Pumpkin Skin Polysaccharide–Zn(II) Complex: Preparation, Characterization, and Suppression of Inflammation in Zebrafish

Abstract

In this study, pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) skin polysaccharide–zinc(II) (PSP−Zn) complex was successfully prepared. The structure and physicochemical properties of PSP and PSP−Zn were analyzed. The anti-inflammatory activity of PSP and PSP−Zn was investigated in zebrafish larvae induced by copper sulphate. PSP and PSP−Zn consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, and galacturonic acid. The molecular weight (Mw) of PSP and PSP−Zn were 3.034 × 106 and 3.222 × 106 Da, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR) and circular dichroism (CD) analysis results suggested that the chemical modification of zinc might occur through hydroxyl groups of PSP. The PSP−Zn complex had lamellar texture, smooth surface morphology, and larger particle size. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that both PSP and PSP−Zn were semi-crystalline substances. PSP−Zn solution showed superior stability in a weak acid and alkaline environment, especially at pH = 6.0. Moreover, PSP and PSP−Zn showed a good inhibitory effect on inflammation cells in zebrafish. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result suggested that the anti-inflammatory mechanism of PSP and PSP−Zn were through downregulation of the expression of nitric oxide synthase 2b (nos2b), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nuclear factor-kappa B2 (NF-κB2). The present study indicated that PSP−Zn is expected to be a safe and efficient novel zinc supplement with anti-inflammatory activity.

Fabrication of caffeoylquinic acid-loaded burdock polysaccharide nanoparticles and their antioxidant activity in hydrogen peroxide-damaged HepaRG cells

“…In practical applications of polysaccharides or modified polysaccharides as delivery systems for CA or ICA, the pH of the surrounding aqueous phase may vary significantly from pH 1.0 to pH 8.0 at different sites in the gastrointestinal tract after oral ingestion. pH value is a relevant index affecting the structure of nanoparticles, and its value can cause the nanoparticles to dissociate or tightly bind by affecting the isoelectric point of solution and protonation of functional groups, which is related to whether the loaded functional components can be targeted and delivered to the colon ( Dong et al, 2022 ; Kurl et al, 2023 ). Therefore, it is relevant to understand the influence of pH values on the stability of prepared nanoparticles.…”

“…Thermal gravity analysis was used to determine the thermal stability of caffeoylquinic acid-loaded BP nanoparticles. The thermodynamic properties of prepared nanoparticles were assessed using an STA 6000 simultaneous thermal analyzer (PerkinElmer, Waltham, MA, USA) ( Dong et al, 2022 ). The dead nanoparticle samples were heated from 30 °C to 600 °C at a heating rate of 10 °C/min under nitrogen as a protective gas.…”

“…The pH stability of caffeoylquinic acid-loaded BP nanoparticles was evaluated using a previously described method ( Dong et al, 2022 ). The nanoparticles were dissolved in deionized water at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, and then their pH was adjusted to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.…”

“…The nanoparticles fabricated through the self-assembly method are relevant and promising carriers for delivering functional molecules, with the advantages of convenience, low cost, strong absorption, high safety, good solubility, and high bioavailability ( Xiong et al, 2020 ). In recent years, polysaccharides, proteins, and polysaccharide–protein complex systems have been gradually applied as carriers for bioactive components, metal elements, and drugs ( Dong et al, 2022 ). Among these carriers, polysaccharides are considered an ideal carrier to load bioactive compounds due to their high bioavailability and cheap, safe, and degradable properties ( Liu et al, 2020 ).…”

Pumpkin Rind and Seeds Extracts Inhibit α - Glucosidase and Nitric Oxide Production and Promote Chlorella ellipsoidea Growth in Culture

“…The natural products with antiinflammatory property could be considered as the safe biological sources. Pumpkin and its derivatives have been reported to possess pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory property, such as pumpkin (C. moschata) skin polysaccharide-zinc (II) (PSP-Zn) complex exhibited a good antiinflammatory activity in zebrafish larvae induced by copper sulphate [36]. Combined oral and topical application of pumpkin (C. pepo L.) attenuates inflammation [37].…”