Schizophyllan is a neutral extracellular polysaccharide, a natural biopolymer primarily produced by the fungus Schizophyllum commune. It is a type of beta-glucan, characterized by its unique molecular structure. It is also known as sizofiran or SPG.
Origins and Production
It originates from the fungus Schizophyllum commune, also known as the split-gill mushroom. This fungus is abundant, particularly during rainy seasons, and often grows on dead wood. Production typically involves fermentation processes.
During fermentation, the fungus converts carbon sources, such as glucose, into schizophyllan. Researchers have explored alternative carbon sources, including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a co-product from ethanol production, and alkaline-pretreated bagasse. After fermentation, it is recovered and purified, often through diafiltration and ultrafiltration, to yield a highly pure product.
Key Biological Properties
Schizophyllan exhibits several biological activities, most notably its immunomodulatory effects. It enhances immune responses by activating various immune cells. This polysaccharide is recognized as a Dectin-1 ligand, allowing it to interact with specific receptors on immune cells like macrophages and dendritic cells.
Its anti-tumor properties are also a significant area of study. Schizophyllan has been researched as an adjuvant therapy, used alongside other treatments to boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. It has demonstrated the capacity to inhibit the growth of certain tumors, including allogeneic tumors such as S-180 and Ehrlich cancer, and syngeneic tumors like AMC-60 fibrosarcoma.
Beyond its immune-boosting and anti-tumor effects, schizophyllan also shows other biological activities. It has been investigated for anti-viral and antioxidant effects. The ability of schizophyllan to induce a physiological response is influenced by its extraction and processing methods.
Diverse Applications
Schizophyllan finds utility across various industries due to its unique properties. In the cosmetic sector, it is valued for its moisturizing capabilities, contributing to skin hydration. The food industry utilizes schizophyllan as a thickener or stabilizer, improving the texture and consistency of food products.
In the medical field, its biological properties lead to its investigation as an adjunct in cancer therapy, particularly in Japan where it is used as an immunopotentiator for cancer patients. Beyond direct medical applications, it has been explored for its ability to deliver short DNA sequences within immune cells, showing promise as a non-viral gene delivery vector.
Its versatility extends to industrial applications. Schizophyllan has been used in enhanced oil recovery processes as a viscosifier agent, helping to improve the efficiency of oil extraction. It also finds use in construction materials.
Safety and Future Outlook
Schizophyllan is considered safe for its various applications. As a beta-glucan, it is recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory bodies like the United States FDA. Studies involving oral administration in various species, including mice, canines, horses, and humans, have indicated immunomodulatory effects without significant adverse reactions.
Ongoing research explores new therapeutic avenues for schizophyllan, such as its role in regenerative medicine against brain tumors or its use in bone disease prevention. Future developments may also expand its industrial applications, leveraging its unique properties in new materials and processes.