Rheological studies of hyaluronan solutions based on the scaling law and constitutive models

We have investigated the scaling relationship between rheological behavior and concentration for both salt-free and saline solutions of hyaluronan (HA), and adopted three viscoelastic constitutive models to predict the linear/non-linear viscoelastic behavior of these aqueous solutions of HA with different molecular weights at different concentrations up to 20 mg/ml. A series of concentration equations are obtained to describe the influence of HA concentration on solution viscosity. Corresponding to dilute and semi-dilute concentration region, salt-free HA solutions have scaling relationship between specific viscosity and HA concentration as η_sp ∼ c^1.0 and η_sp ∼ c^3.5, respectively, while for 0.15 M NaCl HA solutions, the scaling exponents are 1.5 and 4.2, respectively. Simulation results indicate that these constitutive models have good applicability to describe quantitatively the rheological properties of HA entangled solutions under either dynamic or steady shear flow. In addition, the plateau modulus scaling of HA solutions can be well described by the concentration-dependent length scale.     

A preliminary study of monosaccharide composition and α‐glucosidase inhibitory effect of polysaccharides from pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) fruit

In this work, crude polysaccharide extracts were extracted from pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) fruit by hot water. After removal of proteins and purification, polysaccharides of pumpkin fruit (PP1‐1) were subjected to structural identification. Gas chromatography analysis indicated that PP1‐1 comprised of galactose (86.4%), and glucose (13.6%). The molecular weight of PP1‐1 was measured to be 0.87 × 10⁴ Da by gel permeation chromatography. The inhibitory kinetic evaluation showed that it was non‐competitive inhibition of PP1‐1 on the α‐glucosidase‐catalysed hydrolysis of PNPG. The Michaelis–Menten constant (K_m) was 0.106 m , and the inhibitory constants (K_i), 0.435 mg.     

Synthesis of Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate/Polysaccharide Graft Copolymers as Matrices for Controlled Release Tablets

ABSTRACT

Hydrophilic matrices are an interesting option when developing drug delivery systems. With this aim, hydroxypropyl methacrylate was grafted onto hydroxypropyl starch and hydroxypropyl cellulose substrates by following the Ce(IV) redox initiation method. Different amounts of ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate, 7 and 34 mol%, as the crosslinking monomer, were also added. The drying of grafted products was carried out by lyophilization, obtaining white powders. Reaction yields (percent grafting, grafting efficiency, etc.) and some physical characteristics of the powders (particle size, moisture uptake, density, morphology, etc.) were determined. These parameters indicate how useful these products may be as potential matrices for direct compressed tablets. In this light, the powder flowability and the binding properties of each copolymer were determined. The graft copolymers can be considered of great interest as direct compression excipients. Due to their different chemical structure and composition, they showed differences in viscoelastic properties that revealed an interesting range of possibilities for use in drug delivery formulations. Tablets formulated with conventional excipients were also tested. Dissolution tests of various tablets were carried out. In 12 hr, 60–80% of the model drugs was released.     

Composition analysis and immuno-modulatory effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) extract

The aim of this study was to analyse the composition of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) extract and investigate the effect of A. esculentus L. polysaccharides (AE-PS) on the maturation and function of dendritic cells (DCs) derived from rat bone marrow hematopoietic cells (BMHCs) in vitro. BMHC-derived immature DCs (BMHC-imDCs) were extracted from rats and treated with AE-PS. The hydrolysed okra extract contained 0.6% β-1, 3-d-glucan. AE-PS induced the presence of polymorphic nuclei and elongated protrusion in the BHMC-imDCs, indicating DC activation. Treatment with100 μg/mL of AE-PS increased the MHC class II and CD80/86 expression levels by 41% and 42%, respectively. Treated cells had reduced endocytosis activity. The secretion of IL-12 and IFN-γ increased significantly by 120% and 75%, respectively, when treated with 100 μg/mL of AE-PS. Moreover, IL-10 production was reduced by 66%. In conclusion, AE-PS exhibits stimulatory effects on rat dendritic cells and promotes the secretion of T_H1 cytokines.     

Comparison of polysaccharide degradations by dynamic high-pressure homogenization

The mechanical degradation of polysaccharides was investigated using dynamic high and ultra-high-pressure homogenization (HPH). The objectives were to reduce the molar mass of polymer chains, and simultaneously, the apparent and intrinsic viscosity of polysaccharides in solution. The influence of homogenization pressure (up to 200 MPa) and cycles was compared on polysaccharides with different physical and structure properties: namely, guar gum, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC), sodium alginate (Na-alginate) and gum arabic. HPH was applied on semi-dilute solutions. The apparent changes in molar mass, gyration radius and intrinsic viscosity were deduced from size exclusion chromatography coupled on-line with multi-angle laser light scattering, differential viscometer detector and differential refractive index detector (SEC/MALS/DV/DRI), while the evolution of the critical overlap concentration (C^∗) was obtained by viscosimetry. A method based on a succession of homogenization cycles and polymer pre-concentration steps was developed to determine the minimum molar mass achieved at constant pressure. Molar mass, and intrinsic viscosity were shown to fall simultaneously while logically C^∗ increased during HPH for all polysaccharides, except gum arabic, probably because of its globular and branched structure. This highlights that the differences of polysaccharide structures and conformation (linear, branched…) exhibit a stronger impact on HPH treatments than polymer charge or molar mass. Finally, via an empirical approach linking the decrease of both molar masses and viscosities, we have evidenced a specific scaling exponent that should characterize the flexibility of the treated polymer (i.e. its ability to be degraded by HPH).     

“Click” reactions in polysaccharide modification

Polysaccharide chemistry is enjoying accelerating development thanks to advances in synthetic techniques, biochemistry and solvents, which enable polysaccharide materials to be useful in a variety of demanding applications. Among the synthetic advances, click chemistry has reconfigured the realm of polysaccharide modification that previously was dominated by conventional synthetic approaches such as esterification and etherification. “Click” reactions provide mild, modular, and efficient modification pathways, and equally importantly allow us to synthesize derivatives with novel functionality, architecture, and properties, that are otherwise difficult to obtain via conventional methods. Herein, we review application in polysaccharide modification of six groups of click reactions; CuAAC (copper catalyzed alkyne/azide cycloaddition), metal-free [3+2] cycloaddition, Diels–Alder reaction, oxime click, thiol-Michael reaction, and thiol-ene reaction, as well as one click-like reaction that is the subject of our own research, olefin cross-metathesis.     

b型流感嗜血杆菌多糖ELISA检测方法的建立

目的建立b型流感嗜血杆菌(Haemophilus influenzae type b,Hib)多糖(Polyribosylribitolphosphate,PRP)的ELISA检测方法。方法用灭活的Hib菌免疫家兔,1周免疫4次,共免疫6周,采血,检测血清抗体滴度。对兔免疫血清进行非特异性抗体免疫吸附,纯化兔抗PRP抗体,用纯化的兔抗PRP抗体包被酶标板,HRP标记的羊抗兔IgG作为二抗,建立双抗体夹心ELISA法检测PRP。确定标准曲线的最佳线性范围,并对方法进行特异性、准确性和精密性验证。结果兔免疫血清的抗体效价可达1∶2 800。该方法的线性检测范围为0.030～0.500 ng/ml,检测限为0.030 ng/ml。该方法检测大肠杆菌上清蛋白、牛血清白蛋白、LB培养基及破伤风-乙脑结合疫苗均无特异性反应;检测0.500、0.250、0.150 ng/ml的PRP标准品试验内变异系数(CV)在1.16%～2.40%之间,回收率在93.2%～107.2%之间;试验间CV在1.57%～4.11%之间,回收率在101.3%～101.6%之间。结论该方法特异性、准确性和精密性均较好,可以特异性检测b型流感嗜血杆菌多糖。     

Techniques for localisation of konjac glucomannan in model milk protein–polysaccharide mixed systems: Physicochemical and microscopic investigations

The effect of conjugating konjac glucomannan with fluorescein isothyocyanate (FITC) via covalent labelling on selected physicochemical properties of FITC and konjac was investigated using spectrophotometry, rheometry, and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The binding of the lectin concanavalin A (ConA) to sugar residues of konjac was investigated using SEC. Covalent conjugation of konjac with FITC led to a shift in the absorbance spectrum peak of FITC to a lower wavelength and a decrease in the average molecular weight distribution of konjac. Furthermore, covalently labelled konjac showed reduced apparent viscosity compared to unlabelled konjac. ConA bound to the sugar residues in konjac. The potential of konjac–FITC covalent labelled conjugate or konjac–lectin labelled ConA complexes as fluorescent markers for localisation of konjac in a phase separated micellar casein–konjac mixture was investigated using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results indicated that covalently labelled konjac has microscopic phase behaviour similar to that of un-labelled konjac and are therefore suitable for localising konjac glucomannan in a phase-separated micellar casein–konjac system.     

Antimicrobial Activity of the Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma

Over the past century, a number of synthetic antimicrobial agents have been discovered and developed, but drug resistance and toxicity are still the major hindrances to gaining successful therapeutic outcomes in many instances. Herbal medicines may represent a safe and useful supplement to existing chemotherapeutic therapies for the management of infectious diseases. Ganoderma has traditionally been used to treat chronic infectious diseases, such as chronic hepatitis and bronchitis in Asia, when it is administered alone or more often in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Preclinical (in vitro and in vivo animal) studies indicate that Ganoderma exhibits a broad spectrum of antibacterial and antiviral activities, whereas data in human beings are scanty. Polysaccharides or triterpenoids from Ganoderma showed activities against Herpes simple virus, Hepatitis B virus, HIV, and Epstein-Barr virus in vitro or in animal models. Ganoderma species also contain antibacterial constituents inhibiting gram-positive and/or gram-negative bacteria in vitro. However, it is difficult to extrapolate these findings to humans, as most of these preclinical studies were conducted under optimized conditions with the use of high doses of Ganoderma components. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study indicated that treatment of hepatitis B patients with G. lucidum polysaccharides at 5400 mg/day for 12 weeks resulted in significantly decreased serum HBV DNA and hepatitis B e antigen (HbeAg) levels. The mechanisms for the antimicrobial and antiviral activities of Ganoderma are largely undefined. Currently available data do not support the use of Ganoderma as an antibiotic, but it may play an adjunct role for the management of bacterial and viral infection. Further studies are needed in humans.     

Protein–polysaccharide interactions at fluid interfaces

Protein–polysaccharide interactions find many applications in food engineering and new food formulations. This review article describes recent research on the effect of protein–polysaccharide interactions on the properties of air–water and oil–water interfaces, as affected by their behaviour in the bulk phase. The interfacial behaviour of protein–polysaccharide mixtures exhibiting associative (i.e., net attractive) interactions as well as their performance in food emulsions and foams has been the subject of several reviews in the last decade. Much less attention has been paid to the interfacial behaviour of protein–polysaccharide mixtures exhibiting unfavourable interactions. Thus we are concerned here with the interfacial behaviour of both kinds of mixtures.