a novel Entrapment Deposition by Prilling method to create core–shell double-encapsulated microcapsules. The formulation of A.muciniphila was verified to require no oxygen-restriction properties, and additionally, biopolymers were selected, including carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), that support and enhance its growth; consequently, a high viability (6 log CFU/g) of A.muciniphila microencapsulated in PEC-CMC double-encapsulates was obtained. Subsequently, the high stability of the PEC-CMC double-encapsulates was verified in simulated gastric fluid, successfully protecting and then releasing the A.muciniphila under intestinal conditions. Finally, employing a model of gastrointestinal transit and faecal-inoculated colonic bioreactors, significant alterations in microbial communities following administration and successful establishment of A.muciniphila were demonstrated.

Bioinspired hierarchical and dual-morphology humic-acid/pectin/chitosan composite aerogels for efficient removal of pollutants from wastewater

How to solve the contradiction between the efficiency and adsorption rate of porous materials in adsorbing pollutants has always been one of the focus issues. In this study, the small landscape cypress trees structure like biomimetic of a hierarchical and dual morphology 3D porous HA-based aerogel was designed and synthesized to use humic acid (HA), pectin (PE) and chitosan (CTS) as raw materials, which it was formed by the disorderly overlapping of lamella composed of fiber networks in 3D space. Due to its special microstructure, it can be used like separation membrane, which allowing for rapid adsorption of pollutants in the water while the water flow passes through quick. In general, this work provides a new concept for owning fast adsorption rate and efficient adsorption of porous materials of preparation to use green method.

Passion fruit peel-derived low-methoxyl pectin: De-esterification methods and application as a fat substitute in set yogurt

Passion fruit pectin, originally high methoxyl pectin, undergoes substantial conversion into low methoxyl pectin (LMP) through de-esterification. This de-esterification is significance for reducing the application of sugar in food, as calcium ions can replace excessive sugar during gel formation. In this study, LMPs derived from passion fruit pectin were prepared using four methods: low-temperature alkali, room temperature alkali, enzymatic, and dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBD)-assisted enzyme (DBDE). The de-esterification conditions were optimized, leading to the selection of LMPs with a degree of esterification for the analysis of molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and gel properties. The results revealed significant differences in the structure and properties of LMPs depending on the de-esterification method applied. The galacturonic acid content of LMPs significantly increased, with LMP from DBDE (LMP-DBDE) exhibiting the highest increase at 47.81 %. Additionally, the molecular weights of LMPs significantly decreased, with LMP-DBDE showing the smallest decrease. LMP-DBDE demonstrated higher apparent viscosity, thermal stability, and gel properties, facilitating the formation of gels. After 21 days of storage, 0.40 % LMP-DBDE yogurt showed no whey separation, significantly extending its shelf life. Therefore, LMP-DBDE exhibits potential as a fat substitute, combining the advantages of LMP with enhanced water-holding capacity, and presenting promising applications in low-fat dairy products.

Quantitative analysis of loxoprofen sodium loaded microspheres comprising pectin and its thiolated conjugates: In-vivo evaluation of their sustained release behavior

Continuous use of oral NSAIDs can damage mucosal membrane, which results in decreased bioavailability and non-compliance with the therapy. But the use of sustained release drug delivery systems might offer a solution. Objective was to synthesize mucoadhesive SR microspheres by using different combinations of pectin (PEC) and its thiolated derivative (T-PEC3100) for improved loxoprofen (LS) permeation. Thiolated pectin (T-PEC) was synthesized by the esterification method using thioglycolic acid. Thiolation was confirmed by thiol group quantification and charring point determination. Further characterization was done by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ex-vivo mucoadhesion study was performed to confirm the improved characteristics. Microspheres (MS) were prepared using different ratios of PEC/T-PEC by solvent evaporation method and their particle size and surface morphology were evaluated. Mucus permeation study was carried out using the trans-well plate method. Sustained release behavior of prepared microspheres was investigated through the edema inhibition method in albino rats. T-PEC3100 was considered the optimum formulation for further evaluation and contained maximum thiol group content. FTIR spectra showed a characteristic peak of –SH and charring point was also changed considerably confirming the successful thiolation of PEC. SEM results showed spherical microspheres in the size range of 2–10 μm. Thiol-rich formulation of MS exhibited more than 80 % release after 12 h and maximum absorbable dose (MAD) was calculated as 400 μg % inhibition of edema in MS treated group was slowly attained initially but the reduction in inflammation was detected even after 24 h as compared to control group. Promising results from In-vivo edema inhibition study suggest the possible use of these thiolated MS in formulating sustained release formulation for arthritis.

Characterization of a pectin in fig fruit: Structure and anti-inflammatory activity

Fig fruit is widely accepted in warm and tropical regions due to the sweet taste and health benefits. The polysaccharides in fig fruit are responsible for the health benefits. However, information regarding polysaccharide structure remains limited. In this study, the water-soluble polysaccharides (FFP) were extracted from fig fruit with a yield of 15.3 mg/g. Anion exchange chromatography and gel permeation chromatography were used for purification. A leading polysaccharide was purified and characterized as below. The monosaccharide composition of FFP included arabinose (Ara), galactose (Gal), galacturonic acid (GalA) and rhamnose (Rha). The glycosidic linkages were revealed to be L-Ara-(1→, →5)-L-Ara-(1→, →2,4)-L-Rha-(1→, →2)-L-Rha-(1→, →4)-D-Gal-(1→ and D-Gal-(1 → . Nuclear magnetic resonnance (NMR) spectra revealed that FFP had →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1 → 2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→ as backbone. The side chains included Galp-β-D-(1 → 4)-Galp-β-D-(1 → 4)-Galp-β-D-(1 → 4)-Galp-β-D-(1→ and α-L-Araf-(1 → 5)-α-L-Araf-(1 → . They were linked to C-4 of Rhap. FFP inhibited the production of NO, IL-6 and IL-1β levels induced by LPS. IL-6 and IL-1β levels were returned to normal. These information are helpful to understand this functional fruit.

RG-I-containing sugar domains from Centella Asiatica bind strongly to galectin-3 to inhibit cell–cell interactions

BackgroundCentella Asiatica has been shown to have beneficial value for the treatment of tumors. However, its active ingredients and molecular mechanisms of action have not been fully elucidated. Pectic polysaccharides are the primary active components from medicinal plants. Moreover, these polysaccharides are regarded as potential inhibitors of galectins, such as galectin-1, -3, -7, that generally promote tumor growth. Nevertheless, detailed structural analysis of pectic polysaccharides from Centella Asiatica is sorely lacking, as is knowledge of their interactions with galectins.MethodsWater-soluble pectic polysaccharides (WCAP) isolated from Centella Asiatica were purified into two homogeneous fractions (WCAP-A2b and WCAP-A5b) by a combination of anion-exchange and gel-permeation chromatography. Monosaccharide composition, FT-IR, NMR and enzymatic analyses were used to characterize their structural features. Furthermore, the interactions between galectin-1, -3, -7 and a series of these polysaccharides, including two pectin fractions and their structural domains produced by enzymatic hydrolysis, were evaluated by using hemagglutination and biolayer interferometry.ResultsWCAP-A2b and WCAP-A5b have weight averaged molecular weights of 30.0 kDa and 34.0 kDa, respectively, and both polysaccharides consist of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) and homogalacturonan (HG) domains, with mass ratios of 1.3: 1.0: 1.4 and 1.1: 1.0: 2.4, respectively. Their RG-I domains contain arabinan, galactan, and/or arabinogalactan, along with neutral sugar side chains that are more prevalent in WCAP-A2b than in WCAP-A5b. Hemagglutination and biolayer interferometry binding assays indicate that galectin-3 vis-à-vis galectin-1 and -7, binds strongly to the RG-I domain (likely via its neutral side chains) in WCAP-A5b, thereby inhibiting galectin-3-mediated cell–cell interactions.ConclusionsOur study provides structural information on pectin polysaccharides from Centella Asiatica. Results suggest that RG-I domains from WCAP-A5b and WCAP-A2b may be developed as potential inhibitors of galectin-3-mediated cell–cell adhesion and tumor growth.Graphical

Preparation and characterization of intelligent and active bi-layer film based on carrageenan/pectin for monitoring freshness of salmon

This work aimed to develop and characterize a novel bi-layer film (BIF) for monitoring the freshness of salmon. The indicator layer consists of carrageenan (Car), pectin (PEC) and purple sweet potato anthocyanin (PSPA), and the antibacterial layer consists of Car and magnolol (Mag). The results showed that the Car/Mag2 had the optimal water resistance: the static water contact angle of 80.36 ± 0.92 °, moisture content of 31.38 ± 0.86 %, swelling degree of 92.96 ± 0.46 %, and water solubility of 40.08 ± 1.17 %, and showed excellent antibacterial properties against E. coli and S. aureus with antibacterial rate of 86.13 % ± 0.10 % and 97.53 % ± 0.02 %, respectively. Then BIFs with different PSPA concentration were tested. The morphology, mechanical and water vapor properties (WVP) of the BIFs were studied, and its application in salmon preservation was evaluated. The mechanical properties and WVP test results showed that the BIF0.2 had the optimal Tensile strength (TS) and WVP values. The BIFs showed distinguishable color changes between the pH ranges of 3–10. The shelf life of salmon packaged by BIF0.2 was prolonged by 2 days. Moreover, the BIF0.2 was able to effectively monitor salmon freshness. In conclusion, the BIF has great potential for monitoring salmon meat freshness.

Structural characteristics and gelling properties of citrus pectins after chemical and enzymatic modifications: Conformation plays a vital role in Ca2+-induced gelation

Due to the excellent health benefits of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I)-enriched pectin, there has been increasing research interest in its gelling properties. To elucidate its structure–gelation relationship, chemical modifications were used to obtain RG-I-enriched pectin (P11). Then, enzymatic modification was performed to obtain debranched pectins GP11 and AP11, respectively. The effects of RG-I side chains on structural characteristics (especially spatial conformation) and gelling properties were investigated. Among the low-methoxylated pectins (LMPs), AP11, with a loose conformation (Dmax 52 nm) showed the poorest gelling, followed by GP11. In addition to primary structure, spatial conformation (Dmax and Rg) also showed strong correlations (r2 > 0.8) with gelation. We speculate that compact conformation may shorten distance between pectin chains and reduces steric hindrance, contributing to formation of strong gel network. This is particularly important in LMPs with abundant side chains. The results provide novel insights into relationship between spatial conformation and gelling properties of RG-I-enriched pectin.

Synthesis and characterization of antioxidant-enriched Moringa oil-based edible oleogel

Abstract This study aims to formulate and optimize Moringa oleifera (Moringa) oil oleogels using pectin (PC) and chitosan (CS) as gelling agents. These include monogelator oleogels, utilizing either PC or CS as a single gelling agent, and binary gelator oleogels, incorporating a combination of both PC and CS. Among the binary gelator oleogel compositions, the most stable oleogel OPCCS2 was further studied with the addition of antioxidants. The important antioxidant compounds of gallic acid equivalents (GAEs)/Moringa antioxidant extracts (MAEs) were quantified by the use of various assays. The oil-binding capacity (OBC) of the most stable oleogel MCPC1.5% was 99.94 ± 0.05. The lower peroxide value of antioxidant-rich oleogels at 1.5% concentration of GAEs (4.34 ± 0.025) and MAEs (4.32 ± 0.03) suggested its richness of phenols to retard the lipid peroxidation of oil. The opaque appearances of the formulations were studied via polarizing light microscopy. The molecular interaction study through FTIR analysis revealed the hydrogen bond interactions between the carboxyl groups of fatty acids and hydroxyl groups of polysaccharide chains. The differential scanning calorimeter analysis further confirmed the presence of strong interactions between polysaccharide chains and the oil phase. These findings indicate that the optimized oleogel formulations have the potential for imminent advances by exhibiting improved texture, biocompatibility, enhanced OBC, and stability.

Development of biopolymer films loaded with fluconazole and thymol for resistant vaginal candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an opportunistic infection caused by a fungus of the Candida genus, affecting approximately 75 % of women during their lifetime. Fungal resistance cases and adverse effects have been the main challenges of oral therapies. In this study, the topical application of thin films containing fluconazole (FLU) and thymol (THY) was proposed to overcome these problems. Vaginal films based only on chitosan (CH) or combining this biopolymer with pectin (PEC) or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) were developed by the solvent casting method. In addition to a higher swelling index, CH/HPMCAS films showed to be more plastic and flexible than systems prepared with CH/PEC or only chitosan. Biopolymers and FLU were found in an amorphous state, contributing to explaining the rapid gel formation after contact with vaginal fluid. High permeability rates of FLU were also found after its immobilization into thin films. The presence of THY in polymer films increased the distribution of FLU in vaginal tissues and resulted in improved anti-Candida activity. A significant activity against the resistant C. glabrata was achieved, reducing the required FLU dose by 50 %. These results suggest that the developed polymer films represent a promising alternative for the treatment of resistant vulvovaginal candidiasis, encouraging further studies in this context.

Ancient origin of acetyltransferases catalyzing O-acetylation of plant cell wall polysaccharides.

Members of the domain of unknown function 231 (DUF231)/trichome birefringence-like (TBL) family have been shown to be O-acetyltransferases catalyzing the acetylation of plant cell wall polysaccharides, including pectins, mannan, xyloglucan and xylan. However, little is known about the origin and evolution of plant cell wall polysaccharide acetyltransferases. Here, we investigated the biochemical functions of TBL homologs from Klebsormidium nitens, a representative of an early divergent class of charophyte green algae that are considered to be the closest living relatives of land plants, and Marchantia polymorpha, a liverwort that is an extant representative of an ancient lineage of land plants. The genomes of K. nitens and M. polymorpha harbor two and six TBL homologs, respectively. Biochemical characterization of their recombinant proteins expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells demonstrated that the two K. nitens TBLs exhibited acetyltransferase activities acetylating the pectin homogalacturonan (HG) and hence were named KnPOAT1 and KnPOAT2. Among the six M. polymorpha TBLs, five of them (MpPOAT1 to 5) possessed acetyltransferase activities toward pectins and the remaining one (MpMOAT1) catalyzed 2-O- and 3-O-acetylation of mannan. While MpPOAT1,2 specifically acetylated HG, MpPOAT3,4,5 could acetylate both HG and rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I). Consistent with the acetyltransferase activities of these TBLs, pectins isolated from K. nitens and both pectins and mannan from M. polymorpha were shown to be acetylated. These findings indicate that the TBL genes were recruited as cell wall polysaccharide O-acetyltransferases as early as in charophyte green algae with activities toward pectins and they underwent expansion and functional diversification to acetylate various cell wall polysaccharides during evolution of land plants.