Jingwen Zhao , Peng Wu , Jun He , Yiguo Zhao , Yapeng Fang
{"title":"Microstructure and mechanical behavior of curdlan hydrogels: The role of thermal pre-treatment temperature","authors":"Jingwen Zhao , Peng Wu , Jun He , Yiguo Zhao , Yapeng Fang","doi":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123982","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123982","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Curdlan, a bacterial polysaccharide, forms thermo-irreversible gels through temperature alone; however, the high strength of these gels limits their versatility in food applications. This study unveils thermal pre-treatment as a breakthrough to customize curdlan gels. Preheating suspensions (40–80 °C) before 90 °C gelation revealed that 48–58 °C — the gel transition range — dramatically weakens the network. Gels softened, with reduced hardness and viscoelasticity compared to untreated CU-90. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy revealed that thermal pre-treatment altered the gel microstructure, increasing pore size and reducing network density. Furthermore, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses suggested that preheating disrupted intermolecular hydrogen bonding, influencing triple-helix formation, and subsequently impacting the mechanical properties of the gel. Based on these findings, we propose that thermal pre-treatment at 50 °C influences curdlan gelation by initially promoting network formation, subsequently limiting chain mobility, and ultimately modulating triple helix formation, thereby controlling the final network structure and mechanical properties. Ultimately, the 4 % CU-50-90 formulation exhibited textural properties comparable to cooked porcine adipose tissue, highlighting its potential as a fat replacer in food formulations. These results introduce a novel, environmentally benign, and additive-free strategy for modulating curdlan gel properties, thus expanding its potential within the industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":261,"journal":{"name":"Carbohydrate Polymers","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 123982"},"PeriodicalIF":10.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144518383","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jiasheng Wei , Peiyu Zhao , Di Li , Pan Xie , Shufan Wang , Chunxia Tang , Guiqiang Fei , Lei Dai
{"title":"Sandwich structured cellulose-based composite for electromagnetic interference shielding, infrared stealth and Joule heating","authors":"Jiasheng Wei , Peiyu Zhao , Di Li , Pan Xie , Shufan Wang , Chunxia Tang , Guiqiang Fei , Lei Dai","doi":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123979","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123979","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In response to the escalating threat of electromagnetic pollution, there has been a growing focus on the development of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials. Particularly, renewable components and proper structure are favored to design EMI shielding materials. Herein, polysaccharides (i.e., TEMPO oxidized cellulose nanofiber and cationic starch) and cellulose paper were applied to fabricate a composite with the sandwich structure of “conductor-magnet-conductor” by integrating with Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub> and Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>. This cellulose-based composite exhibited good flexibility and tensile strength. The sandwich structure enhanced the electromagnetic wave loss, owing to interfacial reflection, dielectric loss, and magnetic loss. The composite achieved an EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 62.9 dB. It also possessed a satisfactory infrared stealth performance due to the low infrared emissivity of Ti<sub>3</sub>C<sub>2</sub>T<sub>x</sub>, which could effectively block infrared radiation from the heated object. Furthermore, the composite exhibited good Joule heating performance (reaching 104.8 °C within 25 s at 5 V). This work might provide a new pathway for the design of multifunctional cellulose-based materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":261,"journal":{"name":"Carbohydrate Polymers","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 123979"},"PeriodicalIF":10.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144518382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Visible-light driven photocatalytic degradation of triphenylmethane and azo dyes using a graphene oxide reinforced pectin hydrogel","authors":"M. Kanagalakshmi, S. Subasini, Anitha Pius","doi":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123981","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123981","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A three-dimensional network structure comprising pectin, glutaraldehyde and graphene oxide (PGG) was effectively combined to create a composite hydrogel that enhances photocatalytic degradation by producing reactive oxygen species in response to visible light. The PGG hydrogel was created to address issues with photocatalyst performance, including low adsorption capacity and low degradation efficiency. The material was comprehensively characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) isotherm analysis. The PGG hydrogel demonstrated superior structural and functional features by outperforming comparative investigations of swelling ratio and gelation time. With initial dye concentrations of 100 mg/L for Malachite green and 80 mg/L for Metanil yellow, the ideal pH values for degradation were found to be 8 and 6, respectively. Over several cycles, the PGG hydrogel maintained a high degrading efficiency for MG at 99 % and for MY at 99.5 % while demonstrating exceptional stability and reusability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":261,"journal":{"name":"Carbohydrate Polymers","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 123981"},"PeriodicalIF":10.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144605347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qingbo Yao , Yan Chen , Zhizhi Zhang , Weijian Chen , Rui Wang , Langhong Wang , Yanyan Huang , Fengsong Liu , Xin-An Zeng
{"title":"Cinnamaldehyde enhanced starch/chitosan composite films: A one-pot engineered solution for extended fruit shelf life","authors":"Qingbo Yao , Yan Chen , Zhizhi Zhang , Weijian Chen , Rui Wang , Langhong Wang , Yanyan Huang , Fengsong Liu , Xin-An Zeng","doi":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123980","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123980","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bio-based materials are emerging as promising sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics; however, their application is frequently constrained by inadequate mechanical strength, hydrophobicity, and antimicrobial efficacy. In this study, a multifunctional packaging film was successfully developed by integrating N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA), alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), and cinnamaldehyde (CIN) into starch (ST)/chitosan (CS) composites through a one-pot synthesis approach. The incorporation of these additives, particularly the synergistic interaction of CIN and the polysaccharide matrix, significantly enhanced the mechanical strength, UV–visible light resistance, and barrier properties of the film. These improvements also contributed to increased antioxidant activity and intrinsic self-reinforcement, thereby improving the film's antimicrobial functionality. Furthermore, the composite film demonstrated excellent biosafety and biodegradability. In practical food preservation tests, bananas wrapped in ST-CIN/NIPA/AKD/CS films demonstrated an extended shelf life of up to 10 days while maintaining quality indicators such as flesh firmness, pH levels, weight loss, and total soluble solids. This work not only presents a novel strategy for improving the performance of biopolymer-based films but also expands the potential applications of polysaccharide-derived natural compounds in sustainable food packaging systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":261,"journal":{"name":"Carbohydrate Polymers","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 123980"},"PeriodicalIF":10.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144518384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Diogo R.B. Ducatti , Bárbara Pontarollo dal Santos , Clayton F. de Souza , Lauri Alves Junior , Maria Eugênia R. Duarte , Miguel D. Noseda
{"title":"Synthesis of unsaturated polysaccharide via selective desulfation of oxidized κ-Carrageenan","authors":"Diogo R.B. Ducatti , Bárbara Pontarollo dal Santos , Clayton F. de Souza , Lauri Alves Junior , Maria Eugênia R. Duarte , Miguel D. Noseda","doi":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123978","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123978","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Here, κ-Carrageenan was selectively C6 oxidized to convert β-<span>d</span>-Gal<em>p</em>-4-sulfate units into its uronic acid derivative using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) and trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), giving an oxidized κ-Carrageenan derivative, which was submitted to alkaline β-elimination reaction to produce a 4,5-unsaturated carrageenan derivative via selective C4 desulfation. The Carrageenan derivatives were characterized by <sup>1</sup>H and <sup>13</sup>C NMR (1D and 2D), UV, HPSEC-MALLS-RI and Thermogravimetric analysis. Investigation of the formation of unsaturated Carrageenan showed that rate of production was pH dependent and increased 6-fold in the presence of Ca<sup>2+</sup>. Also, deuterium exchange experiment indicated a fast and irreversible H5 abstraction at β-<span>d</span>-GalA<em>p</em>-4-sulfate units during the reaction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":261,"journal":{"name":"Carbohydrate Polymers","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 123978"},"PeriodicalIF":10.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144536213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nicole I. Richardson , Francesco Berti , Neil Ravenscroft , Michelle M. Kuttel
{"title":"Molecular modeling of group B Streptococcus type II and III capsular polysaccharides explains low filter retention of type II and lack of cross-reactivity with type III","authors":"Nicole I. Richardson , Francesco Berti , Neil Ravenscroft , Michelle M. Kuttel","doi":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123964","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123964","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Group B <em>Streptococcus</em> (GBS) is a bacterial pathogen associated with significant morbidity and mortality in pregnant women and infants, particularly in resource-limited settings. A hexavalent vaccine candidate in development incorporates the capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) from the most prevalent serotypes: Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, and V.</div><div>Vaccine production is facilitated by a standardized CPS purification process. In the final purification step, a 30 kDa membrane filter gives high-yield recovery for five of the six CPSs, but <50 % for type II (GBSII), despite similar CPS structure and size. However, a smaller 10 kDa membrane improves recovery to about 90 %, suggesting that CPS conformation affects retention.</div><div>Here comparative molecular modeling – corroborated by through-space NMR correlations – reveals that GBSII forms compact, globular conformations, while type III (GBSIII) forms an elongated zig-zag. This explains GBSII's poor retention during filtration: GBSII's compact globules pass through the 30 kDa membrane more easily than GBSIII's elongated forms. Additionally, we identify distinct epitopes and compare their interactions with a GBSIII-specific fragment antibody to clarify the lack of cross-reactivity between GBSII and GBSIII. This work provides valuable mechanistic insight into physically observed behavior to inform development of multivalent GBS vaccines to reduce maternal and infant mortality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":261,"journal":{"name":"Carbohydrate Polymers","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 123964"},"PeriodicalIF":10.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144535710","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yulin Song , Qingfang Deng , Jiawen Li , Ruhai Chen , Dan Li , Shenglin Wang , Baitong Jing , Xin Zhou
{"title":"Structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of natural polysaccharides in modulating neurological disorders via the microbiota-gut-brain axis","authors":"Yulin Song , Qingfang Deng , Jiawen Li , Ruhai Chen , Dan Li , Shenglin Wang , Baitong Jing , Xin Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123960","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123960","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Natural polysaccharides are a class of widely sourced macromolecules with low toxicity and diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective effects. The structural characteristics of polysaccharides, such as molecular weight, glycosidic bond type, and degree of branching, directly influence their biological activity. This review focuses on the structure-activity relationships between natural polysaccharides and the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). In recent years, neurological disorders have emerged as a major global health threat due to their high incidence, disability, and mortality rates. The neuroprotective effects of polysaccharides are primarily reflected in their ability to inhibit neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and protein misfolding; maintain the integrity of the intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB); and regulate gut microbiota composition and neurotransmitter balance. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which natural polysaccharides exert neuroprotective effects through modulation of the MGBA. Emerging evidence indicates that specific structural features of polysaccharides can mediate significant neuroprotective effects, offering potential strategies for the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":261,"journal":{"name":"Carbohydrate Polymers","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 123960"},"PeriodicalIF":10.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144523401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Selective inhibition of cathepsin S elastolytic activity by exopolysaccharides from deep-sea hydrothermal bacteria","authors":"Alexis David , Baptiste Rigoux , Martyna Maszota-Zieleniak , Corinne Sinquin , Catherine Neau , Agata Zykwinska , Ahlame Saidi , Gilles Lalmanach , Sergey A. Samsonov , Sylvia Colliec-Jouault , Fabien Lecaille","doi":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123968","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123968","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human cathepsin S (CatS) constitutes a key orchestrator of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Recent evidence suggest that CatS inhibition is a valuable therapeutic option for inflammatory diseases that are characterized by an excessive degradation of insoluble elastin, a process in which CatS contributes significantly when it is overexpressed. Here, we report novel findings that highlight the inhibition of CatS by two low-molecular weight highly sulphated exopolysaccharides (EPS), named diabolican (Dia<sub>9-Hsulf</sub>) and infernan (Inf<sub>19-Hsulf</sub>), derived from two marine bacterial strains <em>Vibrio diabolicus and Alteromonas infernus</em>, respectively. Dia<sub>9-Hsulf</sub> and to a lesser extent Inf<sub>19-Hsulf</sub> were selective and potent uncompetitive inhibitors of CatS (nanomolar range), which represents an unprecedented mechanism of CatS inhibition. In addition, both EPS selectively inhibited the elastolytic activity of CatS, without affecting the degradation of its other biological substrates (e.g. collagen, thyroglobulin). Combined experimental and in silico approaches provided new insights on how highly sulfated diabolican prevented the CatS elastolytic activity by hindering its elastin-binding exosite. These results evidenced EPS as promising molecules to preserve the elastin integrity during inflammatory events implying CatS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":261,"journal":{"name":"Carbohydrate Polymers","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 123968"},"PeriodicalIF":10.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144523402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yali Huang , Lingjin Li , Yan Hong , Li Cheng , Zhengbiao Gu
{"title":"Enzymatically modified starch: Structure, digestibility, energy supply, and applications","authors":"Yali Huang , Lingjin Li , Yan Hong , Li Cheng , Zhengbiao Gu","doi":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123959","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123959","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Enzymatic modification of starch with exogenous enzymes is a highly efficient, safe, and versatile method for enhancing its properties and applications. By altering the molecular chain length and structure, enzymatic strategies confer novel digestive properties to starches. The digestive properties of starch significantly affect the body's absorption and energy acquisition rates. The benefits of starch digestion rate are not absolute. To meet the energy needs of different populations, enzymatically modified starch is being used as a novel energy supplement. However, enzymatic techniques for the digestion and energy supply of starch granules lack focus and comprehensive reviews. This review discusses the catalytic sites of different enzymes on starch granules, focusing on how the granule morphology, molecular composition, and crystal structure of starch affect its digestive properties. Additionally, the associations between digestion and nutritional functions (glucose homeostasis, energy supplementation, and intestinal health) are discussed. We emphasize the promising applications of enzymatically digested starch in sports energy supplements, special medical foods, and other sectors. Understanding the digestive properties of enzymatically digested starch and optimizing in vitro digestion technology and regulation systems will help develop high-quality nutritious carbohydrate products that meet the energy needs of different groups of people.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":261,"journal":{"name":"Carbohydrate Polymers","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 123959"},"PeriodicalIF":10.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144501287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jun Zhao , Yangyang Yu , Kejing Wu , Yingying Liu , Yingming Zhu , Houfang Lu , Hairong Yue , Bin Liang
{"title":"A novel CO2 foam stabilizer based on natural polysaccharide psyllium seed gum: Experimental and molecular dynamics analysis","authors":"Jun Zhao , Yangyang Yu , Kejing Wu , Yingying Liu , Yingming Zhu , Houfang Lu , Hairong Yue , Bin Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123972","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.123972","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The development of eco-friendly polymer foam stabilizers represents an emerging frontier in sustainable oil recovery, addressing the performance limitations and environmental persistence of traditional foam stabilizers under high-temperature and high-salinity conditions. This study proposes a novel use of natural psyllium seed gum (PG) as a foam stabilizer for CO<sub>2</sub> foam flooding technology. A comparative analysis with polyacrylamide and xanthan gum demonstrates the effectiveness of PG in improving foam performance while elucidating its stabilization mechanism. PG exhibits the highest drainage energy barrier (45.13 kJ/mol) and the lowest ripening rate (8.61 × 10<sup>3</sup> μm<sup>3</sup>/min) at high-temperature (110 °C) and high-salinity (1 × 10<sup>5</sup> mg/L) conditions, significantly improving the CO<sub>2</sub> foam stability. The stabilization of foam under high-temperature and high-salinity conditions is attributed to the formation of polymer/surfactant complexes between PG and the surfactant through hydrogen bonding, which enhances the elasticity of the interfacial film. Furthermore, the double helix configuration of PG forms an interwoven network structure that boosts the viscoelasticity of the bulk solution and strengthens the foam lamella. This study offers innovative insights and robust support for the application of polymer-reinforced CO<sub>2</sub> foam technology, positioning it as a promising next-generation foam stabilizer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":261,"journal":{"name":"Carbohydrate Polymers","volume":"367 ","pages":"Article 123972"},"PeriodicalIF":10.7,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144535711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}