This study optimized the hot-water extraction conditions of Wisteriopsis eurybotrya polysaccharides (WEP) using single-factor tests and response surface methodology, establishing optimal conditions as an extraction temperature of 92 °C, an extraction time of 241 min, and a liquid-solid ratio of 43 mL/g. Subsequently, a purified fraction named WEP-1-1 was isolated from WEP, followed by structural characterization and assessment of its in vitro activities. Structure analysis revealed that WEP-1-1, with a weight-average molecular weight of 130.3 kDa, was composed of Glc, Ara, Gal, Rha, Xyl, and Man in a molar ratio of 74.72:11.31:9.50:1.76:1.70:1.00, featuring a backbone predominantly of α-D-Glcp residues linked by (1 → 6) glycosidic bonds. Furthermore, WEP-1-1 could significantly enhance the glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes and L02 cells. It also exhibited potent immunostimulatory activity in RAW264.7 cells, significantly enhancing phagocytosis and promoting production of NO and TNF-α. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that WEP-1-1 is a promising candidate for natural functional materials due to its concurrent hypoglycemic and immunomodulatory activities.
Sixteen types of uronic acids are derived from aldohexoses. Except for a few examples, uronic acids are difficult to prepare and are not commercially available as reagents. Our previous study reported that C-6 oxidation of aldose (d-glucose) and aldonic acid (d-gluconic acid) by alcohol dehydrogenases from Pseudogluconobacter saccharoketogenes Rh47-3 produced the uronic acids (d-glucuronic acid and l-guluronic acid, respectively). Aldaric acid (d-glucaric acid) was also produced by further oxidation with aldehyde dehydrogenase from the same bacterium. The present study demonstrates that alcohol dehydrogenase widely oxidizes aldoses and aldonic acids, while aldehyde dehydrogenase extensively oxidizes aldoses and uronic acids; the alcohol dehydrogenase was named "aldose C-6 alcohol dehydrogenase" Except for commercially available d- and l-gulonic acid, all aldonic acids (14 types), uronic acids (16 types), and aldaric acids (10 types) derived from aldohexoses could be prepared using the alcohol dehydrogenase and resting cells. These sugar acids were obtained by oxidizing various aldoses and aldonic acids through either aldose C-1/C-6-inverting oxidation or aldose C-1/C-6-retaining oxidation, although the production of d-iduronic acid and d-idaric acid was low. The same reaction was also performed with Youhaiella spp., a registered strain in the Japan Collection of Microorganisms. The results provide comprehensive and simple methods for preparing sugar acids.

