Natural Pectin Research Articles

Selection of thickening agents for whey concentrate

The creation of athletes-oriented products from raw milk is a current trend in food technology. The object of the study was a curd whey concentrate obtained by nanofiltration (NF concentrate) with a dry matter content of 18.0%. To increase the food density of the product, different types of whey protein concentrate were added to the samples of NF concentrate in an amount of 5%: with protein mass fractions of 30% (KSBUF-30) and 80% (KSBUF-80). To give the product a gel-like structure, natural pectins from apple pulp and citrus peel were studied. The amount of pectin in the samples was 2%. The work uses ingredients industrially produced by Russian manufacturers. The dry ingredients were completely dissolved at a temperature of (20±2) °C in the NF concentrate, the resulting mixture was pasteurized for 10-15 minutes at (92 ± 2) ° C and cooled to a temperature of (20±2) °C. The consistency of the freshly worked samples was not fluid and looked uniform and smooth. The taste characteristics of all variants slightly changed after 7 days of refrigerated storage at (4±2) °C. The effect of whey protein concentrates and pectin on the consistency of the product was established by the method of rotational viscometry. KSBUF-80 promotes better thickening and gelation, enriches the fermented milk taste of the product. Pectin from citrus peel produces a product with a more uniform structure. In the experimental conditions, the best consumer qualities were manifested when combining KSB-UF80 with pectin from citrus peel.

Exploiting films based on pectin extracted from yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.) peel for active food packaging

In this study, the potential of yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.)–extracted pectin as a film-forming matrix for the elaboration of edible coatings was investigated. The films of chitosan, citric pectin, and carboxymethylcellulose (Sigma/USA) and natural pectin were prepared by casting. The film morphological characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SME), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Additionally, total phenolic compounds (TPC), total antioxidant activity (TAC), DPPH scavenging capacity, and antimicrobial activity were assayed for the natural pectin–based films. The results showed that the film based on natural pectin presented a 46% degree of esterification that was higher than commercial (34%), showing its capacity of forming gels. The film formed by chitosan presented a very different behavior for loss of mass during TGA when compared to the other films, occurring a mass loss completely at 647.7 °C in 61 min. The value obtained from the concentration of total phenolics (mg GAE/100 g dried) found in the formulated film based on pectin was 3998.99 ± 42.64 and with solubility in water of almost 100%. Additionally, the scavenging of the DPPH radical with a value of 15.48 ± 1.48 μmol TE/g was found on the film based on natural pectin thus showing antioxidant capacity. Finally, this film showed less significant mechanical properties when compared to other films and a good pronounced antimicrobial effect against the gram-negative bacteria tested. Therefore, it could be potentially used for producing food-active packages.

Green thin film for stable electrical switching in a low-cost washable memory device: proof of concept.

Low-cost and washable resistive switching (RS) memory devices with stable retention and low operational voltage are important for higher speed and denser non-volatile memories. In the case of green electronics, pectin has emerged as a suitable alternative to toxic metal oxides for resistive switching applications. Herein, a pectin-based thin film was fabricated on a fluorine-doped tin oxide glass substrate for RS mechanism. The presence of sp3–C groups with low binding energy corresponds to tunable charged defects and the oxygen vacancies confirmed by the O 1s spectra that plays a decisive role in the resistive switching mechanism, as revealed by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS). The surface morphology of the pectin film shows homogeneous growth and negligible surface roughness (38.98 ± 9.09). The pectin film can dissolve in DI water (10 minutes) owing to its ionization of carboxylic groups, that meet the trends of transient electronics. The developed Ag/pectin/FTO-based memory cell exhibits stable and reproducible bipolar resistive switching behavior along with an excellent ON/OFF ratio (104) and negligible electrical degradation was observed over 30 repeated cycles. Hence, it appears to be a valuable application for green electronics. Indeed, biocompatible storage devices derived from natural pectin are promising for high-density safe applications for information storage systems, flexible electronics, and green electronics.

Bio-Based Hydrogels Composed of Humic Matter and Pectins of Different Degree of Methyl-Esterification.

We prepared humo-pectic hydrogels through ionotropic gelation by crosslinking natural pectins of different degree of methyl-esterification with either humic substances (HS) extracted from cow manure compost or humic-like substances (HULIS) from depolymerized lignocellulose biorefinery waste. The hydrogels were characterized by solid-state 13C-NMR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, spectroscopic magnetic resonance imaging and rheological analyses. Their ability to work as controlled release systems was tested by following the release kinetics of a previously incorporated model phenolic compound, like phloroglucinol. Our results indicated that the release properties of hydrogels were influenced by the molecular composition of HS and HULIS and by the different degrees of methyl-esterification of pectins. The hydrogel made by the high methoxyl pectin and HS showed the fastest rate of phloroglucinol release, and this was attributed not only to its morphological structure and crosslinking density but also to the least formation of ionic interactions between phloroglucinol and the polysaccharidic chains. Our study suggests that the efficiency of novel humo-pectic hydrogels as sustainable carriers of agroproducts to crops is related to a careful choice of the characteristics of their components.

Fruit Waste as Natural Pectin Source for Jam Production in Rural Communities

A study was carried out to elaborate and monitor the shelf life of a pineapple jam with ingredients using, as “gelatinizing agent”, the pectin extracted from passion fruit residues from a rural community of Amazonas State, Brazil. The product was always maintained at a temperature of 25 °C and studied for 4 months, with the results showing physical-chemical and microbiological stability. We concluded that passion fruit residue can be used in pineapple jam production while still meeting legal standards for commercialization, reducing environmental waste, and being an alternative source of income in rural communities.

Potential of pineapple wastes for Pectin recovery: A path towards waste valorization

Majority of agricultural wastes and crop residues like cereal brans, sugarcane bagasse, peels, pomace and sugar beet pulp act as the vital sources for natural production of biochemicals. The production of natural pectin from various agro-wastes can be focused as the major biotechnological tool taking much demand against the chemical production processes. Investigation was carried out for conversion of pineapple wastes towards isolation of pectin as a part of waste management. About 60% of total pineapple fruit is regards as waste in form of peel, core, pomace and crown. Maximum pectin was detected from pomace part of the pineapple.

Response surface methodology for microwave-assisted extraction of pectin from cocoa pod husk (Theobroma cacao) mediated by oxalic acid

Rather than disposed of as waste, cocoa pod husk has a potential to be the source of natural pectin. An efficient extraction process can provide a sufficient amount of pectin. This study aims to analyze the performance of microwave-assisted extraction to separate pectin from cocoa pod husk mediated by cheaper and milder acidifying agent, oxalic acid. Response surface methodology was performed to investigate the effect of pH, ratio of liquid to solid, and irradiation time on the quantity of pectin extracted. Our model showed that reducing ratio of liquid to solid did not dramatically affect extraction yield. Higher oxalic acid concentration, i.e. lower pH, and prolonged irradiation time increased yield, yet decreased degree of esterification which influences the gelling ability of pectin. This technique also significantly shortened the extraction time compared to conventional method. Our finding complements the application of microwave-assisted extraction as a modern separation technique.

COMPLEXATION OF APPLE PECTIN, MODIFIED TO PHARMACOPHORE, WITH THE CATIONS MANGANESE (II) IN AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

Complex formation in systems containing manganese (II), natural pectin and/or pectin modified by organic pharmacophores (nicotine, salicylic, 5-aminosalicylic, anthranilic acids) was studied by spectral (UV-, IR-, NMR 13C spectroscopy), potentiometric and viscometric methods. Method isomolar series and the molar relationship defined by the molar composition and the range of stability of metal complexes: pectin + nicotinic acid > pectin + acid 5-aminosalicylic > pectin + anthranilic acid > pectin + salicylic acid > native pectin. It is shown that the stability constant of metal complexes is significantly influenced by the reaction temperature and the structure of the pharmacophore. The presence of an amino group in the structure of an aromatic molecule increases the stability of metal complexes by 1.5–2 orders of magnitude. The standard thermodynamic characteristics (∆Hº; ∆Gº; ∆Sº) are calculated, which indicate that the processes of complexation in all cases are enthalpy-entropy favorable (∆Hº<0, ∆Sº>0) and proceed spontaneously (∆Gº<0). The influence of the structure of the drug compound in the polymer ligand on a number of physical and chemical properties of metal complexes was revealed. The data of NMR 13C and IR-spectra allow us to conclude that not only carboxyl groups but also hydroxyl functions of polymer matrices participate in the coordination interaction of pectin and/or pharmacophore-containing pectin with manganese (II) cations.

Development of a Naturally Flavored Ready to Serve (RTS) Fruit Beverage

Fruit based beverages are one of the foremost categories of beverages that are consumed globally. Since fruit beverages are easily digestible, health conscious, highly refreshing, thirst quenching, appetizing and nutritionally far superior to most of the synthetic beverages available in the market, consumption of fruit based beverages have been increased dramatically. Natural extracts of tropical fruits such as Carica papaya (papaya), Passiflora edulis (passion fruit), and natural flavor extract of Camellia sinensis (leaves) and Cinnamomum verum (Cinnamon barks) were extracted and used as the main ingredients of this product while sugar, Citric acid, pectin were used as the supplementary ingredients. The best fruit pulp ratio and the best natural flavoring agent out of tea and cinnamon was determined through structured sensory evaluations by participating 30 semi trained panelists. Further experiments were also performed to find the optimum amount of pectin to reduce hard packing and to determine the shelf life of the developed beverage and to develop the natural pectin extraction method by using unutilized parts of the Passiflora edulis fruit. Proximate analysis studies and microbiological studies were also carried out. Collected data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis non parametric analysis and sample 293 which is containing 15% total fruit pulp with papaya to passion fruit ratio 2:1 and cinnamon as the flavoring agents was the best product formulae. According to the proximate analysis data, fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber and the ash content were 0.41%, 0.11%, 13.13%, 0.052%, 3.028% and 83.27% respectively. The total plate count was 12 cfu/ml and yeast and molds were 0 cfu/ml of the product and Physico-chemical studies reveals that, the product can be preserved for 30 days under 4±1 0C condition. The average pectin percentage of Passiflora edulis and Carica papaya were 6.9 % and 4.5 % respectively.

Development of a Naturally Flavored Ready to Serve (RTS) Fruit Beverage

Fruit based beverages are one of the foremost categories of beverages that are consumed globally. Since fruit beverages are easily digestible, health conscious, highly refreshing, thirst quenching, appetizing and nutritionally far superior to most of the synthetic beverages available in the market, consumption of fruit based beverages have been increased dramatically. Natural extracts of tropical fruits such as Carica papaya (papaya), Passiflora edulis (passion fruit), and natural flavor extract of Camellia sinensis (leaves) and Cinnamomum verum (Cinnamon barks) were extracted and used as the main ingredients of this product while sugar, Citric acid, pectin were used as the supplementary ingredients. The best fruit pulp ratio and the best natural flavoring agent out of tea and cinnamon was determined through structured sensory evaluations by participating 30 semi trained panelists. Further experiments were also performed to find the optimum amount of pectin to reduce hard packing and to determine the shelf life of the developed beverage and to develop the natural pectin extraction method by using unutilized parts of the Passiflora edulis fruit. Proximate analysis studies and microbiological studies were also carried out. Collected data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis non parametric analysis and sample 293 which is containing 15% total fruit pulp with papaya to passion fruit ratio 2:1 and cinnamon as the flavoring agents was the best product formulae. According to the proximate analysis data, fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber and the ash content were 0.41%, 0.11%, 13.13%, 0.052%, 3.028% and 83.27% respectively. The total plate count was 12 cfu/ml and yeast and molds were 0 cfu/ml of the product and Physico-chemical studies reveals that, the product can be preserved for 30 days under 4±1 0C condition. The average pectin percentage of Passiflora edulis and Carica papaya were 6.9 % and 4.5 % respectively.

High-level secretive expression of a novel achieved Talaromyces cellulolyticus endo-polygalacturonase in Pichia pastoris by improving gene dosage for hydrolysis of natural pectin

Pectin is a type of complex hydrophilic polysaccharide widely distributed in plant resources. Thermal stable pectinase has its advantage in bioapplication in the fields of food processing, brewing, and papermaking, etc. In this study, we enzymatically characterized a putative endo-polygalacturonase TcPG from a Talaromyces cellulolyticus, realized its high-level expression in Pichia pastoris by in vitro constructing of a series of multi-copy expression cassettes and real time quantitative PCR screening. The secretive expression level of TcPG was nonlinear correlated to the gene dosage. Recombinants with five-copy TcPG gene in the host genome showed the highest expression. After cultivation in a bioreactor for about 96h, the enzyme activity reached 7124.8U/mL culture. TcPG has its optimal temperature of 70°C. Under the optimized parameters, the pectin could be efficiently hydrolyzed into oligosaccharides.

Structural and Electrical Properties of Bio-polymer Pectin with LiClO4 Solid Electrolytes for Lithium Ion Polymer Batteries

Lithium ion conducting solid bio-polymer electrolyte based on natural polymer Pectin with Lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) have been prepared by solution casting technique. The prepared polymer electrolytes are characterized by XRD, CV and AC impedance analysis. From AC impedance analysis, the maximum ionic conductivity observed in the order of 5.15×10-5 Scm-1 at room temperature which is three orders of magnitude higher than that of pure Pectin polymer membrane. Transport analysis confirms the cationic mobility is greater than the anionic mobility. The impedance and the transport analysis verifies that the natural Pectin electrolyte is a better solid electrolyte for Lithium Polymer Batteries

Biodegradable Natural Pectin-Based Flexible Multilevel Resistive Switching Memory for Transient Electronics.

Transient electronics that can physically vanish in solution can offer opportunities to address the ecological challenges for dealing with the rapidly growing electronic waste. As one important component, it is desirable that memory devices combined with the transient feature can also be developed as secrecy information storage systems besides the above advantage. Resistive switching (RS) memory is one of the most promising technologies for next-generation memory. Herein, the biocompatible pectin extracted from natural orange peel is introduced to fabricate RS memory devices (Ag/pectin/indium tin oxides (ITO)), which exhibit excellent RS characteristics, such as forming free characteristic, low operating voltages (≈1.1 V), fast switching speed (<70 ns), long retention time (>104 s), and multilevel RS behaviors. The device performance is not degraded after 104 bending cycles, which will be beneficial for flexible memory applications. Additionally, instead of using acid solution, the Ag/pectin/ITO memory device can be dissolved rapidly in deionized water within 10 min thanks to the good solubility arising from ionization of its carboxylic groups, which shows promising application for green electronics. The present biocompatible memory devices based on natural pectin suggest promising material candidates toward enabling high-density secure information storage systems applications, flexible electronics, and green electronics.

Control releasing 5-aminosalicylic acid using pH-sensitive hydrogel with novel albumin cross-linker

Intelligent drug delivery systems are growing and changing too fast, these systems usually show a proper response at the proper time to one or several environmental factors. In the current research a biodegradable drug delivery system (pectin-g-PMA-co-PAAm) was designed and synthesized to release 5 aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). The synthesized hydrogel is based on natural pectin and is in the form of simultaneous graft copolymerization of synthesized acryl-acid and acryl-amid. Using vinylized bovine serum albumin (VBSA) as cross linker agent is amongst important characteristics of this hydrogel. VBSA was synthesized through BSA modification with methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA). In addition to having high water absorption, this hydrogel is pH-sensitive. In vitro tests under acid and base conditions of stomach show that this hydrogel is an appropriate option to release drugs through mouth. SEM analysis images show that synthesized hydrogel has a porous surface composed of nano and micro cavities.

Bioactive functionality of pectin from peels of seven Thai mango cultivars

Mango peel, by-products of fruit processing, is a potential source of natural pectin. In this study, pectins were extracted form peels of commonly used for processing Thai mangoes, namely ‘Rad’, ‘Tar LubNak’, ‘Mahachanok’, ‘Sampee’, ‘Chok Anan’, ‘Keaw’, and ‘Nam Dok Mai’. Qualitative parameters viz., yield, equivalent weight, methoxyl content (Meo) and degree of esterification (DE) were compared. Methanolic extracts of the bound dietary fibers were used to determine total phenolic content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●) free radical scavenging activity as well as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity. The results illustrated that ‘Rad’ peel yield the highest amount of pectin, following by ‘Sampee’ and ‘Tar LubNak’ which are of the 500-1,000 mg mol-1 equivalent weight and lower Meo as well as DE. Pectins from peel these mangoes were, therefore of high quality low methoxyl pectin (LMP). The screening of bioactive functionality suggested that among the tested cultivars pectin of ‘Sampee’ mango gave the highest total phenolic content as well as antioxidant scavenging activities against DPPH and TEAC.

Self-Assembled Nanoparticles Platform Based on Pectin-Dihydroartemisinin Conjugates for Codelivery of Anticancer Drugs

Natural pectin is an important carrier for delivering drugs in biomedical research, however, there are only a few reports on the preparation of pectin nanoparticles, especially a particle size of below 100 nm with high yield. Here we design pectin-dihydroartemisinin/hydrooxycampothecin nanoparticles (PDC-H NPs) through a self-assembly method. The prepared PDC-H NPs contained hydrophilic part of pectin and hydrophobic anticancer drugs of dihydroartemisinin and hydroxycamptothecin, which could increase drug loading, improve water solubility, and achieve controlled release of drugs. The results indicated that the particle size of PDC-H NPs was about 70 nm, drug-loaded efficiency of DHA was 20.33 wt %, and encapsulation efficiency of HCPT was 14.11 wt %. PDC-H NPs exhibited a higher cytotoxicity, the blood retention time of PDC-H NPs was 4.8-fold longer than DHA and was 6.8-fold longer than HCPT. In addition, effective cellular uptake exhibited an obvious synergistic effect compared with DHA and HCPT. 4T1 tumor-bearing mice also showed a higher survival rate than free DHA and free HCPT. The result show that the self-assembled PDC-H NPs is a promising anticancer drug for codelivery.

A novel self-assembled nanoparticle platform based on pectin-eight-arm polyethylene glycol-drug conjugates for co-delivery of anticancer drugs

The application of non-toxic carriers to increase drug loading, multi-drug delivery, and extremely small size of nano-drugs to construct a tremendous transmission system is the goal for all researchers to be pursued. The proposal of natural pectin nano-platform for delivery of multiple drugs is critical for biomedical research, especially a particle size of below 100nm with high yield. Here we design a new core-shell structure pectin-eight-arm polyethylene glycol-ursolic acid/hydrooxycampothecin nanoparticle (Pec-8PUH NPs) through a special self-assembly method for stabilizing and dispersing particles, improving water-solubility, and achieving drug controlled release. The obtained Pec-8PUH NPs possessed appropriate size (~91nm), drug-loaded efficiency and encapsulation efficiency through the regulation of eight-arm polyethylene glycol. In addition, Pec-8PUH NPs could enhance cell cytotoxicity, shorten blood retention time (7.3-fold UA, 7.2-fold HCPT) and more effective cellular uptake than free drugs, which exhibited an obvious synergistic effect of UA and HCPT by the co-delivery. 4T1 tumor-bearing mice also showed a higher survival rate than free UA and free HCPT. The result further shows that this novel drug delivery system has a promising potential for anti-cancer combination therapy.

From waste to high-value product: Jackfruit peel derived pectin/apatite bionanocomposites for bone healing applications

Public requirements encouraged by the current asset framework drive industry to expand its general effectiveness by enhancing existing procedures or finding new uses for waste. Thus, the aim of this study was the isolation, fabrication, and characterization of pectin derived from jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) peels and the generation of hybrid of pectin (P)/apatite (HA) (P/HA) bionanocomposites. In this process, the natural pectin polymer derived from the peel of jackfruits was used in different concentrations for the fabrication of HA bionanocomposites. Characterization of the isolated pectin and bionanocomposites samples was performed with 1H NMR and 13C NMR, FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, and HR-TEM. Cytocompatibility, ALP, fibroblast stem cells, anti-inflammatory and cell adhesion testing of the fabricated bionanocomposites was showed good biocompatibility. Our results signify that the fabricated bionanocomposites might be applicable as bone graft materials.

Fast preparation of RG-I enriched ultra-low molecular weight pectin by an ultrasound accelerated Fenton process

Pectin, a natural polysaccharide found in the cell wall of most higher plant such as citrus, has drawn much attention due to its potential beneficial role in facilitating the treatment of many diseases like cancer, hyper cholesterol and diabetes. However, the broad application of pectin faces great limitations as the large molecular size of pectin severely prevents its bioavailability in vivo. In this study, we report an effective and highly convenient approach to degrade natural pectin into lower molecular pectin. By combining ultrasound with Fenton system (US-Fenton), we show that ultrasound synergistically enhances the efficiency of Fenton reaction to degrade pectin into 5.5 kDa within only 35 minutes. Importantly, RG-I domain, the most effective portion of natural pectin, was well preserved and highly enriched. In addition, the antioxidant activities of US-Fenton-treated pectin was significantly elevated. The mechanism of this novel observation was further investigated through the multiple structural analyses including HPLC, IR and NMR. Taken together, we present a novel and convenient approach to generate ultra-low molecular weight pectin with high efficiency and higher bioactivity. We expect our approach will have broader applications in improving the bioavailability and bioactivity of other polysaccharide-based natural compounds.

An organic nonvolatile resistive switching memory device fabricated with natural pectin from fruit peel

In this work, pectin, a by-product has not been recycled sustainably, is introduced as an insulator to fabricate a novel organic resistive switching memory devices with Ag/Pectin/FTO structure for the first time. The device exhibits superior switching endurance accompanied by an OFF/ON resistance ratio (storage density window) of ∼450. This work reveals for the first time that pectin from fruit peel is a promising material for nonvolatile memory applications.