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Updated: May 24, 2025

Polyelectrolyte Complex for Heparin Binding Domain Osteogenic Growth Factor Delivery
Published on: August 22, 2016
A calcium-loaded complex based on Antarctic krill protein and supplemented with pectin promotes calcium absorption
Lei Chen1, Songyi Lin2, Xueqing He1
1SKL of Marine Food Processing & Safety Control, National Engineering Research Center of Seafood, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, PR China.
Abstract:
Calcium participates in many biological functions, and calcium deficiency can lead to gut microbiota imbalance, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. This research aimed to assess the in vivo effects of a novel calcium-loaded complex (P + Ca + HMP) based on Antarctic krill protein and supplemented with pectin, using a calcium-deficient mouse model. The results revealed that chronic calcium deprivation resulted in decreased calcium absorption and degradation of trabecular microarchitecture. The P + Ca + HMP complex significantly increased the calcium retention rate to 89.87 ± 0.66 % and enhanced the maximum load of the femur to 9.28 ± 1.12 N, which were significantly higher than those of the low-calcium group, indicating that the complex could effectively enhance the biomechanical properties of bone. Additionally, the P + Ca + HMP complex also significantly increased the continuity, integrity and thickness of the trabecular network, improving bone microarchitecture. Furthermore, after the P + Ca + HMP complex intervention, beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Blautia increased and were significantly positively associated with improved calcium absorption and bone synthesis. In conclusion, the P + Ca + HMP complex achieved effective calcium delivery and exhibited significant efficacy in regulating the intestinal environment, promoting calcium absorption, and bone health, demonstrating potential as a novel calcium supplement for preventing calcium deficiency.
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