biostudies-literatureChen LChina Scholarship CouncilZhejiang Science Technology ProjectNational Natural Science Foundation of China46https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11955526biostudies-literatureUnknown9(1)Sugar alcohols are natural sweeteners with various physiological functions, commonly used in low-calorie foods and pharmaceuticals. Current research primarily focuses on their sweetening properties and metabolic effects, often overlooking their interactions with cell membranes. This study built a giant phospholipid vesicle model to examine vesicle deformation in erythritol (Ery) and xylitol (Xyl) environments. The permeation of these sugar alcohols through real cell membranes was also investigated. Fluorescence microscopy and zeta potential measurements showed that osmotic stress from concentration gradients disrupted vesicle membrane structure. Ery and Xyl reduced ROS levels in HEK-293 cells and influenced membrane permeability. Notably, Xyl increased vesicle adsorption on the cell membraNPJ science of foodDynamic membrane changes and osmotic effects by sugar alcohols.PMC11955526202108330160320722182018C02054Yao KHuang YXue SChen LShao QYao FZhao HfalseDynamic membrane changes and osmotic effects by sugar alcohols.Sugar alcohols are natural sweeteners with various physiological functions, commonly used in low-calorie foods and pharmaceuticals. Current research primarily focuses on their sweetening properties and metabolic effects, often overlooking their interactions with cell membranes. This study built a giant phospholipid vesicle model to examine vesicle deformation in erythritol (Ery) and xylitol (Xyl) environments. The permeation of these sugar alcohols through real cell membranes was also investigated. Fluorescence microscopy and zeta potential measurements showed that osmotic stress from concentration gradients disrupted vesicle membrane structure. Ery and Xyl reduced ROS levels in HEK-293 cells and influenced membrane permeability. Notably, Xyl increased vesicle adsorption on the cell membra2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Mar2025-06-25T03:04:30.207Z2025-06-25T03:04:30.207ZS-EPMC119555264015950910.1038/s41538-025-00410-1