Search Results (1,116)

In recent years, yeast glucan particles (YGPs) have garnered significant attention as novel oral drug delivery carriers, owing to their superior biocompatibility, specific targeting capabilities, and intrinsic immunomodulatory properties. The yeast cell wall is primarily composed of β-glucan and mannan, with minor amounts of proteins and lipids. Among these, β-1,3-glucan serves as the pivotal functional component. It not only provides a physical barrier protecting payloads from gastric acidity and enzymatic degradation but also functions as a targeting ligand. By specifically binding to M cells in Peyer’s patches and Dectin-1 receptors on macrophages and dendritic cells, β-1,3-glucan facilitates precise drug delivery to gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) or macrophage-rich inflammatory sites. Consequently, β-1,3-glucan-based YGPs demonstrate immense potential in oral targeted delivery systems for macrophage-associated pathologies. However, native YGPs, constrained by their inherent porous architecture and relatively simple physicochemical properties, often fall short of meeting the complex requirements for precise encapsulation, controlled release, and multifunctionality. To address these limitations, current research is actively exploring the functionalization of YGPs with various composite materials to engineer advanced delivery platforms. This review introduces the composition, structural characteristics, and fabrication methodologies of YGPs, alongside their specific merits and limitations in oral drug delivery. Furthermore, it critically analyzes strategies for modifying YGPs with composite materials to overcome delivery barriers. Finally, the review discusses their therapeutic applications across various diseases and outlines future developmental trends. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intranasal carboxymethyl-β-glucan (CMBG)-resveratrol represents an innovative therapeutic approach for upper airway diseases, combining antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antiallergic properties. Despite growing preclinical and clinical evidence, consensus on its clinical applications remains poorly defined. To establish evidence-based recommendations for the clinical use of intranasal CMBG-resveratrol through a multidisciplinary Delphi Consensus process. Methods: A two-round Delphi Consensus was conducted. In the first round, an expert board prepared, reviewed, and validated 22 statements based on current scientific evidence from preclinical and clinical studies. In the second round, 38 multidisciplinary experts evaluated each statement using a 5-point Likert scale (from 5 = strongly agree to 1 = strongly disagree). Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement (scores 4 + 5). Results: All 22 statements achieved consensus (range: 83–100%). Strong agreement (≥90%) was reached for statements regarding the pathophysiological rationale (infection-inflammation-oxidative stress cycle), resveratrol’s pleiotropic mechanisms of action, the role of CMBG in enhancing stability and bioavailability, and clinical efficacy in respiratory infections and allergic rhinitis. The mean scores ranged from 4.2 to 4.9, indicating high expert agreement across all domains. Conclusions: This multidisciplinary Delphi Consensus provides evidence-based recommendations for the use of intranasal CMBG-resveratrol to manage upper airway diseases, particularly respiratory infections and allergic rhinitis. The formulation’s multitarget approach addresses the complex pathophysiology of these conditions through simultaneous antimicrobial (mainly antiviral), anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Full article

Thermal processing of biomass can induce chemical transformations that lead to the formation of fluorescent carbonaceous products. In this study, six β-glucan-rich medicinal mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum, Cordyceps sinensis, Inonotus obliquus, Lentinula edodes, Grifola frondosa, and Hericium erinaceus, were subjected to mild pyrolytic treatment (200 °C for 3 h) to investigate the formation of water-soluble fluorescent fractions. Physicochemical characterization of aqueous extracts was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography size-exclusion chromatography (HPLC-SEC), fluorescence emission spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and β-glucan quantification. Fluorescence emission spectra revealed species-dependent differences in emission intensity, with the most pronounced signals observed for G. lucidum and C. sinensis. HPLC-SEC analysis showed only minor changes in molecular weight distribution after thermal treatment, suggesting limited polymer degradation. FTIR spectra indicated moderate structural modifications consistent with partial carbonization and chemical rearrangement within the mushroom matrices. Despite the mild processing conditions, measurable increases in fluorescence intensity were observed in several species, indicating the formation of fluorescent carbon-rich molecular structures. These findings demonstrate that moderate thermal treatment of β-glucan-rich fungal biomass can generate water-soluble fluorescent carbonaceous fractions without extensive breakdown of the original polysaccharide matrix. The results provide new insights into thermally induced photophysical changes in medicinal mushrooms and contribute to understanding the formation of fluorescent carbonaceous products from natural biomaterials. Full article

Lipid nanodiscs are synthetic nanoparticles capable of solubilizing lipophilic drugs and have been shown to improve the potency of the antifungal Amphotericin B (AmphB) against various fungal pathogens. In this study, the SpyCatcher–SpyTag covalent labeling system was used to couple AmphB-loaded Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) lipid nanodiscs to the receptor domain of Dectin-1, which binds to β-1,3/1,6 glucans present in many fungal cell walls. Denaturing protein gel electrophoresis demonstrated that ApoA1-SpyTag003 lipid nanodiscs could be covalently labeled with SpyCatcher003-Dectin-1-superfolder GFP (sfGFP). In microtiter growth assays with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Dectin-1 AmphB nanodiscs displayed an IC₅₀ 1.5-fold lower than uncoupled AmphB nanodiscs and 2.8-fold lower than AmphB-only controls. Nanodiscs without AmphB and SpyCatcher003-Dectin-1-sfGFP themselves did not inhibit yeast growth. Fluorescence microscopy showed that SpyCatcher003-Dectin-1-sfGFP binds to yeast cell walls and accumulated at hot spots, matching the budding scar enrichment pattern previously described for other Dectin-1 fusion proteins. Together these results indicate that Dectin-1 fusions can target AmphB-loaded lipid nanodiscs to fungal cell walls and improve drug delivery. The results here establish the use of a modular SpyCatcher–SpyTag coupling system for targeting drug-loaded lipid nanodiscs to different cells or tissues, thereby increasing drug retention at infection sites, increasing drug potency, and reducing harmful side-effects. Full article

Global demand for sustainable protein has intensified amid environmental, public health, and ethical concerns surrounding conventional animal agriculture. Edible mushrooms have emerged as promising next-generation protein sources, delivering 19–35% protein (dry weight) with complete essential amino acid profiles and digestibility rates of 60–80%. Beyond protein, mushrooms provide bioactive compounds, including β-glucans, ergothioneine, phenolic acids, and vitamin D₂, supporting immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory functions. Enzymatically derived bioactive peptides further demonstrate antihypertensive and antimicrobial activity. This review systematically examines mushroom protein properties, processing technologies, and product performance across three application categories: meat analogs, functional snacks, and beverages. Advanced processing technologies including high-moisture extrusion, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, and microencapsulation have improved bioactive preservation and digestibility. From an environmental perspective, mushroom cultivation requires 85–90% less water and land than animal agriculture, with 80% fewer greenhouse gas emissions. However, critical gaps remain: extraction efficiency varies 3-fold across studies, only 15–23% of commercial products are supported by clinical trials, and techno-economic analyses are largely absent. Standardized processing protocols, large-scale clinical validation, and harmonized quality standards are essential to establish mushrooms as viable, commercially scalable protein alternatives. Full article

This study systematically investigated the dynamic diversity, potential sources, and antifungal activities of small molecular peptides during the pile-fermentation process of post-fermented tea. By analyzing the damaging effects of small molecular peptide extracts from tea samples at different pile-fermentation stages on the spore cell membranes of Aspergillus carbonarius (A. carbonarius) and the inhibitory activity against β-1,3-glucan synthase (β-1,3-GS), it was confirmed that some small molecular peptides exhibit significant antifungal effects. The main findings are as follows: (1) The number of identified small molecular peptides showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the progress of pile-fermentation, peaking at 4453 species on the 35th day of pile-fermentation, and were dominated by hexapeptides and heptapeptides with molecular weights ranging from 600 to 800 Da. (2) Based on orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), the samples were divided into three characteristic stages according to the differences in small molecular peptide composition at different stages, and 156 characteristic peptides with a relative abundance higher than 0.1% were screened out. Their precursor proteins were derived from 148 proteins belonging to 16 genera, including Camellia, Aspergillus, Saccharomyces, Penicillium, and Bacillus. (3) BLAST alignment results showed that five out of the 156 characteristic peptides were degradation fragments of known antifungal peptides originating from Aspergillus and Bacillus. (4) Combining molecular docking screening and in vitro verification of synthetic peptides, a total of 27 small molecular peptides with antifungal activity were obtained, and their mechanism of action was the inhibition of β-1,3-GS activity. (5) The small molecular peptides related to antifungal activity could be classified into two categories: enzymatic hydrolysates of known antifungal peptides, and the enzymatic hydrolysates of tea-derived proteins or macromolecular peptides. Both categories were mainly distributed in the three stages of pile-fermentation, and there was a significant positive correlation among the population size of dominant microorganisms, microbial peptidase activity, and the abundance of small molecular peptides. This study reveals the dynamic generation pattern and antifungal potential of small molecular peptides during the pile-fermentation of post-fermented tea, providing a new scientific basis for evaluating the dynamic changes in microbial communities in tea and effectively controlling the contamination of harmful fungi during the pile-fermentation process. Full article

Background: Zangqing ‘1127’, a hull-less barley type recognized for its high β-glucan content, holds significant agricultural and nutritional potential. Nonetheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying the degradation of β-glucan during barley germination have yet to be thoroughly investigated. Objectives: This study sought to identify the key proteins and pathways involved in this process using quantitative proteomics. Methods: Seeds of Zangqing ‘1127’ were collected at 0, 24, and 96 h post germination, and TMT-based quantitative proteomics was used to analyze changes in the proteome. To annotate the functions of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed. Results: In total, 3230 unique proteins were identified, which included 610 DEPs during the germination phase. Enrichment analysis showed that these DEPs were primarily associated with key biological processes involved in β-glucan degradation, including cell wall modification, polysaccharide metabolism, and carbon metabolism. Five proteins exhibiting notably high expression levels were identified as potential regulatory candidates for this process. Conclusions: These results enhance our comprehension of the proteomic dynamics associated with β-glucan degradation during barley germination and suggest new candidate targets for functional studies. This study provides deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms governing β-glucan metabolism, with potential implications for agricultural improvement and the nutritional quality of barley. Full article

Oats (Avena sativa L.) are a nutritionally valuable cereal crop known for their unique profile of bioactive compounds, including protein, β-glucan (BG), and avenanthramides (AVNs). However, industrial-scale processing and fractionation of these nutrients at an industrial scale are restricted by high oil content, limiting their application as functional food ingredients. While reducing oil content through targeted breeding may overcome these barriers, this strategy requires a deeper molecular understanding of lipid metabolism and its interplay with other nutrient pathways. In this review, we highlight the health benefits of key oat nutrients and discuss challenges in isolation techniques at an industrial scale. We then outline the canonical pathway for seed oil biosynthesis, supported by functional validation of genes encoding key lipid synthesis enzymes, and review studies linking regulatory enzymes to variations in oat oil content at gene and transcript levels. Finally, we highlight how mass spectrometry-based omics, particularly proteomics and lipidomics, can be used in breeding programmes to elucidate regulatory networks involved in oat oil biosynthesis and nutrient partitioning at the phenotype level. Full article

Alternative substrates to traditional Camellia sinensis tea are increasingly investigated to diversify kombucha and enhance its functional properties. This review synthesizes evidence (2020–2025) on how non-tea substrates influence microbial ecology, metabolite composition, and bioactivity of kombucha. A semi-systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and publisher platforms identified studies on fruit, vegetable, herbal, algal, cereal, dairy, and food-industry by-product substrates reporting compositional or functional outcomes. Extracted data included substrate characteristics, fermentation conditions, SCOBY features, analytical methods, and reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, metabolic, probiotic, and dermatological effects. Fermentation often leads to an increase in total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. These effects are highly dependent on fermentation conditions, particularly duration and substrate composition. In some cases, prolonged fermentation may result in phenolic degradation or transformation, leading to reduced levels of certain compounds. Fruit- and hibiscus-based systems enhanced anthocyanin-driven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Vegetable and cereal substrates supplied phenolic acids and β-glucans associated with metabolic regulation and gut health, whereas by-products and algal fermentations supported waste valorization and enrichment in chlorogenic acids, pigments, fibers, and peptides. Despite promising functionality, substantial inter-study variability and limited in vivo validation and the lack of standardized fermentation protocols constrain translational application. In addition, the inherent variability in SCOBY microbial composition represents a major source of inconsistency, as differences in microbial communities can significantly influence fermentation dynamics, metabolite profiles, and functional outcomes. Full article

This study systematically investigated the pretreatment effects of diol-based DESs (deep eutectic solvents) on Pinus massoniana Lamb. (P. massoniana). A diol-based DES system (Choline chloride (ChCl): AlCl₃: BDO) was developed to degrade and disassemble P. massoniana, thereby facilitating saccharification and achieving the utilization of high-value lignin. The DES-based pretreatment achieved a glucan recovery yield of 92.95% and a xylan yield of 71.73% at 130 °C. Meanwhile, the lignin removal yields reached 61.96% at 130 °C, and the lignin recovered from DES fractionation was also preserved well; moreover, the β-O-4′ linkage content was retained at approximately 51.63%. DES was also demonstrated to be promising for promoting cellulose saccharification, lignin fractionation and enzymatic hydrolysis. The preservation mechanism was speculated to involve the introduction of diol -OH groups at the C_α-position of the lignin β-O-4′ structure via etherification. In addition, FT-IR indicated that the main structure of cellulose in P. massoniana remained unchanged after pretreatment. The grafting of diol onto the C_α-position of the β-O-4′ linkages was confirmed by 2D-HSQC, which could inhibit lignin further condensation; ³¹P NMR revealed that the total phenolic -OH content increased significantly and was enhanced by pretreatment, which indicated that methoxy and ether bond groups were reduced. Full article

Ganoderma mushrooms produce bioactive metabolites with therapeutic potential, yet their tissue-level distribution is not well characterized. This study quantified triterpenoids, β-glucans, and phenolics across six anatomical sections of fruiting bodies from five wild Ganoderma species. Twenty-six triterpenoids were identified. Laccate species showed thicker context tissue enriched in ganoderic and lucidenic acids, resembling the chemotype of G. lucidum. Matte species displayed greater triterpenoid diversity, including elfvingic, applanoxidic, and ganoderenic analogues. Maximum contents reached 3.5% triterpenoids, 34.3% β-glucans, 20.8 mg TE·g⁻¹ (ABTS), 175.2 µmol Fe²⁺·g⁻¹ (FRAP), and 23.5 mg GAE·g⁻¹ phenolics. Triterpenoids and phenolics were highest in outer cap tissues, while β-glucans predominated in context layers. These patterns reflect functional tissue roles and developmental variation. The tissue distribution of metabolites in wild Ganoderma presented here identifies surface tissues as a major source of triterpenoids and phenolics, and internal tissues as a source of β-glucans. These traits represent selection targets for extraction and selective breeding to produce strains with thicker context tissue and higher triterpenoid and β-glucan yields. Full article

Invasive candidiasis (IC) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among critically ill, hematologic, and neonatal patients worldwide. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential to guide timely antifungal therapy and improve outcomes. Among available diagnostic tools, 1,3-β-D-glucan (BDG), a polysaccharide component of the fungal cell wall, has emerged as a key biomarker. BDG assays allow for early detection of probable IC, often preceding positive blood cultures, and offer prognostic information based on serial measurements. Species-specific differences in Candida cell wall composition influence BDG release and diagnostic sensitivity. Candida albicans generally correlates with high BDG levels, whereas Nakaseomyces glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida auris exhibit variable or lower glucan exposure, limiting assay sensitivity. BDG performance is affected by patient-specific factors, such as prior surgery, transfusions, or coexisting bacterial infections, which may lead to false-positive results. Molecular techniques, including PCR-based assays, provide complementary diagnostic accuracy and species identification, and their combination with BDG testing enhances sensitivity up to 90%. Serial BDG monitoring supports risk stratification and treatment response assessment, with persistent elevations predicting worse outcomes. In neonatal and pediatric populations, optimal cut-off values remain under investigation, highlighting the need for integration with clinical and microbiological data. Overall, BDG represents a valuable adjunct in a multimodal diagnostic workflow, providing both diagnostic and prognostic insights in invasive candidiasis management. Full article

Background: Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria and inadequate vaccine coverage against opportunistic pathogens highlight the need for interventions that broadly and durably enhance host defense beyond antigen-specific adaptive immunity. Trained immunity, driven by metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming of innate immune cells, has been predominantly characterized using Bacille Calmette–Guérin and β-glucan, whereas its induction by Gram-negative bacteria remains poorly defined. To address this gap, we aimed to determine whether heat-killed Klebsiella pneumoniae (HK Kp) induces trained immunity through metabolic and hematopoietic reprogramming to confer heterologous antibacterial protection. Methods: HK Kp-trained murine bone marrow-derived macrophages and HK Kp-immunized C57BL/6 mice were employed to interrogate functional, metabolic, and transcriptomic reprogramming in vitro, hematopoietic progenitor remodeling in vivo, and protective efficacy against systemic Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus infection. Results: HK Kp-trained macrophages showed markedly enhanced IL-1β secretion across all restimulation conditions, stimulus-dependent amplification of TNF-α responses, increased phagocytosis, and improved intracellular control of S. typhimurium, together with sustained upregulation of the glycolytic enzymes-encoding genes Hk2 and Pfkfb3. Transcriptomic profiling revealed extensive reprogramming enriched in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and hematopoietic cell lineage pathways. In vivo, HK Kp immunization shifted bone marrow stem/progenitor compartments toward a myeloid-biased state. HK Kp-trained mice challenged with lethal S. typhimurium or S. aureus exhibited less weight loss, improved survival rates, and reduced bacterial burdens. Conclusions: Inactivated K. pneumoniae orchestrates metabolic and hematopoietic reprogramming to establish enhanced innate immune responsiveness and confer heterologous protection in murine S. typhimurium and S. aureus sepsis models, supporting its potential as a potent inducer of trained immunity. These findings establish HK Kp-based trained immunity as a promising strategy for combating multidrug-resistant and vaccine-evading pathogens. Full article

This work investigated the membrane fouling mechanisms during the microfiltration of oat protein–β-glucan complexes. Microfiltration experiments were conducted under various pH conditions, protein-to-polysaccharide ratios, and ionic strengths. The fouling behavior was analyzed using multiple membrane fouling models to systematically elucidate the relationships among the particle characteristics, rheological behaviors, and membrane fouling. When the pH was adjusted to 7.8, the multimodal particle size distribution of the complexes promoted the formation of a loosely structured cake layer on the membrane surface, accompanied by partial obstruction of membrane pore entrances. On the contrary, the complexes, shown as having a monomodal particle size distribution and similar particle size to the membrane pore, formed compact cake layers and strong membrane fouling resistance. At pH 4.8, protein hydrophobic aggregation generated large particulate clusters that formed a loose cake layer during microfiltration, resulting in a decrease in membrane fouling resistance. Increasing the β-glucan content reduced membrane resistance through enhancing steric hindrance and hydrophilicity. This research provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing membrane separation process parameters in the production of diversified oat-based products. Full article

Silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-based products have been increasingly applied in aquaculture due to their antimicrobial properties and capacity to modulate host immunity. This study investigated the biological activities of synthesized silver nanowires (AgNWs), with particular emphasis on their anti-Vibrio efficacy and immunomodulatory effects, to evaluate their potential application in shrimp aquaculture. Antibacterial activity was assessed using nonlinear regression analysis to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against three major Vibrio pathogens, while cytotoxicity and immune responses were evaluated using white shrimp hemocytes through cell viability assays and in vitro gene expression analysis, respectively. AgNWs exhibited antibacterial effects on Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio alginolyticus, and Vibrio harveyi, with MIC values of 873.7, 58.78, and 672.1 μg/mL, respectively. Hemocyte viability remained above 90% at AgNW concentrations of up to 1000 mg/L, indicating good biocompatibility. AgNWs significantly upregulated immune-related lipopolysaccharide and β-1,3-glucan-binding protein (LGBP) and Toll gene expression at specific concentrations, indicating immunostimulation. These results suggest that AgNWs possess antibacterial activity and immunomodulatory potential with low cytotoxicity, supporting their promise as a novel functional agent for shrimp disease management. Full article