ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
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2024
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IF 8.3
Minting Liang,Qiuying Liu,Qunjie Chen,Yanting Wu,Chaoxi Wu,Yifei Wang
The ex vivo replication of the highly helical and fibril structures of load-bearing soft tissue is a challenging goal for the study of hydrogels. Inspired by nature, we prepared tissue-like physical gels based on curdlan and gelatin by self-assembly. The hybrid gels have a flexible fibril-matrix architecture, and the fibril orientation is highly tunable. The tensile strength of the gels can be tuned from ∼1.1 to ∼16.5 MPa. The coil–helix transition and nanofibril formation process in the self-assembly system was thoroughly investigated. These helical gels exhibit excellent cell compatibility, which supports adhesion and oriented growth of neural cells. Furthermore, the oriented nanofibrils in the gel are found to be associated with an upregulated expression of regeneration-related genes like N-cadherin (Cdh2) and neural growth factor (NGF). Owing to the strength and biomimetic structure, these gels have great potential in tissue engineering applications.
研究领域:
材料科学
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生物医学工程
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细胞生物学
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组织工程
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高影响因子
ACS Applied Bio Materials
·
2026
·Vol. 9
·期 17
·8100-8114
·
IF 5.6
Lu Dongxue,Xiao Tian,Jiang Lu,Xu Yuge,Wang Yumeng,Guo Tengfei,Yang Ru,Wang Yifei,Wu Chaoxi
Polysaccharide-based hydrogels with strong tissue adhesion, injectability, and self-healing capability are highly desirable for wound management, yet their performance is often limited by rigid polymer conformations and insufficient interfacial interactions. Here, we report a mussel-inspired, dopamine-grafted curdlan hydrogel (Cur-DA) featuring a predominantly single-helical β-glucan architecture. Cur-DA hydrogels were synthesized under alkaline conditions using ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) as a linker, thereby facilitating regioselective dopamine grafting at the C6 position of curdlan. Spectroscopic analyses (UV–Vis, FTIR, solid-state 13 C NMR, XRD, and circular dichroism), together with XPS characterization, confirmed successful dopamine incorporation and a conformational transition from native triple helices to more flexible single helices. With this single-helical architecture and catechol functionalization, Cur-DA formed a nanofibrous, porous network with high water content (>90%), increased swelling capacity, and excellent mechanical compliance. Owing to catechol-mediated interfacial interactions and the mobility of single-helical chains, which likely serve as dynamic “sticky ends,” Cur-DA hydrogels exhibited robust tissue adhesion (up to 10.21 kPa), self-healing, and outstanding injectability. In vitro assays indicated excellent hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. In a murine full-thickness skin wound model, an optimized formulation (Cur-DA3) accelerated wound closure, promoted re-epithelialization, and enhanced collagen deposition without inducing systemic toxicity. This work establishes a conformation-engineering strategy for β-glucan hydrogels and highlights Cur-DA as a promising injectable, adhesive wound dressing.
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ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
·
2018
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IF 8.097
Tsogzolmaa Ganbold,Huricha Baigude
6-Amino-6-deoxy-curdlan is a promising nucleic acid carrier that efficiently delivers plasmid DNA as well as short interfering RNA (siRNA) to various cell lines. The highly reactive C6-NH2 groups of 6-amino-6-deoxy-curdlan prompt conjugation of various side groups including tissue-targeting ligands to enhance cell-type-specific nucleic acid delivery to specific cell lines. Herein, to test the primary-cell-targeting efficiency of the curdlan derivative, we chemically conjugated a macrophage-targeting ligand, mannose, to 6-amino-6-deoxy-curdlan. The resulting curdlan derivative (denoted CMI) readily complexed with siRNA and formed nanoparticles with a diameter of 50–80 nm. The CMI nanoparticles successfully delivered a dye-labeled siRNA to mouse peritoneal macrophages. The delivery efficiency was blocked by mannan, a natural ligand for a macrophage surface mannose receptor (CD206), but not by zymosan, a ligand for the dectin-1 receptor, which is also present on the surface of macrophages. Moreover, CMI nanoparticles were internalized by macrophages only at 37 °C, suggesting that the cellular uptake of CMI nanoparticles was energy-dependent. Furthermore, CMI nanoparticle efficiently delivered siRNA against tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) to lipopolysaccharide-stimulated primary mouse peritoneal macrophages. In vivo experiments demonstrated that CMI nanoparticles successfully delivered siTNFα to mouse peritoneal macrophages, liver, and lung and induced significant knockdown of the TNFα expression at both messenger RNA and protein levels. Therefore, our design of CMI may be a promising siRNA carrier for targeting CD206-expressing primary cells such as macrophage and dendritic cells.
研究领域:
药学
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分子生物学
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纳米医学
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免疫学
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高影响因子
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
·
2021
·
IF 9.229
Mengting Lin,Haiyue Long,Minting Liang,Bin Chu,Zhe Ren,Pengjun Zhou,Chaoxi Wu,Zhong Liu,Yifei Wang
The bacterial exopolysaccharide Curdlan has a unique collagen-like triple helical structure and immune-modulation activities. Although there have been several types of Curdlan gels reported for antibacterial or wound healing purposes, none of them exhibit favorable mechanical properties for clinically applicable wound healing materials. Herein, we present a two-step approach for preparing Ag-embedded Curdlan hydrogels that are highly soft but are very stretchable compared with common polysaccharide-based hydrogels. Ag ions were first reduced in a diluted Curdlan solution to form AgNP-decorated triple helices. Then, the aqueous solution consisting of Curdlan/Ag nanoparticles was mixed with a dimethyl sulfoxide solution consisting of a high concentration of Curdlan. This mixing triggered the conformation transformation of Curdlan random coils into triple helices, and then the helices were further packed into semicrystalline nanofibrils of ∼20 nm in diameter. Due to the presence of semicrystalline fibrils, this novel Curdlan hydrogel exhibits a fracture strain of ∼350% and fracture stress of ∼0.2 MPa at a water content of ∼97%. This nanofibril hydrogel supported the attachment, spreading, and growth of fibroblasts and effectively inhibited the growth of Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the hydrogels downregulated NO production and proinflammatory gene expression levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages but did not change the anti-inflammatory gene expression levels in IL-4-stimulated macrophages. In an animal study, these hydrogels accelerated wound healing in a bacteria-infected mice skin wound model. These results validate the further development of Curdlan/AgNPs nanofibril hydrogels in clinical wound management.
研究领域:
材料科学
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生物医学工程
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纳米技术
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药剂学
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伤口愈合
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炎症
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微生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
·
2025
·
IF 8.5
Menghe Li,Qunjie Chen,Ru Yang,Yifei Wang,Qiuying Liu,Chaoxi Wu
Curdlan possesses intrinsic macrophage-binding ability, making it a promising platform for targeted drug delivery. However, constructing curdlan–drug complexes with well-defined structures and predictable biological functions remains challenging due to difficulties in controlling curdlan conformations. In this study, we developed a self-assembling nanogel system composed of low-molecular-weight curdlan (LCD) and curcumin. Molecular dynamics simulations and circular dichroism analyses revealed two interaction modes—curcumin bound to the triple-helix surface and encapsulated within the single-helix core—which together drive the spontaneous formation of stable LCD–curcumin nanogels. FTIR, DSC, SEM, and DLS characterizations confirmed their structural integrity and preserved helical organization. Cell-based evaluations showed that the nanogels mitigated curcumin cytotoxicity, enhanced its anti-inflammatory activity, and promoted uptake by RAW264.7 macrophages. Studies in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis demonstrated improved curcumin bioavailability, stronger therapeutic effects, and good systemic safety. Overall, these results indicate that LCD–curcumin nanogels possess controlled helical structures and potent anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting their potential as an effective nanomedicine for inflammatory disorders.
研究领域:
纳米医学
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药物递送
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生物材料
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炎症性疾病
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高分子化学
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高影响因子
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
·
2017
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IF 4.811
Jingfen Han,Xia Wang,Lixia Liu,Dongxue Li,Suyaola Suyaola,Tianyue Wang,Huricha Baigude
A cationic group has been quantitatively and selectively introduced into C6 position of each glucose units of Curdlan by “Click Chemistry” successfully. The resulting cationic Curdlan-Imidazole-lysine polymers (Cur-6-100Lys) exhibit excellent water solubility. Structure of the Cur-6-100Lys complexes was verified by FTIR and NMR spectroscopic measurements, and analysis of Cur-6-100Lys by GPC, DLS and SEM revealed that they have stoichiometric, nanosized spheroidal structures. Cytotoxicity measurement, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and EGFP-pDNA transfection have been carried out respectively. The results clearly show that Cur-6-100Lys nanocarriers have bound to dsDNA promptly, are less cytotoxic to both 7901 cells and HeLa cells, and are readily able to transport EGFP-pDNA into HepG2 cells. Our studies indicated that Cur-6-100Lys can potentially be used as a versatile nano platform for efficient gene delivery in living cells.
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高影响因子
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
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2022
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IF 6.633
Cheng Wang,Jinsheng Sun,Yifu Long,Ren Wang,Yuanzhi Qu,Li Peng,Han Ren,Shifeng Gao
Lost circulation is a vital and challenging problem in oil and gas well drilling. In this study, a new lost circulation material was successfully synthesized via a facile method: the re-crosslinkable composite gels consisting of curdlan and copolymer of SMA-AM-AA crosslinked by hydrophobic association. The re-crosslinking time, rheology property, swelling behavior of re-crosslinkable composite gels were systematically studied, and the physicochemical properties were characterized by FT-IR, SEM and TGA. The results show that the re-crosslinking time can be accelerated by increasing the re-crosslinking temperature and concentration of re-crosslinkable particles. The introduction of curdlan and iron ions can improve the storage modulus of the re-crosslinked gels. Compared with conventional gel materials, re-crosslinkable gels show better bearing-resistance capacity in fracture. Moreover, the plugging mechanism of re-crosslinkable composite gels in fracture was analyzed. The result shows that the re-crosslinkable composite gels have broad application and potential in oil and gas well drilling.
研究领域:
材料科学
·
石油工程
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高影响因子
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
·
2023
·
IF 10.7
Tian-Qi Zhou,Xue-Chen Wang,Ling-Yi Gao,Jia-Nan Yan,Hai-Tao Wu
In the present study, the synergetic gelation of curdlan gum (CG) and gellan gum (CG) at different biopolymer ratios were investigated. The optimal gelation of CG and GG was determined at total biopolymer concentration of 0.6% and a mass ratio of 1:1 according to visual observation and viscoelastic properties. The gelation behavior of the CG/GG binary composite gel exhibited ratio-dependent behavior at different biopolymer mixing ratios (2:8–8:2). With the increase in the CG/GG ratio from 2:8 to 8:2, the gel strength and transition temperature of the CG/GG gel showed an increasing trend followed by a decrease, reaching a peak at 5:5, with corresponding G′ , melting and gelling temperatures of 335.8 Pa, 82.5 °C and 33.7 °C, respectively. The improved gel properties could be ascribed to hydrogen bonds between CG and GG, as reflected by the blueshift of the O–H vibration peaks and water associated regional variation. Moreover, the CG/GG binary composite gel exhibited a significantly increasing water holding capacity (WHC) as the ratio of CG/GG decreased from 8:2 to 4:6, while the excess involvement of GG had no effect on the WHC improvement. Furthermore, the CG/GG binary composite gel exhibited denser and more homogeneous microstructures in comparison to individual CG and GG and performed the most compact gel network at ratio of 5:5, supporting the stronger gel rigidity and WHC. Therefore, these novel CG/GG hydrogels showed considerable gel strength and microstructures, which would provide a better mechanistic understanding of the polysaccharide complex in practical applications as a hydrogel base material.
研究领域:
食品科学
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高分子化学
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材料科学
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高影响因子
FOOD CHEMISTRY
·
2024
·
IF 8.5
Xue Han,Ke-Jun Guo,Xiu-Nan Zhang,Ying Chen,Chun-Sen Wu,Liang Zhang,Jian-Ya Qian
Ball milling treatment could affect the microstructures, improve the emulsification properties of curdlan (CL) and regulate the emulsion gel properties of CL based emulsion gel in two-ways. With increasing ball milling time (1 h–8 h), the particle size first decreased and then increased, the relative crystallinity decreased, and the contact angle increased. Ball milled curdlan (BMCL)-6 h showed the best emulsifying property and stability, which was the combined effects of decreased particle size and increased hydrophobic property. Ball milling 1 h and 2 h significantly improved the hardness and chewiness of CL-based emulsion gels, while, ball milling 4 h–8 h could make the emulsion gels much softer and ice cream-like. When the emulsion gels were heated twice consecutively, the visual appearance and texture properties did not change significantly, indicating the excellent thermal stability of these emulsion gels. The BMCL based emulsion gel with adjustable gel properties and good thermal stability has a wide range of uses in the food system.
研究领域:
食品科学
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材料科学
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高影响因子
STAR Protocols
·
2023
·
IF 0
Zhipeng Luo,Jiayun Wang,Yu Pan,Peng Gao,Hua Zhang,Ruzhu Wang
Summary Desiccant-coated heat exchangers provide a practical solution for the efficient removal of moisture from the air. Here, we present a protocol to synthesize an ultra-hygroscopic polymer to develop a LiCl loaded in curdlan hydrogel (LiCl@Cur)-coated heat exchanger for deep dehumidification. We describe steps for preparing the curdlan gel solution, hydrogel, LiCl solution, and LiCl@Cur. We then detail procedures for preparing curdlan-coated and LiCl@Cur-coated heat exchangers. The coated heat exchanger described in this protocol has a maximum dehumidification capacity of 12 g/kg. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Pan et al. (2023). 1
研究领域:
材料科学
·
环境工程
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PubMed
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
·
2026
·
IF 13.8
Xiaowen Yu,Wenxiu Teng,Shuang Song,Chunhua Wu,Chengrong Wen
Developing fat substitutes based on protein-polysaccharide composite gels is a key strategy for producing healthier food products. However, the physicochemical properties and microstructural organization of both curdlan (CR) and potato protein (PP) are significantly influenced by pH variations. To this end, 1 M NaOH, 1 M HCl, and 4 M HCl solutions were employed to systematically investigate the effects of different pH conditions on the gel properties, rheological behaviour, and stability of the curdlan-potato protein (CP) composite dispersion system, while concurrent characterization was performed to assess changes in microstructure and molecular interactions. The results indicated that alkaline pH conditions favoured the formation of flexible, compatible gels, whereas acidic environments promoted rigid, particulate-filled gels. However, dispersion stability was reduced near the isoelectric point (pI) of PP. Microstructural analysis revealed that under acidic conditions, a coarse curdlan framework formed and intertwined with PP to create a densely packed network. In contrast, gels prepared under alkaline conditions exhibited a less defined morphology. Increasing HCl concentration enhanced gel strength; however, strong acid treatment markedly reduced water-holding capacity (WHC) and freeze-thaw stability, whereas mild acidification had no significant effect on WHC. Under alkaline conditions, partial dissociation and molecular unfolding of components led to elevated viscosity. Conversely, highly acidic environments induced aggregation and precipitation of components, resulting in increased particle size. Both phenomena significantly reduced the ζ-potential, disrupted electrostatic stabilization, and ultimately compromised system stability. These findings offer valuable insights for the food industry in tailoring the texture and functionality of CP gels through precise pH modulation.
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高影响因子
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
·
2026
·
IF 8.8
Lianger Dong,Shaoqing Luo,Shah Muhammad Misbahullah,Jiangqi Xu,Sibao Wan,Haiyan Gao,Zhen Qin
β-1,3-Glucan polymerization degree was associated with distinct microbiome functional routing. • CBG and OBG enriched Bacteroidota through distinct utilization patterns. • CBG enriched genes encoding β-1,3-glucan processing and Sus-like functions. • OBG favored transporter-related substrate uptake and broader microbial participation. • Polymerization degree may inform design of microbiome-directed carbohydrates. β-1,3-Glucan is a dietary fiber with microbiome-modulating potential, yet the role of polymerization degree on microbial composition and metabolism remains unclear. Curdlan is an insoluble linear β-1,3-glucan widely used as a food hydrocolloid that provides a model to examine structure-dependent microbiome responses. We compared glucose, curdlan (CBG), and curdlan-derived β-1,3-glucan oligosaccharides (OBG) using anaerobic in vitro fermentation of pooled human feces. A multi-omics approach integrating 16S rRNA sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) quantification, and untargeted metabolomics was applied to resolve taxonomic, functional, and metabolic shifts. Both CBG and OBG enriched Bacteroidota and enhanced carbohydrate metabolism relative to glucose, but through distinct pathways. CBG promoted polymer-associated carbohydrate processing, with enrichment of β-1,3-glucan-degrading enzymes such as GH16, Sus-like transport systems, and polysaccharide-specialized taxa (e.g., Prevotella and Bifidobacterium ), and butyrate production. In contrast, OBG favored transporter-mediated substrate uptake, broader microbial participation (e.g. Parabacteroides and Enterobacteriaceae ), and a metabolite profile enriched in amino acid–derived compounds and branched-chain SCFAs. These findings demonstrate that β-1,3-glucan polymerization degree governs microbiome functional routing and highlight polymerization degree as a tunable parameter for designing microbiome-directed carbohydrate ingredients with predictable metabolic outcomes. Download: Download high-res image (291KB) Download: Download full-size image
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