Pectin-chitosan multilayer films for controlled anthocyanin release: Experimental structure-property relationships...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Food Science

Background:

• Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is key for fabricating biopolymer films for controlled release.
• Film properties like microstructure and mechanical performance impact functionality, but correlating structure to function is challenging due to complex variables.
• Principal Component Analysis (PCA) can integrate diverse parameters to understand LbL film behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate polysaccharide/protein LbL films for encapsulating and controlling the release of anthocyanins.
• To utilize PCA for correlating film architecture with mechanical, structural, antioxidant, and release properties.
• To identify optimal film formulations for enhanced polyphenol delivery.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of dual controlled-release multilayers using spray-assisted LbL assembly with alginate, pectin, zein, and chitosan.
• Incorporation of zein-anthocyanin coacervate complexes into the LbL films.
• Characterization of film properties including encapsulation efficiency, swelling behavior, mechanical strength, and tensile properties.
• Application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for multivariate data analysis.

Main Results:

• Pectin-chitosan films with zein-anthocyanin (P/Ch/A) demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency (77%) and limited swelling across a wide pH range.
• P/Ch/A films exhibited superior stiffness, tensile strength, and high extensibility compared to other zein-containing films.
• Multivariate analysis confirmed formulation-dependent clustering, with P/Ch/A showing the most balanced property profile for polyphenol delivery.

Conclusions:

• The developed pectin-chitosan LbL films offer a robust system for the controlled release of anthocyanins.
• PCA effectively integrated multiple parameters, aiding in the understanding of structure-property relationships in biopolymer films.
• The P/Ch/A formulation presents a promising strategy for enhanced polyphenol delivery applications.