Regulation strategy, bioactivity, and physical property of plant and microbial polysaccharides based on molecular weight

Structural features affect the bioactivity, physical property, and application of plant and microbial polysaccharides. However, an indistinct structure-function relationship limits the production, preparation, and utilization of plant and microbial polysaccharides. Molecular weight is an easily regulated structural feature that affects the bioactivity and physical property of plant and microbial polysaccharides, and plant and microbial polysaccharides with a specific molecular weight are important for exerting their bioactivity and physical property. Therefore, this review summarized the regulation strategies of molecular weight via metabolic regulation; physical, chemical, and enzymic degradations; and the influence of molecular weight on the bioactivity and physical property of plant and microbial polysaccharides. Moreover, further problems and suggestions must be paid attention to during regulation, and the molecular weight of plant and microbial polysaccharides must be analyzed. The present work will promote the production, preparation, utilization, and investigation of the structure-function relationship of plant and microbial polysaccharides based on their molecular weight.

Automated summary

Structural features play a crucial role in the bioactivity, physical properties, and applications of plant and microbial polysaccharides. However, the complex structure-function relationship hinders the production, preparation, and utilization of these polysaccharides. Molecular weight, as a easily regulated structural feature, significantly impacts the bioactivity and physical properties of plant and microbial polysaccharides, and polysaccharides with specific molecular weights are essential for their optimal function. This review provides an overview of the regulation strategies for controlling molecular weight, including metabolic regulation, degradation by physical, chemical, and enzymatic methods, and explores the influence of molecular weight on the bioactivity and physical properties of plant and microbial polysaccharides. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for attention to potential problems and offers suggestions for the analysis of polysaccharide molecular weights. The findings of this work will contribute to the production, preparation, utilization, and investigation of the structure-function relationship of plant and microbial polysaccharides based on their molecular weights.