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Updated: Oct 23, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Novel Approach for Embedding Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Reactions in Hydrogels
Published on: June 23, 2023
Research progress on polysaccharide/protein hydrogels: Preparation method, functional property and application as
Kang Liu1, Ying-Ying Chen1, Xue-Qiang Zha1
1Engineering Research Centre of Bioprocess of Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, No 193 Tunxi Road, Hefei 230009, People's Republic of China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, No 193 Tunxi Road, Hefei 230009, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Some bioactive ingredients in foods are unstable and easily degraded during processing, storage, transportation and digestion. To enhance the stability and bioavailability, some food hydrogels have been developed to encapsulate these unstable compounds. In this paper, the preparation methods, formation mechanisms, physicochemical and functional properties of some protein hydrogels, polysaccharide hydrogels and protein-polysaccharide composite hydrogels were comprehensively summarized. Since the hydrogels have the ability to control the release and enhance the bioavailability of bioactive ingredients, the encapsulation and release mechanisms of polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins and probiotics by hydrogels were further discussed. This review will provide a comprehensive reference for the deep application of polysaccharide/protein hydrogels in food industry.

