Synthesis and in vitro studies of doxorubicin-Cu prodrug and glucose oxidase co-encapsulated oxidized hyaluronic acid/carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogels on breast cancer cell line 4T1
Breast cancer is one of the most life-threatening malignancies worldwide, and the chemotherapy of breast cancer is often hindered by drug resistance and systemic toxicity. Developing safer and more efficient multi-therapy strategies is therefore urgently needed. Doxorubicin (DOX) is first combined with Cu through coordination bonds, and the resulting DOX-Cu prodrug is then co-encapsulated with glucose oxidase (GOx) in the oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA)/carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) hydrogels cross-linked through the Schiff base reaction. The weakly acidic environment of tumor cells can cause the degradation of the hydrogels and the dissociation of the DOX-Cu complex, resulting in the release of DOX for chemotherapy. The released Cu can be reduced to Cu by glutathione (GSH), and the Cu can participate in the Fenton-like reaction with the overexpressed HO in tumor cells to produce hydroxyl radicals (·OH) for chemodynamic therapy (CDT). During the degradation of the hydrogels, the GOx is also released, which can deplete the glucose in tumor cells for starvation therapy; meanwhile, the HO generated during the GOx-catalyzed oxidation of glucose can in turn participate in the Fenton-like reaction with Cu to enhance CDT. The results of cytotoxicity assay indicate that the OHA/CMCS hydrogels have good biocompatibility, while the DOX-Cu and GOx co-encapsulated hydrogels (OHA/CMCS/DOX-Cu/GOx) display significant cytotoxicity due to the multi-therapy synergies of chemotherapy, enhanced CDT and starvation therapy.
Structural diversity of the OPSs isolated from the LPSs of the plant pathogenic bacteria Pectobacterium parmentieri IFB5441 and IFB5533
Pectobacterium parmentieri is a pectinolytic pathogenic bacterium causing high economic losses in plant crops. Lipopolysaccharide is one of the bacterial virulence factors that play an important role in plant colonisation and interaction with host defence systems. The chemical structure of an O-polysaccharide isolated from the lipopolysaccharide of the P. parmentieri IFB5441 was determined using NMR spectroscopy and chemical methods. The repeating unit of the O-polysaccharide was composed of three galactose residues and one residue of 5,7-diamino-3,5,7,9-tetradeoxy-l-glycero-l-manno-non-2-ulosonic acid: The chemical structure of the repeating unit of the O-polysaccharide isolated from the P. parmentieri IFB5533 was also determined revealing the presence of galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylmannosamine.
Structure and gene cluster of the capsular polysaccharide produced by Acinetobacter baumannii K111
Structure of the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) from A. baumannii MAR21-2688 strain (classified as KL111 type) was established using H and C NMR spectroscopy, including two-dimensional homonuclear Н,Н COSY, TOCSY, ROESY and heteronuclear Н,C HSQC and HMBC experiments and chemical methods including component analyses and Smith degradation. The following structure of the branched hexasaccharide repeating K-unit was established: Functions of genes in the K locus of A. baumannii K111 were assigned by a comparison with sequences in the available databases and found to be in agreement with the CPS structure.
Yam polysaccharide extraction, purification, structural features, and biological properties: A review
Yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) is a widely used culinary and medicinal plant rhizome with a long application history. The polysaccharides in yam are important bioactive components. As a natural polysaccharide, yam polysaccharides exhibit strong advantages in terms of physicochemical properties, biological activity, and structural plasticity, making them a research hotspot in the fields of biomedicine and functional foods. However, systematic studies on the stable extraction, structural analysis, modification techniques, and structure-activity relationships of Chinese yam polysaccharide (CYP) remain limited. This review summarizes 124 research publications on CYP over the past 40 years, providing a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the extraction, separation, purification, characterization methods, structural modification, bioactivities, and applications of CYP. It is evident that CYP exhibits diverse biological activities due to its unique structural features, showing broad application potential in the fields of functional foods and pharmaceuticals. However, the structural complexity of CYP, including the variety of glycosidic bonds, differences in molecular weight, and branching structures, poses challenges for in-depth research. Future studies should focus on elucidating the structure-activity relationships, exploring the underlying mechanisms of action, and thereby fully leveraging the natural health benefits of CYP to promote innovation and industrial upgrading in related fields. In conclusion, this systematic review provides scientific guidance for further research and development of Chinese yam polysaccharide.
Unexpected formation of furanose form during deacetylation of pyranose glyco-oxazolines
We have found that the deacetylation of O-acetylated pyranose glyco-oxazoline, derived from N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, using MeONa or other bases (EtN, KCO) in MeOH, selectively gives the expected pyranose triol at 20 °C. In contrast, at 60 °C, a previously unknown, thermodynamically favored furanose isomer of the glyco-oxazoline triol is formed. Isomeric O-acetylated pyranose glyco-oxazolines, derived from N-acetyl-d-galactosamine or N-acetyl-d-mannosamine, also afford furanose isomers of the corresponding glyco-oxazoline triols upon treatment with MeONa in MeOH at 60 °C. The obtained unprotected furanose glyco-oxazoline with gluco-configuration was transformed into O-acetylated furanose gluco-oxazoline. The ability to prepare (un)protected furanose glyco-oxazolines opens a novel pathway to the underexplored furanose forms of glyco-oxazolines bearing various O-protective groups.
Modeling highly sulfated infernan
Sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a large family of linear and highly negatively charged polysaccharides with many roles in tissue structure and physiology. Interest in glycosaminoglycans and molecules with mimetic properties has led to the discovery of a number of exopolysaccharides (EPS), such as the highly sulfated infernan (Inf). Understanding of the bioactivity of these molecules depends on their structural features. Here, we constructed and simulated a model of Inf, aiming to characterize its molecular properties. We observed increased intramolecular interactions as additional repeating units were added to the model, alongside folding of the structure. The branched structure and high sulfation also lead to a more pronounced polarization around the molecule in comparison to linear sulfated glycosaminoglycans. The findings demonstrate the unique properties of Inf and provide a rationale for understanding its bioactivity.
Recent advances in glyco-nanoparticles for probing the glyco-codes of cancer
Aberrant glycosylation is a hallmark of cancer, producing tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) and altering cell-surface interactions that reshape adhesion, signaling, and immune recognition. These altered glycans, collectively referred to as the "cancer glyco-code", represent unique glycan expression patterns that create actionable targets for diagnosis and therapy. The glycan-binding proteins that recognize and interpret these structures, termed the "readers" of the glyco-code, include lectin families such as Siglecs, galectins, selectins, and cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44). Glyco-nanoparticles (GlycoNPs) are inspired by glyco-code and designed to probe these readers by multivalently presenting tumor-relevant glycans on engineered cores (gold, iron oxide, polymers), thereby boosting avidity and selectivity in cancer targeting. This review distills design principles for GlycoNPs' core selection, conjugation chemistry, glycan density/orientation, and multivalency control, and reviews applications in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), high-throughput glycan binding screens, and targeted drug delivery. We highlight immune-modulatory strategies (e.g., Siglec decoying, galectin blockade, and glycan-guided macrophage reprogramming) that position GlycoNPs as "glycan immune checkpoints." We also examine translational bottlenecks: inter- and intra-tumoral glycan heterogeneity; manufacturing reproducibility (density/orientation/valency); colloidal and biological stability; pharmacokinetics; and regulatory expectations for characterization and immunogenicity. Finally, we outline emerging applications that may accelerate bench-to-bedside translation. Overall, GlycoNPs offer a modular, multiplexable path to precision oncology, enabling reader-guided tumor profiling, imaging, and intervention through the language of glycans.
Non-leaching cationic nanofibers from chitosan-g-PCL copolymer: A structurally durable platform for biomedical applications
The possible leaching of chitosan (CS), which could result in a loss of bioactivity and structural instability, is a significant drawback of CS/polycaprolactone (PCL) blend nanofibers. This work offers a way to produce inherently cationic and long-lasting nanofibers by synthesizing a CS-graft-PCL (CS-g-PCL) copolymer. PCL and CS are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved polymers that are widely used in biomedical applications. PCL is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer and has good electrospinnable character, but suffers from a lack of functional groups. Instead, CS is biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic, non-allergenic, bio-adhesive, and has attractive biological activities, but has poor electrospinability. Synthesized copolymers and PCL were characterized with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HNMR), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results of characterization showed that the synthesis procedures were done successfully. Then, different blends of PCL with Graft copolymers were used to prepare nanofibers with electrospinning. Surface morphology of nanofibers investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surface chemistry, hydrophilic and hydrophobic character, and mechanical strength of nanofiber matrices were characterized with X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle, and mechanical tests, respectively. Importantly, CS was covalently bonded inside the fiber matrix, inhibiting its diffusion and producing no inhibitory zone, as demonstrated by XPS and antibacterial disk diffusion studies. This suggests a long-lasting, non-leaching architecture in which the fiber structure retains its cationic and antibacterial qualities for prolonged bioactivity after breakdown. This study effectively creates a cationic nanofiber platform that is structurally stable and perfectly suitable for uses that need a long-lasting positive charge, such as scaffolds for tissue engineering and long-term antimicrobial filtration systems.
Parameter optimisation of a microreactor based continuous synthesis of bromooctyl glucoside by Fischer glycosylation
Bromalkyl glycosides are promising molecules for use as functionalised spacers in the production of glycomimetics. The here presented optimised process can serve as the basis for the technical synthesis of bromoalkyl glycosides in a microreactor. Therefore, we tested the influence of residence time and temperature on the synthesis of bromoalkyl glycosides in a microreactor. To determine the optimum temperature, the synthesis was investigated between 90 °C and 150 °C, in 10 °C increments. To determine the optimum residence time in the reactor, the residence time was varied between 1 and 10 min. The results show, that the product yield increases initially with increasing temperature or residence time. In both curves, there is limited growth before the yield drops again after the peak. It was found that at high temperatures and residence times, the number of undesirable by-products may also increase, which has a negative effect on product yield. We found the optimum temperature range is 120 °C-130 °C and the optimum residence time at 7.5 min.
Emerging insights into cell differentiation: the role of N-glycosylation in differentiation-based cancer therapies
N-glycosylation is a dynamic post-translational modification that critically regulates cancer cell differentiation through modulating receptor signaling, cell adhesion, and plasticity. Aberrant N-glycosylation promotes dedifferentiation, drives EMT, and confers therapy resistance across malignancies. This review summarizes the role of N-glycosylation in determining lineage commitment and altering responses to differentiation therapies. Targeting the N-glycosylation apparatus can reprogram tumor cells toward differentiated phenotypes, potentiating the effects of agents such as ATRA and NaBu. Evidence from leukemia and solid tumors reveals the therapeutic potential of disrupting glycan-dependent cell fate decisions. Deciphering these "glycan codes" provides a framework for integrating glycosylation modifiers into precision differentiation therapies, offering novel strategies to overcome treatment resistance.
Chemoselective deacetylation of hydrophobic glycophenols by lipase PS enhanced with bovine serum albumin
Enzymatic methods leading to the preparation of biologically active glycophenols are attracting increasing interest due to their selectivity and sustainability. In this study, a series of hydrophilic and hydrophobic 4-O-acetylferulic acid sugar esters was prepared using a combination of chemical and enzymatic approaches. During the investigation of chemoselective deacetylation of the phenolic groups in these esters, a pronounced cooperative effect between Lipase PS and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was observed in a biphasic MTBE-water system. In the presence of BSA, Lipase PS more rapidly and selectively deacetylated the phenolic acetyl group of hydrophobic substrates. In contrast, no rate enhancement was observed for more polar substrates bearing free hydroxyl groups. Protecting groups on the carbohydrate moiety remained unaffected, and the ester bond between ferulic acid and the sugar was preserved. The accelerating effect of BSA on hydrophobic substrates is attributed to its surface-active properties, which increase the interfacial area through the formation of stable emulsions. Given that the intrinsic acetylesterase activity of BSA is approximately 300-fold lower than that of Lipase PS, BSA alone is not capable of effective deacetylation. These findings highlight the potential of surface-active proteins to improve biocatalytic transformations of hydrophobic substrates while avoiding purification challenges associated with low-molecular-weight surfactants.
Differentiation of α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialylated N/O-glycan isomers in human seminal plasma by an glycoqueuing strategy
N/O-glycans in various human seminal plasma (hSP) glycoproteins, especially α2,3- and α2,6-sialylation levels, are closely associated with semen quality. However, effective differentiation of sialyl linkage isomer remains unachieved. Here, we employed our previously developed glycoqueuing strategy for isomer-specific quantitative analysis of sialylated N/O-glycans released from hSP. A total of 21 exclusively α2,6-sialylated and 14 α2,3-sialylated (bearing α2,3-linked sialic acids) N-glycan isomers were detected, and the relative abundance of α2,6-sialylation among these sialylated N-glycans reached 61.40 %. For O-glycans, seven monosialic and five disialylated species were observed, and all were confirmed to be α2,3-sialylated. Nonsialylated N/O-glycan isomers were simultaneously quantified via hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Specifically, 21 nonsialylated N-glycan isomers were identified, among which the relative abundances of oligomannose-type and complex-type glycan were each approximately 50 %. All O-glycans exhibited core 1 or core 2 structures, including 12 α2,3-sialylated and 26 nonsialylated species. Notably, four isomers separated from two newly discovered nonsialylated O-glycan compositions H2N1F1 and H2N1F2 (H: hexose, N: N-acetylgalactosamine, F: fucose) were identified in hSP. Additionally, sialylated and nonsialylated N/O-glycans were all highly fucosylated (16.98 %-67.92 %), and bore numerous Lewis X and Lewis Y structures. The detailed glycan structural and distribution data, particularly α2,3/α2,6-sialylation profiles, not only provides a reference for constructing the hSP glycomic fingerprint, but also supports in-depth investigation of hSP glycan functions in reproduction and exploration of novel glycan markers for clinical semen quality detection.
A structurally defined galactoglucan from Arisaema erubescens with a multi-target tumor-associated protein binding domain
As targeted therapy assumes an increasingly pivotal role in comprehensive cancer treatment, there is a growing imperative to develop natural drugs that exhibit low toxicity and minimal side effects. Polysaccharides derived from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Arisaema erubescens have been reported to show antitumor potential, however the key structural features and specific molecular targets responsible for their pharmacological effects are still vague. To address this question, a homogeneous polysaccharide TNX05 (Mw ≈ 9 kDa) was obtained and characterized from Arisaema erubescens. Structural analysis suggested that TNX05 was a galactoglucan with a backbone of 1, 4-α--Glcp, 1, 4-β--Glcp, and 1, 3-β--Galp residues, with side chains-→1-α/β--Glcp-(6 → 1)-α--Glcp and →1)-α--Glcp-substituted at the C-4 and C-6 of the 1, 4-α--Glcp units, respectively. Combining enzymatic hydrolysis, molecular docking, and protein-binding assays we showed a key core domain (TNX05II), which exhibited micromolar-range binding affinity for ten tumor-associated targets: Glypican-6 (GPC-6), glucuronic acid epimerase (Glce), S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4), S100A6, nucleoside diphosphate kinase 1 (NME1), fibroblast growth factor 17 (FGF17), proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (SRC), kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), Galectin-3 (Gal-3), and protein phosphatase 3 catalytic subunit alpha (PPP3CA). Additionally, TNX05II was significantly resistant to α-glucosidase degradation. This study suggests a possible key structure-target relationship underlying TNX05's antitumor activity, providing a molecular basis for the antitumor mechanism of Arisaema polysaccharides.
Toward sustainable, smart, and multifunctional Carrageenan bio(nano)composites: Mechanistic insights, physicochemical properties, biomedical interfaces, and AI-driven design perspectives
Carrageenan (CG), a sulfated galactan derived from red seaweed, has emerged as a versatile biopolymer for developing sustainable, smart, and multifunctional biomaterials. This review critically surveys recent advances in CG bio(nano)composites, emphasizing their structural design, crosslinking mechanisms, and performance across biomedical and environmental interfaces. Ionic (K, Ca), covalent, and polyelectrolyte complexation strategies are compared in terms of mechanical reinforcement, swelling behavior, and controlled drug release, highlighting CG's tunable viscoelasticity and physicochemical adaptability. Integration with metallic, polymeric, and biodegradable nanofillers has expanded its functionality to include antimicrobial, antioxidant, and regenerative applications. Despite these advances, systematic evaluation of parameters such as modulus, mesh size, ion leaching, and cytotoxicity remains inconsistent across studies. This review underscores the need for standardized characterization and predictive modeling frameworks. Finally, emerging artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches are discussed for data-driven optimization of kappa carrageenan (κ-CG) formulation, structure-property correlation, and performance prediction. Together, these insights position κ-CG bio(nano)composites as next-generation, sustainable platforms bridging carbohydrate chemistry with intelligent material design.
Effects of gut bacteria and diet on unusual trisaccharides in mouse milk
Milk free oligosaccharides play critical roles in infant health, supporting beneficial gut microbiota and protecting against pathogens. While most milk free oligosaccharides follow well-characterized biosynthetic pathways initiated by lactose, recent studies have revealed several unusual trisaccharides that deviate from these canonical motifs. To investigate the origin of such atypical milk free trisaccharides, we analyzed the free milk trisaccharide profiles of conventional (microbiota-colonized) and germ-free mice using porous graphitized carbon high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. One unique trisaccharide (compound Gal-β1→4-Glc-β1↔1β-Gal) was present exclusively in conventional mice, suggesting microbial contribution to its biosynthesis. In contrast, several other unusual milk free trisaccharides including Gal-β1→4-Glc-β1→4-Glc, Gal-β1→4-[Glc-α1→2]-Glc and Gal-β1→4-[Gal-β1→2]-Glc were detected in both conventional and germ-free mice, indicating an endogenous production. Comparison of the oligosaccharide Gal-β1→4-Glc-β1→4-Glc isolated from milk of mice fed on the normal diet and those maintained on a cellulose-free diet for four weeks revealed no difference in intensity. It suggests that its formation is independent of dietary cellulose and likely arises from endogenous biosynthetic processes.
Comparative evaluation of DNS, PAHBAH, and BCA colourimetric assays for quantifying reducing sugars
Colourimetric assays for quantifying reducing sugars are widely used, including for assessing glycoside hydrolase activities. Consequently, there is a need for reliable high-throughput methodologies. Several protocols have been described in literature, with the most commonly used being the dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS), bicinchoninic acid (BCA) and p-hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide (PAHBAH) assays. This study presents a comparative evaluation of these assays. Our results show that both the DNS and PAHBAH assays overestimate reducing sugar concentrations mainly due to saccharide degradation under alkaline conditions (pH ≥ 12.9) and high temperatures (100 °C) during the assays. To evaluate the impact of this overestimation, we experimentally measured glycoside hydrolase activity. All three assays overestimated reducing sugar concentrations compared to a reference method, though to varying extents. The BCA assay exhibited the least overestimation, likely due to minimal saccharide degradation under its milder alkaline conditions. It was therefore the most reliable method among those tested.
Visible-light-promoted O-glycosylation with indolylthio glycosides
A novel method for the preparation of thioglycoside donors from d-glucose and 2-indolone was developed. This method is straightforward to operate and enables highly efficient catalysis under mild conditions. In addition, a method for O-glycosylation of thioglycosides with various alcohols using trifluoromethyl thianthrenium triflate (TT-CFTfO) as an initiator and a visible light-induced photoredox catalysis method was also developed. The method is green, mild, easy to perform and does not require a neutralization step.
A comprehensive review on marine algal polysaccharide-mediated siRNA delivery systems for biofuel production
Marine algae remain promising feedstock for renewable biofuel production, yet metabolic bottlenecks such as limited carbon allocation to lipid synthesis, competition from starch pathways, and variable nitrogen assimilation continue to constrain productivity. Small interfering RNA delivered gene silencing offers a targeted route to modulate these pathways, although its application in algae is limited by molecular instability, inconsistent uptake, and poor intracellular retention. This review evaluates marine polysaccharides including alginate, carrageenan, fucoidan, and ulvan as siRNA delivery carriers designed for algal systems, highlighting the structural features that underpin their performance. Alginate contains guluronic rich blocks that support ionic crosslinking with divalent cations to form stable hydrogels that protect and gradually release siRNA. Carrageenan and fucoidan contain dense sulfate groups that promote strong electrostatic binding and stabilisation of siRNA in aquatic culture conditions. Ulvan provides rhamnose and glucuronic acid residues that assist nanoparticle formation and support efficient cellular internalisation. Mechanistic studies in Nannochloropsis and Chlamydomonas show that siRNA mediated knockdown of lipid pathway enzymes such as acetyl CoA carboxylase and diacylglycerol acyltransferase can increase lipid accumulation by around fifteen to thirty five percent. Silencing starch biosynthesis genes further redirects carbon flux towards fatty acid pathways, supported by metabolic flux modelling that predicts enhanced malonyl CoA availability. Critical discussion is included on species dependent uptake variability, ecological considerations, and techno economic constraints linked to polysaccharide extraction and nanoparticle formulation. Emerging advances such as CRISPR RNAi hybrid strategies, AI assisted nanocarrier optimization, and programmable algal gene circuits further strengthen the potential of this platform. Future progress will increasingly rely on integrating polysaccharide based nanocarriers with advances in synthetic biology, dynamic gene circuit design, and AI assisted process modelling. Together, these approaches can enable scalable and precision controlled metabolic engineering in algae, supporting industrial biofuel production and strengthening the technological pathway toward next generation renewable energy systems.
Evaluation of double-modified taro starch for the encapsulation and protection of bioactive compounds in Hibiscus Sabdariffa extract
Taro starch was modified by ultrasound, enzymes, and a combination of both to evaluate structural changes and its performance as a wall material for encapsulation of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract. The double-modified starch (DMS) exhibited the lowest amylose content (6.7 %) and particle size (2.5 μm), in comparison with the native taro starch, which had 9.3 % and 3.3 μm, respectively. Pasting properties showed a 42 % decrease in peak viscosity of DMS relative to native starch, improving the efficiency of spray-drying. Stability studies showed that dual modification encapsulation (DME) retained 82 % of total phenolic compounds and 79 % of anthocyanins after seven days of storage under aging conditions. However, the retention decreased to 55 % and 48 %, respectively, after 35 days of storage. In the in vitro digestion model, ultrasound modification encapsulation (UME) showed the highest anthocyanin release (63 % gastric phase, 41 % intestinal phase), indicating gradual and controlled delivery. These findings indicate the potential of modified taro starch treatments to enhance the protection of bioactive drugs and provide greater control over the rate of compound release during the digestive process. These benefits are achieved while maintaining the stability and efficacy of the encapsulated compound.
Biopolymer electrolytes and composites based on chitosan for electrochemical processes: developing technologies, device integration, and ion transport mechanisms
Chitosan, a biopolymer with multifunctionality that occurs naturally from chitin, was found to be an efficacious high-potential platform for building green polymer electrolytes and electrochemical device composite materials. Its inherent properties like dense functional groups, biocompatibility, film-forming nature, and ease of chemical modification, favorably position it as a reliable substitute for conventional synthetic polymers. This review encompasses chitosan-based biopolymer electrolytes and composites, the mechanism of ionic conductance, structural tuning, and their incorporation into high-performance electrochemical devices. The review places particular importance on recent strategies pursued for enhancing ionic conductivity, mechanical stability, and electrochemical performance by chemical functionalization, blending, and nanomaterial inclusion. Particular focus is placed on ion dynamic awareness, proton and cation conducting channels, and polymer-filler interaction for charge transportation optimization. Application domains of fuel cell, battery, supercapacitor, and bioelectronic devices are comprehensively discussed with focus placed on both the achievements and ongoing challenges of chitosan systems. Finally, the review challenges issues of durability, scalability, and sustainability and outlines directions for future material engineering and technology integration. Bridging the gap between fundamental knowledge and real-world applications, this review article serves to illustrate the potential of chitosan-based electrolytes and composites to propel next-generation green and high-performance electrochemical technologies.
Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of a glucuronoarabinogalactooligosaccharide-complex pectin from the fruits of Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem
A novel glucuronoarabinogalactooligosaccharide-complex pectin, designated as AEFP-B (molecular weight: 7.352 × 10 g/mol), was isolated from the fruits of Aralia elata using multiple chromatographic techniques. Its chemical structure was characterized by UPLC-ESI-MS, GC-MS, HILIC-ESI-HCD-MS, and 1/2D-NMR spectroscopy. The structural features of AEFP-B are as follows: (i) its backbone consists of homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) regions at a molar ratio of 3:2; (ii) complex side chains, i.e., arabinogalactooligosaccharide, glucuronoarabinogalactooligosaccharide, glucuronogalactooligosaccharide and arabinan, are attached to the C-4 positions of rhamnosyl residues in the RG-I domain; (iii) a repetitive structural fragment was deduced, including →2)-Rhap-(1→, →2,4)-Rhap-(1→, GalpA-(1→, →4)-GalpA-(1→, →4)-GalpA-6-OMe-(1→, Araf-(1→, →3)-Araf-(1→, →5)-Araf-(1→, →3,5)-Araf-(1→, Galp-(1→, →3)-Galp-1→, →4)-Galp-(1→, →6)-Galp-(1→, → 3,4)-Galp-(1→, →3,4,6)-Galp-(1→, and GlcpA-4-OMe-(1 → . Bioactivity assays demonstrated that AEFP-B could promote cytokine secretion and regulate immune responses. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis revealed that AEFP-B binds to toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2, dissociation constant K = 8.99 × 10 M) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4, K = 1.07 × 10 M), and this binding was further validated by molecular docking. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to isolate and structurally characterize pectic polysaccharides with immunomodulatory activity from A. elata fruits. It highlights the potential of AEFP-B for future applications both food and pharmaceutical industries.
