Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
Jiangxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
State Key Laboratory for the Modernization of Classical and Famous Prescriptions of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
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Highlights
(1) Fungal polysaccharides are natural compounds with diverse biological activities, used in medicine, food, and cosmetics.
(2) The properties and activities of fungi are significantly affected by drying methods such as hot air drying, freeze drying (FD), and spray drying (SD), as well as by grinding methods including mechanical grinding, superfine grinding, and cryogenic grinding.
(3) Selecting appropriate drying and grinding methods is crucial for improving extraction efficiency and functional properties, enhancing their roles in pharmaceuticals, food, and health products.
(4) Ongoing research and technological advancements are essential for refining the preparation and processing of fungal polysaccharides, driving progress in related industries.
Graphical Abstract
Fungal polysaccharides, as bioactive compounds derived from fungi, play a pivotal role in health-related applications, including immune modulation, anti-cancer properties, and antioxidant activities. Drying and grinding are equally critical steps in polysaccharide processing, alongside extraction and purification, and warrant close consideration. This review provides an overview of how various drying and grinding techniques affect the physicochemical properties and biological activities of fungal polysaccharides. It underscores the necessity of selecting optimal methods to preserve polysaccharide structural integrity and enhance their functional properties, thereby advancing their potential in disease prevention and therapeutic applications.
Abstract
Fungal polysaccharides are a class of natural compounds with diverse biological activities, widely utilized in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Their unique bioactivities, including immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, have made them a popular subject of research and application. The physicochemical properties, structural characteristics, and biological activities of these polysaccharides are significantly influenced by various processing methods, with grinding and drying techniques playing crucial roles in determining the final product's quality and functionality. Grinding techniques during the preprocessing stage significantly impact the particle size, solubility, viscosity, rheological properties, and bioavailability of polysaccharides. Methods such as ball milling and ultrasonic milling can alter the yield, molecular structure, and dissolution rate of polysaccharides. During drying, temperature parameters are key factors affecting the physicochemical properties and biological activities of fungal polysaccharides. Different drying methods, such as hot air drying, freeze drying, and spray drying, each have their advantages and drawbacks. Therefore, careful selection of grinding and drying processing methods is essential to ensure higher yields and better bioactivity of fungal polysaccharides during extraction. However, most research on polysaccharides focuses primarily on extraction and purification, often overlooking drying and grinding. This study aims to discuss and compare the principles of different drying and grinding processes and summarize their effects on fungal polysaccharides. The methods used during the preprocessing stage and the drying stage significantly impact the yield, physicochemical properties, and chemical composition of these polysaccharides. These findings provide valuable references for researchers and industry professionals, aiding in the selection of optimal methods to improve the reliability and stability of final products, thereby enhancing their application value.
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