Structurally Different Pectic Oligosaccharides Produced from Apple Pomace and Their Biological Activity In Vitro

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Apple pomace (AP) is a rich source of pectin, a polysaccharide with potential prebiotic applications.
• Pectin-derived oligosaccharides (POS) can be generated through various hydrolysis methods.
• Understanding the composition and biological activity of POS is crucial for their application as prebiotics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the composition and biological activity of pectin-derived oligosaccharides (POS) from apple pomace (AP).
• To investigate the effect of POS polymerization on human gut microbiota growth, metabolism, and adhesion of specific bacteria.
• To evaluate the potential of AP-derived POS as prebiotics.

Main Methods:

• Mild acid hydrolysis followed by enzymatic pectinolysis (Rohapect MaPlusT) was employed to generate POS.
• Enzymatic processing using cellulase and Rohapect MaPlusT was also performed.
• In vitro assays were conducted to assess microbiota growth, short-chain fatty acid production, and bacterial adhesion to human gut epithelial cells.

Main Results:

• Mild acid hydrolysis followed by pectinolysis yielded the highest POS concentration.
• Enzymatic processing resulted in lower overall POS but a higher concentration of higher-order oligosaccharides (DP 7-10).
• Higher-order POS increased the bifidogenic effect, altered short-chain fatty acid profiles, inhibited Enterobacteriaceae, and enhanced lactic acid bacteria (LAB) adhesion.

Conclusions:

• POS derived from apple pomace exhibit significant prebiotic potential.
• The degree of polymerization of POS influences their biological activity in the human gut.
• AP-derived POS can promote beneficial gut bacteria colonization and inhibit pathogen adhesion, suggesting applications in human and animal nutrition.