High Molecular Weight Polysaccharide Research Articles

Purple Queen® fruits of Punica granatum L.: Nutraceutical properties and unconventional growing substrates

BACKGROUND: Purple Queen® is an early ripening pomegranate cultivar growing well in soilless cultivation. Substrates have direct effects on plant development and, due to progressive peatland exhaustion, the request for new materials for plant growth is high. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to verify the effects of a new potential substrate obtained from the remediation of marine port sediments on the nutraceutical profile of Purple Queen® fruits, using 50% and 100% of reclaimed sediment. METHODS: The study was carried out determining ellagitannins and polysaccharides obtained from peel after decoction, and anthocyanins in aril juice on fruits from two agronomic seasons. RESULTS: The presence of 100% of the sediment had a partial detrimental effect on fruits size and weight. Compared to a peat-based commercial substrate (control), remediated sediment preserved ellagitannin content and increased the anthocyanin amount (up to 40% higher) and polysaccharide content up to 34% on dry fruit. High molecular weight polysaccharides (>2000 kDa) were identified in all the fruits with glucose and galacturonic acid as the major sugars. CONCLUSIONS: Fruits from plants cultivated only on sediment or in a mixture with 50% of peat showed significant increases of bioactive compounds as stress response in two consecutive seasons.

Structural Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Extracellular Polysaccharides Extracted from Culinary-Medicinal White Jelly Mushroom Tremella fuciformis (Tremellomycetes) Conidium Cells.

Using Tremella fuciformis conidium cells for submerged fermentation is a cost-effective way to harvest bioactive compounds. In this study, we emphasized the structural and functional analysis of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) extracted from T. fuciformis conidium cells. An EPS high-yield strain tyc63 was selected and a 6-day optimum fermentation period was determined. Crude EPS was extracted and three high molecular weight (5189, 171.6, and 661 kDa) polysaccharides TFP-1, TFP-2, and TFP-3 were isolated and purified. TFP-1 is mainly composed of glucose, xylose, mannose, and fucose, while both TFP-2 and TFP-3 are mainly composed of rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, galactose, and glucose. FT-IR analysis revealed that TFP-1, TFP-2, and TFP-3 have typical polysaccharide structure. The antioxidant assay revealed that the crude EPS, TFP-1, TFP-2, and TFP-3 presented high free radical scavenging activities but low ferric reducing power, suggesting that the EPS produced by liquid fermentation could be used as a potent radical scavenger.

Protein-mediated gelation and nano-scale assembly of unfunctionalized hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate.

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the central nervous system and the only purely supramolecular glycosaminoglycan. Much focus has been given to using this high molecular weight polysaccharide for tissue engineering applications. In most studies, the backbone of HA is functionalized with moieties that can facilitate network formation through physical self-assembly, or covalent crosslinking (e.g. photo-catalyzed) at concentrations where the polysaccharide does not gel on its own. However, these crosslinks often utilize functional groups not found in biological tissues. Methods: Oscillatory rheology, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy were used to study albumin/HA structures. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy were used to study albumin/chondroitin sulfate (CS) structures. UV-vis spectroscopy was used to demonstrate the potential for using protein-polymer blends as an ECM-mimetic model to study transport of small molecules. Results: We examine the intermolecular interactions of two major glycosaminoglycans found in the human brain, HA and the lower molecular weight CS, with the model protein albumin. We report the properties of the resulting micro- and nano materials. Our albumin/HA systems formed gels, and albumin/CS systems formed micro- and nanoparticles. These systems are formed from unfunctionalized polysaccharides, which is an attractive and simple method of forming HA hydrogels and CS nanoparticles. We also summarize the concentrations of HA and CS found in various mammalian brains, which could potentially be useful for biomimetic scaffold development. Conclusions: Simple preparation of commercially available charged biomacromolecules results in interesting materials with structures at the micron and nanometer length-scales. Such materials may have utility in serving as cost-effective models of nervous system electrostatic interactions and as in vitro drug release and model system for ECM transport studies.

Paramylon and synthesis of its ionic derivatives: Applications as pharmaceutical tablet disintegrants and as colloid flocculants

Paramylon, a high molecular weight polysaccharide, is a linear and unbranched (1 → 3)-β-d-glucan. Despite its numerous biological benefits, the poor aqueous solubility of crystalline paramylon is a drawback that has hampered some of its applications. In an effort to make this biomaterial amenable to practical uses, cationic and anionic paramylon derivatives were obtained. The degrees of substitution of both products were determined. The products were characterized by FT-IR spectrocopy, ESI mass spectrometry, 1H, 13C and 1H-13C NMR and SEM microscopy. These techniques confirmed the success of the substitution reactions. 1H NMR analysis was used to develop alternative methods for an approximate estimation of the degree of substitution. 1H-13C HSQC NMR spectra were assigned for both derivatives. New applications of native, cationic and anionic paramylon were found. Native paramylon showed similar performance as pharmaceutical tablet disintegrant than sodium croscarmellose. Cationic paramylon behavior as colloid flocculant was comparable with commercial cationic polyacrylamides. The anionic derivative could eventually be used in the formulation of matrix controlled release systems or as a suspending agent.

Pectolytic enzyme reduces the concentration of colloidal particles in wine due to changes in polysaccharide structure and aggregation properties

To explore the effect of pectolytic enzyme application on polysaccharide size and colloidal interactions, rosé wines were prepared from pressed Shiraz grape juice, and red wines were made from the same juice by the addition of skins and seeds from fresh pressings. A pectolytic enzyme preparation containing primarily polygalacturonase and side-activities of arabinase and pectin lyase was used. Enzyme treatment enhanced the contribution of high molecular weight (≈ 200 kDa) polysaccharides rich in mannose and glucose (mannoproteins) and removed arabinose-rich polysaccharides of intermediate (≈ 40 kDa) size. Enzyme application reduced the molecular weight average of a class of smaller polysaccharides of approximately 6 kDa (rhamnogalacturonan II). All wines had similar particle sizes, but enzyme treatment markedly reduced particle concentration in wines, particularly in rosé wines. Wine polysaccharides were purified and when reconstituted in model wine, showed reduced particle concentration in response to enzyme treatment. Aggregation of polysaccharide in the presence of seed tannin was also markedly reduced by enzyme treatment. The results indicated that changes in structure introduced by the enzyme affected wine colloidal properties, potentially increasing polysaccharide solubility.

Physicochemical, structural and rheological properties of alkali-extracted polysaccharide from fruiting body of Hericium erinaceus

An alkali-extracted polysaccharide (HEAEP-0.5) was prepared from the water insoluble residue of Hericium erinaceus fruiting body. Effects of concentration, temperature, pH and salts on its rheological property were systematically evaluated. Its physicochemical property, structural characteristic and intrinsic viscosity were also determined. Results revealed that HEAEP-0.5 was a β-D-glucan polymer, which contained a →3)-Glcp-(1→ backbone branched with Glc units at O-6 position. HEAEP-0.5 was a high molecular weight (5400 kDa and 290 kDa) polysaccharide showing high viscosity with an intrinsic viscosity value as 1.43 L/g, and revealing a triple helix conformation. It exhibited strong shear-thinning behavior and could form weak gels as concentration increased. Increase in concentration and addition of NaCl or CaCl2 elevated the apparent viscosity and gel strength of HEAEP-0.5 solution, while reverse was the case as temperature increased. The gel formed by this polysaccharide at the concentration of 2.0 g/dL was a thermally irreversible gel and was not highly sensitive to temperature changes (5–45 °C). Its apparent viscosity and gel strength were higher under neutral addition (pH 7.0) than those under alkaline (pH 8.0 & pH 9.0) and acidic additions (pH 5.0 & pH 6.0). This study indicates HEAEP-0.5 is a novel hydrocolloid in food and other industries.

New insights on the sludge fermentation liquid driven denitrification: Evaluation of the system performance and effluent organic matter (EfOM)

Sludge fermentation liquid (FL) is a promising and sustainable carbon source for biological denitrification. In this study, four types of FLs were prepared using different chemical treatments to enhance denitrification. The profile of effluent organic matter (EfOM) were evaluated. Results indicate that the FLNaOH (NaOH treatment at pH 10) contained the maximum amount of soluble organics, but led to the worst nitrate removal performance. Nitrate removal efficiency with FLcontrol was much higher than that of FLCaO2, FLCa(OH)2, and FLNaOH. On the other hand, it was found some organics in FL was hard to be utilized by denitrifiers. In particular, EfOM with FLNaOH presented the highest building blocks, high molecular weight (HMW) protein and HMW polysaccharide. It also contained much higher C–(C/H) group. This study provided a new insight on the FL driven denitrification. The necessarity of pursuing the alkali pretreatment to produce carbon source were discussed and evaluated.

Evaluation of Compounds Extracted from Eight Genera of Wild Mushrooms from Nigeria for Anti-cell Proliferation Activity in Vitro

Mushrooms have bioactive compounds that have antimicrobial, anti-cancer and antioxidant activities among other medicinal benefits. In the present study, we examined the anti-cell proliferation activities of mushrooms from eight genera obtained from the wild in Nigeria. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as a model organism to screen mushroom extracts for anti-cell proliferation activity. Polyphenols, high molecular weight polysaccharides and low molecular weight compounds from aqueous extracts were obtained from the test mushrooms using methanol and water respectively. The extracts were screened in vitro at different concentrations of extracts with the CyQuant cell proliferation assay. The high molecular weight polysaccharides from tested mushrooms reduced cell proliferation (96.79% inhibition in Ganoderma multipileum Ding Hou to 66.71% inhibition in Coltricia perennis (L.) Murrill at 10.00mg/ml). Percentage inhibition caused by low molecular weight compounds varied from 94.22% (Ganoderma multipileum) to 76.19% (Coltricia perennis) at 10mg/ml. Percentage of inhibition with the polyphenols varied from 94.12% (Microporus xanthopus Fr) Kuntze) to 79.82% (Coltricia perennis) at high doses. High molecular polysaccharides, low molecular weight compounds and polyphenols from mushrooms have anti-cancer properties. The CyQUANT assay proliferation kit was a very efficient tool for screening extracts from wild mushrooms for anti-cell proliferation activities. Medicinal mushrooms in Nigeria show a lot of promise as a reservoir for drug discovery particularly in the area of cancer research.

Protein-mediated gelation and nano-scale assembly of unfunctionalized hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the central nervous system and the only purely supramolecular glycosaminoglycan. Much focus has been given to using this high molecular weight polysaccharide for tissue engineering applications. In most studies, HA is covalently functionalized with moieties that can facilitate network formation through physical self-assembly, or covalent crosslinking (e.g. photo-catalyzed) as the polysaccharide does not gel on its own. However, these crosslinks are not the driving force of HA self-assembly in biological tissues. Methods: Oscillatory rheology, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy were used to study albumin/HA structures. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy were used to study albumin/chondroitin sulfate (CS) structures. UV-vis spectroscopy was used to demonstrate the potential for using protein-crosslinked polymers as an ECM-mimetic model to study transport of hydrophilic small molecules. Results: We examine the intermolecular interactions of two major glycosaminoglycans found in the human brain, HA and the lower molecular weight CS, with the model protein albumin. We report the properties of the resulting micro- and nano-materials. Albumin/HA mixtures formed supramolecular gels, and albumin/CS mixtures formed micro- and nanoparticles. These systems are formed from unfunctionalized polysaccharides, which is an attractive and simpler method of forming HA hydrogels and CS nanoparticles than functional chemistry-based approaches such as chemically modifying the polymer backbones. We also summarize the concentrations of HA and CS found in various mammalian brains, which could potentially be useful for biomimetic scaffold development in tissue engineering. Conclusions: Simple preparation and combination of commercially available charged biomacromolecules rapidly result in interesting self-assembled materials with structures at the micron and nanometer length-scales. Such materials may have utility in serving as cost-effective and simple models of nervous system electrostatic interactions and as in vitro drug release and model system for ECM transport studies.

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

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

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

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

Safety of cassia gum as a feed additive for cats and dogs based on a dossier submitted by Glycomer GmbH.

The additive cassia gum consists mainly of high‐molecular weight polysaccharides composed primarily of a linear chain of 1,4‐β‐d‐mannopyranose units with 1,6‐linked α‐d‐galactopyranose units. In 2014, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) delivered an opinion on the safety and efficacy of cassia gum in cats and dogs. The Panel concluded, based on positive findings observed in a bacterial reverse mutation test with a semi‐refined cassia gum (about 70 mg anthraquinones/kg) but not with purified semi‐refined cassia gum that meets the specification as a food additive (< 0.5 mg anthraquinones/kg), that only purified semi‐refined cassia gum that meets the specifications of cassia gum as a food additive can be considered safe for cats and dogs, at a maximum content of 1.5% cassia gum (15,000 mg/kg feed) in dry matter, corresponding to 1.32% (13,200 mg/kg feed) in a standardised complete feed with 12% water content. The conclusion was confirmed in an opinion delivered by the Panel in 2017. Following this opinion, the European Commission gave the possibility to the applicant to submit complementary information on the safety for cats and dogs. The semi‐refined cassia gum under application was mutagenic in a bacterial reverse mutation test in Salmonella Typhimurium strain TA100. Positive results were also observed after heat sterilisation of the test item. Isopropanol purified semi‐refined cassia gum did not show mutagenic effect. Examination of various other cassia gum extracts did not identify any source of mutagenicity. The mutagenicity of the semi‐refined cassia gum under application cannot be excluded. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel cannot establish the safety of semi‐refined cassia gum for cats and dogs.

Selfish, sharing and scavenging bacteria in the Atlantic Ocean: a biogeographical study of bacterial substrate utilisation

Identifying the roles played by individual heterotrophic bacteria in the degradation of high molecular weight (HMW) substrates is critical to understanding the constraints on carbon cycling in the ocean. At five sites in the Atlantic Ocean, we investigated the processing of organic matter by tracking changes in microbial community composition as HMW polysaccharides were enzymatically hydrolysed over time. During this investigation, we discovered that a considerable fraction of heterotrophic bacteria uses a newly-identified ‘selfish’ mode of substrate processing. We therefore additionally examined the balance of individual substrate utilisation mechanisms at different locations by linking individual microorganisms to distinct substrate utilisation mechanisms. Through FISH and uptake of fluorescently-labelled polysaccharides, ‘selfish’ organisms were identified as belonging to the Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes and Gammaproteobacteria. ‘Sharing’ (extracellular enzyme producing) and ‘scavenging’ (non-enzyme producing) organisms predominantly belonged to the Alteromonadaceae and SAR11 clades, respectively. The extent to which individual mechanisms prevail depended on the initial population structure of the bacterial community at a given location and time, as well as the growth rate of specific bacteria. Furthermore, the same substrate was processed in different ways by different members of a pelagic microbial community, pointing to significant follow-on effects for carbon cycling.

Protein-mediated gelation and nano-scale assembly of unfunctionalized hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the central nervous system and the only purely supramolecular glycosaminoglycan. Much focus has been given to using this high molecular weight polysaccharide for tissue engineering applications. In most studies, the backbone of HA is functionalized with moieties that can facilitate network formation through physical self-assembly, or covalent crosslinking (e.g. photo-catalyzed) at concentrations where the polysaccharide does not gel on its own. However, these crosslinks often utilize functional groups not found in biological tissues. Methods: Oscillatory rheology, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy were used to study albumin/HA structures. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy were used to study albumin/chondroitin sulfate (CS) structures. UV-vis spectroscopy was used to demonstrate the potential for using protein-polymer blends as an ECM-mimetic model to study transport of small molecules. Results: We examine the intermolecular interactions of two major glycosaminoglycans found in the human brain, HA and the lower molecular weight CS, with the model protein albumin. We report the properties of the resulting micro- and nano materials. Our albumin/HA systems formed gels, and albumin/CS systems formed micro- and nanoparticles. These systems are formed from unfunctionalized polysaccharides, which is an attractive and simple method of forming HA hydrogels and CS nanoparticles. We also summarize the concentrations of HA and CS found in various mammalian brains, which could potentially be useful for biomimetic scaffold development. Conclusions: Simple preparation of commercially available charged biomacromolecules results in interesting materials with structures at the micron and nanometer length-scales. Such materials may have utility in serving as cost-effective models of nervous system electrostatic interactions and as in vitro drug release and model system for ECM transport studies.

Supramolecular protein-mediated assembly of brain extracellular matrix glycans.

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the major component of the extracellular matrix in the central nervous system and the only supramolecular glycosaminoglycan. Much focus has been given to using this high molecular weight polysaccharide for tissue engineering applications. In the majority of cases, HA is covalently functionalized with moieties that can facilitate network formation through physical selfassembly, or photo-catalyzed covalent crosslinking as the polysaccharide does not gel on its own. However, these covalent crosslinks are not the driving force of HA self-assembly in biological tissues. Methods: Oscillatory rheology and dynamic light scattering were used to study albumin/HA structures. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy were used to study albumin/chondroitin sulfate (CS) structures. UV-vis spectroscopy was used to study mass transfer of a hydrophilic small molecule into the albumin/HA/CS materials. Results: In this work we examine the intermolecular interactions of two major glycans found in the human brain, HA and the lower molecular weight CS , with the protein albumin. We report physiochemical properties of the resulting supramolecular micro- and nanomaterials. Albumin/HA mixtures formed supramolecular gels, and albumin/CS mixtures formed micro- and nanoparticles. We also summarize the concentrations of HA and CS found in various mammalian brains. Conclusions: Simple preparation and combination of commercially available charged biomacromolecules under short time-scales can result in interesting self-assembled materials with structures at the micron and nanometer length-scales. Such materials may have utility in serving as cost-effective and simple models of nervous system electrostatic interactions and as in vitro drug release and mass transfer quantification tools.

Effect of polysaccharide from Enteromorpha prolifera on maize seedlings under NaCl stress

In this study, a polysaccharide from Enteromorpha prolifera (EP) was extracted and its effect on maize seedlings under NaCl stress was investigated. Firstly, the components and structure of the EP were determined. We found that EP is a sulfated polysaccharide of high-molecular weight (Mw, 1 840 KDa) heteropolysaccharides and the main monosaccharide is rhamnose. The polysaccharide was applied to explore its effect on the growth of maize seedlings and its defense response under a salt stress. The results show that EP could promote the growth of maize seedlings under the salt stress. In addition, EP was shown able to significantly regulate membrane permeability and adjustment of osmotic substances such as soluble protein, soluble sugar, and proline, antioxidant enzymes containing superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase. Therefore, EP is an effective salt-resistant substance for the growth of maize seedlings under NaCl stress.

An in silico approach for evaluating the antitumor and epigenetic modulating potential of phenolic compounds occurring in edible and medicinal mushrooms

Introduction: As part of cancer research, mycotherapy is a relatively new and promissory source of agents with immunomodulating and antitumor properties. Ongoing research projects are aiming to provide mushrooms as a new generation of "biotherapeutics". In addition to high-molecular weight polysaccharides, efforts should be made to find new anticancer drugs using low-molecular weight secondary metabolites, e.g. phenolic compounds that can inhibit or trigger specific biochemical signals leading to cancer. Methods: An in silico approach based on the structural similarity of low-molecular weight myco-compounds (phenolics) with respect to antitumor substances and molecules with modulatory effects on epigenetic events was used. For the screening of mushroom molecules with potential regulatory effects on epigenome (obtained on Web of Science, August 2015), the enzymes histone acetyltransferase (HAT), histone deacetylase (HDAC) and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) were chosen as targets. Similarity analysis were performed with the software Saranea. Moreover, the determination of the chemical structural similitude between phenolic compounds of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) and antitumor reference compounds was carried out with the software Power MV 0.61. Tanimoto’s coefficients (Tc) similar or higher to 0.90 were considered as significant. Results: Seven mushroom compounds with high structural similarity to reference substances with modulatory activity on epigenetic events (Tc ≥0.90) were identified: 5 with a potential effect on histone acetylation/deacetylation, and 3 acting on the enzyme DNMT. Twenty antitumor reference compounds showed structural similarity to 3 phenols occurring in P. ostreatus, corresponding the largest number to protocatechuic acid and the flavonoids myricetin and naringin. According to its similarity to the antitumor compounds, they would act as DNA antimetabolites, antimitotic, and/or alkylating agents. Conclusion: It seems feasible to harness the natural pool of mushrooms secondary metabolites and to predict by in silico approaches their potential modulatory effects on epigenetic events and antitumor activity, in special phenolics occurring in P. ostreatus. This is an exciting advance for developing nutraceuticals/ cosmeceuticals and innovative drugs.

Environment-friendly green composites based on soluble soybean polysaccharide: A review

The objective of the present review was to acquaint the readers with recent advances in soluble soy bean polysaccharide (SSPS)-based films. An efficient extraction method containing refining, pasteurizing and spray-drying is commonly used to extract SSPS. SSPS is a high molecular weight polysaccharide with a pectin-like structure. The predominant monosaccharide components are arabinose, galactose and galacturonic acid. Additionally, a trace amount of other monosaccharides such as glucose, fucose, rhamnose, and xylose are also present. SSPS allows us to make water-soluble, colorless, transparent, and edible films due to its high adhesive strength. The evaluation of recently published data on the development of SSPS films has demonstrated that nanoparticles can be used to improve the physicochemical characteristics of SSPS films. These nanoparticles not only reinforce the mechanical, thermal and physical properties of SSPS films, but also improve their antibacterial, anti-mold and anti-yeast activities. Hence, reinforcement of SSPS with nanoparticles is expected to open new approaches for revealing their applications in food packaging.

Hyaluronan arrests human breast cancer cell growth by prolonging the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle.

In clinical breast cancer patients, quiescent disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) can persist for a long time in the bone marrow (BM) under the influence of microenvironmental cues. As a high molecular weight polysaccharide, hyaluronan (HA) not only has been shown to regulate cancer processes including cell invasion, metastasis, migration, and proliferation, but also is a major component of the BM extracellular matrix. Here, we tested whether HA promotes breast cancer cell quiescence through detecting cell proliferation, cell cycle phase distribution, and the expression of cell cycle-related regulator proteins. In our results, HA slowed the growth and prolonged the G0/G1 phase of the highly metastatic, bone-seeking human breast cancer MDA-MB-231BO cell line, which is consistent with results that HA activated p38α/β, inhibited phospho-ERK1/2 levels and reduced the ERK/p38 signaling ratio. Additionally, we examined the crucial cell cycle factors p21cip1 and Cyclin D1, both of which influence the transition from G1 to S phase. The results revealed that p21cip1 expression was up-regulated by HA, which was consequently accompanied by a decrease in Cyclin D1 level. Further research with a 3D culture model indicated that HA maintained low Ki-67 and high p21cip1 expression levels in MDA-MB-231BO cells. In summary, our work revealed that HA might contribute to DTC quiescence.

Extraction, characterization and rheological study of the purified polysaccharide from Lallemantia ibrica seeds

Polysaccharides are broadly used as plasticizing, emulsifying, stabilizing, thickening, gelling, binding and coating agents. The optimum extraction point based on highest yield and total carbohydrate content and lowest amount of protein was extraction temperature of 68.75 °C, pH = 10 and water to seed ratio of 36:1. Lallemantia ibrica seed gum (LISG) is a high molecular weight polysaccharide (5.74 × 106 g/mol) containing, on average, 89.60% carbohydrate, 2.98% protein, 8.95% ash, 0.2% fat and 6.52% moisture. FTIR and 1H NMR analysis revealed the presence of galactose, mannose, rhamnose, uronic acid and O-acetyl functional groups. The intrinsic viscosity of LISG (at 25 °C) was estimated to be 1.96 dL/g. The gum solutions had a shear-thinning behavior at all tested concentrations, and the Power-law model satisfactory described their rheological behavior. It was found that deionized water (pH = 7 at 25 °C) is a good solvent for LISG macromolecules. The shear thinning behavior of LISG and its high viscosity at low concentration make it a good stabilizer and thickener in the food industry.