Complex coacervate formation between hemp protein isolate and gum Arabic: Formulation and characterization
Fotini Plati1, Christos Ritzoulis2, Eleni Pavlidou3
1Laboratory of Food Chemistry and Technology, School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|April 9, 2021
Summary
Hemp protein isolate (HPI) and gum Arabic (GA) form coacervates through electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds. These complexes can be developed for bioactive encapsulation, with optimal conditions found at a specific ratio and pH.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Biopolymer Interactions
- Colloid Science
Background:
- Understanding protein-polysaccharide interactions is crucial for food formulation.
- Hemp protein isolate (HPI) and gum Arabic (GA) are valuable biopolymers with potential for complex formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complexation mechanisms between HPI and GA.
- To determine the influence of pH and biopolymer ratio on complex formation and coacervate properties.
Main Methods:
- Turbidimetric analysis, ζ-potentiometry, and state diagram construction were used to evaluate structural transitions.
- Electrophoretic mobility measurements assessed net charge neutrality.
- Optical and scanning electron microscopy characterized coacervate morphology.
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed molecular interactions.
Main Results:
- Complex formation occurred even at pH where both biopolymers were negatively charged, with critical pH shifting to higher values as the HPI:GA ratio increased.
- Maximum coacervation yield (92%) was achieved at an HPI:GA ratio of 2:1 and pH 3.5.
- FTIR analysis confirmed electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds as primary binding forces.
Conclusions:
- HPI and GA form coacervates primarily through electrostatic interactions, stabilized by hydrogen bonds.
- The study provides insights into optimizing HPI-GA coacervate formation for potential applications.
- These findings support the development of HPI-GA coacervates as a means for bioactive encapsulation.
