Jixun Zhan (Photo: Utah State University)
The last 10 years polyphenols have drawn much attention, as research suggests they have many health benefits, including supporting a healthy heart.
Polyphenols, which have antioxidant activity, are micronutrients commonly found in fruits and vegetables. They can prevent cellular damage in the body, but many of them do not dissolve in water which makes it difficult to take advantage of their health benefits.
Recent research by Jixun Zhan, a Utah State University Biological Engineering Professor, shows these polyphenol compounds can be combined with sugar molecules to potentially create life-saving drugs. His research was published in the most recent issue of Biotechnology Advances.
Dr. Zhan said by attaching sugar molecules it makes them more soluble in water and more stable. He said studying sugar biosynthesis makes it possible to develop more effective glyco-drugs.
The process is called glycosylation and scientists are using methods like bacterial fermentation to to change the sugar structures.
Dr. Zhan’s graduate students Jie Ren and Caleb Barton contributed to the recently published review article.