Characterization, α-amylase inhibition and antioxidant activity of polysaccharide obtained from Lentinus tigrinus CCMB 553

Polysaccharides from Lentinus tigrinus are promising due to their properties that allow biotechnological applications in several areas. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of polysaccharides from the cell wall of L. tigrinus CCMB 553, in addition to characterizing it, performing antioxidant activity assays and evaluating the capacity to inhibit α-amylase in vitro. The optimal extraction conditions found were pH 13, temperature 90 °C and time 180 min. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy indicated signals characteristic of polysaccharide and Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry demonstrated a polysaccharide composed of monomeric units such as galactoses, glycopyranose and mannopyranose. The in vitro antioxidant assays showed the potential of the polysaccharide in ABTS⁺, DPPH and hydroxyl radical elimination. The polysaccharide demonstrated the ability to inhibit α-amylase in vitro with a concentration of 0.1 mg mL⁻¹. The results suggest that L. tigrinus polysaccharide is a promising source for potential pharmaceutical products.