Chito-oligosaccharides (COSs) were encapsulated by the film-ultrasonic method into three nano-liposomes, which were uncoated liposomes (COSs-Lip), chitosan-coated liposomes (CH-COSs-Lip), and sodium alginate (SA)/chitosan (CH)-coated liposomes (SA/CH-COSs-Lip). The physicochemical and structural properties, as well as the stability and digestive characteristics, of all three nano-liposomes were assessed in the current study. Thereafter, the characteristics of intestinal absorption and transport of nano-liposomes were investigated by the Caco-2 cell monolayer. All nano-liposomes showed a smaller-sized distribution with a higher encapsulation efficiency. The ζ-potential, Z-average diameter (Dz), and polydispersity index (PDI) demonstrated that the stability of the SA/CH-COSs-Lip had much better stability than COSs-Lip and CH-COSs-Lip. In addition, the transport of the nano-liposomes via the Caco-2 cell monolayer indicated a higher transmembrane transport capacity. In summary, the chitosan and sodium alginate could serve as potential delivery systems for COSs to fortify functional foods and medicines.

Wound healing is a complicated process that involves hemostasis, antibacterial defense, and tissue regeneration. Conventional treatment methods, such as surgical suturing, have inherent limitations, necessitating the exploration of new ones. Hydrogels can create a moist environment that facilitates wound healing, making them an ideal material for wound healing. In this study, a procoagulant polysaccharide mixture (carboxymethyl chitosan/sodium alginate/fucoidan; CAF) was designed. Hydrogels were prepared using CAF and an oxidized starch/tannic acid blend (OT) at different ratios. Through comprehensive evaluations, such as gelation time, swelling capacity, and antibacterial efficacy, an optimal hydrogel (COT) was identified. This COT hydrogel was formed by mixing 3% CAF and OT solutions at a ratio of 2:1 (v/v). The associated gelation process occurred rapidly within 13 s. COT hydrogel exhibited self-healing properties, and a high swelling rate (~3109 ± 74%). It also demonstrated high antibacterial activity, facilitating enhanced protection against infection. Additionally, COT hydrogel exhibited biocompatibility and biosafety. COT hydrogel demonstrated low cytotoxicity on mice fibroblast cells (L929) and good hemocompatibility in vitro. Moreover, in vivo evaluations revealed that it did not cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Importantly, COT hydrogel significantly outperformed the commercially available hydrogel with its hemostatic and wound healing performance (p < 0.001, p < 0.01).

The body wall of sea cucumbers is rich in nutrients and small-molecule metabolites; however, traditional hot water pretreatment often leads to nutrient loss. To optimise processing techniques, this study compared the effects of microwave pretreatment and conventional hot water pretreatment on nutrient retention and metabolite profiles. Untreated sea cucumber body wall samples served as controls. The samples were subjected to microwave pretreatment (4 W/g, 12 min) or hot water pretreatment (100 °C, 10 min). Nutrient retention rates and metabolite variations were systematically analysed. Microwave pretreatment demonstrated superior retention of protein (96%), crude fat (92%), total sugar (55%), and saponins (40%). It also promotes the accumulation of small-molecule metabolites, including spermidine, tagatose, and melatonin. Notably, the lysine and methionine retention rates were enhanced by 10-fold and 12-fold, respectively, while the vitamin A, vitamin B3, and melatonin retention increased by 2.4-fold, 2-fold, and 3-fold, significantly outperforming traditional pretreatment. These findings highlight the potential of microwave pretreatment as an efficient alternative to conventional methods for preserving the nutritional and functional components of sea cucumbers.