Physicochemical properties and fermentation characteristics of a novel polysaccharide degraded from Flammulina velutipes residues polysaccharide

<i>Flammulina velutipes</i> (<i>F. velutipes</i>) residues polysaccharide (FVRP) is a high molecular weight polysaccharide with diverse bioactivities extracted from <i>F. velutipes</i> residues (FVR). However, high molecular weight polysaccharides have been shown to face significant challenges in crossing the cell membrane barrier, thereby limiting their absorption and application in the body. Therefore, an ultrasonic-assisted H₂O₂-Fe³⁺ method was employed for the first time to degrade FVRP, resulting in the production of a new polysaccharide, FVRPF. Compared with FVRP, there was no significant difference in the main chemical structure of FVRPF, but the monosaccharide composition ratio varied. and FVRPF had lower molecular weight and stronger antioxidant capacity. Moreover, FVRPF could be degraded by human microbiota, modulate gut microbiota composition, and increase the production of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These findings suggest that FVRPF holds potential as a promising prebiotic for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.