In vitro bioaccessibility evaluation of pheophytins in gelatin/polysaccharides carrier

The type of carrier agent could impact pheophytin stability and bioaccessibility. Hence, it is important to have an elaborate understanding on the extent and type of pheophytin transformation during in vitro digestion of microcapsules. Four kinds of protein/polysaccharides complex were used to fabricate pheophytin microcapsules and investigated for pigments bioaccessibility. With different carriers, pheophytin pigments showed new characteristics influencing particle size and zeta potential during in vitro digestion. Pheophytin b was widely transformed to pheophorbide b, confirming pheophorbidation of the b series in proper condition. No 15¹-hydroxy lactone chlorophyll or pheophytin derivatives were detected, indicating some protective effect of microencapsulation. Pheophytins loaded in gelatin-pectin complex exhibited a relatively higher recovery rate, micellarization rate, and bioaccessibility index. The result presented in this study shows that the type of carrier agent could initiate the removal of phytyl groups in pheophytins and also inhibit or mediate their bioaccessibility.