Purification, characterization, and antioxidant ability of polysaccharides from Phascolosoma esculentas

The polysaccharide was extracted from Phascolosoma esculenta (PEP). Two purified polysaccharides (PEP-1 and PEP-2) were obtained by the column chromatography separation method. The molecular weights of PEP-1 and PEP-2 were 33.6 and 5.7 × 10³ kDa, respectively. PEP-1 and PEP-2 had the same monosaccharides composition, but their molar ratios varied. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the PEP, PEP-1, and PEP-2 were investigated by scavenging free radicals like 3-ethylbenzoth-iazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), •OH, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Additionally, the in vivo antioxidant activity of PEP-1 was examined using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) organism. Results showed that PEP-1 was much more effective than PEP and PEP-2 at scavenging DPPH, •OH, and ABTS radicals. Additionally, PEP-1 strengthened C. elegans' ability to endure oxidative stress. PEP-1 possessed the in vivo antioxidant capacity, including the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content reducing, and protective effect on antioxidant enzyme activities in C. elegans. In summary, PEP, PEP-1, and PEP-2 might have the potential to develop as functional foods and clinical medications.