Bioactive Polysaccharides

Editor

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

For many decades already, polysaccharides have fascinated scientists from all over the world. In the biopolymers family, polysaccharides are without a doubt the most complex and varied biomolecules from a structural and application point of view. In fact, as largely described, depending on biotope (microbial, plant, animal, macro-, and microalgal), polysaccharides can be described as high-molecular-weight (HMW) or low-molecular-weight (LMW) linear and/or substituted and/or branched polymers. Therefore, due to this high structural diversity, it is important to study the biological properties of polysaccharides from many existing and unexplored biotopes in a relationship between chemical structure and biological function in order to discover new pharmaceutical biobased molecules.

This first topical collection of Polysaccharides aims to explore all bioactive potentialities of characterized polysaccharides and derivatives extracted from all existing biotopes and biomasses from plants, animals, microbials/bacterials, and macro- and microalgals.

Consequently, as Collection Editor, I invite all scientists working on polysaccharides to contribute to this Polysaccharides collection on “Bioactives Polysaccharides” by submitting original research and review articles describing structural and bioactives polysaccharides and derivatives (hydrogels, grafting polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, etc.) from physico-chemical and/or enzymatical processes. In this topical collection, articles on polysaccharides’ biological mechanism of action are mostly welcome.

Dr. Cédric Delattre
Collection Editor

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 collection 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. Polysaccharides is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1000 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.

Keywords

  • polysaccharides
  • oligosaccharides
  • physico-chemical characterization
  • biological activities
  • biomaterial
  • hydrogel
  • polysaccharides-based material
  • macro- and microalgae
  • plant
  • bacterial

Published Papers (9 papers)

2024

Jump to: 2023, 2021

18 pages, 3359 KiB  
Article
Development of a Dual-Stage CIM® CDI Reactor with Immobilized Glucuronan Lyases and Laccases for Sustainable Synthesis of Antioxidant Phenolized Oligoglucuronan
by Xiaoyang Hou, Pascal Dubessay, Gwendoline Christophe, Nicolas Bridiau, Pierre-Edouard Bodet, Mounir Traikia, Mugilan Damadoran Raja, Thierry Maugard, Aleš Štrancar, Fabrice Audonnet, Philippe Michaud and Guillaume Pierre
Polysaccharides 2024, 5(4), 743-760; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides5040047 - 15 Nov 2024
Viewed by 408
Abstract
Immobilized enzyme reactors (IMERs) are critical tools for developing novel oligosaccharides based on the enzymatic catalysis of polysaccharides. In this paper, a novel glucuronan lyase from Peteryoungia rosettiformans was produced, purified, and then immobilized on a CIM® CDI disk for cleaving glucuronan. [...] Read more.
Immobilized enzyme reactors (IMERs) are critical tools for developing novel oligosaccharides based on the enzymatic catalysis of polysaccharides. In this paper, a novel glucuronan lyase from Peteryoungia rosettiformans was produced, purified, and then immobilized on a CIM® CDI disk for cleaving glucuronan. The results showed that around 63.6% of glycuronan lyases (800.9 μg) were immobilized on the disk. The Vmax values of immobilized glucuronan lyases did not significantly change (56.9 ± 4.7 μM∙min−1), while the Km values (0.310 ± 0.075 g∙L−1) increased by 2.5 times. It is worth noting that immobilized glucuronan lyases overcame the catalytic inhibition of free enzymes observed under high glucuronan concentrations (0.5–2 g∙L−1). circumscribed central composite design (CCCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) showed that glucuronan concentration, flow rate, and reaction time significantly affected the yield of oligoglucuronans. The degree of polymerization (DP) of degraded glucuronan ranged from DP 2–8 according to the results obtained by high performance anion exchange chromatography coupled with a pulsed amperometric detector (HPAEC-PAD). The IMER retained 50.9% activity after running 2373 column volumes of glucuronan. Finally, this glucuronan lyase reactor was tentatively connected to an immobilized laccase reactor to depolymerize, and gallic acid (GA) was added to glucuronan. Approximately 8.5 mg of GA was added onto 1 g of initial glucuronan, and the GA–oligoglucuronan conjugates showed notable antioxidant activity. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1701 KiB  
Review
Fenugreek Galactomannan and Its Versatile Applications
by Vanya Nalbantova, Niko Benbassat and Cédric Delattre
Polysaccharides 2024, 5(3), 478-492; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides5030030 - 6 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1257
Abstract
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual, dicotyledonous medicinal plant which belongs to the Leguminosae family, and its leaves and seeds are widely used and cultivated throughout the world. Their widespread utilization is attributed to the great variety of primary and secondary [...] Read more.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an annual, dicotyledonous medicinal plant which belongs to the Leguminosae family, and its leaves and seeds are widely used and cultivated throughout the world. Their widespread utilization is attributed to the great variety of primary and secondary metabolites they contain, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, steroidal saponins, tannins, as well as carbohydrates, in particular galactomannan, which is the focus of the current study. The presence of an equal number of galactose and mannose residues (Gal/Man ratio of 1:1) prevents the formation of hydrogen bonds between the mannose ones. This determines the good solubility of fenugreek galactomannan in cold water, even at low concentrations. The water solubility would be significantly better than that of carob and even slightly higher than that of guar gum, precisely due to their structural characteristics, which contribute to their possible advantages. Moreover, it is a good alternative as an excipient for the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms, as well as in the preparation of food products, affecting not only their structure but also their shelf life. Furthermore, it has promising applications not only in the fields of medicine and pharmaceutics but also offers environmental benefits. All of the above-mentioned factors are of high interest and qualify fenugreek galactomannan as a versatile polysaccharide, which is the reason for summarizing its benefits in this review. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 3857 KiB  
Article
Isolation and Characterization of β-Glucan Containing Polysaccharides from Monascus spp. Using Saccharina japonica as Submerged Fermented Substrate
by Sharmin Suraiya, Won Je Jang, Monjurul Haq and In-Soo Kong
Polysaccharides 2024, 5(3), 435-449; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides5030027 - 31 Aug 2024
Viewed by 994
Abstract
Beta-glucan (β-glucan), a naturally occurring complex polysaccharide, has drawn attention for its diverse health benefits, including immune system modulation. β-glucan was extracted from two fungi, Monascus purpureus (Mp) and Monascus kaoliang (Mk), cultured in Saccharina japonica via submerged fermentation. The yield, solubility, total [...] Read more.
Beta-glucan (β-glucan), a naturally occurring complex polysaccharide, has drawn attention for its diverse health benefits, including immune system modulation. β-glucan was extracted from two fungi, Monascus purpureus (Mp) and Monascus kaoliang (Mk), cultured in Saccharina japonica via submerged fermentation. The yield, solubility, total sugar, reducing sugar, protein content, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), in vitro free radical scavenging activity, and cytotoxicity were analyzed. A significant yield of β-glucans, with the contents of 51.30 ± 1.54% in Mp and 44.24 ± 1.18% in Mk was observed on a dry weight basis. Water solubility slightly varied, measuring 36.25 ± 1.14% in Mp and 31.25 ± 0.94% in Mk. Total sugar and reducing sugar content in Mp and Mk derived β-glucans were 114.75 ± 2.54 mg/g and 100.25 ± 1.86 mg/g, 7.38 ± 0.78 mg/g, and 8.39 ± 0.46 mg/g, respectively. FTIR spectra resembled the standard, and TGA confirmed heat stability. XRD patterns indicated that the extracted β-glucans, including the standard one, showed the most prominent diffraction peaks in the lower 2θ range, suggesting similar crystalline phases; however, they differed in crystallinity and degree of amorphous content. SEM images displayed characteristic rough and fibrous shapes and surfaces for extracted β-glucans but it was uniform and of a regular shape in the standard sample. The isolated β-glucans exhibited in vitro free radical scavenging and no cytotoxicity was observed in the MTS assay. Therefore, utilizing S. japonica as a substrate in the fermentation process by Monascus spp. presents a unique opportunity in the production and utilization of β-glucans. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 659 KiB  
Review
The Glucans Mushrooms: Molecules of Significant Biological and Medicinal Value
by Giancarlo Angeles Flores, Gaia Cusumano, Roberto Venanzoni and Paola Angelini
Polysaccharides 2024, 5(3), 212-224; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides5030016 - 6 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1396
Abstract
Mushroom polysaccharides, key components of fungal cell walls, exhibit various biological properties and hold significant medicinal and industrial value. These polysaccharides are known for their medicinal properties like antitumor, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and antiviral properties. Mushroom polysaccharides, particularly β-glucans, α-glucans, and chitin, have [...] Read more.
Mushroom polysaccharides, key components of fungal cell walls, exhibit various biological properties and hold significant medicinal and industrial value. These polysaccharides are known for their medicinal properties like antitumor, antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, and antiviral properties. Mushroom polysaccharides, particularly β-glucans, α-glucans, and chitin, have been associated with various health benefits. β-glucans are well studied for their bioactivities, while α-glucans and chitin have gained attention for their prebiotic, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. The therapeutic effects of these polysaccharides are closely linked to their chemical structures, including molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic bond types. This work aims to review the studies on mushroom polysaccharides, with a particular focus on their structural composition to deepen medicinal properties of mushroom polysaccharides. Also, the extraction methods and the pharmaceutical application of polysaccharides will be revised in this work. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

2023

Jump to: 2024, 2021

14 pages, 22559 KiB  
Article
Encapsulation of Allergens into Core–Shell Chitosan Microparticles for Allergen-Specific Subcutaneous Immunotherapy
by Mariya Konovalova, Elena Kashirina, Kseniya Beltsova, Olga Kotsareva, Gulnar Fattakhova and Elena Svirshchevskaya
Polysaccharides 2023, 4(2), 142-155; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides4020011 - 15 May 2023
Viewed by 1951
Abstract
IgE-mediated allergic reaction occurs in response to harmless environmental compounds, such as tree and grass pollen, fragments of household microorganisms, etc. To date, the only way to treat IgE-mediated allergy is allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), which consists of a prolonged subcutaneous administration of allergen [...] Read more.
IgE-mediated allergic reaction occurs in response to harmless environmental compounds, such as tree and grass pollen, fragments of household microorganisms, etc. To date, the only way to treat IgE-mediated allergy is allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT), which consists of a prolonged subcutaneous administration of allergen extracts or recombinant proteins. The long duration of the treatment, the cost and the risk of life-threatening adverse reactions are the main limiting factors for ASIT. The aim of this work was to develop allergen proteins encapsulated in chitosan-based microparticles that can be safely administered at high doses and in a rash protocol. The egg white allergen, Gal d 1 protein, was used as a model antigen. The protein was packed into core–shell type microparticles (MPs), in which the core was formed with succinyl chitosan conjugated to Gal d 1, subsequently coated with a shell formed by quaternized chitosan. The obtained core–shell MPs containing Gal d 1 in the core (Gal-MPs) were non-toxic to macrophage and fibroblast cell lines. At the same time, Gal-MPs were quickly engulfed by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells or RAW264.7 macrophage cells, as was visualized using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Encapsulated Gal d 1 was not recognized by Gal d 1-specific IgE in ELISA. Female BALB/c mice were immunized with Gal-MPs subcutaneously three times a week for 2 weeks. Immunization of mice resulted in IgG titers 1250 ± 200 without IgE production. Allergy in control and vaccinated mice was induced by low-dose Gal d 1 injections in the withers of mice. IgE was induced in control-sensitized but not in the vaccinated mice. Thus, preventive vaccination with the encapsulated allergens is safe and rapid; it significantly reduces the risk of IgE production induced by respiratory and oral allergens. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

2021

Jump to: 2024, 2023

16 pages, 4128 KiB  
Article
Immunomodulatory and Antiviral Effects of Macroalgae Sulphated Polysaccharides: Case Studies Extend Knowledge on Their Importance in Enhancing Shellfish Health, and the Control of a Global Viral Pathogen Ostreid Herpesvirus-1 microVar
by Sharon A. Lynch, Rachel Breslin, Babette Bookelaar, Tawut Rudtanatip, Kanokpan Wongprasert and Sarah C. Culloty
Polysaccharides 2021, 2(2), 202-217; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides2020014 - 1 Apr 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3239
Abstract
Macroalgae are the primary source of non-animal sulphated polysaccharides (SPs) in the marine environment with fucoidans derived from brown algae (Phaeophyta) and carrageenans from red algae (Rhodophyta). Much research has been carried out on SP effects on Asian shrimp species (genera Penaeus and [...] Read more.
Macroalgae are the primary source of non-animal sulphated polysaccharides (SPs) in the marine environment with fucoidans derived from brown algae (Phaeophyta) and carrageenans from red algae (Rhodophyta). Much research has been carried out on SP effects on Asian shrimp species (genera Penaeus and Metapenaeus) but their effect on commercially important bivalve mollusc species is limited and in Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas is unknown. Knowledge of their impact on bivalve pathogens and Palaemon shrimp is unknown. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of Fucus vesiculosus (Phaeophyta), Mastocarpus stellatus (Rhodophyta) and algal derivatives (fucoidan and κ-carrageenan) on C. gigas performance, and on ostreid herpesvirus-1 microvar (OsHV-1 μVar) and bacteria Vibrio spp. development. Both pathogens have been associated with significant oyster mortalities and economic losses globally. The effects of sulphated galactan from Gracilaria fisheri (Rhodophyta) on European common prawn Palaemon serratus, an important fishery species, was also assessed. Findings indicate a rapid and prolonged increase in total blood cell count, lysozyme (enzyme that destroys pathogens), and a difference in the ratio of blood cell types in treated individuals compared to their control counterparts. A significantly lower OsHV-1 μVar prevalence was observed in treated oysters and κ-carrageenan was found to suppress viral replication (loads), while OsHV-1 μVar was not detected in the fucoidan treated oysters from Day 8 of the 26-day trial. No antibacterial effect was observed however, the oysters did not succumb to vibriosis. These findings contribute further knowledge to macroalgae sulphated polysaccharide biotherapeutic properties, their twofold effect on animal health and viral suppression. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5689 KiB  
Article
Novel Capsular Polysaccharide from Lobochlamys segnis
by Gino Schiano di Visconte, Michael J. Allen and Andrew Spicer
Polysaccharides 2021, 2(1), 121-137; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides2010009 - 3 Mar 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3350
Abstract
In recent years there has been a significant effort from food, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries to discover and develop new natural ingredients. Microalgae have been recognised as potential sources of high value chemicals, with most attention focused upon antioxidants, pigments, and [...] Read more.
In recent years there has been a significant effort from food, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries to discover and develop new natural ingredients. Microalgae have been recognised as potential sources of high value chemicals, with most attention focused upon antioxidants, pigments, and specialty oils. An under-exploited group of biochemicals produced by microalgae are extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Lobochlamys segnis (formerly called Chlamydomonas segnis) was previously reported to produce a large amount of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) closely related to hyaluronan (HA) under stress conditions. In this work, the purified CPS was characterised and shown to have an average molecular mass (Mn) of about 3.7 MDa, and displayed a highly branched random coil structure unlike the simple repeating linear HA polysaccharide. Chemical analysis showed the presence of galactose, glucuronic acid, and glucose sugars confirming that the product has a different composition to that of HA. Mixotrophic growth and stress conditions were identified and improved upon with a pH control system using acetic acid solution to induce efficient production of CPS. Extraction and purification conditions were also identified exploiting the high Mn of the product. The CPS showed thickening properties and both significant antioxidant capacity and reducing power, which could have commercial applications. This is the first report on the characterization of this novel polysaccharide with non-Newtonian properties similar to HA. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 560 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Inulin on the Physical and Textural Properties of Biscuits Containing Jet Milled Barley Flour
by Antonios Drakos, Elpida Tsakiroglou, Vasiliki Evageliou and Ioanna Mandala
Polysaccharides 2021, 2(1), 39-46; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides2010003 - 19 Jan 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2517
Abstract
The quality properties of biscuits with partial replacement of sugar by inulin (at 0, 10, 20 and 30%) and wheat flour by barley flour (at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%) were studied. A commercial and a jet milled finer barley flour were [...] Read more.
The quality properties of biscuits with partial replacement of sugar by inulin (at 0, 10, 20 and 30%) and wheat flour by barley flour (at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%) were studied. A commercial and a jet milled finer barley flour were used. For all flour substitutions, elevated amounts of inulin led to increased weight and decreased spread ratio of the biscuits. Inulin biscuits, within the same flour composition, were softer than those with no inulin but inulin’s concentration was not statistically important. The incorporation of barley flour resulted in reduced lightness, more evident in the case of the finer barley flour. Inulin also affected the lightness of the biscuits. Phenolic content was affected by the presence of barley flour but no clear trend of inulin’s effect was detected. The interactions between barley substitution, inulin substitution and particle size of the barley flour were important for all studied properties, i.e., weight, spread ratio, hardness, total phenolic content and color. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1061 KiB  
Review
Are Structurally Modified Galactomannan Derivatives Biologically Active?
by Maurycyo Silva Geronço, Igor Frederico da Silveira Ramos, Edson Cavalcanti da Silva Filho, Márcia dos Santos Rizzo, Alessandra Braga Ribeiro and Marcilia Pinheiro da Costa
Polysaccharides 2021, 2(1), 1-15; https://doi.org/10.3390/polysaccharides2010001 - 8 Jan 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3582
Abstract
Galactomannans are versatile macromolecules with broad industrial potential. The influence of changes in the chemical structures and respective bioactivities of these polysaccharides have been extensively studied. The derivatives obtained by sulfation, complexation, and phosphorylation are the most studied biological properties in galactomannans. The [...] Read more.
Galactomannans are versatile macromolecules with broad industrial potential. The influence of changes in the chemical structures and respective bioactivities of these polysaccharides have been extensively studied. The derivatives obtained by sulfation, complexation, and phosphorylation are the most studied biological properties in galactomannans. The derivatives obtained have shown several pharmacological activities such as antiviral, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, chemopreventive, anticancer, antioxidant, chondroprotective, analgesic, immunomodulatory, and antileishmanial. Considering the relevance of these studies, we aim to provide an overview of studies that apply galactomannan modification or derivatization strategies to improve their properties for applications in the biomedical area. We identified the success of most modified galactomannans for pharmacological purposes. However, some studies found loss of bioactivity of the original polysaccharide after chemical changes to its original structures. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop