{"title":"CircPFKP orchestrates a novel competing endogenous RNA network to regulate SPRY4/p38-MAPK signaling and modulate papillary thyroid carcinoma aggressiveness.","authors":"Nizhen Xu, Mingjie Zheng, Chu Zhu, Keyu Tu, Zhenlei Zhang, Chunyi Song, Gaofei He, Zide Chen, Jianbo Li, Wei Zhang, Deguang Zhang, Jianbiao Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148158","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148158","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is one of the most common malignancies of the head and neck, with a rising incidence worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a type of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) found abundantly in cells and tissues, have been demonstrated to be crucial regulators in cancer initiation and progression. However, the molecular functions of circRNAs in PTC remain largely unexplored. In this study, we identified circPFKP as a significantly dysregulated circRNA by mining clinical databases and demonstrated its important role in PTC progression. Even with its elevated expression, we found silencing of circPFKP markedly promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PTC cells in vitro. Through bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays, we confirmed that circPFKP acts as a sponge for miR-4516, thereby upregulating the expression of SPRY4. Enhanced SPRY4 inhibited tumor cell proliferation and migration while simultaneously reducing tumor cell sensitivity to pro-apoptotic factors in the tumor microenvironment, primarily by suppressing the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Collectively, our study is the first to uncover the biological function of circPFKP in PTC and highlights its potential as a novel therapeutic target for PTC patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"148158"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145273239","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}
Zihang Wang, Aoyun Geng, Junlin Xu, Yajie Meng, Zilong Zhang, Leyi Wei, Quan Zou, Feifei Cui
{"title":"A comprehensive review of computational methods for predicting DNA N<sup>4</sup>-methylcytosine sites.","authors":"Zihang Wang, Aoyun Geng, Junlin Xu, Yajie Meng, Zilong Zhang, Leyi Wei, Quan Zou, Feifei Cui","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148221","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>N4-methylcytosine (4mC) is a distinct form of DNA methylation that plays a critical role in various biological processes by protecting bacterial DNA from degradation and participating in the regulation of gene expression. With advances in technology, computational approaches have increasingly replaced traditional experimental methods, which are often associated with high costs, prolonged processing times, and labor-intensive workflows. Over the past five years, a growing number of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models have been developed to predict 4mC sites. In this review, we provide a systematic overview of these computational methods, focusing on model architectures and comparing the strengths and limitations of ML- and DL-based approaches. To facilitate future tool development, we have collected and organized commonly used databases and benchmark datasets relevant to 4mC prediction. In addition, we compared several recently proposed methods to highlight their respective strengths and capabilities. Finally, we highlight the current challenges and opportunities in the field, aiming to facilitate the development of more accurate and robust predictive frameworks for 4mC methylation.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"148221"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145273266","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":"The multi-scale porous and hydrophilic 3D printed polycaprolactone/ silk fibroin/ β-tricalcium phosphate bone scaffolds effect on femoral defect repair.","authors":"Tingwei Qin, Xiaojie Lian, Asad Ullah, Zehua Liu, Tong Fu, Ruizhi Hao, Liqin Zhao, Di Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148230","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148230","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In response to the clinical challenges of bone defect repair, the 3D printed scaffold inspired by the natural structure enables personalized repair of complex defects, reducing infection risks and promoting bone regeneration. Herein, we have developed a functionalized gradient bone repair polycaprolactone (PCL) based scaffold. A PCL/SF/β-TCP-NaOH (PST-NaOH) scaffold with a multi-scale pore structure (inner layer 450 μm/outer layer 130 μm) was constructed using layered 3D printing technology by combining β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and silk fibroin (SF). Its mechanical properties match the needs of spongy bone. NaOH surface treatment further optimizes the interfacial activity of the scaffold, which also improved the hydrophilicity and controllable degradation characteristics. The results showed that the scaffold promoted bone regeneration through a synergistic mechanism. On one hand, the multi-scale pores guided bone tissue growth. On the other hand, hydrophilic surface modification and SF/β-TCP complex system enhanced the activity of MC3T3-E1. Animal experiments showed that after scaffold implantation, the mineralization and maturity of new bone matrix in the bone defect area was significantly promoted, breaking through the limitations of insufficient regeneration of pure PCL material. This study provided innovative solutions with both structural adaptability and biological functionality for the clinical treatment of critical bone defects.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"148230"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145273283","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":"Modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome and uric acid metabolism by small molecule pectin from Premna ligustroides Hemsl leaves: Implications for hyperuricemia management.","authors":"Liling Deng, Rui He, Jingxin Mao, Heng Yang, Qinhong Shi, Yongbo Peng, Geng Zhong","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148214","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148214","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome represents a promising target for drug therapies and dietary interventions aimed at reducing uric acid secretion. This study explored the effects of enzymatically hydrolyzed small-molecule pectin derived from Premna ligustroides Hemsl leaves (SMP) on the NLRP3 inflammasome and PDZ domain-containing 1 (PDZK1)/urate transporters. The findings demonstrated that SMP significantly lowered serum levels of uric acid, creatinine, urea nitrogen, xanthine oxidase, adenosine deaminase, and liver interleukins (IL)-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) compared to the hyperuricemic model group. In the renal medulla and cortex, SMP upregulated the expression of uric acid secretion proteins, including organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), type 1 sodium-dependent phosphate transporter (NPT1), NPT4, and ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), as well as the transport scaffold protein PDZK1, while downregulating uric acid reabsorbing proteins such as recombinant urate transporter 1 (URAT1), glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), and OAT4. In the intestine, SMP significantly increased the expression of PDZK1 and ABCG2. Additionally, SMP inhibited the protein expression of monosodium urate (MSU), NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), and Caspase1. SMP also alleviated hyperuricemia-induced alterations in gut microbiota, particularly by modulating unclassified_f-Lachnospiraceae. The results indicate that SMP effectively attenuates inflammation and enhances uric acid metabolism, positioning it as a promising dietary intervention for hyperuricemia management.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"148214"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145273119","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}
Xianglian Wei , Chunxia Zhou , GuiliJiang , Pengzhi Hong , Donghui Luo , Wenduo Wang , Yarong Li
{"title":"Mechanism insights into tannic acid binding to ultrasound-pretreated myofibrillar protein and effect on its dynamic interfacial properties","authors":"Xianglian Wei , Chunxia Zhou , GuiliJiang , Pengzhi Hong , Donghui Luo , Wenduo Wang , Yarong Li","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148129","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148129","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the interaction between tannic acid (TA) and Ultrasound-pretreated Myofibrillar Protein (UMP), focusing on the molecular-level structural changes and interfacial behavior of UMP. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that the interaction was characterized by static quenching, with approximately 1.05 binding sites. Molecular docking simulation indicated that the main force between UMP and TA was hydrogen bonds, accompanied by hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Molecular dynamics analysis represented that after binding with TA, the protein conformation became more stable. Interface behavior studies demonstrated that after binding with TA, the interfacial tension of UMP decreased by 8.79%, while the oil-water interfacial diffusion rate and the adsorbed protein amount of UMP increased by 37.5 % and 31.81%, respectively. Emulsion performance analysis indicated that compared with UMP, the emulsion storage stability of UMP/TA complexes increased by 89.90%, while the lipid oxidation degree decreased by 51.55%, respectively. This study elucidated how natural polyphenols modify the structure and properties of myofibrillar Protein through non-covalent interactions on the molecular level and offered a reference path for enhancing the utilization value of marine proteins.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":"330 ","pages":"Article 148129"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145247892","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}
Menghua Wang, Zhe Wang, Naishuo Liu, Yujie Du, Yexue Ma, Shuqi Wang
{"title":"The extraction optimization, characterization, and adjuvant therapeutic effects on colorectal cancer of a pectin polysaccharide (CBP-4 a) obtained from Cibotium barometz.","authors":"Menghua Wang, Zhe Wang, Naishuo Liu, Yujie Du, Yexue Ma, Shuqi Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148197","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148197","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of CRC; however, its selectivity is poor, it has serious side effects, and its long-term use is prone to drug resistance. In this study, the ultrasonic-assisted cellulase method was used to extract polysaccharides from Cibotium barometz. Under the optimum extraction conditions, the highest polysaccharide extraction rate reached 14.34 ± 0.41 %, and the crude polysaccharide of C. barometz (CBP) was extracted under these conditions. Furthermore, an acidic homogeneous polysaccharide (CBP-4 A) with a molecular weight of 99.77 kDa was isolated and purified from CBP. Structural analysis showed that CBP-4a was a novel pectin polysaccharide with a main chain composed of homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) domains. In vitro experiments indicated that CBP-4a could significantly enhance the sensitivity of HCT15 and CT26.WT cells to 5-FU in a non-cytotoxic manner; it could also enhance the S-phase arrest of the cell cycle, migration inhibition, ROS accumulation and apoptosis induced by 5-FU. In vivo experiments showed that the combination of CBP-4a and 5-FU significantly inhibited tumor growth in mice compared with 5-FU alone. This study expands the medicinal range of C. barometz and provides a scientific basis and theoretical support for the development of polysaccharide drugs for the adjuvant treatment of CRC.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"148197"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145273285","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}
Wanling Liu, Zihao Yin, Jingsi Ning, Xinyi Zhang, Junzhe Zou, Ziyang Wu, Hehe Li, Bei Fan, Fengzhong Wang
{"title":"Structural determinants of robust Pickering emulsions stabilized by microalgae-derived fibrous polysaccharide-protein complexes.","authors":"Wanling Liu, Zihao Yin, Jingsi Ning, Xinyi Zhang, Junzhe Zou, Ziyang Wu, Hehe Li, Bei Fan, Fengzhong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148169","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148169","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microalgae byproducts contain a variety of high-value functional components. Previous studies have confirmed that extracts from Haematococcus pluvialis residues can be used to form stable Pickering emulsions. This study evaluated the efficacy and mechanism of action of fibrous polysaccharide-protein complexes extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis residues (FPHRs) as stabilizers for Pickering emulsions. Emulsions were prepared at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 3 wt% and oil-to-water ratios between 0.2 and 0.7. The creaming index of the emulsions exhibited a positive correlation with the concentration of FPHRs, with emulsions at an oil-to-water ratio of 0.6 showing a minimum creaming index of 11 % after 14 days of storage, which showed the best emulsion stability. ζ-potential measurements demonstrated pH-independent stability, with values fluctuating between -20 and - 25 mV across a broad pH range. Thermal and ionic strength tests indicated no significant changes in particle size or appearance, suggesting robust emulsion stability. High-energy inputs reduced particle size but compromised emulsion stability; rheological analysis revealed that high-speed homogenization produced the most viscoelastic emulsions, underscoring the importance of fibrous structure for emulsion stability. These findings highlight the potential of FPHRs as a sustainable emulsifier, demonstrating that fibrous polysaccharide-protein complexes possess strong stability and can be effectively utilized in various food applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"148169"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145273179","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}
Nadia Fattahi, Nazia Tabassum, Fazlurrahman Khan, Nam-Gyun Kim, Young-Mog Kim, Bonggi Lee, Sei-Jung Lee, Jae-Young Je, Won-Sun Park, Il-Whan Choi, Nguyen Vu Linh, Won-Kyo Jung
{"title":"Inhibition of biofilm formation and virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by ciprofloxacin-loaded ZnO@lignin@chitosan nanoparticles.","authors":"Nadia Fattahi, Nazia Tabassum, Fazlurrahman Khan, Nam-Gyun Kim, Young-Mog Kim, Bonggi Lee, Sei-Jung Lee, Jae-Young Je, Won-Sun Park, Il-Whan Choi, Nguyen Vu Linh, Won-Kyo Jung","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148193","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148193","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The rapid development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial infections leads to increased mortality and reduced treatment effectiveness. Given the urgent need for multifunctional therapeutic agents capable of overcoming AMR, we developed a novel ZnO@lignin@chitosan nanocomposite loaded with ciprofloxacin (CIP), in which the synergistic combination of ZnO, lignin, and chitosan enhances antibacterial, antibiofilm, antivirulence, and antioxidant performance. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, elemental mapping (MAP), field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The ZnO@lignin@chitosan@CIP nanocomposite exhibited pH-responsive drug release, with accelerated release in acidic environments mimicking infection sites. The synergistic combination of its components enhanced multifunctional performance: lignin acted as an antioxidant, chitosan improved drug loading, biocompatibility, and inherent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and the fungal strain Candida albicans, while ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) contributed additional antimicrobial effects. Furthermore, the nanocomposite effectively inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) biofilm formation and suppressed virulence factors, including protease, pyocyanin, and pyoverdine at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs). Moreover, gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of key quorum-sensing regulators (lasI, lasR, rhlI, and rhlR), indicating the composite's molecular antivirulence potential. These findings demonstrate that the unique synergy of ZnO, lignin, and chitosan provides multifunctional advantages, making ZnO@lignin@chitosan@CIP a promising candidate for combating drug-resistant and biofilm-associated infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"148193"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145273212","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}
ShuiXiang Guo, GeGe Zhang, Ao Lu, QianYang Chen, QiYu Qu, Miao Liu, Shuo Liu, WeiDong Niu, LiNa Wang
{"title":"A radix dipsaci-loaded gelatin methacryloyl nanocomposite hydrogel with slow release and osteogenic effects.","authors":"ShuiXiang Guo, GeGe Zhang, Ao Lu, QianYang Chen, QiYu Qu, Miao Liu, Shuo Liu, WeiDong Niu, LiNa Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148153","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148153","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Periodontitis induce alveolar bone destruction, which may result in tooth loosening, exfoliation, or oral functional impairment in severe cases. The development of novel therapeutic agents with sustained efficacy and robust mechanical properties represents a critical unmet need for clinical management of bone defect-related diseases. We investigated the efficacy of Radix Dipsaci (RD), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, and its derivatives in bone defect therapy by incorporating RD into a nanocomposite hydrogel composed of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and silicate nanoplatelets (SN), yielding an RD-loaded nanocomposite hydrogel (GelMA-SN-RD). The engineered hydrogel exhibited prolonged degradation kinetics, enhanced mechanical properties, and sustained, gradual release of RD bioactive components. GelMA-SN-RD hydrogel significantly upregulated the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins in both physiological and inflammatory microenvironments. In vitro studies using MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts revealed that GelMA-SN-RD hydrogel possessed excellent biocompatibility, significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity, upregulated osteogenic gene/protein expression, and promoted extracellular matrix mineralization. Moreover, we were delighted to discover that RD endowed the GelMA-SN-RD hydrogel with outstanding activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis. In vivo evaluation in a rat periodontitis model via micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and immunohistochemical analysis further validated the hydrogel's superior bone regenerative capacity and anti-inflammatory effects, as evidenced by enhanced new bone formation and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Collectively, these findings highlight the promising potential of GelMA-SN-RD nanocomposite hydrogel as a dual-function biomaterial for bone tissue engineering applications, integrating mechanical support, controlled drug release, osteogenic induction, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"148153"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145273259","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}
Dhruv Thakur, Mohammed A Bareen, Kunal Verma, Jatindra K Sahu, Sampa Saha
{"title":"Structuring bigels fabricated with high-pressure processed red quinoa hydrogel and carnauba wax oleogel to potentiate thermal and stability characteristics.","authors":"Dhruv Thakur, Mohammed A Bareen, Kunal Verma, Jatindra K Sahu, Sampa Saha","doi":"10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148189","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.148189","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, a novel functional plant bigel is formulated by integrating high-pressure-processed red quinoa hydrogel with carnauba wax oleogel. Increasing oleogel content up to 50 % enhanced firmness (77.95 g to 477.76 g), spreadability (63.83 g.s to 523.61 g.s), and rheological properties, while decreased the solvent holding capacity (SHC) (99.63 % to 93.29 %). Fluorescence microscopy showed that at low oleogel concentrations, the oleogel particles were dispersed within the hydrogel phase. In contrast, at a 50 % oleogel concentration, a bi-continuous system was observed, where both oleogel and hydrogel phases formed interconnected networks. High pressure (HP) treatment promoted the formation of smaller, more uniformly distributed globules, compared to the untreated flour bigel. Firmness and spreadability values were higher in bigels made with HP treated quinoa (e.g., firmness 396.17 g, spreadability 417.32 g.s for bigels containing 20 % oleogel) compared to those prepared with untreated quinoa, achieving properties that typically require higher fat concentrations in conventional systems. All bigels showed a shear-thinning behaviour, which is crucial to function as a fat replacer as it enhances spreadability during surface application. A strong positive correlation was observed between oleogel content and mechanical properties (firmness-storage modulus: r = 0.90, p < 0.002), while hydrogel fraction correlated with thermal stability and solvent retention capacity (r = 0.85, p < 0.01), enabling predictable formulation design for targeted applications. The study helps to widen the scope of accommodating red quinoa flour as a gelling or thickening agent and introduces HP-assisted bigel systems as promising low-calorie, plant-based solid fat alternatives for the food industry.</p>","PeriodicalId":333,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Biological Macromolecules","volume":" ","pages":"148189"},"PeriodicalIF":8.5,"publicationDate":"2025-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145273102","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}