Monosaccharide composition, physicochemical characteristics, and prebiotic activity of purified polysaccharides from red <i>Ganoderma</i> mushroom prepared using ultrasonic-assisted extraction

The objective of this study was to develop a purified <i>Ganoderma</i> polysaccharide for use in prebiotic research. The monosaccharide composition, physicochemical characteristics, and prebiotic activities of the <i>Ganoderma</i> polysaccharides were determined. Additionally, the total protein, total sugar, antioxidant activities, and molecular weights of the polysaccharides were subjected to analysis. The results demonstrated that the purified polysaccharide sample was predominantly composed of short-chain dextrans. The sample was found to comprise trehalose and trace amounts of protein. The Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) analysis revealed that the polysaccharides exhibited a multiporous structure. The polysaccharide structure was found to consist of hydroxyl groups, along with the other common functional groups typically observed in sugar molecules. The polysaccharide sample exhibited moderate thermal stability, and its antioxidant activities were observed to be concentration-dependent. Furthermore, the <i>Ganoderma</i> polysaccharides were observed to facilitate the growth of probiotic strains. Therefore, the polysaccharides are potential nutraceuticals and prebiotics.