Incorporation ofκ-carrageenan improves the practical features of agar/konjac glucomannan/κ-carrageenan ternary system

Three materials(agar,konjac glucomannan(KGM)andκ-carrageenan)were used to prepare ternary systems,i.e.,sol-gels and their dried composites conditioned at varied relative humidity(RH)(33%,54%and 75%).Combined methods,e.g.,scanning electron microscopy,small-angle X-ray scattering,infrared spectroscopy(IR)and X-ray diffraction(XRD),were used to disclose howκ-carrageenan addition tailors the features of agar/KGM/κ-carrageenan ternary system.As affirmed by IR and XRD,the ternary systems withκ-carrageenan below 25%(agar/KGM/carrageenan,50:25:25,m/m)displayed proper component interactions,which increased the sol-gel transition temperature and the hardness of obtained gels.For instance,the ternary composites could show hardness about 3 to 4 times higher than that for binary counterpart.These gels were dehydrated to acquire ternary composites.Compared to agar/KGM composite,the ternary composites showed fewer crystallites and nanoscale orders,and newly-formed nanoscale structures from chain assembly.Such multi-scale structures,for composites withκ-carrageenan below 25%,showed weaker changes with RH,as revealed by especially morphologic and crystalline features.Consequently,the ternary composites with lessκ-carrageenan(below 25%)exhibited stabilized elongation at break and hydrophilicity at different RHs.This hints to us that agar/KGM/κ-carrageenan composite systems can display series applications with improved features,e.g.,increased sol-gel transition point.

Effect of carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan coating on curcumin-loaded multilayered emulsion:stability evaluation

The stability against various environmental stresses of the curcumin-loaded secondary and tertiary emulsions that was emulsified by whey protein isolate(WPI)and coated by chitosan(CHI),carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan(CMKGM),or their combination through layer-by-layer assembly was investigated.Generally,the multilayered emulsions were destabilized in high Na Cl concentrations or medium p H that could interrupt the electrostatic interaction between the three polyelectrolytes or deprotonate CHI,indicating that electrostatic interaction played an important role in the stability of emulsions.Compared with the primary emulsion that was solely stabilized by WPI,extra coating with CHI and CMKGM generally increased the stability of the emulsion against repeated freezing-thawing,improved the retention of curcumin against heating,UV irradiation,and long-term storage,and the effects were more remarkable in the tertiary emulsion with CMKGM locating in the outmost layer.Since CMKGM has shown the colon-targeted delivery potency,the multilayered emulsions assembled by layer-by-layer deposition,especially the tertiary emulsion,could be used as an effective carrier for the targeted delivery of curcumin.

Studies on the Molecular Chain Conformation Stability of Aminated Konjac Glucomannan

Konjac glucomannan （KGM） was aminated by 2-chloroethyl-amine （CEA） as reagent so as to study the influence of concentration of CEA （based on the amount of KGM）, concentration of NaOH, reaction time and temperature on the extent of amination. And the molecular simulation technology was adopted to analyze the conformation stability of aminate （AKGM）. The results indicate that when the amount of CEA is higher, the extent of amination is higher. The optimum concentration of NaOH, reaction time and temperature are 10% NaOH, 70 ℃ and 45 rain, respectively. IR shows KGM is successfully aminated. The conformation of AKGM is in a random clew-like shape.

Preparation and Investigation on Novel Biodegradable Films Based on Konajac Glucomannan and Palmitoylated Konjac Glucomannan

Konjac glucomannan(KGM) has been generally used in food,film-former and biomedical applications,especially in the edible packing films due to its excellent film-forming ability,good biocompatibility and biodegrade-ability.It has the common flaws of natural polymers,such as low mechanical properties and poor antimicrobial activity,which severely limit their applications.In this paper,novel biodegradable films(NBF) of KGM with palmitoylated KGM(PKGM) were prepared by using the solventcasting technique.The structure,thermal and mechanical properties of the NBF were investigated.The results suggested that a strong hydrogen bonding was formed in NBF,which resulted in good miscibility between KGM and PKGM.The tensile strength and elongation at break of the NBF were enhanced significantly with the increase of PKGM in a certain range.With the addition of 0.75%PKGM by weight,tensile strength and elongation at break of NBF were improved largely to 117.12 MPa and 14.39%.From this work,we hope to provide one of the promising ways to design new edible food films and coatings materials with good mechanical properties.

Studies on Hydrogen Bonding Network Structures of Konjac Glucomannan

In this paper, the hydrogen bonding network models of konjac glucomannan （KGM） are predicted in the approach of molecular dynamics （MD）. These models have been proved by experiments whose results are consistent with those from simulation. The results show that the hydrogen bonding network structures of KGM are stable and the key linking points of hydrogen bonding network are at the O（6） and O（2） positions on KGM ring. Moreover, acety has significant influence on hydrogen bonding network and hydrogen bonding network structures are more stable after deacetylation.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Glucomannan Solution

The method of molecular dynamics simulation is carried out to simulate the KGM segment in solution, investigate the stable conformation and compute its energy, and discuss the effect of the change of hydrogen bond on its structure and energy. The results show that the structure of KGM segment can be optimized by molecular simulation method and the most stable conformation can be found, indicating the hydrogen bond is the main factor influencing the conformation and property of KGM.

Study on Molecular Chain Morphology of Konjac Glucomannan

The long-range structure of konjac glucomannan(KGM)is studied by using laser light scatter(LLS), gel permeation chromatography(GPC)and method of viscosidity. The weight-average molecular weight(Mw), root-mean-square ratio of gyration[(S2)1/2], second viral coefficient(A2)and multi-dispersion coefficient(Mw/Mn)are 1.04×106, 105. 0±0. 9 nm,(-1. 59±0.28)×10-3 mol ml g-2 and 1.015±0.003, respectively. Mark-Houwink equation is established as [η] = 5. 96×10-2Mw0.73 and the molecular chain parameters are as follows: ML=982. 82 nm-1, Lp = 27. 93 nm, d = 0. 74 nm, h = 0. 26 nm, L = l 054.11 nm. Further more molecular chain morphology of KGM is studied by using atom force microscope(AFM)and transmission electronic microscope(TEM), and the result shows that the KGM molecular is an extending semi-flexible linear chain without branch. Therefore, the image of molecular chain morphology confirms the deduction drawn by Mark-Houwink equation and molecular chain parameters.

Study on Gel Formation Mechanism of Konjac Glucomannan

The transformation of molecular conformation after gelatinization of konjac glucomannan is characterized by means of GC, GPC, FT-IR, DSC, XRD and TEM. The results showed that the molecule of KGM had no branch, the monose composition and connecting type of the molecular chain had no change, the transformation of molecule weight was little, and its drying powder sample formed an evidently new crystalline region. The hollow double helix structure of KGM in hydrosol changed from stretch chain into intercross and entwisted after gelatinization. The gelatin formation mechanism of konjac glucomannan is thereby expounded.

Formation Mechanism and Stability Study of Konjac Glucomannan Helical Structure

The formation mechanism and stability of konjac glucomannan （KGM） helical structure were investigated by molecular dynamic simulation and experimental method. The results indicate that the molecular conformation of KGM is a non-typical helical structure. In detail, helical structure of KGM is mainly sustained by acetyl group, whose size and stability are affected by the molecular polymerization degree of KGM. In vacuum among the non-bonding interactions, electrostatic force is the greatest factor affecting its helical structure, but in water solution, hydrogen bond affects the helical arrangement greatly. To our interest, temperature exhibits a reversible destroying effect to some extent; the helical structure will disappear completely and present a ruleless clew-like arrangement till 341 K. This work suggests that the method of combining molecular dynamic simulation and experiment tools can be effective in the study of KGM helical structure.

Dynamics Study of the Influence of Temperature on Konjac Glucomannan Saline Solution’s Viscosity

Molecular dynamics （MD） method is adopted to simulate the conformation variations of konjac glucomannan （KGM） saline solution at different temperatures, and structurally analyze the trends and reasons of viscosity change in KGM saline solution with temperature. The experimental results have been analyzed to find out that the sum of formative hydrogen bonds decreases with the rise of temperature and the amount of intramolecular hydrogen bonds suddenly increases at 323 K. Besides, in terms of molecular orbital data obtained from simulation, we can know that hydrogen bonding energy also decreases with the rise of temperature. Therefore, we can predict the viscosity of KGM saline solution decreases gradually when rising the temperature.

Influence of Topology Structure on the Stability of Konjac Glucomannan Nano Gel Microfibril

Konjac glucomannan nano gel microfibrils were prepared by using electrospinning method. Topology structures were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FT-IR） and Field emission scanning electron microscopy （FESEM）, while the differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） was carried out to check the thermal stability of the structure. Results reveal that the interaction of KGM intermolecular hydrogen bonds and topological tangle rate are increased by electrospirming, while stable structures of nano gel microfibrils are formed without altering the molecular groups of origin, These structures compose of topological networks of clustered nano fibers with lower porosity and higher density.

Studies on Single Chain Structure of Konjac Glucomannan

The simulation is carried out by employing the method of molecular dynamics with the single chain of konjac glucomannan （KGM） in vacuum as the structural model to discuss the factors that affect the single chain structure, the dynamic structure of the chain and the acting forces that maintain the chain structure. The results show that the shape and stability of the chain are affected by the degree of polymerization. As for the KGM with high degree of polymerization, its chain presents random coiling state and its stability declines. Both before and after deacetylation in the process of dynamic motion, the chain of KGM presents random coiling state with periodic variation of extension and coil and demonstrates favorable flexibility, indicating acetyl is not the main factor that affects the shape of chain, whereas dihedral angle and static actions are respectively the key bonding and nonbonding acting forces that influence the single chain conformations in vacuum.

Formation Sites and Microscopic Conformation Study on the Konjac Glucomannan Molecular Helices

In this work, the formation sites, helical parameters and hydrogen bond positions of Konjac glucomannan molecular helices were investigated using molecular dynamic simulation method. To our interest, the KGM chain is mainly composed by local left and right helix struetttres. The formation sites of KGM chain might locate at the chain-segments containing acetyl groups, and the left helix is the favorable conformation of KGM. Temperature-dependent molecule conformation study indicates that the right helix is dominant when the temperature is lower than 343 K, above which, however, the left helix is dominating （right helix disappears）. In addition, intramolecular hydrogen bonds in the left helix can be found at the -OH groups on C（2）, C（4） and C（6） of mannose residues; comparably, the intramolecular hydrogen bonds in the right helix can be mainly observed at the -OH groups on C（4） and C（6） of the mannose residues and C（3） of the glucose residues. In conclusion, molecular dynamic simulation is an efficient method for the microscopic conformation study of glucomannan molecular helices.

Hydrogen Bond Networks' QSAR and Topologica Analysis of Konjac Glucomannan Chains

Based on the knot theory and researching of network structures of glucomannan molecules, the polysaccharides were analyzed. The link prediction analysis is to further reveal the interactions between polysaccharides, to elaborate QSAR of polysaccharides, and to analyze the network conformation relationships among polysaccharides. We made a classification for glucomannan molecules based on the related domestic and international theories, and investigated their network structures and application prospects. The knot theory and the link predictions not only simplify the glucomannan microscopic descriptions but also play a guiding role in predicting and regulating the structures.

The Effect of Boron on the Properties of Glucomannan: An Experimental and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study

The effect of boron on the properties of Konjac Glucomanan （KGM） has been investigated by the method of experiment and molecular dynamic simulation. Upon analysis, the property and structure of KGM are apt to be affected by boron and structural reasons for property change were discussed. In detail, the addition low concentration borax can increase the systematic inherent viscosity, by contrast, high concentration borax has opposite effect on the viscosity. When adding borax, the micropores on KGM film surface decrease or disappear, leading to more compact and uniform on the film surface. The structure of KGM-Boron complex is described as the coordination reaction between KGM and boron. The main reaction points are hydroxyl group on C（6） position of sugar as well as those on C（2） and C（3） positions of mannose with two kinds of complexes formation： B-K2 and KB-K. And KB-K mainly consists of g-b-m.

Influence of different levels of humic acid and esterified glucomannan on growth performance and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

A study was under taken to investigate the effect of dietary supplementations of humic acid and esterified glucomannan) on broiler performance and the morphological measurements of small intestine. Two hundred and ten day old broiler chicks were weighed and randomly assigned to seven treatment groups in triplicate. The dietary treatments included T1) control (basal diet without any additives), T2) basal diets supplemented with 0.1% humic acid, T3) basal diets supplemented with 0.2% humic acid, T4) basal diets supplemented with 0.3% humic acid, T5) basal diets supplemented with 0.1% esterified glucomannan, T6) basal diets supplemented with 0.2% esterified glucomannan and T7) basal diets supplemented with 0.3% esterified glucomannan. Different parameters including body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and morphology of small intestine were evaluated during six weeks of experimental period. According to the results, at the end of experimental period, the highest average BWG were recorded in T4 group (fed with 0.3% humic acid), compared to control (T1) and other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Where as, the highest body weight gain were observed during starter period in treatment 7 (fed with 0.3% esterified glucomannan) as compare to other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Statistically, feed intake remained unaffected during the experimental period in all the treatment groups. However, the lowest and the highest feed intake were observed numerically within treatments T4 and T1 with 4229.70 g and 4362.30 g, respectively. Addition of dietary supplements used in the study appeared to have significant effect on the morphology of the small intestine (jejunum mucosal development) of the broilers in different treatment groups. Compared to control group, the inclusion of either humic acid or esterified glucomannon decreased (p < 0.01) the crypt depth and increased villus height respectively (p < 0.05). More ever, the diet supplements with humic acid 0.3% (T4) decreased crypt depth compared to esterified glucomannan and control. The dietary supplementations resulted in an increase in the villus height of intestinal mucosa of broilers. The increase in the villus height was associated with improvement of growth performance for both humic acid and esterified glucomannan. Based on our results it appeared that humic acid and esterified glucomannan can be used as a growth promoter in broiler diets and they can improve the gut health too.

Effect of Plasma Treatment on the Structures and Properties of Konjac Glucomannan Film

To understand the effect of plasma treatment on the Konjac glucomannan film, the nitrogen plasma was injected into the film by ion beam injection machine in this study. The structures and properties of Konjac glucomannan film after plasma treatment were analyzed by Infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectrum, X-ray, ect. The result showed that nitrogen groups appeared in the KGM molecular chain and part of this chain fractured, and the number of hydrogen bonds increased after the treatment of plasma. The form of KGM molecule remained amorphous non-crystalline state, but the crystalline region was increased and became more ordered. The mechanical property of tensile strength and breaking elongation was improved, while the WVP was decreased. The nitrogen groups were grafted on the KGM molecular chain after plasma treatment, which led to the improvement of the properties of KGM film.

Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan/Carboxymethylated Konjac Glucomannan Blend Films

In order to improve the mechanical and water swelling properties of the chitosan (CS) film, a series of transparent films were prepared by blending 2%(weight) chitosan acetic acid solution with 1.5%(weight) carboxymethylated konjac glucomannan (CMKGM) aqueous solution according to predetermined ratio and drying at 30°C. The morphological structure, miscibility, thermal stability, mechanical properies, and swelling capacity of the blend films were studied by infrared (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), scanning electron micrograph (SEM), and measurements of the mechanical properties and swelling properties. The results demonstrated that there was strong interaction and good miscibility between CS and CMKGM resulted from intermolecular hydrogen bonding and electrostatic force. The mechanical properties in dry state and wet state, thermostability, and water swelling properties of the blend films were obviously improved. The best values of the tensile strength in the dry and wet state achieved 89 MPa and 49 MPa, respectively, when the CMKGM content was 30%(weight). The CS/ CMKGM blend films provided promising biomedical applications.

Dissolution of Konjac Glucomannan with Room Temperature Ionic Liquids

Two kinds of new room temperature ionic liquids （RTILs）, 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride （AMIMCl） and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride （BMIMCl）, were synthesized and used for the dissolution of konjac glucomannan （KGM）. The experimental results showed that the solubility of KGM in AMIMCl was better than that in BMIMCl. Regenerated KGM were obtained by adding anhydrous alcohol to the KGM / ionic liquids solutions. Solubility, molecular weight, structure, and thermal property of the regenerated KGM were investigated by polarized optical microscopy （POM）, viscosimetry, infrared spectroscopy （IR）, X-ray diffraction technique （XRD）, thermogravimetry （TG） and differential scanning calorimetry （DSC）. It was demonstrated that the viscosity-averaged molecular weight of the KGM samples decreased after regeneration because of the molecular degradation of KGM. Results from IR and XRD indicated that the chemical structure and the crystalline form of regenerated KGM were not changed. Results from TG and DSC showed that the thermal stability of the regenerated KGM samples only slightly decreased. These results suggest that AMIMCl and BMIMCl are direct and effective solvents for KGM.

Synthesis and Characterization of Phosphated Konjac Glucomannan Hydrogels

Konjac glucomannan （KGM） was crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate （STPP） to synthesize hydrogels. The crosslinking reaction was confirmed by FT-IR. The results of degradation test show that the hydrogels retain the enzymatic degradation character of KGM and can be degraded for 74.45% in 5 days by cellulase E0240.