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Pectic-oligosaccharides prepared by dynamic high-pressure microfluidization and their in vitro fermentation
Jun Chen1, Rui-hong Liang, Wei Liu
1State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|October 10, 2012
Summary
Apple pectin was converted into pectic-oligosaccharides (POSs) using dynamic high-pressure microfluidization. These POSs demonstrated significant prebiotic potential, promoting beneficial gut bacteria and producing short-chain fatty acids.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pectic-oligosaccharides (POSs) are functional carbohydrates with potential prebiotic benefits.
- Apple pectin is a readily available source for POS production.
- Novel methods for POS preparation are sought to enhance prebiotic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare POS from apple pectin using dynamic high-pressure microfluidization (DHPM).
- To characterize the composition of the prepared POS.
- To evaluate the prebiotic properties of POS through in vitro fermentation.
Main Methods:
- Apple pectin was processed using DHPM under optimized conditions (1.84% pectin, 63°C, 155MPa, 6 passes).
- POS yield and composition (galacturonic acid, neutral sugars) were determined.
- Fecal batch culture fermentation was employed to assess prebiotic effects on gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production.
Main Results:
- DHPM successfully converted 32.92% of pectin into POS, containing 29.56% galacturonic acid and 58.53% neutral sugars.
- POS significantly increased Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli populations compared to parent pectin.
- POS fermentation yielded higher concentrations of acetic, lactic, and propionic acids, and suppressed Bacteroides and Clostridia growth.
Conclusions:
- DHPM is an effective method for producing POS with prebiotic potential from apple pectin.
- The prepared POS exhibit prebiotic effects comparable to fructooligosaccharides.
- POS derived from apple pectin represent a promising functional ingredient for modulating gut microbiota.
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