The trends of consuming or using eco-friendly,biodegradable products due to the change in the lifestyle of the people have led to the exploration of new sources from plants or animals.Seed mucilage(SeM)is an underexpl...The trends of consuming or using eco-friendly,biodegradable products due to the change in the lifestyle of the people have led to the exploration of new sources from plants or animals.Seed mucilage(SeM)is an underexplored component of plants that can be brought into play to deal with such problems.Mucilage,a viscous polysaccharide that can be obtained when seeds like chia,flax,garden cress,and tomato get hydrated and form a slimy,gel-like substance around the seed coat,can be utilized due to its unique characteristics.It has been used in developing many products such as bio-based films,plant-based dressing wounds with antibacterial effects,a medium for oral drug delivery,edible coatings,etc.Primarily composed of soluble fiber,it exhibits effects on human health,including blood glucose management,cholesterol,weight reduction,antioxidant(AOx),and antimicrobial activity.It offers a range of functional properties,including emulsification,stabilization,foam formation,fat replacement,encapsulating agent,flocculation,coagulation,and medium for drug release.These attributes make SeM a suitable component for applications in various sectors like food and pharmacy.Further study in this field may open more opportunities to address environmental problems and contribute to sustainability.This review explores aspects of SeM,emphasizing its functional properties and highlighting its current as well as potential applications across various sectors.展开更多
Recent studies have shown that mucilage secretion from aerial roots is an essential feature of modern maize inbred lines,with some retaining the nitrogen-fixing capabilities of ancient landraces.To explore the genetic...Recent studies have shown that mucilage secretion from aerial roots is an essential feature of modern maize inbred lines,with some retaining the nitrogen-fixing capabilities of ancient landraces.To explore the genetic basis of nitrogen fixation in mucilage and its evolution from teosinte(Zea mays ssp.mexicana)to modern maize,we developed a recombinant inbred line(RIL)population from teosinte and cultivated it under low-nitrogen conditions.Large-scale,multi-year,and multi-environment analyses of RIL-Teo,Doubled Haploid-A(DH-A),Doubled Haploid-B(DH-B),and association populations led to the identification of 15 quantitative trait loci(QTL),68 quantitative trait nucleotides(QTN),and 59 candidate genes linked to mucilage secretion from aerial roots.Functional verification of the candidate gene ZmAco3,which is associated with mucilage secretion in aerial roots,demonstrated that deletion of this gene resulted in a reduction in mucilage secretion in aerial roots.In addition,most maize inbred lines exhibited stronger mucilage secretion from aerial roots under low-nitrogen conditions than under normal-nitrogen conditions.We categorized mucilage secretion into constitutive and low-nitrogen-inducible types.Through genotype-by-environment interaction studies,8 QTL,16 QTN,and 19 candidate genes were identified,revealing the genetic mechanisms underlying mucilage secretion under low-nitrogen conditions.These findings provide a comprehensive genetic analysis of the mucilage-secreting ability of maize aerial roots,contributing to our understanding of nitrogen fixation and offering potential avenues for enhancing nitrogen fixation in modern maize lines.This research advances knowledge of plant nutrient acquisition strategies and has implications for sustainable agricultural practices.展开更多
Gum Arabic (GA) from Acacia senegal var. kerensis has been approved as an emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener, and encapsulator in food processing industry. Chia mucilage, on the other hand, has been approved to be used...Gum Arabic (GA) from Acacia senegal var. kerensis has been approved as an emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener, and encapsulator in food processing industry. Chia mucilage, on the other hand, has been approved to be used as a fat and egg yolk mimic. However, both chia mucilage and gum Arabic are underutilized locally in Kenya;thus, marginal reports have been published despite their potential to alter functional properties in food products. In this study, the potential use of chia mucilage and gum Arabic was evaluated in the development of an eggless fat-reduced mayonnaise (FRM). The mayonnaise substitute was prepared by replacing eggs and partially substituting sunflower oil with chia mucilage at 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% levels and gum Arabic at 3% while reducing the oil levels to 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60%. The effect of different concentrations of oil and chia mucilage on the physicochemical properties, for example, pH, emulsion stability, moisture content, protein, carbohydrate, fats, calories, ash, and titratable acidity using AOAC methods and sensory properties for both consumer acceptability and quantitative descriptive analysis of mayonnaise were evaluated and compared to the control with eggs and 75% sunflower oil. The results indicated that all fat-reduced mayonnaises had significantly lower energy to 493 kcal/100g and 20% fat content but higher water content of 0.74 than the control with 784 Kcal/100g calories, 77% fat and 0.39 moisture. These differences increased with increasing substitution levels of chia mucilage, as impacted on pH, carbohydrate, and protein. There was no significant difference between ash content for both fat-reduced mayonnaise and control. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that mayonnaises substituted with chia seeds mucilage and gum Arabic were accepted. All the parameters are positively correlated to overall acceptability, with flavor having the strongest correlation of r = 0.78. Loadings from principal component analysis (PCA) of 16 sensory attributes of mayonnaise showed that approximately over 66% of the variations in sensory attributes were explained by the first six principal components. This study shows good potential for chia mucilage and gum Arabic to be used as fat and egg mimetics and stabilizers, respectively, in mayonnaise with functional properties.展开更多
Myxospermy is an important feature of achenes of the alpine plant Mirabilis himalaica,and the achene mucilage increases the germination rate and early seedling growth during exposure to abiotic stresses,which has impo...Myxospermy is an important feature of achenes of the alpine plant Mirabilis himalaica,and the achene mucilage increases the germination rate and early seedling growth during exposure to abiotic stresses,which has important functions that allow M.himalaica to survive the extreme climate of the Tibet Plateau.However,achene formation and mucilage extrusion are poorly understood.In the present study,comprehensive analyses were performed on mucilage production during achene development and mucilage release from hydrated achene pericarp in M.himalaica.First,fertilization initiated the development of M.himalaica achenes,during which their color,size and texture were altered dramatically.Second,using a metachromatic staining procedure,cytological events,the establishment of mucilage secretory cells in the inner epicarp layer were observed.The hydration of mature achenes led to the rapid bursting of mucilage secretory cells,which released a hydrophilic gel that surrounded the achenes.Finally,enzymatic digestion indicated that major components of the mucilage were pectins;glucose(41.40%),rhamnose(26.58%),galactose(18.33%),trehalose(12.12%),and mannose(1.57%)were found to be the components of achene by using ion-exchange chromatography.展开更多
AIM： To study the effect of mucilage obtained from cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica （Cactaceae） on the healing of ethanol-induced gastritis in rats. METHODS： Chronic gastric mucosa injury was treated with mucilage...AIM： To study the effect of mucilage obtained from cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica （Cactaceae） on the healing of ethanol-induced gastritis in rats. METHODS： Chronic gastric mucosa injury was treated with mucilage （5 mg/kg per day） after it was induced by ethanol. Lipid composition, activity of 5＇-nucleotidase （a membrane-associated ectoenzyme） and cytosolic activities of lactate and alcohol dehydrogenases in the plasma membrane of gastric mucosa were determined. Histological studies of gastric samples from the experimental groups were included. RESULTS： Ethanol elicited the histological profile of gastritis characterized by loss of the surface epithelium and infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Phosphatidylcholine （PC） decreased and cholesterol content increased in plasma membranes of the gastric mucosa. In addition, cytosolic activity increased while the activity of alcohol dehydrogenases decreased. The administration of mucilage promptly corrected these enzymatic changes. In fact, mucilage readily accelerated restoration of the ethanol-induced histological alterations and the disturbances in plasma membranes of gastric mucosa, showing a univocal anti-inflammatory effect. The activity of 5＇-nucleotidase correlated with the changes in lipid composition and the fluidity of gastric mucosal plasma membranes. CONCLUSION： The beneficial action of mucilage seems correlated with stabilization of plasma membranes of damaged gastric mucosa. Molecular interactions between mucilage monosaccharides and membrane phospholipids, mainly PC and phosphatidylethanolamine （PE）, may be the relevant features responsible for changing activities of membrane-attached proteins during the healing process after chronic gastric mucosal damage.展开更多
Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons（PAHs） is normally limited by their low solubility and poor bioavailability. Prior research suggests that biosurfactants are synthesized as intermediates during the ...Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons（PAHs） is normally limited by their low solubility and poor bioavailability. Prior research suggests that biosurfactants are synthesized as intermediates during the production of mucilage at the root tip. To date the effects of mucilage on PAH degradation and microbial community response have not been directly examined. To address this question, our research compared 3 cowpea breeding lines（Vigna unguiculata） that differed in mucilage production for their effects on phenanthrene（PHE） degradation in soil. The High Performance Liquid Chromatography results indicated that the highest PHE degradation rate was achieved in soils planted with mucilage producing cowpea line C1, inoculated with Bradyrhizobium, leading to 91.6% PHE disappearance in 5 weeks. In root printing tests, strings treated with mucilage and bacteria produced larger clearing zones than those produced on mucilage treated strings with no bacteria or bacteria inoculated strings. Experiments with14C-PHE and purified mucilage in soil slurry confirmed that the root mucilage significantly enhanced PHE mineralization（82.7%）, which is 12% more than the control treatment without mucilage. The profiles of the PHE degraders generated by Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis suggested that cowpea C1, producing a high amount of root mucilage, selectively enriched the PHE degrading bacteria population in rhizosphere. These findings indicate that root mucilage may play a significant role in enhancing PHE degradation and suggests that differences in mucilage production may be an important criterion for selection of the best plant species for use in phytoremediation of PAH contaminated soils.展开更多
Cactus is a plant that naturally grows in tropical and semi-tropical regions of the world. The composition of this mucilage is believed to differ from species to species. Hence, comparative study was carried out on mu...Cactus is a plant that naturally grows in tropical and semi-tropical regions of the world. The composition of this mucilage is believed to differ from species to species. Hence, comparative study was carried out on mucilages of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) and Opuntia stricta (OS) as regard to their physico-chemical properties and acute toxicity levels. The study indicated that solubility of the dry mucilages were comparable and increased as raise in temperature. However, at all temperature levels the swelling powers were significantly higher in mucilage of OS than that of OFI. At 100% RH the moisture sorption property of OFI (95.4%) was higher than that of OS (76.9%). The pH values of both mucilages at 12% dispersions were found to be 5.57 and 5.87 for OFI and OS, respectively. The conductivity at the same concentration, 12% (w/v), of OFI was 13.12 mS/cm while that of OS was 9.31 mS/cm. The apparent viscosities at 12% (w/v) were 9,017 mPas and 10,060 mPas for OFI and OS, respectively. The apparent viscosities of the dispersions decreased with increase in shear rates which rendered the dispersions a pseudoplastic flow. The surface tension of the aqueous dispersions of OFI (28.71 mN/M) decreased significantly as compared to that of OS (39.7 mN/M). The results of the study proved that the mucilage of OS was superior to OFI mucilage for use as food and pharmaceutical excipients. Moreover, both mucilages exhibited low acute toxicity levels.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate and practically demonstrate the in fluence of Althaea officinalis flower mucilage as a plant known in Iran's and other Middle Eastern countries' traditional medicine for its wound healin...Objective: To evaluate and practically demonstrate the in fluence of Althaea officinalis flower mucilage as a plant known in Iran's and other Middle Eastern countries' traditional medicine for its wound healing properties.Methods: Animals were divided into 6 groups of 5 cases including a non-treated group as the negative control group receiving no treatment, a group treated with eucerin as the positive control group, a phenytoin 1% group as a standard group treated topically with phenytoin 1% hand-made ointment, and treatment groups treated with hand-made Althaea officinalis flower mucilage(AFM) ointment in a eucerin base with different concentrations(5%, 10%, 15%).Results: Among the treatment groups, the AFM 15% ointment showed the best result.Wound healing duration was reduced by the surface application of these groups. Wound closure was completed on Days 14 and 15 in the AFM 15% ointment and phenytoin 1%groups, respectively. No significant difference was observed in healing period between these groups.Conclusions: In conclusion, AFM 15% ointment was found to reduce wound healing time without any significant difference with the phenytoin 1% ointment. The authors suggest increased AFM effectiveness in when combined with phenytoin or other effectual plants.展开更多
This study aimed to characterize the physical-chemical and biological properties of pectin(PC)/chia seed mucilage(CM)membranes.PC/CM[100/0(control),80/20%,60/40%,and 40/60%w/w]membranes were prepared using the casting...This study aimed to characterize the physical-chemical and biological properties of pectin(PC)/chia seed mucilage(CM)membranes.PC/CM[100/0(control),80/20%,60/40%,and 40/60%w/w]membranes were prepared using the casting method.The membranes(PC/CM)were thin,yellow,lightly opaque(≈10%)and capable of blocking light UVB(between 66 at 52%).SEM analysis showed the presence of aggregates in the shape of a sphere(≈13μm)and ovoid(≈25μm).The proportion of 80/20 showed an increase in tensile strength(29%)and elastic modulus(19%)when compared to the control.FTIR analysis exhibited intermolecular interactions between PCPC,PC-CM,and CM-CM in the membranes.The thermal analysis(600°C)showed a slight improvement in the percentage of residual mass-loss of 3.31%(80/20)that control.The 40/60 membrane showed the lowest percentage of hemolysis(2.94%)but limited human albumin adsorption capacity.These results suggested that the blend PC/CM may be considered as a biomaterial for medical applications.展开更多
The morphologic and microscopic features of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei were studied. The study verified that the mucilage cavities did exist in phloem of rhizomes and roots or abnormal vascular bundles. Also, they were in ...The morphologic and microscopic features of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei were studied. The study verified that the mucilage cavities did exist in phloem of rhizomes and roots or abnormal vascular bundles. Also, they were in similar distribution in three species of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei. The diagnostic characteristic for microscopic identification was found to be the similar distribution of abnormal vascular bundles in pith of rhizomes in all three species. And the appearance of the crude drug varied more depending on the plants＇ geographical origin and different preliminary treatment on the spot of collection than on the species differences. Our findings, having not been delineated clearly so far in the previous reports, are helpful for clarifying current descriptions in different literatures or standards and make a full understanding on microscopic and macroscopic identification of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei.展开更多
C. taylorii （Chrysophaeum taylorii） Lewis and Bryan （Pelagophyceae） are benthic mucilage-producing microalgae recently recorded in the Mediterranean Sea, where its summer blooms are having detrimental effects on b...C. taylorii （Chrysophaeum taylorii） Lewis and Bryan （Pelagophyceae） are benthic mucilage-producing microalgae recently recorded in the Mediterranean Sea, where its summer blooms are having detrimental effects on benthic communities, fisheries and tourism, especially along the Sardinian coasts （western Mediterranean Sea）. Although few informations on the bloom dynamics of this microalga are available in literature jet, recent studies have hypothesized that sea water temperature plays a major role in determining the distribution and abundance of C. taylorii. The goal of this pilot study was to verify the above-mentioned statement providing experimental evidence for it. To this purpose, C. taylorii presence and abundance were investigated along a temperature gradient near the powerhouse of Torre Valdaliga （Latium coasts）, where a stream of hot water is continuously pumped out from the powerhouse into the sea. The obtained data showed that C. taylorii abundance was significantly higher in the study sites nearer to the powerhouse and a positive correlation between water temperature and cell densities was found, thus confirming that water temperature is one of the environmental variables directly influencing the bloom dynamics of this microalga in the Mediterranean Sea.展开更多
Prosopis laevigata and Opuntia ficus-indica grow in arid and semiarid regions of Mexico and other countries. Both produce biopolymers with interesting characteristics from the rheological point of view as well as beca...Prosopis laevigata and Opuntia ficus-indica grow in arid and semiarid regions of Mexico and other countries. Both produce biopolymers with interesting characteristics from the rheological point of view as well as because of their coagulating-flocculating capabilities. Prosopis produce galactomannans inside the endosperm, very similar to those found in guar, locust bean, and tara gums. Opuntia sp. produces mucilage that contains polygalacturonic acid and five neutral sugars. Prosopis seed gum has not been proposed to be used as coagulant-flocculant before. In the case of Opuntia mucilage, some authors have suggested its use in the treatment of waters, using either the mucilage or the whole cladode powder. The use of these products in the treatment of municipal or even industrial wastewaters could give rise to diverse benefits. From the environmental point of view, treated waters with neither Fe nor Al, nor synthetic polymers would be obtained (with less toxicity risk). Besides, the produced sludges would be smaller in amount, with better biodegradability, and lower metals content. From the economical point of view, the use of these biopolymers would give an added value to the Opuntia and Prosopis culture in Mexico, helping small communities to enhance their incomes by producing environmental-friendly products. This work shows that both Prosopis galactomannan and Opuntia mucilage can be used to treat municipal wastewaters with an initial organic charge of about 827 mg/L as COD by the coagulation-flocculation process, with COD removals for the mesquite seed gum of up to 90% (pH 10, dose of 75 mg/L) and of 60% (pH 7, doses of 50 and 150 mg/L). In the case of mucilage, 65% of the initial COD was removed at pH 10 (dose of 50 mg/L). These figures are very promising for the treatment of wastewaters, with environmental-friendly products.展开更多
The present work focuses on the proximate physical and chemical profile of <em>Opuntia ficus-indica</em> mucilage, mechanically extracted from cladodes, a waste of pruning in traditional organic cactus pea...The present work focuses on the proximate physical and chemical profile of <em>Opuntia ficus-indica</em> mucilage, mechanically extracted from cladodes, a waste of pruning in traditional organic cactus pear orchards in Italy (San Cono, Sicily). The mechanical extraction increased the mucilage yield to 30% dry weight. Physical characterization concerns pH, viscosity, free acidity and density, useful for emulsifying capacity. Spectrophotometric analysis was applied to assess total carbohydrates, proteins, uronic acids, total polyphenols content and antioxidant capacity. DART-MS and SEM-EDX were performed to evaluate functional mucilage components and relative amounts of minerals, respectively. From the main results <em>Opuntia ficus-indica</em> by-product, in addition to the preponderant total carbohydrates content, shows the high concentration in calcium and potassium and a fair amount of health-promoting phytochemicals, which make it a good candidate for the different type of industrial applications.展开更多
Seed exudates influence the behavior of soil organisms,but howthis occurs remains unclear,particularly for multicellular animals.Here we show that compounds associated with Arabidopsis seed-coat mucilage regulate the ...Seed exudates influence the behavior of soil organisms,but howthis occurs remains unclear,particularly for multicellular animals.Here we show that compounds associated with Arabidopsis seed-coat mucilage regulate the behavior of soil-borne animals,specifically root-knot nematodes (RKNs).Infective RKN J2 larvae actively travel toward Arabidopsis seeds through chemotaxis.Analysis of Arabidopsis mucilage mutants demonstrated that the attraction of RKNs toArabidopsis seeds requires the synthesis and extrusion of.seed-coat mucilage.Extracted mucilage alone is not sufficient to attract RKNs,but seed-surface carbohydrates and proteins are required for this process.These findings suggest that the RKN chemoattractant is synthesized de novo upon mucilage extrusion but may be highly unstable.RKNs attracted by thismucilage-dependent mechanism can infect the emerging seedling.However,the attraction signal from seedling roots likely acts independently of the seed-coat signal and may mask the attraction to seed-coat mucilage after germination.Multiple RKN species are attracted byArabidopsis seeds,suggesting that this mechanism is conserved in RKNs.These findings indicate that seed exudate can regulate the behavior of multicellular animals and highlight the potential roles of seed-coat mucilage in biotic interactions with soil microorganisms.展开更多
Aim Mirabilis himalaica(Nyctaginaceae)is an endangered medicinal plant mainly distributed in the plateau region of northern Tibet,China.The outer surface of M.himalaica achenes is covered by a pectinaceous mucilaginou...Aim Mirabilis himalaica(Nyctaginaceae)is an endangered medicinal plant mainly distributed in the plateau region of northern Tibet,China.The outer surface of M.himalaica achenes is covered by a pectinaceous mucilaginous layer upon hydration.However,the role of the achene mucilage is poorly understood.in this study,we inves-tigated the effects of mucilage on achene germination and sprout growth under abiotic stress to explain how M.himalaica survive the alpine environment.Methods We investigated the effect of mucilage on achenes germination by contrast the capacity of water absorption,dehydration and respira-tion of intact achene and the achene with mucilage removal.We performed abiotic stresses experiments including drought stress,salt stress,cold stress and high temperature stress,and quantified the effects of mucilage removal on achene germination rate,root and shoot lengths of seedlings.Important Findings Mucilage is extremely hydrophilic,and the mass of intact achenes can be 9-fold greater than that of demucilaged achenes.The removal of the mucilaginous layer did not significantly change final germination percentages under ideal conditions,but intact achenes(i.e.with muci-lage)took longer to germinate.The mucilage significantly decreased seed respiration rates by acting as a physical barrier that prevented oxygen diffusion.Germination rates,shoot and root growth of intact achenes were higher than those of demucilaged ones during exposures to cold,heat,osmotic and salt stresses.Achene mucilage presumably plays an ecologically important role in the life cycle of M.himalaica by aiding the critical achene germination and early seedling growth in the stressful habitats of the plateau region of northern Tibet.展开更多
Maize(Zea mays)requires substantial amounts of nitrogen,posing a challenge for its cultivation.Recent work discovered that some ancient Mexican maize landraces harbored diazotrophic bacteria in mucilage secreted by th...Maize(Zea mays)requires substantial amounts of nitrogen,posing a challenge for its cultivation.Recent work discovered that some ancient Mexican maize landraces harbored diazotrophic bacteria in mucilage secreted by their aerial roots.To see if this trait is retained in modern maize,we conducted a field study of aerial root mucilage(ARM)in 258 inbred lines.We observed that ARM secretion is common in modern maize,but the amount significantly varies,and only a few lines have retained the nitrogen‐fixing traits found in ancient landraces.The mucilage of the high‐ARM inbred line HN5‐724 had high nitrogen‐fixing enzyme activity and abundant diazotrophic bacteria.Our genome‐wide association study identified 17 candidate genes associated with ARM across three environments.Knockouts of one candidate gene,the subtilase family gene ZmSBT3,confirmed that it negatively regulates ARM secretion.Notably,the ZmSBT3 knockout lines had increased biomass and total nitrogen accumulation under nitrogen‐free culture conditions.High ARM was associated with three ZmSBT3 haplotypes that were gradually lost during maize domestication,being retained in only a few modern inbred lines such as HN5‐724.In summary,our results identify ZmSBT3 as a potential tool for enhancing ARM,and thus nitrogen fixation,in maize.展开更多
The effectiveness of maltodextrin(10%)and cactus mucilage(CM)(0%,0.25%,0.50%,0.75%,and 1%)as carrier agents was evaluated in the encapsulation of bioactive amaranth compounds.Spray drying,an efficient encapsulation me...The effectiveness of maltodextrin(10%)and cactus mucilage(CM)(0%,0.25%,0.50%,0.75%,and 1%)as carrier agents was evaluated in the encapsulation of bioactive amaranth compounds.Spray drying,an efficient encapsulation method,achieved high yields(62.9%-68%).The increase in CM concentration significantly augmented the water absorption index(WAI),bulk density,and hygroscopicity of the encapsulated amaranth powders.Conversely,it significantly decreased the moisture content,water activity,and water solubility index(WSI).The glass transition temperatures(>40℃),Hausner ratio(HR),and Carr’s index(CI)values indicated the suitability of powders for handling and processing.Moreover,no cracks were observed in the microcapsules surface,which favoured the bioactive amaranth compounds retention and stability.Thus,low degradation rate constants and long half-life time values were determined for the encapsulated amaranth powders,indicative of its storage appropriateness.Incorporation of 0.75%CM was an efficient concentration to achieve high percentage retention of betacyanins(55.5%),betaxanthins(58%),total polyphenols(73.3%),amaranthine(56.8%),isoamaranthine(62.7%),individual polyphenols(44.6%-81%),and antioxidant activity(79.6%).These results demonstrated the efficiency of CM as an encapsulating agent in the food industry.展开更多
Redundant seed sap of Dillenia indica has been cited to possess pharmaceutical potential, but literature pertaining to its role as bioactive delivery system in food processing domain is very scanty. In this study, D. ...Redundant seed sap of Dillenia indica has been cited to possess pharmaceutical potential, but literature pertaining to its role as bioactive delivery system in food processing domain is very scanty. In this study, D. indica mucilage-based beads loaded with vitamin E analogous, α-tocopherol acetate were developed and analyzed. Scanning Electron Microscopic images confirmed the entrapment of drug within the mucilage-alginate carrier in a core-shell arrangement. To understand the impact of mucilage-ladened fabricated shell on the active payload from degradation and to draw a contrast in characterization, comparative evaluation of the highest drug loaded sample (S5 with loading efficiency (LE) of ∼63% and bearing equal concentration of mucilage-alginate = 1:1 w/w as wall material) against the least loaded one (S1 with LE of ∼24% and possessing the highest mucilage-alginate ratio of 5:1 w/w as encapsulant) was done. Composite formation among the functional groups of mucilage and alginate were noted in FTIR spectra. Hybrid mucilage-alginate matrix of S5 exhibited higher resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis, better stability of the loaded drug in gastro-intestinal phases and thermal treatments than S1. By the end of intestinal digestion, radical scavenging activity of the digesta from S5 was 36.33% higher than that of S1. After being exposed to pasteurization and sterilization, the individual quantity of α-tocopherol acetate retained by S5 were respectively 13.54% and 33.78% higher than those found in S1. Thermal degradation kinetics data corroborated these findings. Thus, facile synthesis of hybrid carrier system from D. indica mucilage can open up ample opportunities for this fruit waste.展开更多
Root exudates,microorganism colonization and soil aggregates together form the rhizosheath,a special cylinder of micro-ecosystem adhering to the root surface.To study how the rhizosheath affects soil structure and nut...Root exudates,microorganism colonization and soil aggregates together form the rhizosheath,a special cylinder of micro-ecosystem adhering to the root surface.To study how the rhizosheath affects soil structure and nutrient distribution,we analyzed the impact of maize rhizosheath on soil particle size and nutrient availability in pot and field experiments.The results showed that there was a significant size decrease of soil particles in the rhizosheath.Meanwhile,the soil mineral nitrogen in the rhizosheath was significantly higher than that in the rhizosphere or bulk soil at tasseling and maturity stages of maize.The contents of Fe and Mn were also differentially altered in the rhizosheath.Rhizosheath development,indicated by a dry weight ratio of rhizosheath soil to the root,was relatively independent of root development during the whole experimental period.The formation of maize rhizosheath contributed to the modulation of soil particle size and nutrient availability.The subtle local changes of soil physical and chemical properties may have profound influence on soil formation,rhizospheric ecosystem initiation,and mineral nutrient mobilization over the long history of plant evolution and domestication.展开更多
文摘The trends of consuming or using eco-friendly,biodegradable products due to the change in the lifestyle of the people have led to the exploration of new sources from plants or animals.Seed mucilage(SeM)is an underexplored component of plants that can be brought into play to deal with such problems.Mucilage,a viscous polysaccharide that can be obtained when seeds like chia,flax,garden cress,and tomato get hydrated and form a slimy,gel-like substance around the seed coat,can be utilized due to its unique characteristics.It has been used in developing many products such as bio-based films,plant-based dressing wounds with antibacterial effects,a medium for oral drug delivery,edible coatings,etc.Primarily composed of soluble fiber,it exhibits effects on human health,including blood glucose management,cholesterol,weight reduction,antioxidant(AOx),and antimicrobial activity.It offers a range of functional properties,including emulsification,stabilization,foam formation,fat replacement,encapsulating agent,flocculation,coagulation,and medium for drug release.These attributes make SeM a suitable component for applications in various sectors like food and pharmacy.Further study in this field may open more opportunities to address environmental problems and contribute to sustainability.This review explores aspects of SeM,emphasizing its functional properties and highlighting its current as well as potential applications across various sectors.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32401919)the Department of Science and Technology of Henan Province(242102111126).
文摘Recent studies have shown that mucilage secretion from aerial roots is an essential feature of modern maize inbred lines,with some retaining the nitrogen-fixing capabilities of ancient landraces.To explore the genetic basis of nitrogen fixation in mucilage and its evolution from teosinte(Zea mays ssp.mexicana)to modern maize,we developed a recombinant inbred line(RIL)population from teosinte and cultivated it under low-nitrogen conditions.Large-scale,multi-year,and multi-environment analyses of RIL-Teo,Doubled Haploid-A(DH-A),Doubled Haploid-B(DH-B),and association populations led to the identification of 15 quantitative trait loci(QTL),68 quantitative trait nucleotides(QTN),and 59 candidate genes linked to mucilage secretion from aerial roots.Functional verification of the candidate gene ZmAco3,which is associated with mucilage secretion in aerial roots,demonstrated that deletion of this gene resulted in a reduction in mucilage secretion in aerial roots.In addition,most maize inbred lines exhibited stronger mucilage secretion from aerial roots under low-nitrogen conditions than under normal-nitrogen conditions.We categorized mucilage secretion into constitutive and low-nitrogen-inducible types.Through genotype-by-environment interaction studies,8 QTL,16 QTN,and 19 candidate genes were identified,revealing the genetic mechanisms underlying mucilage secretion under low-nitrogen conditions.These findings provide a comprehensive genetic analysis of the mucilage-secreting ability of maize aerial roots,contributing to our understanding of nitrogen fixation and offering potential avenues for enhancing nitrogen fixation in modern maize lines.This research advances knowledge of plant nutrient acquisition strategies and has implications for sustainable agricultural practices.
文摘Gum Arabic (GA) from Acacia senegal var. kerensis has been approved as an emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener, and encapsulator in food processing industry. Chia mucilage, on the other hand, has been approved to be used as a fat and egg yolk mimic. However, both chia mucilage and gum Arabic are underutilized locally in Kenya;thus, marginal reports have been published despite their potential to alter functional properties in food products. In this study, the potential use of chia mucilage and gum Arabic was evaluated in the development of an eggless fat-reduced mayonnaise (FRM). The mayonnaise substitute was prepared by replacing eggs and partially substituting sunflower oil with chia mucilage at 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% levels and gum Arabic at 3% while reducing the oil levels to 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60%. The effect of different concentrations of oil and chia mucilage on the physicochemical properties, for example, pH, emulsion stability, moisture content, protein, carbohydrate, fats, calories, ash, and titratable acidity using AOAC methods and sensory properties for both consumer acceptability and quantitative descriptive analysis of mayonnaise were evaluated and compared to the control with eggs and 75% sunflower oil. The results indicated that all fat-reduced mayonnaises had significantly lower energy to 493 kcal/100g and 20% fat content but higher water content of 0.74 than the control with 784 Kcal/100g calories, 77% fat and 0.39 moisture. These differences increased with increasing substitution levels of chia mucilage, as impacted on pH, carbohydrate, and protein. There was no significant difference between ash content for both fat-reduced mayonnaise and control. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that mayonnaises substituted with chia seeds mucilage and gum Arabic were accepted. All the parameters are positively correlated to overall acceptability, with flavor having the strongest correlation of r = 0.78. Loadings from principal component analysis (PCA) of 16 sensory attributes of mayonnaise showed that approximately over 66% of the variations in sensory attributes were explained by the first six principal components. This study shows good potential for chia mucilage and gum Arabic to be used as fat and egg mimetics and stabilizers, respectively, in mayonnaise with functional properties.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.U20A20401,31270737)Tibet Autonomous Region Major Special Science and Technology(Grant No.XZ201901-GA-04)。
文摘Myxospermy is an important feature of achenes of the alpine plant Mirabilis himalaica,and the achene mucilage increases the germination rate and early seedling growth during exposure to abiotic stresses,which has important functions that allow M.himalaica to survive the extreme climate of the Tibet Plateau.However,achene formation and mucilage extrusion are poorly understood.In the present study,comprehensive analyses were performed on mucilage production during achene development and mucilage release from hydrated achene pericarp in M.himalaica.First,fertilization initiated the development of M.himalaica achenes,during which their color,size and texture were altered dramatically.Second,using a metachromatic staining procedure,cytological events,the establishment of mucilage secretory cells in the inner epicarp layer were observed.The hydration of mature achenes led to the rapid bursting of mucilage secretory cells,which released a hydrophilic gel that surrounded the achenes.Finally,enzymatic digestion indicated that major components of the mucilage were pectins;glucose(41.40%),rhamnose(26.58%),galactose(18.33%),trehalose(12.12%),and mannose(1.57%)were found to be the components of achene by using ion-exchange chromatography.
文摘AIM： To study the effect of mucilage obtained from cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica （Cactaceae） on the healing of ethanol-induced gastritis in rats. METHODS： Chronic gastric mucosa injury was treated with mucilage （5 mg/kg per day） after it was induced by ethanol. Lipid composition, activity of 5＇-nucleotidase （a membrane-associated ectoenzyme） and cytosolic activities of lactate and alcohol dehydrogenases in the plasma membrane of gastric mucosa were determined. Histological studies of gastric samples from the experimental groups were included. RESULTS： Ethanol elicited the histological profile of gastritis characterized by loss of the surface epithelium and infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Phosphatidylcholine （PC） decreased and cholesterol content increased in plasma membranes of the gastric mucosa. In addition, cytosolic activity increased while the activity of alcohol dehydrogenases decreased. The administration of mucilage promptly corrected these enzymatic changes. In fact, mucilage readily accelerated restoration of the ethanol-induced histological alterations and the disturbances in plasma membranes of gastric mucosa, showing a univocal anti-inflammatory effect. The activity of 5＇-nucleotidase correlated with the changes in lipid composition and the fluidity of gastric mucosal plasma membranes. CONCLUSION： The beneficial action of mucilage seems correlated with stabilization of plasma membranes of damaged gastric mucosa. Molecular interactions between mucilage monosaccharides and membrane phospholipids, mainly PC and phosphatidylethanolamine （PE）, may be the relevant features responsible for changing activities of membrane-attached proteins during the healing process after chronic gastric mucosal damage.
基金supported by the National High Technology Research and Development Program (863) of China (No. 2012AA100402)Cheung Kong Scholars Programme and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 31125007 and 31370142)
文摘Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons（PAHs） is normally limited by their low solubility and poor bioavailability. Prior research suggests that biosurfactants are synthesized as intermediates during the production of mucilage at the root tip. To date the effects of mucilage on PAH degradation and microbial community response have not been directly examined. To address this question, our research compared 3 cowpea breeding lines（Vigna unguiculata） that differed in mucilage production for their effects on phenanthrene（PHE） degradation in soil. The High Performance Liquid Chromatography results indicated that the highest PHE degradation rate was achieved in soils planted with mucilage producing cowpea line C1, inoculated with Bradyrhizobium, leading to 91.6% PHE disappearance in 5 weeks. In root printing tests, strings treated with mucilage and bacteria produced larger clearing zones than those produced on mucilage treated strings with no bacteria or bacteria inoculated strings. Experiments with14C-PHE and purified mucilage in soil slurry confirmed that the root mucilage significantly enhanced PHE mineralization（82.7%）, which is 12% more than the control treatment without mucilage. The profiles of the PHE degraders generated by Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis suggested that cowpea C1, producing a high amount of root mucilage, selectively enriched the PHE degrading bacteria population in rhizosphere. These findings indicate that root mucilage may play a significant role in enhancing PHE degradation and suggests that differences in mucilage production may be an important criterion for selection of the best plant species for use in phytoremediation of PAH contaminated soils.
文摘Cactus is a plant that naturally grows in tropical and semi-tropical regions of the world. The composition of this mucilage is believed to differ from species to species. Hence, comparative study was carried out on mucilages of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) and Opuntia stricta (OS) as regard to their physico-chemical properties and acute toxicity levels. The study indicated that solubility of the dry mucilages were comparable and increased as raise in temperature. However, at all temperature levels the swelling powers were significantly higher in mucilage of OS than that of OFI. At 100% RH the moisture sorption property of OFI (95.4%) was higher than that of OS (76.9%). The pH values of both mucilages at 12% dispersions were found to be 5.57 and 5.87 for OFI and OS, respectively. The conductivity at the same concentration, 12% (w/v), of OFI was 13.12 mS/cm while that of OS was 9.31 mS/cm. The apparent viscosities at 12% (w/v) were 9,017 mPas and 10,060 mPas for OFI and OS, respectively. The apparent viscosities of the dispersions decreased with increase in shear rates which rendered the dispersions a pseudoplastic flow. The surface tension of the aqueous dispersions of OFI (28.71 mN/M) decreased significantly as compared to that of OS (39.7 mN/M). The results of the study proved that the mucilage of OS was superior to OFI mucilage for use as food and pharmaceutical excipients. Moreover, both mucilages exhibited low acute toxicity levels.
基金Supported by Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences,Iran(Grant No.821)
文摘Objective: To evaluate and practically demonstrate the in fluence of Althaea officinalis flower mucilage as a plant known in Iran's and other Middle Eastern countries' traditional medicine for its wound healing properties.Methods: Animals were divided into 6 groups of 5 cases including a non-treated group as the negative control group receiving no treatment, a group treated with eucerin as the positive control group, a phenytoin 1% group as a standard group treated topically with phenytoin 1% hand-made ointment, and treatment groups treated with hand-made Althaea officinalis flower mucilage(AFM) ointment in a eucerin base with different concentrations(5%, 10%, 15%).Results: Among the treatment groups, the AFM 15% ointment showed the best result.Wound healing duration was reduced by the surface application of these groups. Wound closure was completed on Days 14 and 15 in the AFM 15% ointment and phenytoin 1%groups, respectively. No significant difference was observed in healing period between these groups.Conclusions: In conclusion, AFM 15% ointment was found to reduce wound healing time without any significant difference with the phenytoin 1% ointment. The authors suggest increased AFM effectiveness in when combined with phenytoin or other effectual plants.
基金The authors acknowledge the support of the Division of Biological Science and Health of the University of Sonora for the Project USO313006744。
文摘This study aimed to characterize the physical-chemical and biological properties of pectin(PC)/chia seed mucilage(CM)membranes.PC/CM[100/0(control),80/20%,60/40%,and 40/60%w/w]membranes were prepared using the casting method.The membranes(PC/CM)were thin,yellow,lightly opaque(≈10%)and capable of blocking light UVB(between 66 at 52%).SEM analysis showed the presence of aggregates in the shape of a sphere(≈13μm)and ovoid(≈25μm).The proportion of 80/20 showed an increase in tensile strength(29%)and elastic modulus(19%)when compared to the control.FTIR analysis exhibited intermolecular interactions between PCPC,PC-CM,and CM-CM in the membranes.The thermal analysis(600°C)showed a slight improvement in the percentage of residual mass-loss of 3.31%(80/20)that control.The 40/60 membrane showed the lowest percentage of hemolysis(2.94%)but limited human albumin adsorption capacity.These results suggested that the blend PC/CM may be considered as a biomaterial for medical applications.
基金the Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards Project of Department of Health of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (00600005)Seed Funding of School of Chinese Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (92210. 22100. 01).
文摘The morphologic and microscopic features of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei were studied. The study verified that the mucilage cavities did exist in phloem of rhizomes and roots or abnormal vascular bundles. Also, they were in similar distribution in three species of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei. The diagnostic characteristic for microscopic identification was found to be the similar distribution of abnormal vascular bundles in pith of rhizomes in all three species. And the appearance of the crude drug varied more depending on the plants＇ geographical origin and different preliminary treatment on the spot of collection than on the species differences. Our findings, having not been delineated clearly so far in the previous reports, are helpful for clarifying current descriptions in different literatures or standards and make a full understanding on microscopic and macroscopic identification of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei.
文摘C. taylorii （Chrysophaeum taylorii） Lewis and Bryan （Pelagophyceae） are benthic mucilage-producing microalgae recently recorded in the Mediterranean Sea, where its summer blooms are having detrimental effects on benthic communities, fisheries and tourism, especially along the Sardinian coasts （western Mediterranean Sea）. Although few informations on the bloom dynamics of this microalga are available in literature jet, recent studies have hypothesized that sea water temperature plays a major role in determining the distribution and abundance of C. taylorii. The goal of this pilot study was to verify the above-mentioned statement providing experimental evidence for it. To this purpose, C. taylorii presence and abundance were investigated along a temperature gradient near the powerhouse of Torre Valdaliga （Latium coasts）, where a stream of hot water is continuously pumped out from the powerhouse into the sea. The obtained data showed that C. taylorii abundance was significantly higher in the study sites nearer to the powerhouse and a positive correlation between water temperature and cell densities was found, thus confirming that water temperature is one of the environmental variables directly influencing the bloom dynamics of this microalga in the Mediterranean Sea.
文摘Prosopis laevigata and Opuntia ficus-indica grow in arid and semiarid regions of Mexico and other countries. Both produce biopolymers with interesting characteristics from the rheological point of view as well as because of their coagulating-flocculating capabilities. Prosopis produce galactomannans inside the endosperm, very similar to those found in guar, locust bean, and tara gums. Opuntia sp. produces mucilage that contains polygalacturonic acid and five neutral sugars. Prosopis seed gum has not been proposed to be used as coagulant-flocculant before. In the case of Opuntia mucilage, some authors have suggested its use in the treatment of waters, using either the mucilage or the whole cladode powder. The use of these products in the treatment of municipal or even industrial wastewaters could give rise to diverse benefits. From the environmental point of view, treated waters with neither Fe nor Al, nor synthetic polymers would be obtained (with less toxicity risk). Besides, the produced sludges would be smaller in amount, with better biodegradability, and lower metals content. From the economical point of view, the use of these biopolymers would give an added value to the Opuntia and Prosopis culture in Mexico, helping small communities to enhance their incomes by producing environmental-friendly products. This work shows that both Prosopis galactomannan and Opuntia mucilage can be used to treat municipal wastewaters with an initial organic charge of about 827 mg/L as COD by the coagulation-flocculation process, with COD removals for the mesquite seed gum of up to 90% (pH 10, dose of 75 mg/L) and of 60% (pH 7, doses of 50 and 150 mg/L). In the case of mucilage, 65% of the initial COD was removed at pH 10 (dose of 50 mg/L). These figures are very promising for the treatment of wastewaters, with environmental-friendly products.
文摘The present work focuses on the proximate physical and chemical profile of <em>Opuntia ficus-indica</em> mucilage, mechanically extracted from cladodes, a waste of pruning in traditional organic cactus pear orchards in Italy (San Cono, Sicily). The mechanical extraction increased the mucilage yield to 30% dry weight. Physical characterization concerns pH, viscosity, free acidity and density, useful for emulsifying capacity. Spectrophotometric analysis was applied to assess total carbohydrates, proteins, uronic acids, total polyphenols content and antioxidant capacity. DART-MS and SEM-EDX were performed to evaluate functional mucilage components and relative amounts of minerals, respectively. From the main results <em>Opuntia ficus-indica</em> by-product, in addition to the preponderant total carbohydrates content, shows the high concentration in calcium and potassium and a fair amount of health-promoting phytochemicals, which make it a good candidate for the different type of industrial applications.
文摘Seed exudates influence the behavior of soil organisms,but howthis occurs remains unclear,particularly for multicellular animals.Here we show that compounds associated with Arabidopsis seed-coat mucilage regulate the behavior of soil-borne animals,specifically root-knot nematodes (RKNs).Infective RKN J2 larvae actively travel toward Arabidopsis seeds through chemotaxis.Analysis of Arabidopsis mucilage mutants demonstrated that the attraction of RKNs toArabidopsis seeds requires the synthesis and extrusion of.seed-coat mucilage.Extracted mucilage alone is not sufficient to attract RKNs,but seed-surface carbohydrates and proteins are required for this process.These findings suggest that the RKN chemoattractant is synthesized de novo upon mucilage extrusion but may be highly unstable.RKNs attracted by thismucilage-dependent mechanism can infect the emerging seedling.However,the attraction signal from seedling roots likely acts independently of the seed-coat signal and may mask the attraction to seed-coat mucilage after germination.Multiple RKN species are attracted byArabidopsis seeds,suggesting that this mechanism is conserved in RKNs.These findings indicate that seed exudate can regulate the behavior of multicellular animals and highlight the potential roles of seed-coat mucilage in biotic interactions with soil microorganisms.
基金This work was financially supported by the National Science Technology Support Program(2011BAI13B06)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31270737)+1 种基金Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation(KZ20150020021,6112016)111 Project(B13007)and Program for Changjiang Scholars and Innovative Research Team in University(IRT13047).
文摘Aim Mirabilis himalaica(Nyctaginaceae)is an endangered medicinal plant mainly distributed in the plateau region of northern Tibet,China.The outer surface of M.himalaica achenes is covered by a pectinaceous mucilaginous layer upon hydration.However,the role of the achene mucilage is poorly understood.in this study,we inves-tigated the effects of mucilage on achene germination and sprout growth under abiotic stress to explain how M.himalaica survive the alpine environment.Methods We investigated the effect of mucilage on achenes germination by contrast the capacity of water absorption,dehydration and respira-tion of intact achene and the achene with mucilage removal.We performed abiotic stresses experiments including drought stress,salt stress,cold stress and high temperature stress,and quantified the effects of mucilage removal on achene germination rate,root and shoot lengths of seedlings.Important Findings Mucilage is extremely hydrophilic,and the mass of intact achenes can be 9-fold greater than that of demucilaged achenes.The removal of the mucilaginous layer did not significantly change final germination percentages under ideal conditions,but intact achenes(i.e.with muci-lage)took longer to germinate.The mucilage significantly decreased seed respiration rates by acting as a physical barrier that prevented oxygen diffusion.Germination rates,shoot and root growth of intact achenes were higher than those of demucilaged ones during exposures to cold,heat,osmotic and salt stresses.Achene mucilage presumably plays an ecologically important role in the life cycle of M.himalaica by aiding the critical achene germination and early seedling growth in the stressful habitats of the plateau region of northern Tibet.
基金the special fund at Henan Agricultural University
文摘Maize(Zea mays)requires substantial amounts of nitrogen,posing a challenge for its cultivation.Recent work discovered that some ancient Mexican maize landraces harbored diazotrophic bacteria in mucilage secreted by their aerial roots.To see if this trait is retained in modern maize,we conducted a field study of aerial root mucilage(ARM)in 258 inbred lines.We observed that ARM secretion is common in modern maize,but the amount significantly varies,and only a few lines have retained the nitrogen‐fixing traits found in ancient landraces.The mucilage of the high‐ARM inbred line HN5‐724 had high nitrogen‐fixing enzyme activity and abundant diazotrophic bacteria.Our genome‐wide association study identified 17 candidate genes associated with ARM across three environments.Knockouts of one candidate gene,the subtilase family gene ZmSBT3,confirmed that it negatively regulates ARM secretion.Notably,the ZmSBT3 knockout lines had increased biomass and total nitrogen accumulation under nitrogen‐free culture conditions.High ARM was associated with three ZmSBT3 haplotypes that were gradually lost during maize domestication,being retained in only a few modern inbred lines such as HN5‐724.In summary,our results identify ZmSBT3 as a potential tool for enhancing ARM,and thus nitrogen fixation,in maize.
文摘The effectiveness of maltodextrin(10%)and cactus mucilage(CM)(0%,0.25%,0.50%,0.75%,and 1%)as carrier agents was evaluated in the encapsulation of bioactive amaranth compounds.Spray drying,an efficient encapsulation method,achieved high yields(62.9%-68%).The increase in CM concentration significantly augmented the water absorption index(WAI),bulk density,and hygroscopicity of the encapsulated amaranth powders.Conversely,it significantly decreased the moisture content,water activity,and water solubility index(WSI).The glass transition temperatures(>40℃),Hausner ratio(HR),and Carr’s index(CI)values indicated the suitability of powders for handling and processing.Moreover,no cracks were observed in the microcapsules surface,which favoured the bioactive amaranth compounds retention and stability.Thus,low degradation rate constants and long half-life time values were determined for the encapsulated amaranth powders,indicative of its storage appropriateness.Incorporation of 0.75%CM was an efficient concentration to achieve high percentage retention of betacyanins(55.5%),betaxanthins(58%),total polyphenols(73.3%),amaranthine(56.8%),isoamaranthine(62.7%),individual polyphenols(44.6%-81%),and antioxidant activity(79.6%).These results demonstrated the efficiency of CM as an encapsulating agent in the food industry.
基金supported by Department of Biotechnology,Ministry of Science and Technology,Government of India,under the DBT Twinning project(File no.BT/PR16789/NER/95/290/2015 dated March 14,2017)The authors would like to acknowledge the funding for facilitating the investigation.
文摘Redundant seed sap of Dillenia indica has been cited to possess pharmaceutical potential, but literature pertaining to its role as bioactive delivery system in food processing domain is very scanty. In this study, D. indica mucilage-based beads loaded with vitamin E analogous, α-tocopherol acetate were developed and analyzed. Scanning Electron Microscopic images confirmed the entrapment of drug within the mucilage-alginate carrier in a core-shell arrangement. To understand the impact of mucilage-ladened fabricated shell on the active payload from degradation and to draw a contrast in characterization, comparative evaluation of the highest drug loaded sample (S5 with loading efficiency (LE) of ∼63% and bearing equal concentration of mucilage-alginate = 1:1 w/w as wall material) against the least loaded one (S1 with LE of ∼24% and possessing the highest mucilage-alginate ratio of 5:1 w/w as encapsulant) was done. Composite formation among the functional groups of mucilage and alginate were noted in FTIR spectra. Hybrid mucilage-alginate matrix of S5 exhibited higher resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis, better stability of the loaded drug in gastro-intestinal phases and thermal treatments than S1. By the end of intestinal digestion, radical scavenging activity of the digesta from S5 was 36.33% higher than that of S1. After being exposed to pasteurization and sterilization, the individual quantity of α-tocopherol acetate retained by S5 were respectively 13.54% and 33.78% higher than those found in S1. Thermal degradation kinetics data corroborated these findings. Thus, facile synthesis of hybrid carrier system from D. indica mucilage can open up ample opportunities for this fruit waste.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30671237),the Innovative Group Grant of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30821003)the National Basic Research Program(973 Program) of China (No. 2007CB109302)
文摘Root exudates,microorganism colonization and soil aggregates together form the rhizosheath,a special cylinder of micro-ecosystem adhering to the root surface.To study how the rhizosheath affects soil structure and nutrient distribution,we analyzed the impact of maize rhizosheath on soil particle size and nutrient availability in pot and field experiments.The results showed that there was a significant size decrease of soil particles in the rhizosheath.Meanwhile,the soil mineral nitrogen in the rhizosheath was significantly higher than that in the rhizosphere or bulk soil at tasseling and maturity stages of maize.The contents of Fe and Mn were also differentially altered in the rhizosheath.Rhizosheath development,indicated by a dry weight ratio of rhizosheath soil to the root,was relatively independent of root development during the whole experimental period.The formation of maize rhizosheath contributed to the modulation of soil particle size and nutrient availability.The subtle local changes of soil physical and chemical properties may have profound influence on soil formation,rhizospheric ecosystem initiation,and mineral nutrient mobilization over the long history of plant evolution and domestication.
