Novel Antarctic Endo-Polygalacturonase for Pectin Extraction and Vegetal Tissue Maceration at Mild Temperatures.

The aim of the present work was to partially purify and characterize an Antarctic polygalacturonase and to determine the enzyme's potential in pectin extraction and vegetal maceration at 20 °C. Polygalacturonase was purified by chromatography to obtain an enzymatic preparation of specific activity 30.3 U.mg-1. Optimal conditions for the polygalacturonase activity were 45 °C and pH 5.0-6.0, and the activation energy for the reaction was 41.8 kJ.mol-1. Of the enzyme activity, 100% was retained after 3 h at 40 °C. The enzyme was remarkably stable for an hour over a wide range of pH (2.0-12.0). Polygalacturonase activity was slightly reduced in the presence of Ca+2, Fe+3, K+, Mn+2, and Zn+2, whereas Hg+2 reduced the activity by 60%, suggesting a thiol-dependent catalysis. The apparent molecular weight of the enzyme was 33 kDa. The kinetic constants evaluated against polygalacturonic acid were 0.17 mg.ml-1 (Km), 480 s-1 (Kcat), and 7.9 µmol.mg-1.min-1 (Vmax). The enzyme was active against different pectic substrates. Thin-layer chromatography revealed an endo-mechanism of action. Polygalacturonase digested lime pomace to aid the extraction of high-methoxylated pectin at 20 °C and increased the vegetal maceration of Capsicum annuum by 24% over the control values.

Valorization of citrus peel industrial wastes for facile extraction of extractives, pectin, and cellulose nanocrystals through ultrasonication: An in-depth investigation.

In this work we developed an eco-friendly valorisation of Citrus wastes (CWs), through a solvent-assisted ultrasonication extraction technique, thus having access to a wide range of bio-active compounds and polysaccharides, extremely useful in different industrial sectors (food, cosmetics, nutraceutical). Water-based low-amplitude ultrasonication was examined as a potential method for pectin extraction as well as polar and non-polar citrus extractives (CEs), among which hesperidin and triglycerides of 18 carbon fatty acids were found to be the most representative ones. In addition, citric acid:glycerol (1:4)-based deep eutectic solvent (DES) in combination with ultrasonic extraction was utilized to extract microcellulose (CMC), from which stable cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with glycerol-assisted high amplitude ultrasonication were obtained. The physical and chemical properties of the extracted polysaccharides (pectin, micro and nanocellulose) were analysed through DLS, ζ-potential, XRD, HP-SEC, SEM, AFM, TGA-DSC, FTIR, NMR, and PMP-HPLC analyses. The putative structure of the extracted citrus pectin (CP) was analysed and elucidated through enzyme-assisted hydrolysis in correlation with ESI-MS and monosaccharide composition. The developed extraction methods are expected to influence the industrial process for the valorisation of CWs and implement the circular bio-economy.

Fabrication of hydrogen-bonded crosslinked hydrogel vitrimer with enhanced self-healing and printability via K+ induced low methyl apple pectin.

Low methyl pectin, conventionally extruded as sols and shaped through Ca2+ post-curing, face complexity and high production costs, limiting their application in 3D printing. We developed apple pectin (AP) vitrimer inks with shear-thinning behavior at elevated temperatures and self-supporting properties at low ones, via pectin methyl esterase (PME) modification and K+ induction, aiming to facilitate simpler extrusion 3D printing. PME-modified AP (PME-AP) exhibits a higher affinity for K+ compared to AP, attributed to an 8.76 % reduction in the degree of methyl esterification and a 9.72 % increase in the degree of blockiness. Consequently, 1 % PME-AP forms a robust hydrogel vitrimer characterized by a hardness of 121.33 g and a water holding capacity of 99.50 % at 150 mM K+, a 68 % reduction in K+ concentration requirement over AP gels. Through electrostatic shielding, K+ induces hydrogen-bonded crosslinked vitrimers with stress relaxation within 53 s at 80 °C and self-healing properties with minimal texture reduction (~2 g). These characteristics suggest that the hydrogen bond crosslinked vitrimer network can dynamically reorganize in response to temperature variations, making PME-AP gel ideal for 3D printing applications. This study establishes the groundwork for cost-efficient AP-based extrusion 3D printing.

Novel nutraceutical delivery system utilizing a bigel formulated with sesame oil, kokum butter, and pectin.

This study delineates biobased foods. Curcumin (CRU) delivery modules were studied using pectin gel, Sesame oil (SO), and Kokum butter (KB) oleogel (OG). SB1, the control, has 10% OG. The pectin gel between 10 and 50% oleogel were emulsified by 2.5% tween 80. Surface, physical, chemical, and physiochemical properties of prepared bigels were examined. Microscopic studies show biphasic feature. With OG content, FTIR shows hydrogen bonding increasing and decreasing. XRD confirmed gel amorphousness. Stress relaxation indicated 10% control bigel had considerably less strength. Bigel impedance factors increased considerably with OG content, according to impedance profiles. The moisture study found that replacing hydro phase with OG phase in formulations reduced moisture content from 10 to 50%. Less CRU released from 20 to 50% bigel matrices than 10% during in vitro studies. Acidic pH hindered polymer relaxation, altering release behaviour. Overall, the bigels were studied and shown to regulate oral CRU administration. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-024-01559-3.

Influence of pH on the emulsifying property of high methyl-esterified citrus pectin in the presence of calcium cations.

High methyl-esterified citrus pectin (HMCP) is often used as a thickness in food products and is considered a poor emulsifier, especially in neutral pH solutions. Our previous findings show that the emulsifying capacity of HMCP could be significantly enhanced by calcium cations. Besides, the pH of the solution decreased in the presence of calcium cations. However, the impact of solution pH on HMCP emulsifying capacity in the presence of calcium cations is unclear. In this study, the pH of the HMCP solution was adjusted from 3.00 to 8.00 before adding calcium cations. The solution properties and emulsifying properties were analyzed in light of the existence of calcium cations. The results showed that the pH of the HMCP solutions decreased after bringing calcium cations into them. Calcium cations could change the solution rheological properties, particle size distributions and morphologies, and the particle microenvironmental hydrophobic areas in HMCP solutions while increasing the pH of HMCP solutions, contributing to improving the emulsifying capacity of HMCP. HMCP had the best emulsifying ability when the pH of the HMCP solutions was kept at a neutral level. This research gives us new ideas to adjust the emulsifying property of HMCP.

Effect of pectin modification on the properties of cellulose nanofibrils prepared from citrus peel.

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) from non-woody biomass, including citrus peel (CpCNFs), are promising naturally occurring nanomaterials; however, their properties depend on the composition of non-cellulosic components, including pectin. In this study, the effects of pectin modifications on CpCNFs were examined, including demethylesterification using alkaline treatment and enzymatic degradation of pectin using pectinase. CpCNFs could be redispersed in water with little aggregation after drying; however, the redispersibilities of both alkaline-treated (AT-CpCNFs) and pectinase-treated CpCNFs (PT-CpCNFs) were improved. Both AT-CpCNFs and PT-CpCNFs exhibited higher viscosity than untreated CpCNFs (UT-CpCNFs); redispersion in water after drying further increased the viscosity. A quartz crystal microbalance revealed that interactions between AT-CpCNFs were barely detectable, and interactions between PT-CpCNFs were stronger than those between UT-CpCNFs. The increase in the carboxylate groups of pectin due to demethylesterification in AT-CpCNF may have increased the viscosity and reduced the interactions between AT-CpCNFs, explaining the improved redispersibility. The increase in the viscosity of PT-CpCNFs may be attributed to the increased purity of CNFs, which is assumed to be more viscous than pectin. Our results show that the properties of CpCNFs are affected by the structure, properties, and content of pectin and can be controlled by pectin modification.

Quantitative analysis of loxoprofen sodium loaded microspheres comprising pectin and its thiolated conjugates: In-vivo evaluation of their sustained release behavior.

Continuous use of oral NSAIDs can damage mucosal membrane, which results in decreased bioavailability and non-compliance with the therapy. But the use of sustained release drug delivery systems might offer a solution. Objective was to synthesize mucoadhesive SR microspheres by using different combinations of pectin (PEC) and its thiolated derivative (T-PEC3100) for improved loxoprofen (LS) permeation. Thiolated pectin (T-PEC) was synthesized by the esterification method using thioglycolic acid. Thiolation was confirmed by thiol group quantification and charring point determination. Further characterization was done by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ex-vivo mucoadhesion study was performed to confirm the improved characteristics. Microspheres (MS) were prepared using different ratios of PEC/T-PEC by solvent evaporation method and their particle size and surface morphology were evaluated. Mucus permeation study was carried out using the trans-well plate method. Sustained release behavior of prepared microspheres was investigated through the edema inhibition method in albino rats. T-PEC3100 was considered the optimum formulation for further evaluation and contained maximum thiol group content. FTIR spectra showed a characteristic peak of -SH and charring point was also changed considerably confirming the successful thiolation of PEC. SEM results showed spherical microspheres in the size range of 2-10 µm. Thiol-rich formulation of MS exhibited more than 80 % release after 12 h and maximum absorbable dose (MAD) was calculated as 400 µg % inhibition of edema in MS treated group was slowly attained initially but the reduction in inflammation was detected even after 24 h as compared to control group. Promising results from In-vivo edema inhibition study suggest the possible use of these thiolated MS in formulating sustained release formulation for arthritis.

Functional pH-sensitive film based on pectin and whey protein for grape preservation and shrimp freshness monitoring.

A pH-sensitive film was prepared from pectin (P) and whey protein (W), incorporating anthocyanin-rich purple sweet potato extract (PPE) as the pH indicator. The effect of PPE content on the structure and properties of the films and the pH indicating function were determined and evaluated for shrimp freshness and grape preservation. The solubility (60.23 ± 7.36 %) and water vapor permeability (0.15 ± 0.04 × 10-11 g·cm/(cm2·s·Pa)) of the pectin/whey protein/PPE (PW-PPE) film with 500 mg/100 mL PPE were the lowest of the films tested and much lower than PW films without PPE. PW-PPE films were non-cytotoxic and had excellent biodegradability in soil. Grapes coated with PW-PPE film had reduced weight loss from water evaporation, and decay during storage was inhibited. The total color change (ΔE) of the PW-PPE films had a strong linear correlation with the pH of shrimps during storage. PW-PPE films have application potential to monitor the real-time freshness of meat and extend the shelf life of fruit.

Study on encapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarum 23-1 in W/O/W emulsion stabilized by pectin and zein particle complex.

This study was conducted to develop a W/O/W emulsion encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum 23-1 (LP23-1) to significantly enhance the survival rate of LP23-1 under simulated digestion and storage conditions. The zein particles and pectin formed a complex through electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding. When the proportion of zein particles to pectin was 1:1, the emulsifying stability index (ESI) was 304.17 %. Additionally, when the proportion of the internal aqueous phase to the oil phase was 1:9, the polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) concentration was 5 %, the proportion of primary emulsion to the external aqueous phase was 5:5, the zein particles concentration was 4 %, and the proportion of zein particles to pectin was 1:1, the encapsulation rate was the highest at 96.27 %. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy confirmed the morphology of W/O/W emulsion and successful encapsulation of LP23-1. Furthermore, compared with free LP23-1, the W/O/W emulsion encapsulation significantly improved the survival rate of LP23-1 to 73.36 % after simulated gastrointestinal digestion and maintained a high survival rate of 78.42 % during the 35-day storage. The W/O/W emulsion was found to effectively improve the survival rate of LP23-1 during simulated digestion and storage, which has implications for the development of probiotic functional foods with elevated survival rates.

Low methyl-esterified ginseng homogalacturonan pectins promote longevity of Caenorhabditis elegans via impairing insulin/IGF-1 signalling.

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (ginseng) is a medicinal plant widely used for promoting longevity. Recently, homogalacturonan (HG) domain-rich pectins purified from some plants have been reported to have anti-aging-related activities, leading us to explore the longevity-promoting activity of the HG pectins from ginseng. In this study, we discovered that two of low methyl-esterified ginseng HG pectins (named as WGPA-2-HG and WGPA-3-HG), whose degree of methyl-esterification (DM) was 16 % and 8 % respectively, promoted longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Results showed that WGPA-2-HG/WGPA-3-HG impaired insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signalling (IIS) pathway, thereby increasing the nuclear accumulation of transcription factors SKN-1/Nrf2 and DAF-16/FOXO and enhancing the expression of relevant anti-aging genes. BLI and ITC analysis showed that the insulin-receptor binding, the first step to activate IIS pathway, was impeded by the engagement of WGPA-2-HG/WGPA-3-HG with insulin. By chemical modifications, we found that high methyl-esterification of WGPA-2-HG/WGPA-3-HG was detrimental for their longevity-promoting activity. These findings provided novel insight into the precise molecular mechanism for the longevity-promoting effect of ginseng pectins, and suggested a potential to utilize the ginseng HG pectins with appropriate DM values as natural nutrients for increasing human longevity.

Arabinan branches in the RG-I region of citrus pectin aid acid-induced gelation.

Gelation is a critical property of citrus pectin. However, the roles played by neutral sugar side-chains on acid-induced pectin gelation remain poorly understood. Herein, galactan- or/and arabinan-eliminated pectins (P-G, P-A, and P-AG) were used to investigate the effects of side-chains on gelation. The gel hardness values of citrus pectin, P-G, P-A, and P-AG were 42.6, 39.9, 5.3, and 2.1 g, respectively, suggesting that arabinan contributed more to gelation than galactan. We next found that arabinan branches promoted pectin chain entanglement more effectively than arabinan backbones. Destabilizer addition experiments showed that hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interaction, and hydrophobic interaction were the main forces affecting pectin gel networks and strength, which was further validated by molecular dynamic simulations. The total number of hydrogen bonds between the arabinan branches and galactan/HG (65.7) was significantly higher than that between the arabinan backbones and galactan/HG (39.1), indicating that arabinan branches predominated in terms of such interactions. This study thus elucidated the roles played by neutral-sugar side-chains, especially the arabinan branches of acid-induced pectin gels, in term of enhancing high-methoxyl pectin gelation, and offers novel insights into the structure-gelling relationships of citrus pectin.

A Comprehensive Review on the Isolation, Bioactivities, and Structure-Activity Relationship of Hawthorn Pectin and Its Derived Oligosaccharides.

Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge) has been highlighted as an excellent source of a variety of bioactive polymers, which has attracted increasing research interest. Pectin, as a kind of soluble dietary fiber in hawthorn, is mainly extracted by hot water extraction and ultrasonic or enzymatic hydrolysis and is then extensively used in food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Numerous studies have shown that hawthorn pectin and its derived oligosaccharides exhibit a wide range of biological activities, such as antioxidant activity, hypolipidemic and cholesterol-reducing effects, antimicrobial activity, and intestinal function modulatory activity. As discovered, the bioactivities of hawthorn pectin and its derived oligosaccharides were mainly contributed by structural features and chemical compositions and were highly associated with the extraction methods. Additionally, hawthorn pectin is a potential resource for the development of emulsifiers and gelling agents, food packaging films, novel foods, and traditional medicines. This review provides a comprehensive summary of current research for readers on the extraction techniques, functional characteristics, structure-activity relationship, and applications in order to provide ideas and references for the investigation and utilization of hawthorn pectin and its derived oligosaccharides. Further research and development efforts are imperative to fully explore and harness the potential of hawthorn pectin-derived oligosaccharides in the food and medicine fields.

Assessing the Impact of Drought Stress on Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Fibers.

Drought can significantly impact fiber crop cultivation due to the plants' specific water requirements and their extended vegetative period. The purpose of the research was to examine how drought stress affects the quality and chemical composition of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) fibers. A three-year pot experiment was conducted in a plant growth facility, using controlled drought stress for hemp plants. Soil moisture levels were maintained at three levels, where 45% field water capacity was the control and 35% and 25% FWC were drought. A comprehensive suite of fiber quality characterization techniques, including linear density measurement, tenacity assessment, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Wide-Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD), was employed to evaluate the impact of drought stress on fiber properties. The chemical composition of hemp fibers was thoroughly analyzed, quantifying the content of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin. The findings indicate that drought conditions significantly influence linear density, wax and fat content, as well as the crystallinity of the fibers.

Effect of excitation voltage in a magnetically induced electric field on the physicochemical, structural and functional properties of citrus pectin.

Treatment with a magnetic induced electric field (MIEF) under acidic conditions has proven to be an effective method for modifying pectin, enhancing its functional attributes. In this study, the effects of varying excitation voltages of MIEF under acidic conditions on the physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of citrus pectin (CP) were explored. The results demonstrated that compared to CP without MIEF treatment, MIEF-treated CP exhibited enhanced thermal stability, rheological behavior, emulsifying and gel-forming abilities, and antioxidant capacity. These improvements were attributed to higher degrees of esterification, reduced molecular weights, and increased levels of galacturonic acid and homogalacturonan in the structural backbone of the treated CP. Additionally, MIEF treatment under acidic conditions altered the surface morphology and crystalline structure of CP. Therefore, our findings suggest that applying moderate excitation voltages (150-200 V) during MIEF treatment can enhance the functional properties of CP, leading to the production of high-quality modified pectin.

Nanoparticles based on biopolymers improved antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds from jambolan (Syzygium cumini (L.) skeels).

Jambolan (Syzygium cumini L.) is an underutilized fruit rich in bioactive phenolic compounds, specially anthocyanins, but the low stability of these substances and interaction with other compounds in the food matrix limit their application as food additives; nanoencapsulation is the best strategy to overcome these limitations. This study aimed to nanoencapsulate a phenolic-rich jambolan extract using whey proteins and pectin by nanoprecipitation in different antisolvent compositions. Two formulations were synthesized (7.33 % extract, 1.67 % pectin, and 5 % concentrated or isolated whey protein) precipitated in different acetone concentrations (50, 70, and 100 % v/v). SEM showed particles with spherical shape and smooth surface. DLS pointed diameters between 82 nm and 116 nm. FTIR indicated chemical interactions between the materials. Encapsulation efficiency showed high phenolic compounds entrapment in all systems [73.81-84.65 %, p > 0.05]. However, particles precipitated in 50 and 100 % acetone (v/v) showed greater anthocyanins retention [56.89-35.24 %, p < 0.05]. Nanoencapsulation potentiated the antioxidant activity up to 110 % more than the crude extract (p < 0.05). These results show the potential of nanoprecipitation as an effective encapsulation process and the biopolymers combination to produce nanoparticles containing jambolan phenolic compounds to promote their application in foods and health products.

Eco-friendly natural rubber-based hydrogel loaded with nano-fertilizer as soil conditioner and improved plant growth.

This study addresses the dual challenge of agricultural cost and waste management by harnessing agrarian waste to produce nano-fertilizers (NF) to enhance crop yield while mitigating environmental impacts. Recognizing the limitations of traditional hydrogels' non-biodegradability and their inability to sustain root zone moisture and nutrient levels, we developed an LNR/AAc/pectin hydrogel. This innovative hydrogel offers a viable solution that provides a consistent NF supply and improves water retention efficiently. Additionally, we utilized Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to analyze the hydrogel's structure, stability, and form. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) were employed to ascertain the NF concentration. The optimization of the hydrogel's swelling and NF release was conducted through a 5-level, 2-factor Response Surface Methodology (RSM), focusing on the effects of the AAc: LNR ratio and pectin weight while maintaining constant concentrations of potassium persulfate (KPS) and MBA. Results revealed a high correlation between predicted and experimental values, with determination coefficients (R2) of 0.9982 for swelling and 0.9979 for NF release. Furthermore, the hydrogel exhibited a 96.30 % biodegradation rate after 120 days of soil burial. Our findings demonstrate the hydrogels' potential to significantly impact farming and gardening by ensuring a sustainable supply of nutrients to enhance soil moisture retention.

MsMIOX2, encoding a MsbZIP53-activated myo-inositol oxygenase, enhances saline-alkali stress tolerance by regulating cell wall pectin and hemicellulose biosynthesis in alfalfa.

Alfalfa is one of the most widely cultivated forage crops worldwide. However, soil salinization restricts alfalfa growth and development and affects global productivity. The plant cell wall is the first barrier against various stresses. Therefore, elucidating the alterations in cell wall architecture is crucial for stress adaptation. This study aimed to clarify the impact of myo-inositol oxygenase 2 (MsMIOX2) on cell wall pectin and hemicellulose biosynthesis under saline-alkali stress and identify the upstream transcription factors that govern MsMIOX2. MsMIOX2 activation induced cell wall pectin and hemicellulose accumulation under saline-alkali stress. The effects of MsMIOX2 in saline-alkali tolerance were investigated by characterizing its overexpression and RNA interference lines. MsMIOX2 overexpression positively regulated the antioxidant system and photosynthesis in alfalfa under saline-alkali stress. MsMIOX2 exhibited myo-inositol oxygenase activity, which increased polysaccharide contents, facilitated pectin and hemicellulose biosynthesis, and extended the cell wall thickness. However, MsMIOX2 RNA interference decreased cell wall thickness and alleviated alfalfa saline-alkali stress tolerance. In addition, MsbZIP53 was identified as an upstream transcriptional MsMIOX2 regulator by yeast one-hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, dual-luciferase, and beta-glucuronidase assays. MsbZIP53 overexpression increased MsMIOX2 expression, elevated MIOX activity, reinforced the antioxidant system and photosynthesis, and increased saline-alkali stress tolerance in alfalfa. In conclusion, this study presents a novel perspective for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of saline-alkali stress tolerance in alfalfa and emphasizes the potential use of MsMIOX2 in alfalfa breeding.

Enhanced anti-inflammatory effect of fish myofibrillar protein by introducing pectin oligosaccharide and its molecular mechanisms.

This study investigated the efficacy of glycation with edible uronic acid-containing oligosaccharides via the Maillard reaction to enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of fish myofibrillar protein (Mf). Lyophilized Mf was reacted with pectin oligosaccharide (PO, half of the total protein weight) at 60 °C and 35 % relative humidity for up to 12 h to produce glycated Mf (Mf-PO). After pepsin and trypsin digestion, the anti-inflammatory effect was assessed by measuring the secretions of proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and the anti-inflammatory effect of Mf was enhanced by PO-glycation without marked lysine loss and browning. The effects on the expressions of genes related to the LPS-stimulated signaling pathway in macrophages were also examined. PO-glycation suppressed LPS-stimulated inflammation by suppressing expression of cd14 and enhancing suppressive effect of Mf on the TLR4-MyD88-dependent inflammatory signaling pathway. Therefore, as an edible reducing sugar, PO could be an effective bioindustrial material for developing anti-inflammatory Mf.

Innovative Applications of Pectin in Lipid Management: Mechanisms, Modifications, Synergies, Nanocarrier Systems, and Safety Considerations.

Pectin, a natural polysaccharide predominantly sourced from the cell walls of terrestrial plants, is widely regarded for its gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties, which have extensive applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological industries. This review discusses the mechanistic pathways by which pectin mediates its lipid-lowering properties, such as pectin's antioxidant activity, the modulation of gut microbiota, its anti-inflammatory properties, its capacity to bind bile acids and cholesterol, and its impact on the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism. To enhance its hypolipidemic properties, chemical, physical, and enzymatic modification techniques are explored. Additionally, the synergistic effects of pectin in combination with other bioactive compounds such as phytosterols and polyphenols, as well as its potential in nanocarrier-mediated delivery systems for lipid-lowering agents, are highlighted. The review also conducts a critical analysis of the safety and regulatory considerations associated with pectin use, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive toxicological evaluations and adherence to regulatory standards. This paper underscores the growing potential of pectin not only as a dietary fiber but also as a multifaceted agent for ameliorating hyperlipidemia, catalyzing a shift toward more targeted and efficacious lipid-lowering strategies.

Structural analyses of apricot pectin polysaccharides.

Apricot pectin polysaccharides' fine structure was performed using HPSEC, HPAEC-PAD, GC-MS, NMR and FTIR spectroscopies. Purified pectin fraction (F1AP) was composed of D-galacturonic acid, L-rhamnose, D-arabinose and D-galactose, Mw âˆ¼ 1588 kDa. F1AP was eluted by water and with 0.2 M NaCl from DEAE Sepharose fraction resulting in two distinct fractions, F1AP1 and F1AP6, with different structures, molecular weights, and conformations, providing insights into their structural diversity. F1AP1 neutral properties were related to its association with protein. F1AP1 had a backbone of (1 â†’ 4)-linked-D-galacturonic acid and (1 â†’ 2)-linked-L-rhamnopyranosyl residues branched with arabinogalactan including multiple glycosidic linkages of T-α-Araf, 3-α-Araf, 5-α-Araf, T-α-Arap, 2-α-Arap, t-Galp, 2-Galp, 3-Galp, 4-Galp, 6-Galp, 2,4-Galp, 3,4-Galp, 3,6-Galp and 4,6-Galp side chains, having methyl and acetylated groups, and a high molecular weight (1945 kDa). The Mark-Houwink exponent was 0.276, indicating a compact spherical conformation. While the other F1AP6 fraction consists predominately of less methylated HG regions of pectin polysaccharides. The molar mass of this fraction was 117.5 kDa, which adopted a stiffer and random coil conformation. This knowledge allows us to evaluate how the balance of chemical structure and physical properties of the two pectin domains may manifest itself in the isolated structure of apricot pectin and its applications.