Polysaccharide-Based Edible Gels as Functional Ingredients: Characterization, Applicability, and Human Health Benefits

Abstract

Nowadays, edible materials such as polysaccharides have gained attention due to their valuable attributes, especially gelling property. Polysaccharide-based edible gels (PEGs) can be classified as (i) hydrogels, (ii) oleogels and bigels, (iii) and aerogels, cryogels and xerogels, respectively. PEGs have different characteristics and benefits depending on the functional groups of polysaccharide chains (e.g., carboxylic, sulphonic, amino, methoxyl) and on the preparation method. However, PEGs are found in the incipient phase of research and most studies are related to their preparation, characterization, sustainable raw materials, and applicability. Furthermore, all these aspects are treated separately for each class of PEG, without offering an overview of those already obtained PEGs. The novelty of this manuscript is to offer an overview of the classification, definition, formulation, and characterization of PEGs. Furthermore, the applicability of PEGs in the food sector (e.g., food packaging, improving food profile agent, delivery systems) and in the medical/pharmaceutical sector is also critically discussed. Ultimately, the correlation between PEG consumption and polysaccharides properties for human health (e.g., intestinal microecology, “bridge effect” in obesity, gut microbiota) are critically discussed for the first time. Bigels may be valuable for use as ink for 3D food printing in personalized diets for human health treatment. PEGs have a significant role in developing smart materials as both ingredients and coatings and methods, and techniques for exploring PEGs are essential. PEGs as carriers of bioactive compounds have a demonstrated effect on obesity. All the physical, chemical, and biological interactions among PEGs and other organic and inorganic structures should be investigated.

Chitosan Oligosaccharide Prevents Afatinib-Induced Barrier Disruption and Chloride Secretion through Modulation of AMPK, PI3K/AKT, and ERK Signaling in T84 Cells

“…Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) is derived by the hydrolysis and deacetylation of chitin, a polymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, which is a main constituent of the exoskeleton of arthropods such as insects, crabs and shrimps, and the cell wall of fungi [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. The physico-chemical and biological properties of this biopolymer have been explored in various fields including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, textiles, cosmetics, biomedical engineering, agriculture, food processing, nutrition, water, and wastewater treatments [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Due to its favorable pharmacokinetics and beneficial biological activities including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer activities, COS has the potential for development as dietary supplements or nutraceuticals [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ].…”

“…The physico-chemical and biological properties of this biopolymer have been explored in various fields including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, textiles, cosmetics, biomedical engineering, agriculture, food processing, nutrition, water, and wastewater treatments [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Due to its favorable pharmacokinetics and beneficial biological activities including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer activities, COS has the potential for development as dietary supplements or nutraceuticals [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Previously, we have reported that COS activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the intestinal epithelial cells via a mechanism involving calcium sensing receptor (CaSR)-mediated calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum.…”

Novel Approach in Biodegradation of Synthetic Thermoplastic Polymers: An Overview

“…Plastic is a flexible synthetic material formed from ethylene and a semi-crystalline high-molecular-weight polymer. Basic materials obtained from oil, coal, and natural gas are used to produce plastics [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Roughly 15.46 tons of plastic waste is processed in India every day, only 40% of which can be recycled, and the remaining 60% is impossible to dispose of, according to a 2003 survey.…”

Insights on Some Polysaccharide Gel Type Materials and Their Structural Peculiarities

“…They can modulate the intestinal microbial population (limitation of pathogens proliferation; controlling commensal bacteria and probiotics; enhanced host-microorganisms interactions) with beneficial effects. [48] Polysaccharides ionogels and various other co-components, natural and/or synthetic Divalent metal cations based hydrogels for energy storage, sensing, biomedical and environmental applications.…”