Work

Structural characterization and preliminary functional evaluation of a novel Polysaccharide NS0-1 from Nostoc sphaeroides Kütz

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Nostoc sphaeroides polysaccharides exhibit diverse bioactivities, but the link between their structural features and functional properties remains underexplored. In this study, a novel heteropolysaccharide, NS0-1, was extracted and purified from Nostoc sphaeroides Kütz., and characterized using FT-IR, AFM, GC-MS, HPLC, and NMR. The backbone consists of (1→4)-β-D-Glc p , (1→4)-α-D-Man p , and (1→4)-β-D-Xyl p , with branches containing α-D-GlcUA, α-D-Gal p , and (1→3,5)-β-D-Gal f . Rare structural features such as O -2 acetylated mannose and galactofuranose were identified. NS0-1 showed moderate α-amylase inhibitory activity (36.11% at 1 mg/mL), along with shear-thickening and weak gel-like rheological behavior. Molecular docking and 50 ns molecular dynamics simulations revealed stable binding with α-amylase through multiple hydrogen bonds, suggesting a structure-based inhibitory mechanism. These results highlight the importance of acetylation and branching in determining bioactivity and physicochemical properties. NS0-1 holds promise as a multifunctional ingredient in functional foods, particularly for glycemic control and texture modification. Further kinetic and in vivo studies are needed to confirm its therapeutic relevance.

Source: Current Research in Food Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2025.101126

Authors: Wang Rui, Liu Siling, Chen Yin, Xu Li, Zhang Leifang

Institution: Zhejiang Ocean University

Language: English

Topic: Polysaccharides Composition and Applications

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,170

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Fundamental Research Funds for the Provincial Universities of Zhejiang