Effects of Chemical Modification on the Structure and Biological Activities of Polysaccharides Extracted from Inonotus Obliquus by Microwave

A novel polysaccharide, Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOP), was extracted using a microwave extraction method and subsequently subjected to modifications through sulfation, carboxymethylation, phosphorylation, and acetylation. Its physical and chemical properties were analyzed using various chemical techniques, including high-pressure liquid chromatography, ultraviolet light, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Congo red test, and scanning electron microscopy. The antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical assays, as well as by measuring the reducing power. Additionally, hypoglycemic activity was evaluated through α-glucosidase and α-amylase assays. The results indicated that the chemical modifications effectively altered the physical and chemical properties, as well as the biological activities of IOP. Compared to the unmodified IOP, the derivatives exhibited reduced sugar content, uronic acid content, and molecular weight, while demonstrating varying levels of antioxidant and hypoglycemic capabilities. Notably, the carboxymethylated IOP (IOP-C) displayed lower molecular weight, higher ABTS free radical scavenging rate, greater reducing ability, and increased α-amylase inhibition rate. Therefore, IOP-C shows promise as a potential edible antioxidant and hypoglycemic agent.