Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.7
4.6
Journals
Molecules
Special Issues
Polysaccharides and Their Biological Activities
molecules-logo
Submit to Molecules Review for Molecules Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Polysaccharides and Their Biological Activities

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 5985

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Natalia Nowacka-Jechalke

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodzki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
Interests: medicinal mushrooms; edible mushrooms; functional food; nutraceuticals; cancer chemoprevention; extraction; chromatography; capillary electrophoresis
Dr. Marta Olech

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodzki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
Interests: phytochemicals; natural product chemistry; chromatography; food chemistry; extraction; mass spectrometry; botany; analytical chemistry; antioxidant activity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the last decade, we have observed a growing amount of interest in natural polysaccharides with a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer potential.

Polysaccharides are widespread among plants, mushrooms, or algae as a storage material, components of cell membranes, and cell walls. These macromolecules have extremely multifaceted, complex, and diverse structures that affect their bioactivity. Therefore, different techniques are used for extraction, purification, and subsequent structural analysis of polysaccharides. Nonetheless, research teams are still facing the challenge of obtaining bioactive polysaccharides of high purity with maximum extraction yield.

Polysaccharides derived from different natural sources are attracting significant attention due to their high abundance, biodegradability, non-toxic nature, and biocompatibility. The discovery of novel biological activities of natural polysaccharides will potentially result in their wider and more efficient use in the fields of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional food industries.

The aim of this Special Issue it to share recent findings on biological activities and composition of natural polysaccharides, and especially the findings of research investigating their use for various pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Studies on crude polysaccharide fractions, isolated macromolecules, and the structure–activity relationship of polysaccharides are welcome. Both original research and review articles will be considered. 

Dr. Natalia Nowacka-Jechalke
Dr. Marta Olech
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. Molecules 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.

Keywords

  • mushroom polysaccharides
  • plant polysaccharides
  • algal polysaccharides
  • extraction techniques
  • separation methods
  • structural analysis
  • pharmaceutical applications
  • nutraceutical applications
  • immunomodulating activity
  • anticancer potential

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

20 pages, 5620 KiB  
Article
Study of the Structure and Bioactivity of Polysaccharides from Different Parts of Stemona tuberosa Lour
by Xiang Qiu, Yanghui Ou, Shengjia Lu, Yibin Liang, Yali Zhang, Mengjie Li, Gang Li, Hongwei Ma, Yanting Wu, Zhaoyu He, Zhensheng Zhang, Hongliang Yao and Wen-Hua Chen
Molecules 2024, 29(6), 1347; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29061347 - 18 Mar 2024
Viewed by 487
Abstract
The polysaccharides from Stemona tuberosa Lour, a kind of plant used in Chinese herbal medicine, have various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the effects of the extraction methods and the activity of polysaccharides from different parts are still unknown. [...] Read more.
The polysaccharides from Stemona tuberosa Lour, a kind of plant used in Chinese herbal medicine, have various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the effects of the extraction methods and the activity of polysaccharides from different parts are still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different extraction methods on the yields, chemical compositions, and bioactivity of polysaccharides extracted from different parts of Stemona tuberosa Lour. Six polysaccharides were extracted from the leaves, roots, and stems of Stemona tuberosa Lour through the use of hot water (i.e., SPS-L1, SPS-R1, and SPS-S1) and an ultrasound-assisted method (i.e., SPS-L2, SPS-R2, and SPS-S2). The results showed that the physicochemical properties, structural properties, and biological activity of the polysaccharides varied with the extraction methods and parts. SPS-R1 and SPS-R2 had higher extraction yields and total sugar contents than those of the other SPSs (SPS-L1, SPS-L2, SPS-S1, and SPS-S2). SPS-L1 had favorable antioxidant activity and the ability to downregulate MUC5AC expression. An investigation of the anti-inflammatory properties showed that SPS-R1 and SPS-R2 had greater anti-inflammatory activities, while SPS-R2 demonstrated the strongest anti-inflammatory potential. The results of this study indicated that SPS-L1 and SPS-L2, which were extracted from non-medicinal parts, may serve as potent natural antioxidants, but further study is necessary to explore their potential applications in the treatment of diseases. The positive anti-inflammatory effects of SPS-R1 and SPS-R2 in the roots may be further exploited in drugs for the treatment of inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides and Their Biological Activities)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3850 KiB  
Article
Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide Converts M2 into M1 Subtype Macrophage Polarization via the STAT6/PPAR-r and JAGGED1/NOTCH1 Signaling Pathways to Inhibit Gastric Cancer
by Yi Zhao, Xuefeng Lu, Hongxia Huang, Yao Yao, Hongning Liu and Youzhi Sun
Molecules 2023, 28(20), 7062; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28207062 - 12 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1266
Abstract
Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) has shown various biological activities. However, the ability of DOP to participate in immune regulation during anti-gastric cancer treatment has remained unclear. In this study, the in vitro results showed that DOP has the potential to polarize THP-1 macrophages [...] Read more.
Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) has shown various biological activities. However, the ability of DOP to participate in immune regulation during anti-gastric cancer treatment has remained unclear. In this study, the in vitro results showed that DOP has the potential to polarize THP-1 macrophages from the M2 to the M1 phenotype, downregulate the STAT6/PPAR-r signaling pathway and the protein expression of their down-targeted ARG1 and TGM2, and further decrease the main protein and mRNA expression in the JAGGED1/NOTCH1 signaling pathway. DOP suppressed the migration of gastric cancer cells by decreasing the protein expression of N-cadherin and Vimentin and increasing E-cadherin. In addition, CM-DOP promoted the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by upregulating Caspase-3 and increasing the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. In vivo, DOP effectively inhibited the growth of tumors and the expression of Ki-67. In summary, these findings demonstrated that DOP converted the polarization of M2 subtype macrophages into M1 subtypes via the STAT6/PPAR-r and JAGGED1/NOTCH1 signaling pathways in order to reduce apoptosis and prevent migration, thus indicating the potential of DOP as an adjuvant tumor therapy in preclinical and clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides and Their Biological Activities)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 2667 KiB  
Article
In Vivo Zymosan Treatment Induces IL15-Secreting Macrophages and KLRG1-Expressing NK Cells in Mice
by Hyun Jung Park, Sung Won Lee, Yun Hoo Park, Tae-Cheol Kim, Sujin Lee, Seyeong Lee, Luc Van Kaer and Seokmann Hong
Molecules 2023, 28(15), 5779; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28155779 - 31 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1198
Abstract
Beta-glucan (β-glucan) is a natural polysaccharide produced by fungi, bacteria, and plants. Although it has been reported that β-glucan enhances innate immune memory responses, it is unclear whether different types of β-glucans display similar immune effects. To address this issue, we employed zymosan [...] Read more.
Beta-glucan (β-glucan) is a natural polysaccharide produced by fungi, bacteria, and plants. Although it has been reported that β-glucan enhances innate immune memory responses, it is unclear whether different types of β-glucans display similar immune effects. To address this issue, we employed zymosan (β-1,3-glycosidic linkage) and pustulan (β-1,6-glycosidic linkage) to investigate their in vivo effects on innate memory immune responses. We examined the changes of innate memory-related markers in macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, two immune cell types that display innate memory characteristics, at two different time points (16 h and 7 days) after β-glucan stimulation. We found that short-term (16 h) zymosan treatment significantly induced macrophages to upregulate IL15 production and increased surface IL15Rα expression on NK cells. In addition, long-term (7 days) zymosan treatment significantly induced macrophages to upregulate the expression of innate memory-related markers (e.g., TNFα, HIF1α, and mTOR) and induced NK cells to express enhanced levels of KLRG1, known as an innate memory-like marker. Our results provide support that zymosan can be an effective adjuvant to promote innate memory immune responses, providing a bridge between innate and adaptive immune cells to enhance various immune responses such as those directed against tumors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides and Their Biological Activities)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3856 KiB  
Article
Biotech Application of Exopolysaccharides from Curvularia brachyspora: Optimization of Production, Structural Characterization, and Biological Activity
by Rafael Andrade Menolli, Fernando Henrique Galvão Tessaro, Alex Evangelista do Amaral, Renan Henrique de Melo, Jean Felipe dos Santos, Marcello Iacomini, Fhernanda Ribeiro Smiderle and Rosiane Guetter Mello
Molecules 2023, 28(11), 4356; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28114356 - 26 May 2023
Viewed by 959
Abstract
C. brachyspora, a widespread dematiaceous fungus, was evaluated in this study to optimize the production of exopolysaccharides (CB-EPS). Optimization was performed using response surface methodology, and the best production yielded 75.05% of total sugar at pH 7.4, with 0.1% urea, after 197 [...] Read more.
C. brachyspora, a widespread dematiaceous fungus, was evaluated in this study to optimize the production of exopolysaccharides (CB-EPS). Optimization was performed using response surface methodology, and the best production yielded 75.05% of total sugar at pH 7.4, with 0.1% urea, after 197 h. The obtained CB-EPS showed typical signals of polysaccharides, which was confirmed by FT-IR and NMR. The HPSEC analysis indicated a polydisperse polymer, showing a non-uniform peak, with an average molar mass (Mw) of 24,470 g/mol. The major monosaccharide was glucose (63.9 Mol%), followed by mannose (19.7 Mol%), and galactose (16.4 Mol%). Methylation analysis encountered derivatives that indicated the presence of a β-d-glucan and a highly branched glucogalactomannan. CB-EPS was tested on murine macrophages to verify its immunoactivity, and the treated cells were able to produce TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10. However, the cells did not produce superoxide anions or nitric oxide nor stimulated phagocytosis. The results demonstrated an indirect antimicrobial activity of macrophages by stimulating cytokines, showing another biotech applicability for the exopolysaccharides produced by C. brachyspora. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides and Their Biological Activities)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3721 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Neurotrophic Properties and Structural Characterization of a New Polysaccharide LTC-1 from Pyrola corbieri Levl (Luticao)
by Liangqun Li, Kangkang Yu, Zhengchang Mo, Keling Yang, Fuxue Chen and Juan Yang
Molecules 2023, 28(4), 1544; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041544 - 06 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1292
Abstract
Pyrola corbieri Levl has been used to strengthen bones and nourish the kidney (the kidney governs the bone and is beneficial to the brain) by the local Miao people in China. However, the functional components and neurotrophic activity have not been reported. A [...] Read more.
Pyrola corbieri Levl has been used to strengthen bones and nourish the kidney (the kidney governs the bone and is beneficial to the brain) by the local Miao people in China. However, the functional components and neurotrophic activity have not been reported. A new acidic homogeneous heteropolysaccharide named LTC-1 was obtained and characterized by periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, partial acid hydrolysis, GC–MS spectrometry, methylation analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and its molecular weight was 3239 Da. The content of mannuronic acid (Man A) in LTC-1 was 46%, and the neutral sugar was composed of L-rhamnose (L-Rha), L-arabinose (L-Ara), D-xylose (D-Xyl), D-mannose (D-Man), D-glucose (D-Glc) and D-galactose (D-Gal) with a molar ratio of 1.00:3.63:0.86:1.30:6.97:1.30. The main chain of LTC-1 was composed of Glc, Gal, Man, Man A and the branched chain Ara, Glc, Gal. The terminal residues were composed of Glc and Gal. The main chain and branched chains were linked by (1→5)-linked-Ara, (1→3)-linked-Glc, (1→4)-linked-Glc, (1→6)-linked-Glc, (1→3)-linked-Gal, (1→6)-linked-Gal, (1→3, 6)-linked-Man and ManA. Meanwhile, neurotrophic activity was evaluated through PC12 and primary hippocampal neuronal cell models. LTC-1 exhibited neurotrophic activity in a concentration-dependent manner, which significantly induced the differentiation of PC12 cells, promoted the neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells, enhanced the formation of the web architecture of dendrites, and increased the density of dendritic spines in hippocampal neurons and the expression of PSD-95. These results displayed significant neurotrophic factor-like activity of LTC-1, which suggests that LTC-1 is a potential treatment option for neurodegenerative diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polysaccharides and Their Biological Activities)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop