Advances in the extraction, purification, structural characterization, and functional properties of rice bran polysaccharides

Rice bran polysaccharides (RBPs) represent complex heteropolysaccharides predominantly located in the pericarp and seed coat of rice grains. These polysaccharides are composed of various monosaccharides, such as xylose, mannose, rhamnose, and galactose. RBPs demonstrate excellent solubility and stability,maintaining their structural integrity and bioactivity across diverse solvents. They also exhibit high thermal stability and broad pH tolerance, thus holding significant application potential in food processing and pharmaceutical development. This review consolidates current research on the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, and biological activities of RBPs. It seeks to provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing extraction methodologies and guiding future investigations. Furthermore, it explores the comprehensive utilization of rice bran and its potential applications in functional foods. The review also addresses existing limitations in industrial applications and emphasizes the necessity of multi-component synergistic strategies to enhance the high-value utilization of rice bran resources.