Efficient decolorization of three jujube polysaccharides: Structural and functional characterization before and after...

Pigment deposition in jujube polysaccharides hampers accurate evaluation of their functional properties. The study screened decolorization materials and process parameters for Hetian jujube, gray jujube, and sour jujube polysaccharides, and assessed the effects on their structure and function. Hydrogen peroxide oxidation and activated carbon adsorption were ineffective, with maximum decolorization rates of 61.16 ± 0.61% and 58.18 ± 0.46% only. However, D392 macroporous resins delivered the highest decolorization rates, and static adsorption yielded better outcomes than dynamic adsorption. Decolorization rates for the three polysaccharides were 92.03 ± 0.06%, 90.84 ± 0.11%, and 92.62 ± 0.03%. Full-wavelength scanning and visual observation confirmed that most pigments were removed. D392 decolorization did not significantly alter functional groups, crystalline structure, branching structure, or triple-helix conformation. And decolorization significantly enhanced the solubility and oil-holding capacity of polysaccharides. These findings highlight D392 macroporous resin static adsorption as the most effective method for decolorizing jujube polysaccharides.