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17 pages, 1272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Dough Properties and Baking Performance of Panned Bread: The Function of Maltodextrins and Natural Gums

by Abdulmajeed A. AbuDujayn, Abdellatif A. Mohamed, Mohamed Saleh Alamri, Shahzad Hussain, Mohamed A. Ibraheem, Akram A. Abdo Qasem, Ghalia Shamlan and Nashi K. Alqahtani

Molecules 2023, 28(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010001 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5040

Abstract

The effectiveness of hydrocolloids (2% maximum in various combinations) from various sources, including maltodextrins (MD) with polymerization degree (DP) 18 and ziziphus gum (ZG), on the dough properties and quality of panned bread, as well as the possibility of using them to delay [...] Read more.

The effectiveness of hydrocolloids (2% maximum in various combinations) from various sources, including maltodextrins (MD) with polymerization degree (DP) 18 and ziziphus gum (ZG), on the dough properties and quality of panned bread, as well as the possibility of using them to delay the bread staling process, have been investigated after 24, 72, and 96 h of storage. By evaluating the pasting capabilities of wheat flour slurry, dough properties, and the final product, the effects of the ziziphus gum (ZG) and maltodextrins (MD) were ascertained. A TA-TXT texture analyzer, a texture profile analysis test, and Micro-doughLab were used to evaluate the dough mixing properties. Additionally, a hedonic sensory evaluation of the overall acceptance of the bread, as well as its texture, aroma, taste, and color, was done. It is clear that MD had a more distinct impact than ZG on the way dough was mixed, the texture of the gel, and the finished product. The combination of MD and ZG significantly altered the bread’s physical characteristics and its aging over time. The decreased peak viscosity and noticeably smaller setback of wheat flour gels, which corresponded to lower gel hardness, serve as evidence of reduced amylose retrogradation. At 2%, MD outperformed ZG in terms of increasing water absorption, dough stability, and bread loaf volume. With the exception of the blend that included three times as much MD as ZG, all mixes, including the control, exhibited an increase in bread firmness as a function of time after storage. Overall, the panelists liked (score of 5 and above) the bread made with mixes that had either MD or ZG, or a combination of both. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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13 pages, 6347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Separation and Structural Characterization of a Novel Exopolysaccharide from Rhizopus nigricans

by Zhang Li, Jianhua Li, Xuan Xu, Zhen Luo, Jiayi Sun, Hongyun Wang, Chunyan Liu, Xiuwen Ni, Jianqi Sun, Jun Xu and Kaoshan Chen

Molecules 2022, 27(22), 7756; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227756 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2121

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze the structural characterization and antioxidant activity of a novel exopolysaccharide from Rhizopus nigricans (EPS2-1). For this purpose, EPS2-1 was purified through DEAE-52, Sephadex G-100, and Sephadex G-75 chromatography. The structural characterization of EPS2-1 was analyzed using high-performance [...] Read more.

The present study aims to analyze the structural characterization and antioxidant activity of a novel exopolysaccharide from Rhizopus nigricans (EPS2-1). For this purpose, EPS2-1 was purified through DEAE-52, Sephadex G-100, and Sephadex G-75 chromatography. The structural characterization of EPS2-1 was analyzed using high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), methylation analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM). The results revealed that EPS2-1 is composed of mannose (Man), galactose (Gal), glucose (Glc), arabinose (Ara), and Fucose (Fuc), and possesses a molecular weight of 32.803 kDa. The backbone of EPS2-1 comprised →2)-α-D-Manp-(1→ and →3)-β-D-Galp-(1→, linked with the O-6 position of (→2,6)-α-D-Manp-(1→) of the main chain is branch α-D-Manp-(1→6)-α-D-Manp-(1→, linked with the O-6 positions of (→3)-β-D-Galp-(1→) of the main chain are branches →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→ and →3)-β-D-Galp-(1→, respectively. Finally, we demonstrated that EPS2-1 also shows free radical scavenging activity and iron ion reducing ability. At the same time, EPS2-1 could inhibit the proliferation of MFC cells and increase the cell viability of RAW264.7 cells. Our results suggested that EPS2-1 is a novel polysaccharide, and EPS2-1 has antioxidant activity. In addition, EPS2-1 may possess potential immunomodulatory and antitumor activities. This study promoted the application of EPS2-1 as the functional ingredients in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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13 pages, 3099 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lentinus edodes Polysaccharides Alleviate Acute Lung Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

by Yiwen Zhang, Yanfei Cui, Yanbo Feng, Fengping Jiao and Le Jia

Molecules 2022, 27(21), 7328; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217328 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2102

Abstract

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a kind of lung disease with acute dyspnea, pulmonary inflammation, respiratory distress, and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, accompanied by the mid- and end-stage characteristics of COVID-19, clinically. It is imperative to find non-toxic natural substances on preventing ALI and [...] Read more.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a kind of lung disease with acute dyspnea, pulmonary inflammation, respiratory distress, and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, accompanied by the mid- and end-stage characteristics of COVID-19, clinically. It is imperative to find non-toxic natural substances on preventing ALI and its complications. The animal experiments demonstrated that Lentinus edodes polysaccharides (PLE) had a potential role in alleviating ALI by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation, which was manifested by reducing the levels of serum lung injury indicators (C3, hs-CRP, and GGT), reducing the levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) in the lung. Furthermore, PLE had the typical characteristics of pyran-type linked by β-type glycosidic linkages. The conclusions indicated that PLE could be used as functional foods and natural drugs in preventing ALI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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19 pages, 1888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation, Structural Characterization, and Hypoglycemic Activities In Vitro of Polysaccharides from Pleurotus eryngii

by Pin Gong, Hui Long, Yuxi Guo, Siyuan Wang, Fuxin Chen and Xuefeng Chen

Molecules 2022, 27(20), 7140; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27207140 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2821

Abstract

Pleurotus eryngii (PE) is an edible mushroom with high nutritional value. Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides (PEPs) are one of the main active ingredients and manifest a great variety of biological activities. This study mainly focused on the chemical characterization and biological activities of PEPs, [...] Read more.

Pleurotus eryngii (PE) is an edible mushroom with high nutritional value. Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides (PEPs) are one of the main active ingredients and manifest a great variety of biological activities. This study mainly focused on the chemical characterization and biological activities of PEPs, which were separated into two fractions (named WPS and P-1). WPS is mainly dominated by β-glycosidic bonds and contains α-glycosidic bonds, and P-1 only contains α-glycosidic bonds. The molecular weights of WPS and P-1 were 4.5 × 10⁵ Da and 2.2 × 10⁴ Da. The result of GC indicated that two the fractions were composed of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose, and galactose, with a ratio of 0.35:0.24:0.45:0.24:28.78:1.10 for WPS and 0.95:0.64:0.66:1.84:60.69:0.67 for P-1. The advanced structure studies indicated that the two fractions had no triple-helical structure, where WPS had a dense structure and P-1 had a loose structure. In addition, the antioxidant activity of WPS surpassed P-1, and the two fractions also exhibited a high hypoglycemic activity via inhibiting α-glycosidase activities and promoting the expression of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway based on in vitro assay and cell experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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17 pages, 4182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Auricularia auricula Polysaccharides on Gut Microbiota Composition in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

by Nannan Liu, Mengyin Chen, Juanna Song, Yuanyuan Zhao, Pin Gong and Xuefeng Chen

Molecules 2022, 27(18), 6061; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27186061 - 16 Sep 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2872

Abstract

In previous studies, Auriculariaauricula polysaccharides (AAP) has been found to improve type 2 diabetes mellitus, but its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we sought to demonstrate that AAP achieves remission by altering the gut microbiota in mice with type 2 diabetes. [...] Read more.

In previous studies, Auriculariaauricula polysaccharides (AAP) has been found to improve type 2 diabetes mellitus, but its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we sought to demonstrate that AAP achieves remission by altering the gut microbiota in mice with type 2 diabetes. We successfully constructed a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozotocin (STZ), following which fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels and oral glucose tolerance test (OTGG) were observed to decrease significantly after 5 weeks of AAP intervention. Furthermore, AAP enhanced the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) to alleviate the oxidative stress injury. AAP-M (200 mg/kg/d) displayed the best improvement effect. Moreover, 16S rRNA results showed that AAP decreased the abundance of Firmicutes and increased that of Bacteroidetes. The abundance of beneficial genera such as Faecalibaculum, Dubosiella, Alloprevotella, and those belonging to the family Lachnospiraceae was increased due to the intake of AAP. AAP could reduced the abundance of Desulfovibrio, Enterorhabdus, and Helicobacter. In all, these results suggest that AAP can improve the disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism by regulating the structure of the gut microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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18 pages, 1100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Soil Type and Application of Ecological Fertilizer Composed of Ash from Biomass Combustion on Selected Physicochemical, Thermal, and Rheological Properties of Potato Starch

by Karolina Pycia, Ewa Szupnar-Krok, Małgorzata Szostek, Renata Pawlak and Lesław Juszczak

Molecules 2022, 27(13), 4318; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27134318 - 5 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1759

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of soil type and the application of fertilizer composed of ashes from biomass combustion to potatoes on selected physicochemical, rheological, and thermal properties of potato starches isolated by using the laboratory method. Potatoes [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of soil type and the application of fertilizer composed of ashes from biomass combustion to potatoes on selected physicochemical, rheological, and thermal properties of potato starches isolated by using the laboratory method. Potatoes were grown in Haplic Luvisol (HL) and Gleyic Chernozem (GC) soil and fertilized with different doses of biomass combustion ash (D1–D6) with different mineral contents. The thermodynamic characteristics of gelatinization and retrogradation were identified by DSC. The analyses of rheological properties included the determination of the gelatinization characteristics by using the RVA method, flow curves, and assessment of the viscoelastic properties of starch gels. It was found that the starches tested contained from 24.7 to 29.7 g/100 g d.m. amylose, and the clarity of 1% starch pastes ranged from 59% to 68%. The gelatinization characteristics that were determined showed statistically significant differences between the starches analyzed in terms of the tested factors. The value of maximum viscosity and final viscosity varied, respectively, in the range of 2017–2404 mPa·s and 2811–3112 mPa·s, respectively. The samples of the potato starches studied showed a non-Newtonian flow, shear thinning, and the phenomenon of thixotropy. After cooling, the starch gels showed different viscoelastic properties, all of which were weak gels (tan δ = G″/G′ > 0.1). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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14 pages, 3325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Characteristics, Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Activities of Polysaccharide from Siraitia grosvenorii

by Pin Gong, Yuxi Guo, Xuefeng Chen, Dandan Cui, Mengrao Wang, Wenjuan Yang and Fuxin Chen

Molecules 2022, 27(13), 4192; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27134192 - 29 Jun 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 2722

Abstract

The structural characterization, the in vitro antioxidant activity, and the hypoglycemic activity of a polysaccharide (SGP-1-1) isolated from Siraitia grosvenorii (SG) were studied in this paper. SGP-1-1, whose molecular weight is 19.037 kDa, consisted of Gal:Man:Glc in the molar ratio of 1:2.56:4.90. According [...] Read more.

The structural characterization, the in vitro antioxidant activity, and the hypoglycemic activity of a polysaccharide (SGP-1-1) isolated from Siraitia grosvenorii (SG) were studied in this paper. SGP-1-1, whose molecular weight is 19.037 kDa, consisted of Gal:Man:Glc in the molar ratio of 1:2.56:4.90. According to the results of methylation analysis, GC–MS, and NMR, HSQC was interpreted as a glucomannan with a backbone composed of 4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→4)-, α-D-Glcp-(1→4)-, and 4)-Manp-(1 residues. α-1,6 linked an α-D-Galp branch, and α-1,6 linked an α-D-Glcp branch. The study indirectly showed that SGP-1-1 has good in vitro hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities and that these activities may be related to the fact that the SGP-1-1’s monosaccharide composition (a higher proportion of Gal and Man) is the glycosidic-bond type (α- and β-glycosidic bonds). SGP-1-1 could be used as a potential antioxidant and hypoglycemic candidate for functional and nutritional food applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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13 pages, 1201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physicochemical Properties and Anticoagulant Activity of Purified Heteropolysaccharides from Laminaria japonica

by Tingting Li, Haiqiong Ma, Hong Li, Hao Tang, Jinwen Huang, Shiying Wei, Qingxia Yuan, Xiaohuo Shi, Chenghai Gao, Shunli Mi, Longyan Zhao, Shengping Zhong and Yonghong Liu

Molecules 2022, 27(9), 3027; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27093027 - 8 May 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2669

Abstract

Laminaria japonica is widely consumed as a key food and medicine. Polysaccharides are one of the most plentiful constituents of this marine plant. In this study, several polysaccharide fractions with different charge numbers were obtained. Their physicochemical properties and anticoagulant activities were determined [...] Read more.

Laminaria japonica is widely consumed as a key food and medicine. Polysaccharides are one of the most plentiful constituents of this marine plant. In this study, several polysaccharide fractions with different charge numbers were obtained. Their physicochemical properties and anticoagulant activities were determined by chemical and instrumental methods. The chemical analysis showed that Laminaria japonica polysaccharides (LJPs) and the purified fractions LJP0, LJP04, LJP06, and LJP08 mainly consisted of mannose, glucuronic acid, galactose, and fucose in different mole ratios. LJP04 and LJP06 also contained minor amounts of xylose. The polysaccharide fractions eluted by higher concentration of NaCl solutions showed higher contents of uronic acid and sulfate group. Biological activity assays showed that LJPs LJP06 and LJP08 could obviously prolong the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), indicating that they had strong anticoagulant activity. Furthermore, we found that LJP06 exerted this activity by inhibiting intrinsic factor Xase with higher selectivity than other fractions, which may have negligible bleeding risk. The sulfate group may play an important role in the anticoagulant activity. In addition, the carboxyl group and surface morphology of these fractions may affect their anticoagulant activities. The results provide information for applications of L. japonica polysaccharides, especially LJP06 as anticoagulants in functional foods and therapeutic agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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13 pages, 1803 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Long-Term Potato Starch Retention with Citric Acid on Its Properties

by Małgorzata Kapelko-Żeberska, Marta Meisel, Krzysztof Buksa, Artur Gryszkin, Antoni Szumny, Bogna Latacz, Bartosz Raszewski and Tomasz Zięba

Molecules 2022, 27(8), 2454; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27082454 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2049

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine changes in the properties of starch triggered by its long-lasting (1, 2, 4, 7, 10, or 14 days) retention with citric acid (5 g/100 g) at a temperature of 40 °C. The starch citrates obtained under laboratory [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to determine changes in the properties of starch triggered by its long-lasting (1, 2, 4, 7, 10, or 14 days) retention with citric acid (5 g/100 g) at a temperature of 40 °C. The starch citrates obtained under laboratory conditions had a low degree of substitution, as confirmed via NMR and HPSEC analyses. The prolonging time of starch retention with citric acid at 40 °C contributed to its increased esterification degree (0.05–0.11 g/100 g), swelling power (30–38 g/g), and solubility in water (19–35%) as well as to decreased viscosity of the starch pastes. Starch heating with citric acid under the applied laboratory conditions did not affect the course of DSC thermal characteristics of starch pasting. The low-substituted starch citrates exhibited approximately 15% resistance to amylolysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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14 pages, 9360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Thermal Characteristics, Sorption Isotherms and State Diagrams of the Freeze-Dried Pumpkin-Inulin Powders

by Anna Stępień, Mariusz Witczak and Teresa Witczak

Molecules 2022, 27(7), 2225; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27072225 - 29 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2164

Abstract

Powders based on plant raw materials have low storage stability due to their sorption and thermal properties and generate problems during processing. Therefore, there is a need to find carrier agents to improve their storage life as well as methods to evaluate their [...] Read more.

Powders based on plant raw materials have low storage stability due to their sorption and thermal properties and generate problems during processing. Therefore, there is a need to find carrier agents to improve their storage life as well as methods to evaluate their properties during storage. Water adsorption isotherms and thermal characteristics of the pumpkin powder with various inulin additions were investigated in order to develop state diagrams. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to obtained glass transition lines, freezing curves and maximal-freeze-concentration conditions. The glass transition lines were developed using the Gordon–Taylor model. Freezing data were modeled employing the Clausius–Clapeyron equation and its development–Chen model. The glass transition temperature of anhydrous material (Tgs) and characteristic glass transition temperature of maximum-freeze-concentration (Tg′) increased with growing inulin additions. Sorption isotherms of the powders were determined at 25 °C by the static-gravimetric method and the experimental data was modeled with four different mathematical models. The Peleg model was the most adequate to describe the sorption data of the pumpkin–inulin powders. Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) monolayer capacity decreased with increasing inulin concentration in the sample. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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19 pages, 1073 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Hydroponic Potato Plant Cultivation on Selected Properties of Starch Isolated from Its Tubers

by Marta Liszka-Skoczylas, Wiktor Berski, Mariusz Witczak, Łukasz Skoczylas, Iwona Kowalska, Sylwester Smoleń, Paweł Szlachcic and Marcin Kozieł

Molecules 2022, 27(3), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27030856 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2940

Abstract

Starch is a natural polysaccharide for which the technological quality depends on the genetic basis of the plant and the environmental conditions of the cultivation. Growing plants under cover without soil has many advantages for controlling the above-mentioned conditions. The present research focuses [...] Read more.

Starch is a natural polysaccharide for which the technological quality depends on the genetic basis of the plant and the environmental conditions of the cultivation. Growing plants under cover without soil has many advantages for controlling the above-mentioned conditions. The present research focuses on determining the effect of under cover hydroponic potato cultivation on the physicochemical properties of accumulated potato starch (PS). The plants were grown in the hydroponic system, with (greenhouse, GH) and without recirculation nutrient solution (foil tunnel, FT). The reference sample was PS isolated from plants grown in a tunnel in containers filled with mineral soil (SO). The influence of the cultivation method on the elemental composition of the starch molecules was noted. The cultivation method also influenced the protein and amylose content of the PS. Considering the chromatic parameters, PS-GH and PS-FT were brighter and whiter, with a tinge of blue, than PS-SO. PS-SO was also characterized by the largest average diameters of granules, while PS-GH had the lowest crystallinity. PS-SO showed a better resistance to the combined action of elevated temperature and shear force. There was a slight variation in the gelatinization temperature values. Additionally, significant differences for enthalpy and the retrogradation ratio were observed. The cultivation method did not influence the glass transition and melting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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10 pages, 2591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Oat β-Glucan on the Rheological Characteristics and Microstructure of Set-Type Yogurt

by Xiaoqing Qu, Yuliya Nazarenko, Wei Yang, Yuanyang Nie, Yongsheng Zhang and Bo Li

Molecules 2021, 26(16), 4752; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26164752 - 6 Aug 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3210

Abstract

The oat β-glucan (OG) was added into set-type yogurt as a functional ingredient, in order to evaluate effects on the rheological characteristics and microstructure of set-type yogurt. When the OG concentration increased from 0 to 0.3%, the WHC gradually increased. At 0.3% OG, [...] Read more.

The oat β-glucan (OG) was added into set-type yogurt as a functional ingredient, in order to evaluate effects on the rheological characteristics and microstructure of set-type yogurt. When the OG concentration increased from 0 to 0.3%, the WHC gradually increased. At 0.3% OG, the set-type yogurt had the highest WHC of 94.67%. Additionally, the WHC continuously decreased, reaching the lowest WHC (about 80%) at 0.5% OG. When 0.3% OG was added, the highest score of sensory evaluation was about 85. The rheological result showed that the fermentation process went through the changes as follows: solid → liquid → solid → liquid. The addition of 0.3% OG decreased the fermentation time of set-type yogurt by about 16 min, making yogurt more inclined to be liquid. The acidity of set-type yogurt with OG was slightly higher. The result of microstructure showed that the addition of OG destroyed the three-dimensional network structure of yogurt, and some spherical aggregate particles could be clearly observed at 0.3% OG. Overall, this study provided a theoretical basis for the application of OG in set-type yogurt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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14 pages, 2927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural and Biological Properties of Water Soluble Polysaccharides from Lotus Leaves: Effects of Drying Techniques

by Wei Li, Ding-Tao Wu, Fen Li, Ren-You Gan, Yi-Chen Hu and Liang Zou

Molecules 2021, 26(15), 4395; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154395 - 21 Jul 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2663

Abstract

In the present study, the influence of five drying techniques on the structural and biological properties of polysaccharides from lotus leaves (LLPs) was investigated. Results revealed that the yields, contents of basic chemical components, molecular weights, and molar ratios of compositional monosaccharides of [...] Read more.

In the present study, the influence of five drying techniques on the structural and biological properties of polysaccharides from lotus leaves (LLPs) was investigated. Results revealed that the yields, contents of basic chemical components, molecular weights, and molar ratios of compositional monosaccharides of LLPs varied by different drying technologies. Low molecular weight distributions were observed in polysaccharides obtained from lotus leaves by hot air drying (LLP-H), microwave drying (LLP-M), and radio frequency drying (LLP-RF), respectively. The high contents of bound polyphenolics were measured in LLP-H and LLP-M, as well as polysaccharides obtained from lotus leaves by vacuum drying (LLP-V). Furthermore, both Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of LLPs were similar, indicating that drying technologies did not change their basic chemical structures. Besides, all LLPs exhibited obvious biological properties, including in vitro antioxidant capacities, antiglycation activities, and inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase. Indeed, LLP-H exhibited higher 2,2-azidobisphenol (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging ability (IC₅₀ values, LLP-H, 0.176 ± 0.004 mg/mL; vitamin C, 0.043 ± 0.002 mg/mL) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrate phenyl) hydrazine radical scavenging ability (IC₅₀ values, LLP-H, 0.241 ± 0.007 mg/mL; butylated hydroxytoluene, 0.366 ± 0.010 mg/mL) than others, and LLP-M exerted stronger antiglycation (IC₅₀ values, LLP-M, 1.023 ± 0.053 mg/mL; aminoguanidine, 1.744 ± 0.080 mg/mL) and inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ values, LLP-M, 1.90 ± 0.02 μg/mL; acarbose, 724.98 ± 16.93 μg/mL) than others. These findings indicate that both hot air drying and microwave drying can be potential drying techniques for the pre-processing of lotus leaves for industrial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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18 pages, 2122 KiB

Open AccessReview

Influencing Factors on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Tea Polysaccharides

by Ting Hu, Peng Wu, Jianfeng Zhan, Weixin Wang, Junfeng Shen, Chi-Tang Ho and Shiming Li

Molecules 2021, 26(11), 3457; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113457 - 7 Jun 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3307

Abstract

Tea polysaccharides (TPSs) are one of the main bioactive constituents of tea with various biological activities such as hypoglycemic effect, antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory. The bioactivities of TPSs are directly associated with their structures such as chemical composition, molecular weight, glycosidic linkages, and [...] Read more.

Tea polysaccharides (TPSs) are one of the main bioactive constituents of tea with various biological activities such as hypoglycemic effect, antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory. The bioactivities of TPSs are directly associated with their structures such as chemical composition, molecular weight, glycosidic linkages, and conformation among others. To study the relationship between the structures of TPSs and their bioactivities, it is essential to elucidate the structure of TPSs, particularly the fine structures. Due to the vast variation nature of monosaccharide units and their connections, the structure of TPSs is extremely complex, which is also affected by several major factors including tea species, processing technologies of tea and isolation methods of TPSs. As a result of the complexity, there are few studies on their fine structures and chain conformation. In the present review, we aim to provide a detailed summary of the multiple factors influencing the characteristics of TPS chemical structures such as variations of tea species, degree of fermentation, and preparation methods among others as well as their applications. The main aspects of understanding the structural difference of TPSs and influencing factors are to assist the study of the structure and bioactivity relationship and ultimately, to control the production of the targeted TPSs with the most desired biological activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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15 pages, 1426 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Use of Megamolecular Polysaccharide Sacran in Food and Biomedical Applications

by Lisa Efriani Puluhulawa, I Made Joni, Ahmed Fouad Abdelwahab Mohammed, Hidetoshi Arima and Nasrul Wathoni

Molecules 2021, 26(11), 3362; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113362 - 2 Jun 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3926

Abstract

Natural polymer is a frequently used polymer in various food applications and pharmaceutical formulations due to its benefits and its biocompatibility compared to synthetic polymers. One of the natural polymer groups (i.e., polysaccharide) does not only function as an additive in pharmaceutical preparations, [...] Read more.

Natural polymer is a frequently used polymer in various food applications and pharmaceutical formulations due to its benefits and its biocompatibility compared to synthetic polymers. One of the natural polymer groups (i.e., polysaccharide) does not only function as an additive in pharmaceutical preparations, but also as an active ingredient with pharmacological effects. In addition, several natural polymers offer potential distinct applications in gene delivery and genetic engineering. However, some of these polymers have drawbacks, such as their lack of water retention and elasticity. Sacran, one of the high-molecular-weight natural polysaccharides (megamolecular polysaccharides) derived from Aphanothece sacrum (A. sacrum), has good water retention and elasticity. Historically, sacran has been used as a dietary food. Moreover, sacran can be applied in biomedical fields as an active material, excipient, and genetic engineering material. This article discusses the characteristics, extraction, isolation procedures, and the use of sacran in food and biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Polysaccharides: Structure, Properties and Application)

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