Recent Advances in Pectin-Based Materials for Therapeutic Applications: A Review

Pectin, a naturally derived biopolymer, has emerged as a versatile material in pharmaceutical and biomedical research due to its solubility, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and gelling properties. Its nontoxic nature and hydrogel-forming ability facilitate the encapsulation and controlled release of bioactive compounds, making it a promising platform for targeted drug delivery. Recent studies have demonstrated that chemical modifications of pectin, such as esterification, amidation, and graft copolymerization, significantly enhance its physicochemical and functional properties, enabling the design of advanced therapeutic systems. Pectin-based materials have been shown to improve drug stability, bioavailability, and site-specific delivery, particularly in anticancer, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial applications. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that pectin exhibits intrinsic biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and neuroprotective effects, further supporting its therapeutic potential. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements in pectin-based materials from 2021 to 2025, with a focus on their applications in medicinal chemistry. It examines the inherent physicochemical and biological properties of pectin that enable the design of multifunctional materials, particularly for controlled drug delivery. Furthermore, the review highlights the diverse therapeutic activities of pectin-based systems, including anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and many other activities, emphasizing their potential for developing innovative biomedical applications.