Ferulated Arabinoxylans and Their Gels: Functional Properties and Potential Application as Antioxidant and Anticancer Agent

Abstract

In the last years, biomedical research has focused its efforts in the development of new oral delivery systems for the treatment of different diseases. Ferulated arabinoxylans are polysaccharides from cereals that have been gaining attention in the pharmaceutical field due to their prebiotic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The antioxidant and anticancer properties of these polysaccharides make them attractive compounds for the treatment of cancer, particularly colon cancer. In addition, ferulated arabinoxylans can form covalent gels through the cross-linking of their ferulic acids. Due to their particular characteristics, ferulated arabinoxylan gels represent an excellent alternative as colon-targeted drug delivery systems. The aim of the present work is to review the physicochemical and functional properties of ferulated arabinoxylans and their gels and to present the future perspectives for potential application as antioxidant and anticancer agents.

Partial removal of protein associated with arabinoxylans: Impact on the viscoelasticity, crosslinking content, and microstructure of the gels formed

“…Thus, materials with smaller pores will have a higher loading capacity in a lower volume of material . Considering the application of AX gels as encapsulating agents, the development of AX gels with a highly crosslinked network and smaller pores could improve the loading capacity of the gels, provide a better encapsulation of biomolecules and ensure its release in the target site . Thus, a decrease of protein in AX could allow the production of gels with a more compact microstructure by reducing the steric effect between polysaccharide chains.…”

“…The simulation of gastrointestinal conditions demonstrated that 76% of the insulin carried is released in the colon, indicating that these gels could be used as an alternative system for the delivery of insulin and probiotics targeted to colon for the treatment of diabetes . Considering that AX gels can be degraded by the colonic microbiota and exhibit antioxidant activity, they could be considered as an excellent alternative for the development of colon‐targeted drug delivery systems for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes and colon cancer …”

Cross-Linking of Fibrex Gel by Fungal Laccase: Gel Rheological and Structural Characteristics

“…Dominating dimers of ferulic acids in cross-linked fibrex gel were 8-O-4 and 8-5 , which increased after gel formation [29]. Recently, formation of cross-links of ferulic acid of higher molecular masses than dimers and undefined superior structures was also reported [25].…”

“…Subsequently, two phenoxy or alkoxy radicals cross-link, and the coupling of the unpaired electrons forms a new covalent bond that connects two sugar chains. Consequently, the structure of the dimers formed during gelation depends on the radical position [13,25].…”

“…The higher temperature stability of the fibrex gel resulted from the covalent bonds formed after oxidative coupling of the ferulic acids. The covalent structure gave some unique characteristics to the gels, such as high water absorption capacity and stability to pH, temperature and ionic charges [25].…”