Lotus Root Polysaccharide-Phenol Complexes: Interaction, Structure, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Lotus root polysaccharides (LRPs) are known for their biological activities.
• Phenolic compounds are recognized for their antioxidant properties.
• Understanding interactions between polysaccharides and phenolics can lead to improved functional ingredients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction between LRPs and phenolic compounds (gallic acid/epigallocatechin).
• To determine how phenolic binding affects the structural and functional properties of LRPs.
• To assess the potential of phenolic binding for enhancing LRP bioactivity.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated binding ratios under varying pH, temperature, and salt/phenol concentrations.
• Prepared LRP-gallic acid/epigallocatechin complexes.
• Characterized complexes using UV-Vis, FTIR spectroscopy, and molecular weight determination.
• Assessed antioxidant activity and macrophage stimulation effects.

Main Results:

• Hydrogen bonds were identified as a key interaction mechanism between phenolics and LRPs.
• Phenolic binding significantly altered LRP structure and molecular weight.
• Antioxidant activity and macrophage-stimulating effects of LRPs were enhanced post-binding.
• Specific LRP-phenolic complexes demonstrated superior stimulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 secretion.

Conclusions:

• Phenolic binding is a viable strategy to modify LRP structure and enhance functional properties.
• The study highlights the potential of LRP-phenolic complexes as functional ingredients with improved bioactivity.
• Optimized phenolic binding can lead to enhanced anti-inflammatory effects through cytokine modulation.