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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 29669

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Roman Bleha

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Guest Editor

Department of Carbohydrates and Cereals, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Praha 6 Dejvice, Czech Republic
Interests: polysaccharides; spectroscopic methods; chromatography, food composition and technology

Dr. Seonghun Kim

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Guest Editor

1. Jeonbuk Branch Institute, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 181 Ipsin-gil, Jeongeup 56212, Korea
2. Department of Biosystems and Bioengineering, KRIBB School of Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology (UST), 217 Gajeong-ro, Daejeon 34113, Korea
Interests: glycoconjugates; carbohydrate binding proteins; CAZYmes; microbial polysaccharides; mushrooms; lectins
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Dr. Jacek Lewandowicz

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Institute of Logistics, Poznań University of Technology, 2 Jacka Rychlewskiego St., 60‐965 Poznań, Poland
Interests: food quality; food rheology and texture; starch technology; starch fortification; clean label
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polysaccharides are polymers that are widespread in nature. Their structure is linear to highly branched and is used as energy storage or plays the role of structural components. Some of them have very specific functions and properties. Although polysaccharides have been well known for centuries, there are actual studies that push polysaccharide research further. Research starts with the isolation and structural characterisation of unknown polysaccharides, followed by their use in applications such as medicine, pharmacy, food, and cosmetics industries.

This special issue focuses on the wide range of research from the isolation, structure, and composition of polysaccharides to their general and specific applications such as wound dressings, drug delivery systems, and nanoparticles. The authors may publish studies using the latest analytical methods such as chromatography (LC, GC, GPC) and spectroscopy (FTIR, NMR) as well as SEM, AFM, and others for the evaluation of polysaccharides e. g. in food, biomaterials, and drug delivery applications.

This special issue will be partly connected to the 17^th International Conference on Polysaccharides - Glycoscience (17^th ICPG) which will be held online from 11 to 12 November 2021 (https://www.polysaccharides.csch.cz/). The conference is focused on the production, modification, and structural characterisation of polysaccharides, their properties, biological activities, and applications.

The main topics are as follows.

Characterization and Analysis of Polysaccharides from Natural Sources
Physiological effects of natural polysaccharides
Production of polysaccharides and agricultural sources
Biodegradable plastics and other materials based on polysaccharides
Chemically modified polysaccharides
Resistant and slowly digestible starch
Polysaccharide nanoparticles

Dr. Roman Bleha
Dr. Seonghun Kim
Dr. Jacek Lewandowicz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4968 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Freeze Moisture Treatment and Ozonation of Adlay Starch (Coix lacryma-jobi): Effect on Functional, Pasting, and Physicochemical Properties

by Edy Subroto, Nisyrah Sitha, Fitry Filianty, Rossi Indiarto and Nandi Sukri

Polymers 2022, 14(18), 3854; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14183854 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1890

Abstract

Adlay starch has great potential as a cereal starch, but it has several weaknesses, namely a low swelling volume, low solubility, and low stability. The purpose of this study was to improve the characteristics of adlay starch, such as porosity, functional properties, and pasting properties, through starch modification using freeze moisture treatment (FMT) and ozonation. This study consisted of several treatments, namely FMT, ozonation, and a combination of FMT + ozonation. The results show that the FMT and ozonation generally increased water absorption capacity, swelling volume, solubility, and number of pores of the starch granule. The pasting properties showed an increase in the viscosity of the hot paste and caused a decrease in the gelatinization temperature, breakdown, and setback viscosity. FMT 70% + ozonation produced modified adlay starch with a porous granular surface, swelling volume value of 21.10 mL/g, water absorption capacity of 1.54 g/g, a solubility of 9.20%, and an increase in the amorphous structure but did not cause the emergence of new functional groups. The combination of FMT + ozonation was effective in improving the functional, pasting, and physicochemical properties of adlay starch. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides: From Basic Research to Advanced Applications)

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14 pages, 2496 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Colitic Effect of an Exopolysaccharide Fraction from Pediococcus pentosaceus KFT-18 on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis through Suppression of Inflammatory Mediators

by Jeong-Hun Lee, Kyung-Sook Chung, Ji-Sun Shin, Seang-Hwan Jung, Sangmin Lee, Myung-Ki Lee, Hee-Do Hong, Young Kyoung Rhee and Kyung-Tae Lee

Polymers 2022, 14(17), 3594; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173594 - 31 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1934

Abstract

We previously reported the immunostimulatory effect of an exopolysaccharide fraction from Pediococcus pentosaceus KFT18 (PE-EPS), a lactic acid bacterium, in macrophages and primary splenocytes, as well as in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. In this study, the anti-colitic activity of PE-EPS was investigated in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis animal model. PE-EPS relieved DSS-induced colitis symptoms, such as stool blood, decreased colon length, crypt disruption, and mucus layer edema. Regarding the molecular mechanism, PE-EPS reduced the enhanced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1) in the colon tissue of colitis-induced mice. Additionally, PE-EPS protected against DSS-induced phosphorylation of p65 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). These findings suggested that the exopolysaccharide fraction from Ped. pentosaceus KFT18 can be used to treat inflammatory bowel disease by alleviating colonic inflammation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides: From Basic Research to Advanced Applications)

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20 pages, 3355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Cell-Wall β-d-Glucan in Leaves of Oat (Avena sativa L.) Affected by Fungal Pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae

by Veronika Gregusová, Šarlota Kaňuková, Martina Hudcovicová, Katarína Bojnanská, Katarína Ondreičková, Beáta Piršelová, Patrik Mészáros, Libuša Lengyelová, Ľudmila Galuščáková, Veronika Kubová, Ildikó Matušíková, Daniel Mihálik, Ján Kraic and Michaela Havrlentová

Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3416; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163416 - 21 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2076

Abstract

In addition to the structural and storage functions of the (1,3; 1,4)-β-d-glucans (β-d-glucan), the possible protective role of this polymer under biotic stresses is still debated. The aim of this study was to contribute to this hypothesis by analyzing the β-d-glucans content, expression of related cellulose synthase-like (Csl) Cs1F6, CslF9, CslF3 genes, content of chlorophylls, and β-1,3-glucanase content in oat (Avena sativa L.) leaves infected with the commonly occurring oat fungal pathogen, Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae (B. graminis). Its presence influenced all measured parameters. The content of β-d-glucans in infected leaves decreased in all used varieties, compared to the non-infected plants, but not significantly. Oats reacted differently, with Aragon and Vaclav responding with overexpression, and Bay Yan 2, Ivory, and Racoon responding with the underexpression of these genes. Pathogens changed the relative ratios regarding the expression of CslF6, CslF9, and CslF3 genes from neutral to negative correlations. However, changes in the expression of these genes did not statistically significantly affect the content of β-d-glucans. A very slight indication of positive correlation, but statistically insignificant, was observed between the contents of β-d-glucans and chlorophylls. Some isoforms of β-1,3-glucanases accumulated to a several-times higher level in the infected leaves of all varieties. New isoforms of β-1,3-glucanases were also detected in infected leaves after fungal infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides: From Basic Research to Advanced Applications)

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15 pages, 2986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal and Rheological Properties of Gluten-Free, Starch-Based Model Systems Modified by Hydrocolloids

by Polona Megusar, David Stopar, Natasa Poklar Ulrih, Iztok Dogsa and Iztok Prislan

Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3242; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163242 - 9 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3292

Abstract

Obtaining good-quality gluten-free products represents a technological challenge; thus, it is important to understand how and why the addition of hydrocolloids influences the properties of starch-based products. To obtain insight into the physicochemical changes imparted by hydrocolloids on gluten-free dough, we prepared several suspensions with different corn starch/potato starch/hydroxpropyl methyl cellulose/xanthan gum/water ratios. Properties of the prepared samples were determined by differential scanning calorimetry and rheometry. Samples with different corn/potato starch ratios exhibited different thermal properties. Xanthan gum and HPMC (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) exhibited a strong influence on the rheological properties of the mixtures since they increased the viscosity and elasticity. HPMC and xanthan gum increased the temperature of starch gelatinization, as well as they increased the viscoelasticity of the starch model system. Although the two hydrocolloids affected the properties of starch mixtures in the same direction, the magnitude of their effects was different. Our results indicate that water availability, which plays a crucial role in the starch gelatinization process, could be modified by adding hydrocolloids such as, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and xanthan gum. By adding comparatively small amounts of the studied hydrocolloids to starch, one can achieve similar thermo-mechanical effects by the addition of gluten. Understanding these effects of hydrocolloids could contribute to the development of better quality gluten-free bread with optimized ingredient content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides: From Basic Research to Advanced Applications)

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16 pages, 1089 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polymer-Solvent Interactions in Modified Starches Pastes–Electrokinetic, Dynamic Light Scattering, Rheological and Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Approach

by Agnieszka Makowska, Krzysztof Dwiecki, Piotr Kubiak, Hanna Maria Baranowska and Grażyna Lewandowicz

Polymers 2022, 14(15), 2977; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14152977 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 1915

Abstract

Starch paste is a very complex dispersion that cannot be clearly classified as a solution, colloid or suspension and many factors affects its properties. As these ambiguities constitute a barrier to technological development, the aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of starch macromolecules with water by analysing the results of rheological properties, low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and ζ potential analyses. Starch pastes with a concentration of 1%, prepared with distilled water and buffered to pH values of 2.5, 7.0 and 9.5 were analysed. It was proved that the pH buffering substantially decreased the values of consistency index but the pH value itself was not significant. LF NMR studies indicated that the dissolution of starch in water resulted in a reduction in spin-lattice as well as spin-spin relaxation times. Moreover, changes in relaxation times followed the patterns observed in rheological studies. Electrokinetic and DLS analyses showed that potential values are primarily influenced by the properties of the starches themselves and, to a lesser extent, by the environmental conditions. The conducted research also showed complementarity and, to some extent, substitutability of the applied research methods as well as exclusion chromatography (a method not used in this work). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides: From Basic Research to Advanced Applications)

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21 pages, 10493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of an Active Dressing by In Situ Biosynthesis of a Bacterial Cellulose–Graphene Oxide Composite

by Tobiasz Gabryś, Beata Fryczkowska, Janusz Fabia and Dorota Biniaś

Polymers 2022, 14(14), 2864; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14142864 - 14 Jul 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2548

Abstract

This paper presents a simple method of obtaining a bacterial cellulose (BC) composite with the addition of graphene oxide (GO) using an in situ method and studies the influence of GO nanoparticles on the structure and properties of the obtained membranes. Microorganisms obtained from Golden Delicious apple vinegar were used to obtain the BC. During the biosynthesis, GO was introduced in the amounts of 3.7, 5.4 and 7.1% w/w. The resulting BC/GO composite was characterized by high water content (~400%), a thickness of about 1.1 mm (in wet form) and a cellulose nanofiber diameter of ~100 nm. The possibility of using the resulting composite membranes as potential active dressings with the sustained-release analgesic medicine—paracetamol—was investigated. The BC/GO composite membranes were characterized by a medicine sorption of 60 mg/g of BC, a slow desorption time, a constant medicine concentration over time and an 80% paracetamol release rate after 24 h. The morphology of membrane surfaces and cross-sections were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray structure studies (WAXS) as well as thermal analysis (TGA) demonstrated the presence of GO in the BC matrix and interactions between the matrix and the additive. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides: From Basic Research to Advanced Applications)

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16 pages, 3205 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Inflammatory and Pro-Regenerative Effects of Hyaluronan-Chitlac Mixture in Human Dermal Fibroblasts: A Skin Ageing Perspective

by Alice Donato, Elisa Belluzzi, Elena Mattiuzzo, Rina Venerando, Massimiliano Cadamuro, Pietro Ruggieri, Vincenzo Vindigni and Paola Brun

Polymers 2022, 14(9), 1817; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14091817 - 29 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2980

Abstract

Inflammation and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the structural and functional modifications leading to skin ageing. The reduction of inflammation, cellular oxidation and dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) alterations may prevent the ageing process. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of pro-inflammatory markers and ECM molecules in human dermal fibroblasts derived from young and middle-aged women and the effects of lactose-modified chitosan (Chitlac^®, CTL), alone or in combination with mid-MW hyaluronan (HA), using an in vitro model of inflammation. To assess the response of macrophage-induced inflamed dermal fibroblasts to HA and CTL, changes in cell viability, pro-inflammatory mediators, MMPs and ECM molecules expression and intracellular ROS generation are analysed at gene and protein levels. The expression of pro-inflammatory markers, galectins, MMP-3 and ECM molecules is age-related. CTL, HA and their combination counteracted the oxidative damage, stimulating the expression of ECM molecules, and, when added to inflamed cells, restored the baseline levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, GAL-1, GAL-3 and MMP-3. In conclusion, HA and CTL mixture attenuated the macrophage-induced inflammation, inhibited the MMP-3 expression, exhibited the anti-oxidative effects and exerted a pro-regenerative effect on ECM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides: From Basic Research to Advanced Applications)

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Review

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25 pages, 5296 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Mini Review of Physicochemical Properties of Starch and Flour by Using Hydrothermal Treatment

by Edy Subroto, Mahani, Rossi Indiarto, Vira Putri Yarlina and Afifah Nurul Izzati

Polymers 2022, 14(24), 5447; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14245447 - 13 Dec 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2821

Abstract

Starch and flour from various plants have been widely used for sundry applications, especially in the food and chemical industries. However, native starch and flour have several weaknesses, especially in functional, pasting, and physicochemical properties. The quality of native starch and flour can be improved by a modification process. The type of modification that is safe, easy, and efficient is physical modification using hydrothermal treatment techniques, including heat moisture treatment (HMT) and annealing (ANN). This review discusses the hydrothermal modifications of starch and flour, especially from various tubers and cereals. The discussion is mainly on its effect on five parameters, namely functional properties, morphology, pasting properties, crystallinity, and thermal properties. Modification of HMT and ANN, in general, can improve the functional properties, causing cracking of the granule surface, stable viscosity to heat, increasing crystallinity, and increasing gelatinization temperature. However, some modifications of starch and flour by HMT and ANN had no effect on several parameters or even had the opposite effect. The summary of the various studies reviewed can be a reference for the development of hydrothermal-modified starch and flour applications for various industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides: From Basic Research to Advanced Applications)

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26 pages, 2149 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Biomedical Application of Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels with a Focus on Drug Delivery Systems

by Bahareh Farasati Far, Mohammad Reza Naimi-Jamal, Maryam Safaei, Kimia Zarei, Marzieh Moradi and Hamed Yazdani Nezhad

Polymers 2022, 14(24), 5432; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14245432 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4132

Abstract

Over the last years of research on drug delivery systems (DDSs), natural polymer-based hydrogels have shown many scientific advances due to their intrinsic properties and a wide variety of potential applications. While drug efficacy and cytotoxicity play a key role, adopting a proper DDS is crucial to preserve the drug along the route of administration and possess desired therapeutic effect at the targeted site. Thus, drug delivery technology can be used to overcome the difficulties of maintaining drugs at a physiologically related serum concentration for prolonged periods. Due to their outstanding biocompatibility, polysaccharides have been thoroughly researched as a biological material for DDS advancement. To formulate a modified DDS, polysaccharides can cross-link with different molecules, resulting in hydrogels. According to our recent findings, targeted drug delivery at a certain spot occurs due to external stimulation such as temperature, pH, glucose, or light. As an adjustable biomedical device, the hydrogel has tremendous potential for nanotech applications in involved health areas such as pharmaceutical and biomedical engineering. An overview of hydrogel characteristics and functionalities is provided in this review. We focus on discussing the various kinds of hydrogel-based systems on their potential for effectively delivering drugs that are made of polysaccharides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides: From Basic Research to Advanced Applications)

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14 pages, 1476 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Fabrication of Alginate–Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Composites and Drug Release Profiles

by Svetlana Morozkina, Ulyana Strekalovskaya, Anna Vanina, Petr Snetkov, Alexander Krasichkov, Victoriya Polyakova and Mayya Uspenskaya

Polymers 2022, 14(17), 3604; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173604 - 1 Sep 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4533

Abstract

Recently, hydrogels based on natural water-soluble polysaccharides have attracted more and more attention due to their favorable characteristics. The high water-holding capacity, lack of toxicity, and biodegradability of such hydrogels make it possible to develop new materials on their basis for biotechnological, biomedical, pharmacological, and medical purposes. Sodium alginate is a non-toxic natural polysaccharide found in marine algae. It is capable of forming solid gels under the action of polyvalent cations that cross-link polysaccharide chains. Alginate-based products are popular in many industries, including food processing, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications. Cellulose is the most abundant, renewable, and natural polymer on Earth, and it is used for various industrial and biomedical applications. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is useful in pharmaceutical, food, and non-food industries such as tablets, ice cream, drinks, toothpaste, and detergents. In this review, various methods for the preparation of the compositions based on sodium alginate and CMC using different crosslinking agents have been collected for the first time. Additionally, the drug release profile from such polymer matrixes was analyzed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides: From Basic Research to Advanced Applications)

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