Pectin Hydrogels: Gel-Forming Behaviors, Mechanisms, and Food Applications

Abstract

Pectin hydrogels have garnered significant attention in the food industry due to their remarkable versatility and promising properties. As a naturally occurring polysaccharide, pectin forms three-dimensional (3D) hydrophilic polymer networks, endowing these hydrogels with softness, flexibility, and biocompatibility. Their exceptional attributes surpass those of other biopolymer gels, exhibiting rapid gelation, higher melting points, and efficient carrier capabilities for flavoring and fat barriers. This review provides an overview of the current state of pectin gelling mechanisms and the classification of hydrogels, as well as their crosslinking types, as investigated through diverse research endeavors worldwide. The preparation of pectin hydrogels is categorized into specific gel types, including hydrogels, cryogels, aerogels, xerogels, and oleogels. Each preparation process is thoroughly discussed, shedding light on how it impacts the properties of pectin gels. Furthermore, the review delves into the various crosslinking methods used to form hydrogels, with a focus on physical, chemical, and interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) approaches. Understanding these crosslinking mechanisms is crucial to harnessing the full potential of pectin hydrogels for food-related applications. The review aims to provide valuable insights into the diverse applications of pectin hydrogels in the food industry, motivating further exploration to cater to consumer demands and advance food technology. By exploiting the unique properties of pectin hydrogels, food formulations can be enhanced with encapsulated bioactive substances, improved stability, and controlled release. Additionally, the exploration of different crosslinking methods expands the horizons of potential applications.

Pectin hydrogels for controlled drug release: Recent developments and future prospects

“…The mechanisms of drug encapsulation in pectin hydrogels involve intricate and complex processes primarily driven by the physicochemical properties of the drug and the hydrogel matrix, but also by the environmental conditions. Electrostatic interactions ( Said et al, 2023 ), hydrogen bonding ( Feng et al, 2023 ), and molecular entrapment are key factors influencing drug entrapment. Additionally, the porous structure of pectin hydrogels allows for diffusion and absorption of drugs into the matrix ( Moghaddam et al, 2019 ).…”

“…In general, higher temperatures lead to increased molecular mobility, resulting in enhanced swelling and reduced mechanical strength in pectin hydrogels. This thermal sensitivity is a key factor in tailoring the performance of pectin hydrogels for various applications ( Said et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Pectin, a naturally derived polysaccharide, creates 3D hydrophilic polymer networks, thereby granting softness, flexibility, and biocompatibility properties to pectin hydrogels ( Piriyaprasarth et al, 2016 ). These hydrogels excel over other biopolymers, showcasing rapid gelation, elevated melting points, and effective potential for flavor encapsulation and fat-barrier applications ( Said et al, 2023 ).The present review offers an in-depth investigation of existing pectin gelation mechanisms and categories of pectin hydrogels, including a comprehensive analysis of crosslinking methods, as explored in various global research initiatives. This concise review focuses on recent advancements in pectin-based hydrogels for drug delivery applications and on the production of hydrogels using pectin polymers, offering valuable resources for researchers by summarizing the latest progress in pectin hydrogel systems.…”

Application of Recurrence Plot Analysis to Examine Dynamics of Biological Molecules on the Example of Aggregation of Seed Mucilage Components

“…All those non-covalent bonds support adhesion, which is crucial for mucilage functions, such as enabling seeds to attach to various natural surfaces (e.g., soil), preventing seed dispersal or, on the contrary, to attach to animals (e.g., birds), allowing for seed dispersal [3,10,45]. Another key factor underpinning the distinct rheological properties of mucilage is side-chain distribution in hemicelluloses [39] and pectins and the degree of esterification of pectins [46,47]. Other important factors include the pH of the solvent and the content of cross-linking agents, such as calcium ions, which (quantum-based) interact with pectins [46], as well as with cellulose [48].…”

Fabrication and characterization of a novel magnetic nanostructure based on pectin–cellulose hydrogel for in vitro hyperthermia during cancer therapy

“…Among other natural biopolymers, Pec individualizes itself by its outstanding gelling feature, which allows it to form gels quickly, with high thermal stability, and remarkable encapsulation capacity. 20 Moreover, Pec is a biocompatible, non-toxic, and highly efficient natural polymer in forming hydrogels, employed in different areas, including the food industry, pharmaceuticals, drug delivery, and water treatment. 21 For instance, Tabar Maleki et al have introduced a magnetic nanocomposite based on Pec that can effectively eliminate heavy metals, such as Pb( ii ), Cu( ii ), and Cd( ii ), from water.…”