Application of nonthermal processing technologies in extracting and modifying polysaccharides: A critical review

Abstract

Polysaccharides are natural polymer compounds widely distributed in plants, animals, and microorganisms, most of which have a broad spectrum of biological activities to promote human health. They could also be used as texture modifiers in food industry due to their excellent rheological and mechanical properties. Many researchers have shown that nonthermal processing technologies have numerous advantages, such as high extraction efficiency, short extraction time, and environmental friendliness, in the extraction of polysaccharides compared with the traditional extraction methods. Moreover, nonthermal technologies could effectively change the physicochemical properties and structural characteristics of polysaccharides to improve their biological activities or processing properties. Therefore, a comprehensive summary about the extraction and modification of polysaccharides by nonthermal technologies, including ultrasound, high hydrostatic pressure, pulsed electric fields, and cold plasma, was provided in this review. In particular, the underlying mechanisms, processing operations, and current application status of these technologies were discussed. In addition, the applications of combining nonthermal techniques with other technological methods in polysaccharide extraction and modification were briefly introduced.

Screening and Characteristics Analysis of Polysaccharides from Orah Mandarin (Citrus reticulata cv. Orah)

“…Some special structural characteristics of polysaccharides are beneficial for activating NK cells, which has been confirmed by many studies [ 40 , 41 ]. For instance, polysaccharides with glucose [ 24 , 42 ], mannose [ 43 , 44 ] or N -acetyl-d-glucosamine [ 24 ] are more easily recognized and connected by complement receptor type 3 (CR3) on NK cells [ 45 ]. Vetvicka et al [ 46 ] reported that a soluble polysaccharide, SZP (10 kDa, 95% mannose and 5% glucose), had a higher affinity for CR3 than many soluble β-glucans (20–1000 kDa).…”

Probiotic-derived amphiphilic exopolysaccharide self-assembling adjuvant delivery platform for enhancing immune responses

“…Natural polysaccharides are widespread in organisms from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, serving as critical components involved in various life activities [ 44 , 45 ]. They have been used for decades as building blocks to create functional biomaterials and can be modified to formulate derivatives for applications in delivery carriers [ 46 , 47 ].…”

Potential applications of pulsed electric field in the fermented wine industry

“…The efficient extraction of functional components from target tissues or cells is a major problem prior to fermentation. The raw materials are usually pressed and macerated for a long time to extract their active ingredients such as sugar and polyphenols in traditional brewing, thus improving the yield and quality of fermented wine ( 32 , 33 ). PEF is adopted as a new way for promoting the extraction of active ingredients, shortening the immersion time, and promoting alcohol fermentation.…”