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Found 1 structure.
Displayed structure 1
| b-D-Glcp-(1-6)-+ | -3)-b-D-Glcp-(1-3)-b-D-Glcp-(1-3)-b-D-Glcp-(1- | Show graphically |
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Structure type: polymer chemical repeating unit
Trivial name: β-D-glucan, β-glucan, schizophyllan, carboxymethylglucan, pleuran, scleroglucan, lentinan, GRN, SPG, sizofiran, shizophyllan, Scleroglucan, lentinan-type beta-glucans (Ths-2), b-(1-3,6)-glucan, HEP3, grifolan LE, schizophyllan, scleroglucan, lentinan, termitan, grifolan, schizophyllan, scleroglucan, schizophyllan, sizofiran, grifolan, scleroglucan, schizophyllan, sonifilan, schizophyllan, grifolan, G. frondosa polysaccharide (GFP), alkali-soluble β-glucan (PeA3), schizophyllan (SPG), β-glucan, schizophyllan, β-glucan, schizophyllan, scleroglucan, pleuran
Compound class: EPS, O-polysaccharide, cell wall polysaccharide, glucan, polysaccharide, β-glucan, b-glucan, scleroglucan, D-glucan
Contained glycoepitopes: IEDB_1397514,IEDB_141806,IEDB_142488,IEDB_146664,IEDB_153543,IEDB_158555,IEDB_161166,IEDB_2278476,IEDB_2278477,IEDB_241101,IEDB_558869,IEDB_857743,IEDB_983931,SB_192
Three (1→3)-β-D-glucan glucanohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.39) isoenzymes GI, GII and GIII were purified from young leaves of barley (Hordeum vulgare) using (NH4)2SO4 fractional precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography, chromatofocusing and gel-filtration chromatography. The three (1→3)-β-D-glucanases are monomeric proteins of apparent M(r)32,000 with pI values in the range 8.8-10.3. N-terminal amino-acid-sequence analyses confirmed that the three isoenzymes represent the products of separate genes. Isoenzymes GI and GII are less stable at elevated temperatures and are active over a narrower pH range than is isoenzyme GIII, which is a glycoprotein containing 20-30 mol of hexose equivalents/mol of enzyme. The preferred substrate for the enzymes is laminarin from the brown alga Laminaria digitata, an essentially linear (1→3)-β-D-glucan with a low degree of glucosyl substitution at 0-6 and a degree of polymerization of approx. 25. The three enzymes are classified as endohydrolases, because they yield (1→3)-β-D-oligoglucosides with degrees of polymerization of 3-8 in the initial stages of hydrolysis of laminarin. Kinetic analyses indicate apparent Km values in the range 172-208 microM, kcat. constants of 36-155 s-1 and pH optima of 4.8. Substrate specificity studies show that the three isoenzymes hydrolyse substituted (1→3)-β-D-glucans with degrees of polymerization of 25-31 and various high-M(r), substituted and side-branched fungal (1→3;1→6)-β-D-glucans. However, the isoenzymes differ in their rates of hydrolysis of a (1→3;1→6)-β-D-glucan from baker's yeast and their specific activities against laminarin vary significantly. The enzymes do not hydrolyse (1→3;1→4)-β-D-glucans, (1→6)-β-D-glucan, CM-cellulose, insoluble (1→3)-β-D-glucans or aryl β-D-glycosides.
NCBI PubMed ID: 8424790Fungal cell walls are predominantly composed of glucans, mannans, and chitin. Recognition of these glycans by the innate immune system is a critical component of host defenses against the mycoses. Complement, an important arm of innate immunity, plays a significant role in fungal pathogenesis, especially the alternative pathway (AP). Here we determine that the glycan monosaccharide composition and glycosidic linkages affect AP activation and C3 deposition. Furthermore, properdin, a positive regulator of the AP, contributes to these functions. AP activation by glycan particles that varied in composition and linkage was measured by C3a generation in serum treated with 10 mM EGTA and 10 mM Mg(2+) (Mg-EGTA-treated serum) (AP specific; properdin functional) or Mg-EGTA-treated serum that lacked functional properdin. Particles that contained either β1→3 or β1→6 glucans or both generated large and similar amounts of C3a when the AP was intact. Blocking properdin function resulted in 5- to 10-fold-less C3a production by particulate β1→3 glucans. However, particulate β1→6 glucans generated C3a via the AP only in the presence of intact properdin. Interestingly, zymosan and glucan-mannan particles (GMP), which contain both β-glucans and mannans, also required properdin to generate C3a. The β1→4 glycans chitin and chitosan minimally activated C3 even when properdin was functional. Finally, properdin binding to glucan particles (GP) and zymosan in serum required active C3. Properdin colocalized with bound C3, suggesting that in the presence of serum, properdin bound indirectly to glycans through C3 convertases. These findings provide a better understanding of how properdin facilitates AP activation by fungi through interaction with the cell wall components.
properdin
NCBI PubMed ID: 21878570An antitumor β-1,3-glucan (PVG) was purified from PVA-S by sequential use of a-amylase digestion, ethanol precipitation, ion exchange chromatography on diethyl aminoethyl Sephadex A-25, ammonium sulfate fractionation, and GPC on Sepharose CL-2B. PVG showed [α]D + 28.4° (water). From the results of methylation analysis and carbon 13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, PVG is a β-1,3-glucan branched at position 6 of every fifth 3-substituted β-glucosyl unit. PVG formed a complex with Congo Red in neutral and dilute alkali solution, but this complex was dissociated at more than 0.2N NaOH. PVG showed potent antitumor activity against the solid form of sarcoma 180 tumor in ICR mice.
polysaccharide, β-1, antitumor agent, Peziza vesiculosa, vesiculogen, 3-glucan, sarcoma 180
NCBI PubMed ID: 3830434Pullulan is a water-soluble polysaccharide produced by yeast-like fungus Aureobasidium pullulans. It is a regularly repeating copolymer with the chemical structure {→6)-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→}n and viewed as a succession of α-(1→6)-linked (1→4)-α-D-triglucosides i.e. maltotriose (G3). Pullulan has a wide range of commercial applications in biomedical and food industries. Because of its strictly linear structure, pullulan is also a very valuable tool in basic research as well as a well-defined model substance. This chapter focuses on the current literature on pullulan mainly its microbial sources, structural geometry, fermentative production, biosynthesis aspects, peculiar characteristics and varied applications.
biosynthesis, structure, fermentative production, pullulan, Aureobasidium pullulans, food and biomedical applications
Publication DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-2214-9_24Cervical cancer is the fourth-ranked cancer in the world and is associated with a large number of deaths annually. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are known as the common therapeutic approaches in the treatment of cervical cancer, but because of their side effects and toxicity, researchers are trying to discovery alternative therapies. β-glucans, a group of glucose polymers that are derived from the cell wall of fungi, bacteria, and etc. it has been showed that β-glucans have some anti-cancer properties which due to their impacts on adaptive and innate immunity. Along to these impacts, these molecules could be used as drug carriers. In this regard, the application of β-glucans is a promising therapeutic option for the cancer prevention and treatment especially for cervical cancer. Herein, we have summarized the therapeutic potential of β-glucans alone or as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of cervical cancer. Moreover, we highlighted β-glucans as drug carriers for preventive and therapeutic purposes.
bacteria, β-Glucans, fungi, cervical cancer
NCBI PubMed ID: 32138756Currently, despite the thoroughgoing scientific research carried out in the area of wound healing management, the treatment of skin injuries, regardless of etiology remains a big provocation for health care professionals. An optimal wound dressing should be nontoxic, non-adherent, non-allergenic, should also maintain a humid medium at the wound interfacing, and be easily removed without trauma. For the development of functional and bioactive dressings, they must meet different conditions such as: The ability to remove excess exudates, to allow gaseous interchange, to behave as a barrier to microbes and to external physical or chemical aggressions, and at the same time to have the capacity of promoting the process of healing by stimulating other intricate processes such as differentiation, cell adhesion, and proliferation. Over the past several years, various types of wound dressings including hydrogels, hydrocolloids, films, foams, sponges, and micro/nanofibers have been formulated, and among them, the electrospun nanofibrous mats received an increased interest from researchers due to the numerous advantages and their intrinsic properties. The drug-embedded nanofibers are the potential candidates for wound dressing application by virtue of: Superior surface area-to volume ratio, enormous porosity (can allow oxy-permeability) or reticular nano-porosity (can inhibit the microorganisms'adhesion), structural similitude to the skin extracellular matrix, and progressive electrospinning methodology, which promotes a prolonged drug release. The reason that we chose to review the formulation of electrospun nanofibers based on polysaccharides as dressings useful in wound healing was based on the ever-growing research in this field, research that highlighted many advantages of the nanofibrillary network, but also a marked versatility in terms of numerous active substances that can be incorporated for rapid and infection-free tissue regeneration. In this review, we have extensively discussed the recent advancements performed on electrospun nanofibers (eNFs) formulation methodology as wound dressings, and we focused as well on the entrapment of different active biomolecules that have been incorporated on polysaccharides-based nanofibers, highlighting those bioagents capable of improving the healing process. In addition, in vivo tests performed to support their increased efficacy were also listed, and the advantages of the polysaccharide nanofiber-based wound dressings compared to the traditional ones were emphasized.
polysaccharides, cellulose, Alginates, Dextran, pullulan, chitosan, electrospinning, electrospun nanofibers, gums, hyaluronic acid, pectins, starch, wound dressings, wound healing
NCBI PubMed ID: 33080849The aim of the study was a comprehensive, comparative study evaluating the impact of the addition level (0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%) of highly purified β-glucans isolated from bacteria (curdlan), fungi (scleroglucan) and oats on the stability, rheological and microstructural properties of milk gel during acidification with glucono-δ-lactone. Viscosity and susceptibility to shear thinning were lowest in aqueous solutions containing oat β-glucan (OBG) and highest in solutions containing curdlan. Regardless of their addition level, curdlan and scleroglucan produced pseudoplastic fluid. Coagulation was most rapidly induced by scleroglucan, and it was most delayed under the influence of OBG. The susceptibility of acidified milk gel to phase separation was significantly influenced by the hydration properties and source of β-glucan. Acidification of gels with the lowest concentration (0.125%) of scleroglucan and OBG promoted aggregation of the caseins and then phase separation. This behaviour was not observed in gels containing linear β-glucan (curdlan). The images acquired under a confocal microscope revealed that the all analysed preparations significantly affected the formation of protein complexes whose size and shape were closely linked with the type of added β-glucan. The morphology of samples containing curdlan most closely resembled the structure of the control gel. The addition (up to 0.5%) of scleroglucan and OBG resulted in a gel with low stability. Separate protein structures and clusters of β-glucan were found. The addition of higher levels of β-glucan resulted in a more homogeneous microstructure of the product, which was similar to the control acidified gels.
Curdlan, scleroglucan, oat β-glucan, confocal, phase separation, interactions
Publication DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2020.106486Natural polysaccharides derived from renewable biomass sources are regarded as environmentally friendly and sustainable polymers. As the third most abundant biomacromolecule in nature, after proteins and nucleic acids, polysaccharides are also closely related with many different life activities. In particular, β-glucans are one of the most widely reported bioactive polysaccharides and are usually considered as biological response modifiers. Among them, β-glucans with triple-helix conformation have been the hottest and most well-researched polysaccharides at present, especially lentinan and schizophyllan, which are clinically used as cancer therapies in some Asian countries. Thus, creation of these active triple-helix polysaccharides is beneficial to the research and development of sustainable "green" biopolymers in the fields of food and life sciences. Therefore, full fundamental research of triple-helix polysaccharides is essential to discover more applications for polysaccharides. In this Review, the recent research progress of chain conformations, bioactivities, and structure-function relationships of triple-helix β-glucans is summarized. The main contents include the characterization methods of the macromolecular conformation, proof of triple helices, bioactivities, and structure-function relationships. We believe that the governments, enterprises, universities, and institutes dealing with the survival and health of human beings can expect the development of natural bioproducts in the future. Hence, a deep understanding of β-glucans with triple-helix chain conformation is necessary for application of natural medicines and biologics for a sustainable world.
conformation, β-Glucans, schizophyllan, lentinan, triple-helix
NCBI PubMed ID: 31986015The structure of the title polyalcohol was confirmed by 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy. The polyalcohol was more soluble in water than schizophyllan and the aqueous solutions were more viscous than those of schizophyllan. The viscosity slightly decreased during 1 h on heating at 121 degrees, was not influenced by high concentrations of salt, and was independent of pH in the range 3-11. However, the viscosity markedly declined on storage of an aqueous solution of the polyalcohol at pH 2 and 20 degrees for 100 h. The polyalcohol was more susceptible to hydrodynamic shear than schizophyllan and the proportion of glycerol released indicated that both the main and side chains in the polyalcohol were cleaved.
NCBI PubMed ID: 1667502We determined the mechanism by which opsonized zymosan particles, which are derived from yeast and composed of carbohydrate polymers, stimulate platelet-activating factor (PAF) synthesis by monocytes. A role for CD11b/CD18 was demonstrated because antibodies to this integrin decreased PAF synthesis, zymosan bearing only a ligand for CD11b/CD18 (iC3b) induced the synthesis of PAF, and monocytes that did not express CD11b/CD18 produced much less PAF than control monocytes. Ligation of CD11b/CD18 was not sufficient for PAF synthesis suggesting that an additional receptor was involved. Monocytes are known to bind β-glucan which is a major component of zymosan. Opsonized β-glucan particles stimulated the synthesis of PAF, and a soluble form of β-glucan partially inhibited PAF synthesis in response to opsonized zymosan. Two lines of evidence suggested that the β-glucan receptor mediating this response was distinct from CD11b/CD18. First, CD11b/CD18-deficient monocytes produced PAF when stimulated by zymosan opsonized with isolated C3b, a molecule that binds to complement receptor type 1 (CD35). Second, inducing contact of monocytes with zymosan by centrifugation resulted in PAF synthesis that was not inhibited by antibodies to CD11b/CD18. The combination of soluble β-glucan and antibodies to CD11b/CD18 completely blocked PAF synthesis in response to opsonized zymosan. Together, these results demonstrate that induction of maximal PAF synthesis by serum-opsonized zymosan requires the concerted interactions of monocyte receptors for iC3b and β-glucan. Additionally, they suggest that CD11b/CD18 facilitates binding of the particle and that a β-glucan receptor transduces the activation signal.
NCBI PubMed ID: 7902855Cinerean, the extracellular β-(1→3) (1→6)-D-glucan of the fungus Botrytis cinerea was studied. Electron micrographs of the native polysaccharide revealed quasi-endless fibrils with an estimated diameter of ca. 1.5 nm. A particle mass of 10(9)-10(10) daltons was determined from dilute solutions by low-angle laser light scattering. Sonication of increasing duration led to fragmentation of the native polymer with an approximately exponential decrease of mass in the range of average molecular masses between 250,000 and 50,000 daltons. Shadowed by platinum, cinerean fibril fragments with a weight-average molecular mass of 172,000 +/- 3000 daltons could be characterized from electron micrographs as a distribution of rods of most probable length of 45 nm and an average length of 72 nm. Small-angle X-ray scattering confirmed the fibrillar structure of the native cinerean and the rodlike structure of sonicated cinerean. A rod diameter of 1.9 +/- 0.2 nm and a mass per unit length of 2250 +/- 490 daltons/nm were found. The latter is in agreement with the value of 1830 daltons/nm calculated from the length distribution determined from the electron micrographs. These data-especially the mass per unit length-suggest a quaternary structure for the polysaccharide. Such a structure would explain the rigidity of the rods which, in turn, is responsible for the characteristic phase separation behaviour in aqueous solutions observed by nephelometry and viscometry.
NCBI PubMed ID: 7697647The ability of grifolan (GRN), a purified fungal (1→3)-β-D-glucan, to induce various cytokines from macrophages was examined in vitro. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) activity in supernatants from the culture of macrophage cell line, RAW264.7 was dependent on increasing doses of GRN. The level of IL-6 induced with 500 micrograms/ml of GRN was comparable to that induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 10 micrograms/ml. Enhancement of the mRNA level of IL-6 by treatment with GRN was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The effect of GRN on production of IL-6 was also observed using peritoneal macrophages from C3H/HeJ mice which did not respond to endotoxins. This data suggested that the ability of GRN to activate IL-6 production of macrophages is not due to contamination of endotoxins in the preparation. Enhanced production of cytokine by GRN was observed not only with IL-6, but also with interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). In the production of TNF-α, GRN was more effective than LPS used in this study. Other soluble or gel-forming(1→3)-β-D-glucans from various sources did not enhance the production of such cytokines although they are structurally similar to GRN. The above results indicate that GRN is a novel macrophage activator which augments cytokine production without dependence on endotoxins.
NCBI PubMed ID: 7537572The high-resolution 13C NMR spectra of a variety of fungal branched (1→3)-β-D-glucans were recorded in a DMSO solution and a lyophilized solid in order to gain an insight into the primary and secondary structures in relation to their gel-forming property. We found that all the five lyophilized branched (1→3)-β-D-glucans examined so far, except lentinan, exhibit the laminaran-type triple-helix form, as established by the close resemblance of the 13C NMR spectra among them. On the contrary, lentinan taking the curdlan-type singlehelix conformation was readily converted to the triple-helix form by lyophilization after having been dissolved in a 8M urea solution (1M=1 mol dm−3) and dialysis against distilled water. This finding should be compared with the similar conformational change of curdlan: the conversion by this procedure was at most 50%; annealing at 150°C, followed by slow cooling, was essential for a complete conversion. This treatment did not induce the reverse conformational change from the triple helix to the single helix. The differential behavior of gelformation between the linear and branched (1→3)-β-D-glucans was explained in terms of the molecular conformations in the solid and gel states.
Publication DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.60.4267Sizofiran (SPG), antitumor glucan isolated from Shizophyllum commune Fries was examined for its effect on the lymphoid cell functions related to production of cytokines or responses to these cytokines. Lymphoid cells were isolated from mice injected intramuscularly with SPG and then examined for responses to the cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2 or IL-3 or the production of these cytokines in response to the stimuli of mitogens, and the following results were obtained. (1) The thymocytes isolated from the SPG-treated mice proliferated in response to stimulation by IL-1 in combination with concanavalin A (ConA) to a much greater degree than was the case with control mice. (2) When the spleen cells isolated from the mice were cultured with IL-2 or IL-3, augmented proliferative response was observed in either case. (3) Peritoneal macrophages, when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), produced IL-1 to the levels much higher than those of control mice. (4) When the spleen cells were cultured with ConA, augmented production of IL-2 and IL-3 were also observed. (5) In addition, we found that activity stimulating the bone marrow cells in vitro culture was reproducibly detected in the serum of mice 20 h after injection with SPG. Overall, these results indicate that SPG injected into mice has the ability to produce the bone marrow stimulating factor(s) in the serum early after injection and stimulate lymphoid cells to become much more responsive to various stimuli such as lectins or cytokines.
NCBI PubMed ID: 2534316Glucans of fungal origin have been shown to inhibit the early stages of infection of Nicotiana by numerous viruses of different taxonomic groups. Several glucans were isolated from the cell walls of Phytophthora parasitica, Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. glycinea (Pmg) and Fusarium oxysporum, and their antiviral activity compared on tobacco leaves inoculated with tobacco mosaic virus. These polysaccharides consist of a mixture of (1→3)(1→6)-β-D-glucans with M(r) varying from 1.1 x 10(3) to 2 x 10(6). Requirements for a prominent antiviral activity of the fungal polysaccharides are a β-(1→3)(1→6)-D-glucan structure with mono-, di-, tri- or tetra-glucosidic side branches attached to a linear main chain of β-(1→3)-linked-D-glucose residues. Very high activity is correlated with a high degree of branching at position 6 and with the size and glycosidic nature of the side chains. The molecular masses and the organized structure of fungal β-D-glucans are not essential for their antiviral activity. The structural motif for antiviral activity in Nicotiana is distinct from that required for elicitation of phytoalexins in soybean cotyledons.
NCBI PubMed ID: 7786491Scleroglucan, a comb-like branched (1→3)-β-D-glucan, dissolves in water as a stiff, triple-helical structure with the single glucose branches extending from the surface. The aim of this study is to investigate structural changes in the triple-helical structure associated with selective chemical modification of the side chains. Electron and atomic force microscopy, respectively, were used to investigate the macromolecular structures of aldehyde and carboxylated derivatives of scleroglucan-namely, scleraldehyde and sclerox-with different degrees of substitution. Scleraldehyde was observed to have structures resembling the triplex of the unmodified scleroglucan for all degrees of substitution up to 1.0. Additionally, an increasing tendency to aggregate for the higher degrees of substitution was observed. Fully carboxylated scleroglucan, sclerox(1.0), prepared from solutions at ionic strengths below 1.0M, revealed dispersed, flexible, coil-like structures. This indicates an electrostatic-driven strand separation of the scleroglucan triple-helical structure occurring concomitant with an increasing fraction of the side chains bearing carboxylate groups. Annealed sclerox(1.0) samples in aqueous 1.0 and 1.5M NaCl exhibited partly, or completely, reassociated triplex ensembles, with species ranging from apparently fully zipped linear and circular topologies, partly zipped structures with triplex strand separation occurring at the ends, to dispersed single-strands with random coil-like appearance. This study shows that periodate oxidation of the scleroglucan side chains is not a sufficient modification of the side chains to induce dissociation of the triple-helical structure, whereas further oxidation of the side chains to carboxylic groups dissociates the triple-helical structure when the degree of substitution is above 0.6.
electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, scleroglucan, sclerox, triplex
Publication DOI: 10.1002/1097-0282(200105)58:6<535::AID-BIP1029>3.0.CO;2-SA (1→3)-β-D-glucan with approximately 30% of the residues having a β-D-Glc-(1→6) branch is the main water-soluble component of the cell wall polysaccharide of Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr strain 263. A (1→3)-glucan with both alpha and beta anomeric linkages was found in the water-insoluble polysaccharide fraction. Both fractions possess immunological activity, being able to induce the production of either tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or nitrite (NO2-).
cell wall, glucan, immunological activity, fungi, Cryphonectria parasitica
Publication DOI: 10.1016/S0008-6215(00)00178-6Scleroglucan is a natural polysaccharide, produced by fungi of the genus Sclerotium, that has been extensively studied for various commercial applications (secondary oil recovery, ceramic glazes, food, paints etc.) and also shows several interesting pharmacological properties. This review focuses its attention on the use of scleroglucan, and some derivatives, in the field of pharmaceutics and in particular for the formulation of modified-release dosage forms. The reported investigations refer mainly to the following topics: natural scleroglucan suitable for the preparation of sustained release tablets and ocular formulations; oxidized and crosslinked scleroglucan used as a matrix for dosage forms sensitive to environmental conditions; co-crosslinked scleroglucan/gellan whose delivery rate can be affected by calcium ions. Furthermore, a novel hydrogel obtained with this polysaccharide and borate ions is described, and the particular structure of this hydrogel network has been interpreted in terms of conformational analysis and molecular dynamics. Profound attention is devoted to the mechanisms involved in drug release from the tested dosage forms that depend, according to the specific preparation, on swelling and/or diffusion. Experimental data are also discussed on the basis of a mathematical approach that allows a better understanding of the behavior of the tested polymeric materials.
scleroglucan, modified release, hydrogel
Publication DOI: 10.3390/10010006A lentinan-type gel-forming β-glucan, Ths-2, has been isolated in about 1.5% yield from the alkali extract of the lichen Thamnolia vermicularis var. subuliformis, using ethanol fractionation, dialysis and gel filtration. The mean M, of Ths-2 was determined by GP-HPLC to be 67 kD, and the optical rotation was measured to be -14degrees. The structure of Ths-2 was further elucidated by methylation analysis by GGMS, H-1- and C-13-NMR spectroscopy and selective enzymatic hydrolysis with exo(1→3)-β-D-glucanase followed by analysis of oligosaccharides by HPAEC-PAD. Ths-2 was found to be consisting of a (1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl main chain with branches of a (1→6) linked glucopyranosyl unit on every third unit of the main chain. Similar polysaccharide structures have been described from fungi, but this is the first report of a lentinan-type (1→3)-β-D-glucan from a lichen species. The immunomodulating activity of Ths-2 was tested in an in vitro anti-complementary assay, and proved to be strongly active.
polysaccharides, Immunomodulating activity, lichens, Thamnolia vermicularis var. subuliformis, (1 -> 3)-beta-D-glucans
NCBI PubMed ID: 12809362BACKGROUND: The plant pathogenic basidiomycete Sclerotium rolfsii produces the industrially exploited exopolysaccharide scleroglucan, a polymer that consists of (1→3)-β-linked glucose with a (1→6)-β-glycosyl branch on every third unit. Although the physicochemical properties of scleroglucan are well understood, almost nothing is known about the genetics of scleroglucan biosynthesis. Similarly, the biosynthetic pathway of oxalate, the main by-product during scleroglucan production, has not been elucidated yet. In order to provide a basis for genetic and metabolic engineering approaches, we studied scleroglucan and oxalate biosynthesis in S. rolfsii using different transcriptomic approaches. RESULTS: Two S. rolfsii transcriptomes obtained from scleroglucan-producing and scleroglucan-nonproducing conditions were pooled and sequenced using the 454 pyrosequencing technique yielding approximately 350,000 reads. These could be assembled into 21,937 contigs and 171,833 singletons, for which 6,951 had significant matches in public protein data bases. Sequence data were used to obtain first insights into the genomics of scleroglucan and oxalate production and to predict putative proteins involved in the synthesis of both metabolites. Using comparative transcriptomics, namely Agilent microarray hybridization and suppression subtractive hybridization, we identified approximately 800 unigenes which are differently expressed under scleroglucan-producing and non-producing conditions. From these, candidate genes were identified which could represent potential leads for targeted modification of the S. rolfsii metabolism for increased scleroglucan yields. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented in this paper provide for the first time genomic and transcriptomic data about S. rolfsii and demonstrate the power and usefulness of combined transcriptome sequencing and comparative microarray analysis. The data obtained allowed us to predict the biosynthetic pathways of scleroglucan and oxalate synthesis and to identify important genes putatively involved in determining scleroglucan yields. Moreover, our data establish the first sequence database for S. rolfsii, which allows research into other biological processes of S. rolfsii, such as host-pathogen interaction.
scleroglucan, Sclerotium rolfsii
NCBI PubMed ID: 20504312A water-insoluble glucan, PFPSIN, has been isolated from the aqueous extract of an edible mushroom Pleurotus florida. On the basis of total acid hydrolysis, methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, and (13)C NMR experiments, the repeating unit of the polysaccharide was established as Conformational analysis revealed the triple helical conformation of this glucan: [Formula: see text].
conformation, Triple Helix, Pleurotus florida, Insoluble glucan
NCBI PubMed ID: 18281022The glucans of basidiomycetes are an important class of polysaccharides with potential biological activities. In this work, the β-glucans were isolated from the fruiting bodies of edible mushrooms, Pleurotus eryngii and Pleurotus ostreatoroseus, via extraction with hot water, and then fractionation by freeze-thawing. The insoluble glucans gave similar 13C NMR spectra, monosaccharide composition and methylation analyses, and P. eryngii was selected for further controlled Smith degradation, and DEPT and 1H (obs.), 13C HMQC spectroscopy. It was a branched β-glucan, with a main chain of (1→3)-linked-Glcp residues, substituted at O-6 by single-unit β-Glcp side-chains, on average to every third residue of the backbone, as in scleroglucan.
polysaccharides, β-Glucans, Edible mushrooms, Pleurotus spp.
Publication DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2006.03.009Non-cellulosic β-glucans are now recognized as potent immunological activators, and some are used clinically in China and Japan. These β-glucans consist of a backbone of glucose residues linked by β-(1→3)-glycosidic bonds, often with attached side-chain glucose residues joined by β-(1→6) linkages. The frequency of branching varies. The literature suggests β-glucans are effective in treating diseases like cancer, a range of microbial infections, hypercholesterolaemia, and diabetes. Their mechanisms of action involve them being recognized as non-self molecules, so the immune system is stimulated by their presence. Several receptors have been identified, which include: dectin-1, located on macrophages, which mediates β-glucan activation of phagocytosis and production of cytokines, a response co-ordinated by the toll-like receptor-2. Activated complement receptors on natural killer cells, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, may also be associated with tumour cytotoxicity. Two other receptors, scavenger and lactosylceramide, bind β-glucans and mediate a series of signal pathways leading to immunological activation. Structurally different β-glucans appear to have different affinities toward these receptors and thus generate markedly different host responses. However, the published data are not always easy to interpret as many of the earlier studies used crude β-glucan preparations with, for the most part, unknown chemical structures. Careful choice of β-glucan products is essential if their benefits are to be optimized, and a better understanding of how β-glucans bind to receptors should enable more efficient use of their biological activities.
β-Glucans, fungi, Anticancer, immunomodulators, Dectin-1
NCBI PubMed ID: 17590323HEP3, a β-D-glucan slightly soluble in water, was isolated from the alkaline extract of the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus. Its chemical structure was investigated by methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation and by IR and NMR spectroscopy. It was shown to have a main chain composed of β-(1→3)-linked D-glucopyranosyl residues, with single unit glucosyl branches attached to O-6 of every third backbone residue. Viscometry and Congo red reaction indicated that HEP3 has a highly ordered hydrogen-bond dependent conformation in aqueous solution, which collapses in strong alkaline solution.
conformation, chemical structure, Hericium erinaceus, β-(1→3)-d-Glucan
NCBI PubMed ID: 16458867Grifolan LE (GRN-LE), a purified β-D-glucan, which is obtained from liquid-cultured Grifola frondosa, exhibits various biological activities, including antitumor effects. Significant progress has been made in the study of these effects. However, an unambiguous structural characterization of GRN-LE using NMR spectroscopy has not been carried out as yet. It is well accepted that the biological effects of a β-glucan depend on its primary structure, conformation, and molecular weight. In the present study, we unambiguously elucidate the primary structure of GRN-LE using NMR spectroscopy. The data presented here reveal that GRN-LE comprises a 1,3-β-D-glucan backbone with a single 1,6-β-D-glucosyl side branching unit on every third residue.
NMR, polysaccharide, Grifola frondosa, β-D-glucan
NCBI PubMed ID: 19084824The present study investigates the antimicrobial activity of oxidized schizophyllan (scleraldehyde) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by diffusion and tube dilution analysis. Schizophyllan is a natural polysaccharide produced by fungi of the genus Schizophyllum. Periodate oxidation specifically cleaves the vicinal glycols in scleraldehyde to form their dialdehyde derivatives. The antibacterial activity exhibited by scleraldehyde was defined using various tests such as the disc diffusion assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). MIC and MBC values were found to be in the range of 3.0-8.0 mg/mL. Hence, the present studies establish that the scleraldehyde possesses effective antibacterial properties and can be used as a biopreservative for preservation of raw hides and skins.
polysaccharide, schizophyllan, Scleraldehyde, Antibacterial and biopreservative
NCBI PubMed ID: 20817154The conformation of oxidized scleroglucan (sclerox) was characterized in water and in NaCl aqueous solution by means of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The observed SAXS profiles were analyzed in terms of a modified broken rod model, where each rod component was replaced with the molecular models of a triple-stranded helix and a single chain simulated by the Monte Carlo method. The electrostatic interaction due to carboxylate groups was taken into account by assuming a Gaussiantype interaction potential. The results confirmed that the triple-stranded helix of scleroglucan was disentangled to a single chain by the oxidation of β-D-glucosyl side residues. The triple-stranded structure is partly recovered by shielding charge on the side chains.
conformation, scleroglucan
Publication DOI: 10.1021/ma9716286We have recorded high-resolution 13C-NMR spectra of linear (curdlan) and branched (lentinan, HA-β-glucan and its polyol and aldehyde derivatives) (1-3)-β-D-glucans in hydrate and gel states, in order to gain insight into their gelation mechanism. Network structure of curdlan turned out to be highly heterogeneous from its motional state, from liquid-like, through intermediate, to solid-like domains. They are studied by a variety of experiments, conventional high-resolution NMR by broad-band decoupling, high-power decoupling with magic angle spinning (MAS), and cross-polarization-magic-angle-spinning (CP-MAS). Nevertheless, we found that conformations of these distinct liquid-like and solid-like do- mains exhibit an identical single helix conformation with a small proportion of a triple helix form, supporting our previous view as to the gelation mechanism. In contrast, the network structure of branched (1-3)-β-D-glucans in the gel state arises mainly from the triple helix conformation. This means that gelation of branched (1-3)-β-D-glucan proceeds from partial association of the triple helical chains, previously proposed for gelation of a linear glucan. Furthermore, we found that conversion from the single chain to the single helix was not achieved readily by hydration of over 8h at 96% R. H. for branched glucan but the triple helix form is obtained when these samples are hydrated fully as in gel state.
conformation, 13C NMR, Curdlan, lentinan
NCBI PubMed ID: 2207281A native sample of a Schizophyllum commune polysaccharide (schizophyllan) and its sonicated fragments, ranging in weight-average molecular weight (Mw)fr om 100000 to 6000000 g/mol, were studied by ultracentrifugation and viscometry in water at 25 C, in which schizophyllan has been found to exist as a triple helix. Measurements of intrinsic viscosity [η] and limiting sedimentation coefficient so showed that the schizophyllan triple helix is almost perfectly rigid up to Mw = 500000 g/mol but acquires flexibility for higher Mw. The data in the lower molecular weight range were analyzed by Yamakawa’s theory for [η] and Yamakawa-Fujii’s theory for so of a long rigid cylinder, with the result that ML (the molar mass per unit cylinder length) = 2150±150 nm-1 and d (the diameter) = 2.6 ± 0.4 nm. This ML gives the pitch of the triple helix per β-1,3-D-glucose residue a value of 0.30 ± 0.02 nm, which agrees closely with the reported pitches for lentinan and a β-1,3-D-Xylan in the crystalline region. The d value 2.6 nm is consistent with the diameter of the model triple helix for schizophyllan. With ML = 2150 ± 150 nm-1 and d = 2.6 ± 0.4 nm, the persistence length that allows the theoretical curves of so and [η] for wormlike cylinders to fit the present data was found to be 200 ± 30 nm. This value indicates that the schizophyllan triple helix is stiffer than that of native collagen, a known triple-helical biopolymer.
polysaccharide, β-glucan, beta-glucan
Publication DOI: 10.1021/ma60078a019Light scattering and differential refractive index measurements were made on a sonicated sample of schizophyllan in water + dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) mixtures over the entire composition range at 25 C. When the water composition was diminished to about 13 wt %, the weight-average molecular weight M, and the z-average mean-square radius of gyration (S2), were found to decrease abruptly to the values in pure Me2SO. This result directly checks the previous deduction from viscosity data that the triple helix of schizophyllan would dissociate to single randomly coiled chains at a water composition of about 13 wt %. Analysis of the Mw, and (S2), data indicated that the dissociation proceeds in all-or-none fashion. Specific refractive index incrementa for dialyzed and undialyzed solutions showed that the MezSO molecule adsorbs preferentially on schizophyllan in the region of water composition below about 40 wt %.
polysaccharide, β-glucan, beta-glucan
Publication DOI: 10.1021/ma00236a0061,3-β-Glucans are a class of natural polysaccharides with unique pharmacological properties and the ability to form single- and triple-helical structures that can be formed into resilient gels with the application of heat and humidity. The pharmacological capabilities of 1,3-β-glucans include the impartation of tumor inhibition, resistance to infectious disease, and improvements in wound healing. Curdlan is a linear 1,3-β-glucan that has been used extensively to study the nature of these helical structures and gels, and Curdlan sulfates have found ongoing application in the inhibition of HIV infection. 1,3-β-Glucan gels have been used in food science as stabilizers and encapsulating agents, in nanoscience as scaffolds to build nanofibers and nanowires, and in drug delivery to form nanoparticles and create helical micelles encapsulating polynucleotides. 1,3-β-Glucans are beginning to have enormous significance due to their dual nature as structure-forming agents and pharmacological substances, and research is especially focused on the application of these polymers in animal nutrition and drug delivery.
Glucans, drug delivery
NCBI PubMed ID: 21609131Since its first description in the early 1960s, scleroglucan attracted much attention from both academia and industry. Scleroglucan is an exopolysaccharide secreted by the basidiomycete Sclerotium rolfsii and appreciated as a multipurpose compound applicable in many industrial fields, including oil industry, food industry and pharmacy. In this review, the current knowledge on scleroglucan chemistry, genetics, biosynthesis and production will be summarized and different application possibilities will be discussed. The biosynthesis of scleroglucan in S. rolfsii will be highlighted by recent transcriptomic data and linked to physiological data to better understand the biogenesis of scleroglucan and its link to the phytopathologic lifestyle of S. rolfsii.
biosynthesis, exopolysaccharide, fermentation, transcriptome, scleroglucan, Sclerotium rolfsii
NCBI PubMed ID: 21732244We have previously elucidated the precise structure of a unique type of 1,3-β-D-glucan, AP-FBG (Aureobasidium pullulans-fermented β-D-glucan), from the fungus A. pullulans and found that AP-FBG strongly induced the production of various cytokines in DBA/2 mouse-derived splenocytes in vitro. However, the mechanism(s) of action of AP-FBG on in vitro mouse primary cells have not been characterized in detail. Herein, we report that the production of IFN-γ in DBA/2 mouse-derived splenocytes by AP-FBG was not inhibited following treatment with an anti-dectin-1 neutralizing antibody. In addition, AP-FBG not only failed to activate dectin-1-mediated signaling pathways, examined by a reporter gene assay but also failed to bind to dectin-1, a pivotal receptor for 1,3-β-D-glucan. Taken together, AP-FBG induced cell activation via dectin-1-independent pathways.
structure, Aureobasidium pullulans, Dectin-1, b-D-Glucan, DBA/2 mice
NCBI PubMed ID: 21195691We have previously obtained and elucidated the precise structure of a highly branched 1,3-β-D-glucan (with 6-monoglucopyranosyl side chains), Aureobasidium pullulans-fermented β-D-glucan (AP-FBG), from the fungus A. pullulans. However, the mechanism(s) of the effects of AP-FBG on in vitro mouse primary cells have not been analyzed in detail. Herein, we report that the induction of cytokines by AP-FBG was dependent on the existence of a granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF); this is similar way to be a typical 1,3-β-D-glucan from Sparassis crispa (SCG), which is a 1,3-β-D-glucopyranosyl backbone with single 1,6-β-D-glucopyranosyl side branching units every three residues. In other words, the production of cytokines in DBA/2-mouse-derived splenocytes by AP-FBG was completely hampered by an anti-GM-CSF neutralizing monoclonal antibody. Furthermore, the addition of exogenous GM-CSF to C57BL/6-derived splenocytes, which are less sensitive to AP-FBG, induced the production of cytokines by AP-FBG. Therefore, GM-CSF is indispensable for the induction of cytokines by AP-FBG in mouse-derived splenocytes. This finding has provided a new insight into our understanding of the actions of β-D-glucan but will also aid in the design and development of more effective β-D-glucan agents.
structure, Aureobasidium pullulans, β-D-glucan, DBA/2 mice, GM-CSF
NCBI PubMed ID: 20672970The immunomodulating properties of comb-like branched (1→3)-β-D-glucans scleroglucan, schizophyllan and lentinan depend on branching pattern, molecular weight and higher-order structure. The effect of weight average molecular weight Mw and higher order structure of scleroglucan, on stimulation of human monocytes cultured in vitro to secrete tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was investigated. The higher order structures of the scleroglucan samples were determined by electron microscopy. The data showed that the samples with a linear wormlike, triple helical structure with Mw less than 500000 g/mol or larger than 1100000 g/mol stimulated the monocytes more efficiently than samples with Mw in the range (670000-1100000) g/mol. The denaturation of the linear triple helices by NaOH (> 0.25 M), followed by neutralization yielded blends of linear and macrocyclic topologies with concomitant irreversible reduction of the cytokine inducing activity compared with the untreated scleroglucans. The dose-dependent ability to activate monocytes to cytokine production was not restored following annealing of the denatured-renatured samples, despite the fact that electron micrographs revealed similar structures of these annealed samples to the starting material. Pre-incubation of monocytes with antibodies against cluster of differentiation antigens CD14 or CD11b reduced the scleroglucan potency to stimulate TNF-α secretion mainly for mAb against CD14 in the presence of serum.
conformation, molecular weight, Monocytes, scleroglucan, TNF-α
NCBI PubMed ID: 11128587Two immunostimulating β-glucans, PS-I (water soluble) and PS-II (water insoluble) isolated from hot water extract of the fruiting bodies of an edible mushroom Termitomyces robustus var. showed significant macrophage, splenocyte, and thymocyte activation. On the basis of total hydrolysis, methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, and NMR experiments (1H, 13C, DQF-COSY, TOCSY, DEPT-135, HSQC, and HMBC), the structure of the repeating unit of the polysaccharides is established as: PS-I: Structure 1; PS-II: Structure 2.
NMR spectroscopy, immunostimulation, mushroom polysaccharide, Termitomyces robustus var., b-glucan
NCBI PubMed ID: 22652093Phellinus Linteus (Berkeley & M. A. Curtis) Teng (PL) is a medicinal mushroom that has been practiced in oriental countries for centuries to prevent ailments as diverse as gastroenteric dysfunction, diarrhea, haemorrhage and cancers. In an effort to translate the Asian traditional medicines into western-accepted therapies, scientists have demonstrated that the extracts from fruit-bodies or mycelium of PL not only stimulate the hormonal and cell-mediated immune function and quench the inflammatory reactions caused by a variety of stimuli, but also suppress the tumor growth and metastasis. Mounting evidence from different research groups has shown that PL induces apoptosis in a host of murine and human carcinomas without causing any measurable toxic effects to their normal counterparts. Recently, research has been focused on the anti-tumor effect of PL, and in particular, on its ability to enhance some conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. These studies suggest PL to be a promising candidate as an alternative anticancer agent or a synergizer for existing antitumor drugs. Hereinafter, we summarize the present progress in elucidating the mechanisms underlying the potency of PL and its anti-tumor function. The fractionation and identification of the biologically active components from PL are also briefly introduced.
immunostimulation, cancer therapy, Phellinus linteus, alternative anticancer agent
NCBI PubMed ID: 18537612Excessive and exhausting physical loads depress the immune system. Carbohydrate consumption may minimize the postexercise suppression of the innate immune system. β-Glucan is a well-known immunomodulator, with positive effects on the functioning of immunocompetent cells. The goal of this study was to determine whether β-glucan dietary supplementation from the mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus decreases the suppressed immune system responses induced by short-term high-intensity exercise in humans. In this double-blind pilot study, 20 elite athletes were randomized to β-glucan (n = 9) or placebo (n = 11) groups; these groups consumed 100 mg of b-glucan (Imunoglukan) or placebo supplements, respectively, once a day for 2 months. Venous whole blood was collected before and after 2 months of supplementation (baseline), both immediately and 1 h after (recovery period) a 20-min intensive exercise bout at the end of the supplementation period. The blood samples were used to measure the cell counts of leukocytes, erythrocyte, and lymphocytes; subpopulations of lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes; and natural killer (NK) cell activity (NKCA). A 28% reduction in NKCA (p < 0.01) below the baseline value was observed in the placebo group during the recovery period, whereas no significant reduction in NKCA was found in the β-glucan group. In addition, no significant decrease in NK cell count was measured in the b-glucan group during the recovery period. Immune cell counts did not differ significantly between the groups. These results indicate that insoluble β-glucan supplementation from P. ostreatus may play a role in modulating exercise-induced changes in NKCA in intensively training athletes.
innate immunity, β-glucan, athletes, carbohydrate supplement, exercise, natural killer cells, pleuran, whole-blood cells
NCBI PubMed ID: 21164546Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality among women. Some anticancer compounds have been isolated from mushrooms. The aim of the present work was to study the anticancer effects of schiz-ophyllan (SCH), a β-D-glucan extracted from the mushroom Schizophyllum commune alone or in combination with tamoxifen (TAM) on 7, 12 Dimethylbenz(α)anthracene (DMBA)-induced carcinomas in mice. Methods: We isolated SCH from S. commune. Female mice received DMBA, SCH, DMBA+SCH, DMBA+TAM or DMBA+TAM+SCH or vehicles. We studied mice survival, tumour incidence, histopathology, oestrogen receptor (ER) expression, cell proliferation by immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), apoptosis by TUNEL assay, as well as caspase-3 expression. Results: DMBA treatment resulted in mammary and hepa-tocellular carcinomas (HCC). Both SCH and TAM reduced the incidence of DMBA-induced mammary tumours by 85 and 75 %, respectively, and equally decreased the PCNA labelling index relative to DMBA. TAM treatment increased the incidence of- and PCNA index in HCCs relative to DMBA, while SCH suppressed these effects. TAM was more effective than SCH in the induction of apoptosis in both mammary and hepatic carcinomas. Caspase-3 levels correlated with the apoptotic index in most experimental groups. Conclusions: Only one dose of SCH had similar therapeutic effects against DMBA-induced mammary carcinomas as 4 weeks of TAM treatment. This coupled with the ability of SCH to suppress hepatic lesions associated with TAM treatment provides the rationale for further investigating the combined therapeutic effects of TAM+SCH in preclinical models of ER-positive breast cancer, as well as in liver cancer.
mushroom, apoptosis, breast cancer, Schizophyllum commune, caspase-3, hepatocellular carcinoma, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, tamoxifen
NCBI PubMed ID: 22552717The development of schizophyllan-based drug delivery system is very important because therapeutic applications of antisense ODNs have recently been shown to be effective against many different types of disease, including inflammatory, oncological, and genetic disorders. In particular, the use of antisense ODNs exploiting antisense-mediated exon skipping, has been successfully developed to modulate splicing of the dystrophin gene in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Here, we utilized SPG to inhibit the lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor 1 (LOX-1) gene in vivo as a possible treatment for atherosclerosis.
drug delivery system, schizophyllan, atherosclerosis, SPG, LOX-1 inhibition
NCBI PubMed ID: 23212297Prolonged and high-intensity exercise affects immune function and leads to an increased risk of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in endurance athletes. The increased incidence of URTI symptoms may negatively affect athletic performance. Various nutritional supplements have been tested in the last decade for their ability to prevent developing of URTIs or reduce their incidence. One of the most promising nutritional supplements is β-glucan, a well-known immunomodulator with positive effects on functioning of immunocompetent cells. However, β-glucans are a diverse group of molecules that vary in macromolecular structure, solubility, viscosity, molecular weight and biological activity. This fact is supported by results from recent human clinical studies where β-glucans of different origin and properties differed in ability to prevent or reduce incidence of URTIs in athletes. It has been found that pleuran, a unique insoluble β-glucan isolated from mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus, significantly reduced the incidence of URTI symptoms in athletes. In addition, it was able to increase the number of circulating natural killer cells and to prevent reduction of natural killer cell activity. Contrarily, soluble oat β-glucan supplementation did not alter URTI incidence in endurance athletes. This difference suggests that the immunomodulatory capacity of β-glucans is strongly dependent on solubility and structural factors such as backbone structure and degree of branching. This review refers to using pleuran as a natural supplement that is able to protect endurance athletes against development of URTI.
β-glucan, Pleurotus ostreatus, pleuran, URTI, immunomodulatory effect
Publication DOI: 10.1159/000341967Mushrooms are widely distributed around the world and are heavily consumed because of their nutritional value and medicinal properties. Polysaccharides (PSs) are an important component of mushrooms, a major factor in their bioactive properties, and have been intensively studied during the past two decades. Monosaccharide composition/combinations are important determinants of PS bioactivities. This review summarizes: (i) monosaccharide composition/combinations in various mushroom PSs, and their relationships with PS bioactivities; (ii) possible biosynthetic pathways of mushroom PSs and effects of key enzymes on monosaccharide composition; (iii) regulation strategies in PS biosynthesis, and prospects for controllable biosynthesis of PSs with enhanced bioactivities.
biosynthesis, regulation, structure-activity relationship, Monosaccharide composition, bioactivity, mushroom polysaccharides
NCBI PubMed ID: 28608797In the present work, four strains were screened for schizophyllan production, of which Schizophyllum commune NRCM was selected for further work. The fermentation was carried out for 168 h at 28±2 °C on an orbital shaker at 180 rpm. In the first step, one factor-at-a-time method was used to investigate the effect of media constituents such as carbon and nitrogen sources on schizophyllan production. Subsequently in the second step, concentration of the medium components was optimized using Response Surface Method (RSM). The yield increased from 3.25±0.72 g/l in the unoptimized media to 8.03±1.12 g/l in the medium optimized by RSM.
fermentation, schizophyllan, Schizophyllum commune, response surface method
NCBI PubMed ID: 17446065Oxygen and shear stress are the key factors for enhanced glucan production with Schizophyllum commune. During batch cultivation control of pO2 or qO2 (specific oxygen uptake rate) was achieved by variation of the impeller speed. Biomass was modelled by using the carbon and oxygen balance derived from exhaust data. At mycel growth a qO2 of 0.042 1/h presents just the border before oxygen limitation arises and is simultaneously the optimum operation condition for maximum glucan formation. Related to an overall cultivation time of 72 h a maximum of both productivity (4.3 kg/(kL·day)) and yield (13 kg/kL) were obtained.
glucan, Schizophyllum commune, batch cultivation, mycel growth, optimum operation, oxygen uptake rate
Publication DOI: 10.1007/BF00518738(1→3)-β-D-glucans are known as potent inductors of humoral and cell-mediated immunity in humans and animals. (1→3)-β-D-glucans isolated from various sources differ in their chemical structure and physical parameters and consequently in their immunomodulatory potential. In this study the immunomodulatory activity of two (1→3)-β-D-glucans schizophyllan (SPG) and carboxymethylglucan (CMG) was determined and compared on human blood leukocytes in vitro. Both SPG and CMG activated blood phagocytes and lymphocytes as demonstrated by increased whole blood production of reactive oxygen species, by increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, by increased surface expression of CD69 on lymphocytes, and by altered expression of CD11b and CD62L on polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes. SPG demonstrated a significantly higher potential to stimulate blood phagocytes and production of selected pro-inflammatory cytokines than CMG. The higher potency of SPG to stimulate human blood phagocytes in vitro could be caused by factors such as higher branching frequencies or neutral polymer charge of SPG or different conformation in solution if compared with CMG.
Lymphocytes, schizophyllan, carboxymethylglucan, phagocytes
NCBI PubMed ID: 14667704Antisense technologies for the targeted inhibition of gene expression could provide an effective strategy for the suppression of inflammation. However, the effective use of antisense oligonucleotides (ODN) has been limited because of several problems. Therefore, a delivery system for antisense ODNs that enhances antisense stability, while maintaining the specificity of antisense for its target RNA or DNA is needed. We have developed a delivery system for antisense ODN using schizophyllan (SPG), a polysaccharide that belongs to the β-(1-3) glucan family. This system has several advantages enabling the effective suppression of targeted RNA or DNA: the SPG complex is stable in vivo and does not dissolve in the presence of deoxyribonuclease, and the SPG complex is effectively taken up into macrophages by phagocytosis through Dectin-1. Macrophage-migration inhibitory factor (MIF), which is mainly produced by macrophages has been shown to have a pathogenetic role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We developed a technique to create an SPG complex that highly conformed to the antisense MIF. The administration of antisense MIF/SPG complex effectively suppressed MIF production and significantly ameliorated intestinal inflammation. Our result demonstrated a possible new therapeutic approach, i.e., the administration of antisense MIF/SPG complex, for the treatment of IBD.
inflammatory bowel disease, drug delivery, schizophyllan, Dectin-1
NCBI PubMed ID: 22334022Taking Grifola frondosa as material, the mycelium was broken by ultrasonic, and then centrifugated, the supernatant was collected, GS was precipitated by different concentrations of ethanol, ammonium sulfate and acetone, the suitable isolation method of GS was researched out by taking enzyme activity and protein content as parameters. Reducing sugar, protein content and total sugar content were determined respectively by using 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) method, Coomassie brilliant blue method and phenol-sulfuric acid method. Taking glucose as substrate, GS activity was reflected by the consumption of glucose. Consumption of glucose was measured by DNS method. The optimal temperature and pH of GS enzyme reaction was determined by carrying out the enzyme assay at different temperatures and pH levels.The acid-base stability of GS was determined by subjecting GS to different pH levels for 60 minutes, and the heat stability of GS was determined by subjecting GS to different temperatures for 30 minutes. The direction of GS enzymatic reaction was determined by measuring the consumption of β-glucan in 1 minute. The possibility of GS existing extracellular was judged by determining GS activity in extracellular fermentation liquor. The proper isolation method of GS is that the mycelium was collected from fermentation liquor and broken by ultrasonic for 1min, then centrifugated at 5000rpm for 10 minutes and a supernatant was collected. Ammonium sulfate was added to the concentration of 60%, and then centrifugated at 12000rpm for 10 minutes at 4°C, the pellets was collected as GS crude enzyme. Using this method, 93.86mg of crude enzyme which enzyme activity was 5700U/mg was obtained from 100g mycelium with moisture content of 87.28%, extraction rate of crude enzyme was 0.7379%. The optimum pH of GS enzyme reaction was pH=5.0 and the optimum temperature was 15°C, GS was most stable at pH=5.0 and in the range of 30 °C to 50 °C. Just 0.6996μg β-glucan was hydrolyzed in 1 minute by GS which can actually consume 5700μg glucose per minute in the synthetic reaction of β-glucan, considering the error in actual measurement, it can be considered that GS is a one-way enzyme that it can only catalyze the synthesis of β-glucan. GS activity in extracellular Grifola frondosa fermentation liquor was -0.1875U/ml, indicating that GS is one kind of intracellular enzyme and without GS activity in fermentation liquor or extracellular. An isolation method of grifolan synthase form the mycelium of Grifola frondosa was researched out, and grifolan synthase partly enzymatic properties were studied in this paper. It can lay the foundation for the further study on the structure and function of GS and grifolan production.
isolation, Grifola frondosa, grifolan synthase, β-glucan synthase, grifolan, enzymatic properties
Publication DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.396-398.1446Despite a great deal of effort made by many researchers throughout the world, chemotherapeutic agents that attack cancer cells directly do not seem to have the expected effects except on some leukaemias. Besides, these agents show strong toxicity to the host, and reduce the host defense against infections, especially destroying lymphocytes and bone marrow cells. To find a new cancer drug that can activate or restore host defense mechanisms, we examined fungi, which had traditionally been said to be effective against cancer in Japan and other Asian countries, such as Ganoderma applanatum (Pers.) Pat. and Coriolus versicolor (Fr.) Quél., and several kinds of Japanese edible mushrooms. Test substances were administered intraperitoneally and screened for their ability to inhibit the growth of sarcoma 180 cells subcutaneously transplanted into swiss or ICR mice. This method, reported by Nakahara et al. [1], has been proven to be simple and suitable for screening of host-mediated anticancer drugs. Table 1 shows various antitumoral polysaccharides including lentinan that were isolated from fungi, basidiomysetes and yeast. Lentinan, a (1→3)-β-D-glucan with (1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside branches isolated from an edible mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Sing., exhibits a marked antitumor effect against sarcoma 180 cells transplanted subcutaneously at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day for ten days (Fig. 1) [2–4]. Its chemical and physical characteristics are listed in Table 2.
Francisella tularensis, Edible mushroom, delay type hypersensitivity, Lewis lung carcinoma, recurrent gastric cancer
Publication DOI: 10.1007/978-3-0348-8763-2_8Host-mediated antitumor action of schizophyllan, prepared from the culture filtrate of Schizophyllum commune, was examined against four kinds of transplantable tumors in both ascites and solid forms. Schizophyllan is a polymer of repeating units composed of three or four β-(1→3)-linked D-glucopyranose residues to one of which is attached, through β-(1→6)-linkage, a side chain consisting of a single β-D-glucopyranose residue. The most significant results were obtained with 0.5-10mg/kg doses of schizophyllan on all the subcutaneously implanted tumors, i.e., sarcoma-37, sarcoma-180, Ehrlich carcinoma, and Yoshida sarcoma, accompanied with many complete regressions. On the other hand, the treatment failed to inhibit the growth of ascites tumors or to induce prolongation of life span, with the exception of ascites sarcoma-180, and also no inhibitory effect on Friend virus disease and spontaneous mammary carcinoma arising in Swiss mice. The mechanism of this action was considered to be host-mediated on the basis of lack of effect in contact test in vitro.
cervical cancer
NCBI PubMed ID: 5810959Since its first discovery in the late 1960s, schizophyllan attracted much attention from both academia and industry. Schizophyllan is an exopolysaccharide elaborated by the basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune and appreciated as a multipurpose compound applicable in many fields, including food industry and pharmacy. In this review, the current knowledge on schizophyllan chemistry, physico-chemical properties, bioactivity and novel developments will be summarized and different application possibilities will be discussed. About 167 literatures were cited to summarize the advancement of schizophyllan in this paper.
structure, Chain conformation, bioactivity, schizophyllan, nucleic acid carrier, physico-chemical properties
Publication DOI: 10.1016/j.bcdf.2013.01.002Non-prescriptional use of medicinal herbs among cancer patients is common around the world. The alleged anti-cancer effects of most herbal extracts are mainly based on studies derived from in vitro or in vivo animal experiments. The current information suggests that these herbal extracts exert their biological effect either through cytotoxic or immunomodulatory mechanisms. One of the active compounds responsible for the immune effects of herbal products is in the form of complex polysaccharides known as β-glucans. β-glucans are ubiquitously found in both bacterial or fungal cell walls and have been implicated in the initiation of anti-microbial immune response. Based on in vitro studies, β-glucans act on several immune receptors including Dectin-1, complement receptor (CR3) and TLR-2/6 and trigger a group of immune cells including macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cells and dendritic cells. As a consequence, both innate and adaptive response can be modulated by β-glucans and they can also enhance opsonic and non-opsonic phagocytosis. In animal studies, after oral administration, the specific backbone 1→3 linear β-glycosidic chain of β-glucans cannot be digested. Most β-glucans enter the proximal small intestine and some are captured by the macrophages. They are internalized and fragmented within the cells, then transported by the macrophages to the marrow and endothelial reticular system. The small β-glucans fragments are eventually released by the macrophages and taken up by other immune cells leading to various immune responses. However, β-glucans of different sizes and branching patterns may have significantly variable immune potency. Careful selection of appropriate β-glucans is essential if we wish to investigate the effects of β-glucans clinically. So far, no good quality clinical trial data is available on assessing the effectiveness of purified β-glucans among cancer patients. Future effort should direct at performing well-designed clinical trials to verify the actual clinical efficacy of β-glucans or β-glucans containing compounds.
antitumor activity
NCBI PubMed ID: 19515245A polysaccharide isolated from the culture filtrate of Laetisaria arvalis (Basidiomycete) has been submitted to acid hydrolysis, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, methylation analysis, and treatment with endo-(1→3)-β-D-glucanase. A 6-O-branched (1→3)-β-D-glucan with a structure similar to that of scleroglucan has been identified. In aqueous solution, this polysaccharide develops high viscosities and shows pseudoplastic behaviour. Increasing NaOH concentration reduces viscosity, which is due to a similar conformational transition to that found for scleroglucan. The antitumour activity of the glucan was tested against solid Sarcoma-180 in mice. The polysaccharide strongly inhibited tumour growth with an inhibition ratio of almost 100%.
NMR, glucan, anti-cancer, Leatrisaria
Publication DOI: 10.1016/0144-8617(91)90100-QConsumption of edible mushrooms has been practiced since ages to promote human health and as traditional remedies for multiple human ailments. The excellent nutritional quality of these organisms collectively called as filamentous fungi for their filament like hyphal extension, owes to a high protein, low fat and cholesterol free profile. Over the last decade, a diverse repertoire of protein-glycan conjugates isolated from these organisms has been attributed with immunomodulatory, anticancer, and other therapeutic activities. An integrated use of conventional chemical analyses, improved separation technologies, and new generation high-throughput proteomic approaches has revealed features in these complex biomolecules unknown elsewhere amongst the eukaryotes. However, due to some serious technological bottlenecks, a comprehensive structure-function delineation of the fungal glycoproteome has eluded the scientists. If we can prevail over these constraints and dig deep into this unique niche of the fungal kingdom, the quest for new generation nutraceuticals and therapeutics will get headway.
glycoproteins, mushrooms, Glycoproteomics, filamentous fungi, polysaccharopeptide complexes, nutraceuticals, therapeutic enzymes
Publication DOI: 10.1002/9781118930458.ch20The fungal polysaccharides attract a lot of attention due to their multiple challenging biological properties, such as: anti-tumor, anti-viral, anticomplementary, anticoagulant, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory and immune-stimulatory activities, which all together make them suitable for application in many quite distinctive areas, such as food industry, biomedicine, cosmetology, agriculture, environmental protection and waste water management. This article presents results with respect to biological properties, structure and procedures related to the isolation and activation of polysaccharides of higher fungi. It is considered and presented along with a review of the critical antioxidative activity and possible influence of the structural composition of polysaccharide extracts (isolated from these higher fungi) upon their antioxidative properties.
polysaccharides, fungi, polysaccharide extracts, antioxidative properties
Publication DOI: 10.2298/HEMIND121114056KMushrooms have been used for centuries in Asian and other traditional cuisine and traditional medicines due to their culinary and medicinal properties, but their properties remained unknown to the wide scientic community for a long time. In the last few decades, a large amount of research has focused on the types, sources, biosynthesis, and medicinal properties and applications of many mushrooms, mainly members of the Basidiomycetes family. e most common active ingredients in these higher fungi are their extracellular, intracellular, or cell wall polysaccharides, which exhibit immunostimulating, antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inammatory, antioxidant, prebiotic, hypoglycemic, and hypocholesterolemic eects. In the last few years, some of these mushrooms or their biopolymers have been commercialized in pharmaceutical applications, but their application in food and nutraceuticals is still at an early stage. However, the fact that many of these mushrooms are edible (and thus nontoxic) as well as tasty makes them, or their polysaccharides, potentially ideal ingredients for the formulation of novel functional foods and nutraceuticals. However, their biological properties might be aected aer addition to food, due to food processing and/or interaction with food ingredients. is chapter describes the most important and studied types and sources of bioactive mushroom polysaccharides, the biosynthesis and bioprocess conditions used for the production/cultivation in solid or liquid media, the relation between molecular/structural characteristics and bioactivity, their medicinal properties, and their existing or potential applications in human nutrition.
bioactivity, Basidiomycetes, fungal polysaccharides
Publication DOI: 10.1201/b17121-13Branched tetrasaccharide derivatives as the repeating units of schizophyllan were synthesized using a common intermediate that had different protecting groups on the hydroxyl groups. Accordingly, β-1,3-disaccharide acceptors were efficiently glycosylated in a stepwise manner using monosaccharide donors to construct the branched tetrasaccharides. As a result, oligosaccharides with an internal branch rather than a branch on the terminal residue suitable for the synthesis of branched β-glucan were obtained
glycosylation, β-glucan, schizophyllan, aglycon transfer
Publication DOI: 10.1080/07328303.2015.1044754The aim of this study was to examine the anticancer effects of schizophyllan (a β-D-glucan) against the growth of rat CNS-1 glioma cells and preliminarily assess its effect on inducing apoptosis and blocking cell cycle. In order to evaluate its inhibitory effect, firstly MTT assay was conducted followed by annexin V/propidium iodide double staining or propidium iodide single staining, apoptosis and cell cycle using flow cytometry. All the experiments were carried in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Experimental results showed that treatment of 40 and 60 mg/L schizophyllan significantly increased the apoptotic rate and blocked the cell cycle. In addition, increase in the proportion of cells in G0/G1 phase and decrease in the proportion of S-phase cells were also observed. Overall experimental studies suggest that schizophyllan can significantly inhibit the growth of rat CNS-1 glioma cells, in vitro and induced apoptosis and blocked the cell cycle
anticancer activity, rats, schizophyllan, CNS-1 glioma
Publication DOI: 10.3329/bjp.v10i4.23834We have demonstrated that one-dimensional supramolecular dye assemblies with a uniform diameter can be created by utilizing schizophyllan (SPG) as a one-dimensional host. In the supramolecular nanofibers, the dye molecules are assembled into the different aggregation modes depending on the preparation procedures. The findings establish that SPG is useful for creating the supramolecular nanofibers, where temporal superstructures can be stabilized by the SPG-specific helical higher-order structure
schizophyllan, nanofibers, supramolecular assemblies
NCBI PubMed ID: 17107065There are about 40 species in the Pleurotus genus, including those with high economic significance, i.e. P. ostreatus and P. pulmonarius. The fruiting bodies of oyster mushrooms are of high nutritional and health-promoting value. In addition, many species belonging to the Pleurotus genus have been used as sources of substances with documented medicinal properties, such as high-molecular weight bioactive compounds (polysaccharides, peptides and proteins) and low-molecular weight compounds (terpenoids, fatty acid esters and polyphenols). The bioactive substances contained in the mycelium and fruiting bodies of Pleurotus species exhibit immunostimulatory, anti-neoplastic, anti-diabetic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-oxidative properties. Their multidirectional positive influence on the human organism is the result of interaction of bioactive substances. Extracts from individual Pleurotus species can be used for the production of dietary supplements increasing the organism’s immunity. They are also used for the production of cosmetics. They can be added to functional foods as probiotics, or used as natural preservatives or ingredients of special foodstuffs for patients with specific diseases.
Functional food, fruiting bodies, health-promoting activities, oyster mushrooms
Publication DOI: 10.2478/fhort-2018-0012Grifola frondosa, a species of Basidiomycotina, is an edible medicinal mushroom with a large fruiting body characterized by overlapping caps. The β-glucan is the major biologically active component in G. frondosa polysaccharide (GFP) or D-fraction, which has been studied extensively for nearly 30 years. GFP was approved as an adjunctive therapeutic drug in China for treating cancers in 2010. In this article, based on the search results of Chinese VIP, CNKI, and Wanfang databases, 105 independent animal studies were summarized. The chemical structure, the antitumor, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemia, and antiviral activities and molecular mechanisms of GFP are reviewed and discussed.
polysaccharide, antitumor activity, anti-inflammatory, grifolan
NCBI PubMed ID: 29723488An exopolysaccharide (EPS) was fractionated from fermentation media of a Cordyceps sinensis fungus (Cs-HK1) by ethanol precipitation at 2/5 volume ratio of ethanol/media. Its structural characteristics were elucidated by FT-IR, GC, GC-MS, 1D and 2D NMR combined with periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, partial acid hydrolysis, and methylation analysis. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory activity of EPS was evaluated by the model of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. The results from monosaccharide composition and partial acid hydrolysis indicated that EPS almost consisted of glucose excluding a trace amount of mannose. GC-MS and NMR analysis further confirmed EPS had a linear backbone of (1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl residues with a single (1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl side-branching unit for every three β-D-glucopyranosyl residues, showing a comb-like β-D-glucan with short and intensive branches, which was responsible for high viscosity. Moreover, EPS could significantly enhance immune organs and stimulate the release of major cytokines TNF-α and INF-γ, suggesting that EPS exhibited protective effect in immunocompromised mice.
β-D-glucan, Cordyceps sinensis, comb-like branched structure, protective effect, cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression
NCBI PubMed ID: 26917398For centuries, mushrooms have been used as food and medicine in different cultures. More recently, many bioactive compounds have been isolated from different types of mushrooms. Among these, immunomodulators have gained much interest based on the increasing growth of the immunotherapy sector. Mushroom immunomodulators are classified under four categories based on their chemical nature as: lectins, terpenoids, proteins, and polysaccharides. These compounds are produced naturally in mushrooms cultivated in greenhouses. For effective industrial production, cultivation is carried out in submerged culture to increase the bioactive compound yield, decrease the production time, and reduce the cost of downstream processing. This review provides a comprehensive overview on mushroom immunomodulators in terms of chemistry, industrial production, and applications in medical and nonmedical sectors.
polysaccharides, lectins, animal feed and aquaculture, fungal immunomodulatory proteins, industrial production, medical application, mushroom immunomodulators, terpenes and terpenoids
NCBI PubMed ID: 24125745Dictyophora indusiata and many other Dictyophora mushrooms distribute widely around the world. They have long been used as edible mushroom in China. Owing to the outstanding healthy benefits, various bioactive substances from Dictyophora indusiata, including polysaccharide, amino acid, vitamin and protein, have been studied in recent years. Polysaccharide is one of the most important substances reported through out years. This review outlines recent progress on the extraction, purification, structural features and biological activities of polysaccharide from Dictyophora indusiata.
structure, polysaccharide, bioactivity, Dictyophora indusiata
Publication DOI: 10.1016/j.bcdf.2017.07.008Naturally-occurring β-glucans are mostly investigated for their antitumor activity and immunomodulatory property. They have been widely regarded as a natural source for functional foods and pharmaceuticals. However, the physico-chemically stable and biocompatible properties of β-glucans are rarely explored as a coating material for nanomaterials to overcome the problems of aggregation and cytotoxicity. This article reviews on the exploration of β-glucans, in particular those derived from mushrooms, as a natural coating material to modify the surface properties of bioactive substances as a relatively simple and cost-effective strategy to produce stable and biocompatible nanohybrids used for biopharmaceutical use. It is envisaged that such β-glucan-based coating method will provide new opportunities to design biocompatible functional nanomaterials for wider clinical applications.
β-Glucans, biopharmaceuticals, biocompatibility, nanohybrids
Publication DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2019.11.005A β-1,3-D-glucan called schizophyllan (SPG) forms a novel complex with homo-polynucleotides such as poly(dA) via the combination of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. The complex can protect the bound DNA from nuclease-mediated hydrolysis and nonspecific binding to serum proteins. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including macrophages and dendritic cells, are known to express β-glucan receptors. We have demonstrated that APCs recognize oligonucleotide (ODN)/SPG complexes, and the complexes are eventually ingested by the cells. This finding suggests that the bound ODN can exert its effect after internalization into cells. This chapter shows our recent in vitro and in vivo studies to prove this idea and provide a new strategy for specific delivery of functional ODNs including antisense (AS)-ODN, CpG-ODN, siRNA, and antigenic-peptide to APCs for treatment of diseases caused by disorders of the immune system.
immune system, schizophyllan, specific delivery
Publication DOI: 10.1021/bk-2019-1309.ch004Immuno-therapies are gaining more importance to treat certain forms of cancer. The goal of therapies is to enhance person's own IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE and macrophages to combat with neoplastic cells hence the effectiveness of the immune system. Since, early civilization mushrooms are considered as potent food as well as medicine. Mushrooms are well known for their bioactive compounds such as chizophyllan, lentinan, grifolan, PSP (polysaccharide-peptide complex) and PSK (polysaccharide-protein complex) which are considered as medicines against melignancy. They prevent oncogenesis by the direct effect on tumor metastasis and exhibits antitumor effects by the induction of immune response in host. Mushroom polysaccharides have promising future for treatment of cancers due to their mode of action and efficacy. Also there are some hurdles during this treatment, but it will start a new era of safer and effective medicine based on mushroom polysaccharides.
polysaccharides, mushroom, antitumor, immuno-therapy
NCBI PubMed ID: 29726720The use of natural polymers and electrospinning as a new method of wound dressing production is one of the things that can revolutionize the medical world. Due to the importance of wound healing and characteristics such as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it is possible to use natural compounds such as fungi and metabolites derived from them to produce wound dressing. In this study, schizophyllan (SPG) as an extracellular polysaccharide was extracted from Iranian Schizophyllum commune (NCBI MG761830) and then the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were produced by the in-situ method in 1.5 % SPG solution. Afterward, they were combined with polyvinyl alcohol 10 % (PVA) polymer to strengthen the fiber structure. We investigated the properties of nanofibers containing PVA/SPG-AgNPs and PVA/SPG20 %. The physicochemical properties of two fibers were investigated by SEM, TEM, FTIR, contact angle, water uptake, nanoparticle release, and biological test (antibacterial, and MTT). The diameter of the nanofiber-containing the AgNPs was about 169 nm and the other nanofiber was about 212 nm. The highest inhibition of the growth of the bacterium by PVA/SPG-AgNPs against E. coli and S. aureus was about 88.34 % and 64.7 %, respectively. The silver ion release from PVA/SPG-AgNPs nanofibers was 21 μg/ml after fifth day. Both nanofibers had no toxic effect on L929 fibroblast cells.
cytotoxicity, in situ, schizophyllan, nanofiber, silver nanoparticle
Publication DOI: 10.1007/s12221-019-9388-8As a stable microbial polysaccharide, scleroglucan has extensive application in the food, medicine, and cosmetics industries. However, its large-scale industrial application is limited by its high production cost, low yield, long production time, etc. This study aims to enhance scleroglucan production by Sclerotium rolfsii WSH-G01. Based on the analysis of batch fermentation kinetics parameters, a pH-shift strategy was adopted. Through systematic kinetics analysis, a 32.4 g/L scleroglucan was accomplished. The kinetic model of the pH-shift batch fermentation process was established using a logistic equation, Luedeking-Piret equation, and a Luedeking-Piret-like equation. As decreased glucose concentration could cause decreased scleroglucan synthesis rates during the batch fermentation process, 30 g/L glucose was fed in the later phase of fermentation. As a result, scleroglucan production increased to 42 g/L, with a productivity of 0.5 g/L·h. Thus, the pH-shift strategy and feeding approach could be useful for industrial scleroglucan production.
scleroglucan, Sclerotium rolfsii, fed-batch, overproduction, pH-shift strategy
NCBI PubMed ID: 31514118Schizophyllum commune is a wood-rotting filamentous fungus that secrets a homopolysaccharide called as schizophyllan. Schizophyllan has several applications such as enhanced oil recovery, pharmaceutical materials and an anti-cancer drug carrier. Biomass growth and schizophyllan production increase the viscosity of the cultivation medium, thus resulting in mass transfer limitation for the substrate. In this study, adding talc and aluminium oxide microparticles into the cultivation medium was studied to improve the fungal growth and morphology. The response surface methodology and one factor at a time were applied to find the effects of microparticles with different sizes and concentrations on the schizophyllan production. The optimum concentration and size of aluminium oxide microparticles were obtained as 20 g/L and < 30 µm, respectively. Aluminium oxide microparticles in shake flask culture caused to increase the schizophyllan production from 10 to 15 g/L and decrease the cultivation time from 10 to 7 days. The production yield also increased from 0.11 to 0.30 g of schizophyllan/g glucose. Bioreactor cultivation showed a twofold increase in schizophyllan production from 1.5 to 3 g/L. The results of this study suggested a significant increase in the production of schizophyllan using a low-cost "microparticle-enhanced cultivation" without any further optimization of the culture medium.
optimization, schizophyllan, Schizophyllum commune, aluminium oxide, microparticles, talc
NCBI PubMed ID: 32955618We report the solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation dataset for a triple helix and a random structure of water-soluble Aureobasidium pullulans β-(1→3, 1→6)-D-glucan (APG) and those of schizophyllan from Schizophyllum commune (SPG), obtained by the Bruker BioSpin 500 MHz NMR spectrometer. These data include solid-state proton spin-lattice relaxation in the rotating frame (T 1ρH) and 13C spin-lattice relaxation (T 1C) of these two β-(1→3, 1→6)-glucans, which are related to the subject of article in International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, entitled "Characterization of the secondary structure and order-disorder transition of a β-(1→3, 1→6)-glucan from Aureobasidium pullulans" [1]. Data can help to investigate the structural characterization of the structural polysaccharides.
Aureobasidium pullulans, Triple Helix, schizophyllan, solid-state NMR, β-(1→3, molecular mobility, T1 relaxation, T1ρ relaxation, 1→6)-glucans
NCBI PubMed ID: 31890824Schizophyllan (SPG), produced by Schizophyllum commune, is an exopolysaccharide with multiple academic and commercial uses, including in the food industry and for various medical functions. We previously demonstrated that SPG conjugated with c-Src peptide exerted a significant therapeutic effect on mouse models of the acute inflammatory diseases polymicrobial sepsis and ulcerative colitis. Here we extended these results by investigating whether SPG exerted a protective effect against mitochondrial damage in the liver via sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) induction, focusing on the deacetylation of succinate dehydrogenase A (SDHA) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). Liver damage models induced by alcohol or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, which simulates lipodystrophy) in SIRT3-/-, SOD2-/-, and SDHA-/- mice were used. Results showed that dietary supplementation with SPG induced SIRT3 activation; this was involved in mitochondrial metabolic resuscitation that countered the adverse effects of alcoholic liver disease and CLA-induced damage. The mitochondrial SIRT3 mediated the deacetylation and activation of SOD2 in the liver and SDHA in adipose tissues, suggesting that SPG supplementation reduced ethanol-induced liver damage and CLA-induced adverse dietary effects via SIRT3-SOD2 and SIRT3-SDHA signaling, respectively. Together, these results suggest that dietary SPG has a previously unrecognized role in SIRT3-mediated mitochondrial metabolic resuscitation during mitochondria-related diseases.
mice, schizophyllan, SDHA, SIRT3, SOD2
NCBI PubMed ID: 32236798Scleroglucan, a neutral β(1-3) glucan with β(1-6) glucan branches every third residue, is being considered as an alternative rod-like, shear thinning high molecular weight β-glucan based polysaccharide to xanthan gum for the management of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia. It is therefore important to understand more fully its hydrodynamic properties in solution, in particular heterogeneity, molecular weight distribution and its behaviour in the presence of mucin glycoproteins. A commercially purified scleroglucan preparation produced by fermentation of the filamentous fungus Sclerotium rolfsii was analysed in deionised distilled water with 0.02% added azide. Sedimentation velocity in the analytical ultracentrifuge showed the scleroglucan preparation to be unimodal at concentrations >0.75 mg/ml which resolved into two components at lower concentration and with partial reversibility between the components. Sedimentation coefficient versus concentration plots showed significant hydrodynamic non-ideality. Self-association behaviour was confirmed by sedimentation equilibrium experiments with molecular weights between ~3000000 g/mol to ~5000000 g/mol after correcting for thermodynamic non-ideality. SEC-MALS-viscosity experiments showed a transition between a rod-shape at lower molar masses to a more flexible structure at higher masses consistent with previous observations. Sedimentation velocity experiments also showed no evidence for potentially problematic interactions with submaxillary mucin.
viscosity, scleroglucan, Sclerotium rolfsii, molecular properties
NCBI PubMed ID: 32255886The β-1,3-D-glucan schizophyllan (SPG) forms novel complexes with homopolynucleotides such as polydeoxyadenosine (dA) or polycytosine (C) through a combination of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Complexation to SPG can protect a bound therapeutic oligonucleotide (ODN) from nuclease-mediated degradation and can prevent nonspecific binding to serum proteins. It has also been demonstrated to target delivery of therapeutic antisense ODN to β-glucan-receptor-expressing cells, such as immune cells and some lung cancer cells. This biopolymer technology based on SPG is a useful for tool for achieving targeted delivery of therapeutic ODNs. This chapter describes our recent in vitro and in vivo studies on antisense ODN delivery and analysis of endosomal escape to prove this concept.
schizophyllan, targeted delivery, ODN
Publication DOI: 10.1021/bk-2020-1350.ch003Together with chitin, the β-glucans are components of mycetes' cell walls. A high level of biological efficiency has been found in β-glucans, especially β-1,3-D-glucans and β-1,6-D-glucans isolated from some basidiomycetes. (Biological efficiency refers to the relative ability of β-glucans to promote a desired response, for example to induce leukocyte activation and to produce inflammatory mediators.) These polysaccharides increase the number of Th1 lymphocytes, which help protect organisms against allergic reactions. A number of β-glucans, for example pleuran from Oyster (Pleurotus spp.) mushrooms or lentinan from Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushrooms, have shown marked anticarcinogenic activity. In addition to having an immunity-stimulating effect, β-glucans may participate in physiological processes related to the metabolism of fats in the human body. Their application results in a decrease in the total cholesterol content in blood and may also contribute to reductions in body weight.
β-Glucans, lentinan, pleuran, fungi cell wall, anticarcinogenic activity
NCBI PubMed ID: 19906249Antisense oligonucleotides (AS-ODNs) specifically hybridize with target mRNAs, resulting in interference with the splicing mechanism or the regulation of protein translation. In our previous reports, we demonstrated that β-glucan schizophyllan (SPG) can form a complex with AS-ODNs attached with oligo deoxyadenosine dA40 (AS-ODN-dA40/SPG), and that this complex can be recognized by β-glucan receptor Dectin-1 on antigen presenting cells and lung cancer cells. In many types of cancer cell, activating K-ras mutations related to malignancy are frequently observed. In this study, we first designed 78 AS-ODNs for K-ras to optimize the sequence for highly efficient gene suppression. The selected AS-ODN (K-AS07) having dA40 made a complex with SPG. The resultant complex (K-AS07-dA40/SPG) showed an effect of silencing the ras gene in the cells (PC9: human adenocarcinoma differentiated from lung tissue) expressing Dectin-1, leading to the suppression of cell growth. Furthermore, the cytotoxic effect was enhanced when used in combination with the anticancer drug gemcitabine. Gemcitabine, a derivative of cytidine, was shown to interact with dA40 in a sequence-dependent manner. This interaction did not appear to be so strong, with the gemcitabine being released from the complex after internalization into the cells. SPG and the dA40 part of K-AS07-dA40 play roles in carriers for K-AS07 and gemcitabine, respectively, resulting in a strong cytotoxic effect. This combination effect is a novel feature of the AS-ODN-dA40/SPG complexes. These results could facilitate the clinical application of these complexes for cancer treatment.
drug delivery, schizophyllan, antisense DNA, gemcitabine, K-ras
NCBI PubMed ID: 32828430Schizophyllan is a natural polysaccharide that has shown great potential as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) polymer for high-temperature, high-salinity reservoirs. Nevertheless, the adsorption behavior of schizophyllan over carbonate minerals remains ambiguous element towards its EOR applications. Here, we investigate the adsorption of schizophyllan on different carbonate minerals. The effect of mineral type, salinity, and background ions on adsorption is analyzed. Our results indicate the adsorption capacity is higher on calcite and dolomite compared to silica and kaolin and the adsorption capacity decreases with salinity. Moreover, the adsorption kinetics follows pseudo-second order mechanism regardless of the mineral type. Adsorption over calcite is diminished in presence of water structure making ions and enhanced in presence of structure breaking ion and in presence of urea. Gel permeation chromatography results reveal the preferential adsorption of longer chains. The adsorption over carbonate minerals proceed via complex formation between polymer molecule and mineral surface.
polysaccharides, Adsorption, schizophyllan, EOR, carbonate minerals
NCBI PubMed ID: 32475555Oligo-deoxyadenylic acid (dAX) forms a novel 1:2 triple-helix with β-1,3-D-glucan schizophyllan (SPG). We found that dAX meticulously selects the most suitable length of SPG to bind; for example, dA30 only complexes with a short SPG chain having 30, 60, or 90 main-chain glucoses, and they can be easily isolated with each other. This study demonstrated such a novel stoichiometric complex formation by using gel permeation chromatography coupled with multi-angle light scattering and synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering. These oligo-DNA/polysaccharide complexes can be used as a tool for delivering therapeutic oligonucleotides to immunocytes that express the β-1,3-D-glucan receptors. The present study provides a robust platform technique to characterize them in terms of modern regulatory science of nanomedicines, which is requisite to transfer drug candidates into clinical trial. Our findings are important for characterizing these complexes as well as for providing a new insight into nucleotide and saccharide chemistry.
binding, schizophyllan, triple-helix, oligo-DNA, delivering, nanomedicine
NCBI PubMed ID: 33186018Fungal bioactive polysaccharides are well known and have been widely used in Asia as a part of the traditional diet and medicine. In fact, some biopolymers (mainly β-glucans or glycoconjugate) have already made their way to the market as antitumor or immunostimulating drugs. In the last decades, the relationship between structure and activity of polysaccharides and their detailed mode of action have been the core of intense research to understand and utilize their medicinal properties. Most of the antitumor polysaccharides belong to conserved β-glucans, with a linear β-(1→3)-glucan backbone and attached β-(1→6) branch. Structurally different β-glucans appear to have different affinities toward their receptors and thus generate markedly different host responses. However, their antitumor activities are mainly influenced by molecular mass, degree of branching, conformation, and structure modification of the polysaccharides. β-Glucans act on several immune receptors including Dectin-1, complement receptor (CR3) and TLR-2/6, then trigger both innate and adaptive response and enhance opsonic and nonopsonic phagocytosis. Various receptor interactions explain the possible mode of actions of polysaccharides.
polysaccharides, glycans, fungi, medicinal mushrooms, traditional Chinese medicine
NCBI PubMed ID: 32089236A common edible mushroom Lentinula edodes, is an important source of numerous biologically active substances, including polysaccharides, with immunomodulatory and antitumor properties. In the present work, the biological activity of the crude, homogenous (Se)-enriched fraction (named Se-Le-30), which has been isolated from L. edodes mycelium by a modified Chihara method towards human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and peripheral granulocytes, was investigated. The Se-Le-30 fraction, an analog of lentinan, significantly inhibited the proliferation of human PBMCs stimulated with anti-CD3 antibodies or allostimulated, and down-regulated the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-? by CD3+ T cells. Moreover, it was found that Se-Le-30 significantly reduced the cytotoxic activity of human natural killer (NK) cells. The results suggested the selective immunosuppressive activity of this fraction, which is non-typical for mushroom derived polysaccharides.
polysaccharides, Lentinula edodes, selenium, immunosuppressant
NCBI PubMed ID: 34944419β-Glucans comprise a group of polysaccharides of natural origin found in bacteria, algae, and plants, e.g., cereal seeds, as well as microfungi and macrofungi (mushrooms), which are characterized by diverse structures and functions. They are known for their metabolic and immunomodulatory properties, including anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral. Recent reports suggest a potential of β-glucans in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. In contrast to β-glucans from other sources, β-glucans from mushrooms are characterized by β-1,3-glucans with short β-1,6-side chains. This structure is recognized by receptors located on the surface of immune cells; thus, mushroom β-glucans have specific immunomodulatory properties and gained BRM (biological response modifier) status. Moreover, mushroom β-glucans also owe their properties to the formation of triple helix conformation, which is one of the key factors influencing the bioactivity of mushroom β-glucans. This review summarizes the latest findings on biological and health-promoting potential of mushroom β-glucans for the treatment of civilization and viral diseases, with particular emphasis on COVID-19.
food, mushrooms, β-Glucans, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, macrofungi
NCBI PubMed ID: 34836215The importance of a well-functioning and balanced immune system has become more apparent in recent decades. Various elements have however not yet been uncovered as shown, for example, in the uncertainty on immune system responses to COVID-19. Fungal β-glucans are bioactive molecules with immunomodulating properties. Insights into the effects and function of β-glucans, which have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, advances with the help of modern immunological and biotechnological methods. However, it is still unclear into which area β-glucans fit best: supplements or medicine? This review has highlighted the potential application of fungal β-glucans in nutrition and medicine, reviewing their formulation, efficacy, safety profile, and immunomodulating effects. The current status of dietary fungal glucans with respect to the European scientific requirements for health claims related to the immune system and defense against pathogens has been reviewed. Comparing the evidence base of the putative health effects of fungal β-glucan supplements with the published guidance documents by EFSA on substantiating immune stimulation and pathogen defense by food products shows that fungal β-glucans could play a role in supporting and maintaining health and, thus, can be seen as a good health-promoting substance from food, which could mean that this effect may also be claimed if approved. In addition to these developments related to food uses of β-glucan-containing supplements, β-glucans could also hold a novel position in Western medicine as the concept of trained immunity is relatively new and has not been investigated to a large extent. These innovative concepts, together with the emerging success of modern immunological and biotechnological methods, suggest that fungal glucans may play a promising role in both perspectives, and that there are possibilities for traditional medicine to provide an immunological application in both medicine and nutrition.
medicine, immunity, glucan, mushrooms, nutrition, dietary supplement, health claims
NCBI PubMed ID: 33920583Ethnopharmacological relevance: The antitumor effects of Grifola frondosa/maitake polysaccharide (GFP) have been reported in many preclinical studies, especially in vivo experiments. The present meta-analysis aimed to provide an in vivo evidence and theoretical basis for future clinical trials by assessing the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of GFP in tumor treatment. Materials and methods: English and Chinese databases were examined to include animal experiments to study the antitumor activity of GFP. Literature screening, data extraction, and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. In addition, the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk of bias (RoB) tool was used to assess the risk of bias of the included animal studies. Results: Potentially relevant studies (442) were identified, and finally 24 eligible studies (all in English) were included. The meta-analysis revealed that GFP has significant effects in inhibiting tumor growth (high dose: mean difference (MD) = -1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [-1.73, -0.95]; low dose: MD = -5.68, 95% CI = [-7.27, -4.09]), improving tumor remission rate (odds ratio = 25.59, 95% CI = [9.08, 72.11]), and enhancing immune function in both cellular (CD4+ T cell percentage: MD = 3.03, 95% CI = [1.16, 4.90]; CD8+ T cell percentage: MD = 1.10, 95% CI = [-0.29, 2.49]) and humoral immunity (MD and [95% CI] of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor-? were 7.86 [6.29, 9.44], 35.95 [5.18, 66.72], and 10.03 [8.71, 11.36], respectively), and the differences between the two groups of the above indicators were statistically significant (all P < 0.01) except CD8+ T cell percentage. Additionally, the quality of the included studies was not high, and the risk of bias mainly concentrated on selection, detection, and reporting biases. Conclusion: GFP is a potential candidate for tumor treatment and clinical trials. Trial registration: The review protocol for this study was registered with the PROSPERO database before beginning the review process (CRD42018108897).
polysaccharide, immunity, Grifola frondosa, screening
NCBI PubMed ID: 34271115Medicinal mushrooms are conventionally used in the traditional medicine to treat or prevent illnesses. Polysaccharides are an important component in the mushrooms, a major contributor in their biological properties, and have been extensively studied since the past two decades. Medicinal mushrooms contain a class of polysaccharide known as β-glucan that possesses various biological activities. However, there are also other polysaccharides types that have been described to possess therapeutic potentials but they are less popular than the β-glucan. This review summarizes related information correlated to the mushroom polysaccharide structure, isolation and characterization methods, and their roles in biological activities including immunomodulatory, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-microbial properties.
polysaccharide, biological activities, medical mushroom, polysaccharide characterization
Publication DOI: 10.1080/10826076.2023.2182317Fungal β-glucans have received a lot of interest due to their proinflammatory activity towards cells of the innate immune system. Although commonly described as (1➔3)-β-glucans with varying degree of (1➔6)-branching, the fungal β-glucans constitute a diverse polysaccharide class. In this study, the alkali-soluble β-glucans from the edible mushroom Pleurotus eryngii were extracted and characterized by GC, GC-MS and 2D NMR analyses. The extracts contain several structurally different polysaccharides, including a (1➔3)-β-d-glucan with single glucose units attached at O-6, and a (1➔6)-β-d-glucan, possibly branched at O-3. The immunomodulatory activities of the P. eryngii extracts were assessed by investigating their ability to bind to the receptor dectin-1, and their ability to induce production of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in LPS-differentiated THP-1 cells. Although the samples were able to bind to the dectin-1a receptor, they did not induce production of significant levels of cytokines in the THP-1 cells. Positive controls of yeast-derived (1➔3)-β-d-glucans with branches at O-6 induced cytokine production in the cells. Thus, it appears that the P. eryngii β-glucans are unable to induce production of proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-differentiated THP-1 cells, despite being able to activate the human dectin-1a receptor.
NMR, THP-1, Dectin-1, dispersion, mushroom glucans
NCBI PubMed ID: 37839837Schizophyllan (SPG), a β-glucan produced by the fungus Schizophyllum commune, possesses a β-(1→3)-linked backbone with single β-(1→6)-linked glucose side chains at approximately every third residue. In this study, we screened SPG-producing strains of S. commune from different provinces in China. A candidate strain (NTU-1) with a high SPG yield was chosen, and the fermentation conditions were optimized. The optimal carbon and nitrogen sources were sucrose (40 g/L) and yeast extract (20 g/L), respectively. The optimal conditions for pH and temperature were 5.0 and 28 °C, respectively. Inclusion of 0.2 mg/L of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in the medium further increased the SPG concentration. In a 5-L bioreactor, the fermentation cycle was reduced from the initial seven days to five days, and the concentration of SPG obtained was 21.3 g/L, which is the highest reported to date. In addition, we evaluated the bioactivity of the SPG prepared using strain NTU-1. The results showed that SPG had certain characteristics of anti-oxidation, anti-photoaging, and inhibition of melanin production, making it a promising reagent for skin care.
Antioxidant activity, fermentation optimization, schizophyllan, melanin, Schizophyllum commune, anti-photoaging
NCBI PubMed ID: 37080406Solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectroscopy facilitates the non-destructive characterization of structurally heterogeneous biomolecules in their native setting, for example, comprising proteins, lipids and polysaccharides. Here we demonstrate the utility of high and ultra-high field 1 H-detected fast MAS ssNMR spectroscopy, which exhibits increased sensitivity and spectral resolution, to further elucidate the atomic-level composition and structural arrangement of the cell wall of Schizophyllum commune, a mushroom-forming fungus from the Basidiomycota phylum. These advancements allowed us to reveal that Cu(II) ions and the antifungal peptide Cathelicidin-2 mainly bind to cell wall proteins at low concentrations while glucans are targeted at high metal ion concentrations. In addition, our data suggest the presence of polysaccharides containing N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc) and proteins, including the hydrophobin proteins SC3, shedding more light on the molecular make-up of cells wall as well as the positioning of the polypeptide layer. Obtaining such information may be of critical relevance for future research into fungi in material science and biomedical contexts.
NMR, NMR spectroscopy, cell wall, peptide, Schizophyllum commune, proton detection
NCBI PubMed ID: 36181715Among the most important sources of β-glucans are edible and medicinal mushrooms. These molecules are components of the cellular wall of basidiomycete fungi (mushrooms) and can be extracted even from the basidiocarp as the mycelium and its cultivation extracts or biomasses. Mushroom β-glucans are recognized by their potential effects as immunostimulants and immunosuppressants. They are highlighted as anticholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, adjuvant in diabetes mellitus, mycotherapy for cancer treatment, as well as adjuvants for COVID-19 vaccines. Due to their relevance, several techniques of β-glucans extraction, purification, and analysis have already been described. Despite the previous knowledge of β-glucans' benefits for human nutrition and health, the main information about this topic refers to the molecular identification, properties, and benefits, as well as their synthesis and action on cells. Studies on biotechnology industry applications (product development) and the registered products of β-glucans from mushrooms are still limited and more common for feed and healthcare. In this context, this paper reviews the biotechnological production of food products containing β-glucans from basidiomycete fungi, focusing on food enrichment, and presents a new perspective on fungi β-glucans' use as potential immunotherapy agents. KEY POINTS: • Mushrooms' β-glucans for product development in the biotechnology industry • Biotechnological production of food products containing mushrooms' β-glucans • Basidiomycete fungi β-glucans are used as potential immunotherapy agents.
bioactive properties, food enrichment, mycotherapy, product development
NCBI PubMed ID: 37410138Glucans are the most abundant class of macromolecule polymers in fungi, which are commonly found in Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Fungal glucans are not only essential for cell integrity and function but also crucial for the immense industrial interest in high value applications. They present a variety of structural characteristics at the nanoscale due to the high regulation of genes and the involvement of stochastic processes in synthesis. However, although recent findings have demonstrated the genes of glucans synthesis are relatively conserved across diverse fungi, the formation and organization of diverse glucan structures is still unclear in fungi. Here, we summarize the structural features of fungal glucans and the recent developments in the mechanisms of glucans biosynthesis. Furthermore, we propose the engineering strategies of targeted glucan synthesis and point out the remaining challenges in the synthetic process. Understanding the synthesis process of diverse glucans is necessary for tailoring high value glucan towards specific applications. This engineering strategy contributes to enable the sustainable and efficient production of glucan diversity
biosynthesis, gene, diversity, glucan, fungi, target glucan
NCBI PubMed ID: 38286552Natural and safe ingredients are now a major concern in the cosmetics industry. Different methods for reducing hazardous substances in the products are being developed quickly. Biocosmetics appears as a “term” for natural resources-based cosmetics. The ingredients for biocosmetics are usually made from plants, animals, microbes, enzymes, and other natural resources. Fungi, a diverse kingdom, is one of the potential sources for such biocosmetics due to their enormous diversity of functional secondary metabolites with pharmacological properties. Some studies regarding fungi in cosmetics, especially for skincare products, only focus on the application of mushroom-forming fungi (extract of mushroom/basidiocarp). Otherwise, filamentous fungi, such as Rhizopus oryzae, Aspergillus oryzae, Monascus purpureus, Aspergillus niger also have a high potency to be developed as biocosmetic ingredients due their cosmeceutical properties such as anti-aging, whitening, antioxidant, etc. white rot fungi (WRF) producing ligninolytic enzymes, such as Phlebia radiata, Geotrichum sp., Trametes hirsuta, Bjerkandera adusta, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, also have high potency to developed as natural active whitening. In this study, we discussed the potency of fungi, not only for mushroom commodities but also filamentous fungi including WRF. Therefore, we expect that this review provides a comprehensive study regarding fungal application in cosmetic industries, especially as natural ingredients in skincare products
mushroom, filamentous fungi, biocosmetics, fermented skincare
Publication DOI: 10.1007/978-981-97-1908-2_5Schizophyllan, a Schizophylium communeβ-d-glucan, a Tamarindus xyloglucan, locust bean gum, a galactomannan, a barley β-d-glucan, and chitosan show specific adhesion to microcrystalline cellulose (cellulose I). Xyloglucan, locust bean gum, barley β-d-glucan, and chitosan also show the ability to adhere mercerized cellulose (cellulose II), while schizophyllan does not. As the molecular weight of schizophyllan decreases, both its ability to form triple-helical structures and its adhesion to cellulose I diminish and finally disappear, indicating that the adhesion of schizophyllan to cellulose I depends on high-molecular-weight domains that adopt the triple-helical structures. On the other hand, the adhesion of locust bean gum, chitosan, and xyloglucan to celluloses was found to be largely independent of molecular weight. Furthermore, it is thought that the adhesion of barley β-d-glucan occurs because it belongs to a group of xyloglucans.
chitosan, schizophyllan, xyloglucan, cellulose-adhesive polysaccharides, locust bean gum, barley β-d-glucan
Publication DOI: 10.1016/S0008-6215(98)00099-8| New query | Export IDs | Home | Help |
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