Naxin Sun

Selenium, an essential trace element for humans, plays a critical role in maintaining physiological homeostasis; its deficiency has been associated with the onset of various pathological conditions. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), the new selenium form, exhibit low toxicity and high bioactivity; nevertheless, bare SeNPs may easily aggregate and lose activity. Polysaccharides, as natural macromolecular compounds with various bioactivities, are considered ideal modifiers and stabilizers for SeNPs. This review summarizes the preparation methodologies employed in the fabrication of polysaccharide SeNPs, encompassing chemical reduction and biological synthesis. Subsequently, the structural characteristics and physicochemical stability profiles are critically analyzed. Furthermore, the biological functionalities, including antitumor, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic activities, are comprehensively described, alongside their prospective industrial utility in food science, agricultural application, and pharmaceutical formulation. Finally, current research limitations are discussed, and future development directions are proposed, aiming to offer theoretical references and directions for developing polysaccharide SeNPs.

Hericium erinaceus is acknowledged for its dual roles in medicinal and culinary contexts. The polysaccharides derived from H. erinaceus have attracted the attention of scientists owing to their bioactivities. This review focuses on the methodologies utilized for extraction and purification of H. erinaceus polysaccharides (HEP), as well as their structure and biological functions. We overview extraction and purification techniques, with hot water extraction and column chromatography being the most common. Subsequently, a thorough analysis of the structural characteristics of HEP was performed. The molecular weights of HEP ranged from 2.1 to 75,000 kDa. The monosaccharide composition of HEP was predominantly glucose. Additionally, the glycosidic bonds within HEP were primarily of the β‐glycosidic type, with β‐glucans characterized by 1 → 3 and 1 → 6 linkages representing the most prevalent structure. Furthermore, we summarize the biological activities and potential mechanistic pathways linked to HEP, which include immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant properties, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities, as well as benefits in alleviating colitis and providing gastroprotective effects. Finally, we address the current challenges and limitations in the research surrounding H. erinaceus polysaccharides, while proposing promising directions for future investigations to further advance this area of study.