Effect of different drying and grinding techniques on the physicochemical properties and biological activities of fungal polysaccharides

Fungal polysaccharides are a class of natural compounds with diverse biological activities, widely utilized in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Their unique bioactivities, including immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, have made them a popular subject of research and application. The physicochemical properties, structural characteristics, and biological activities of these polysaccharides are significantly influenced by various processing methods, with grinding and drying techniques playing crucial roles in determining the final product's quality and functionality. Grinding techniques during the preprocessing stage significantly impact the particle size, solubility, viscosity, rheological properties, and bioavailability of polysaccharides. Methods such as ball milling and ultrasonic milling can alter the yield, molecular structure, and dissolution rate of polysaccharides. During drying, temperature parameters are key factors affecting the physicochemical properties and biological activities of fungal polysaccharides. Different drying methods, such as hot air drying, freeze drying, and spray drying, each have their advantages and drawbacks. Therefore, careful selection of grinding and drying processing methods is essential to ensure higher yields and better bioactivity of fungal polysaccharides during extraction. However, most research on polysaccharides focuses primarily on extraction and purification, often overlooking drying and grinding. This study aims to discuss and compare the principles of different drying and grinding processes and summarize their effects on fungal polysaccharides. The methods used during the preprocessing stage and the drying stage significantly impact the yield, physicochemical properties, and chemical composition of these polysaccharides. These findings provide valuable references for researchers and industry professionals, aiding in the selection of optimal methods to improve the reliability and stability of final products, thereby enhancing their application value.