Interactions between polyphenols and polysaccharides/proteins: Mechanisms, effect factors, and physicochemical and functional properties: A review.

Hongkun Xue, Yuchao Gao, Haiyan Gao, Jiaqi Tan, Kaifang Xie, Zhangmeng Shi

Journal: International journal of biological macromolecules 2025;309(Pt 2):142793

PMID: 40194573

Abstract

Polyphenols have attracted much attention in the food industry and nutrition because of their unique biological activities. However, the health benefits of polyphenols are compromised due to their structural instability and sensitivity to the external environment. The interaction between polyphenols and polysaccharides/proteins largely determines the stability and functional characteristics of polyphenols in food processing and storage. Hence, this topic has attracted widespread attention in recent years. This review initially outlines the basic properties of polyphenols and their applications in food. Subsequently, the interaction mechanisms between polyphenols and polysaccharides/proteins are discussed in detail including non-covalent bonding, covalent modification, and conformational changes. These interactions can display profound impacts on the nutritional value, taste, stability, and safety of food. Additionally, this article also systematically reviews the influencing factors (type, concentration, temperature, pH, and other factors) of interaction between polyphenols and proteins/polysaccharides. Finally, this paper also summarizes systematically the effects of the interaction between polyphenols and polysaccharides/proteins on the physicochemical and functional properties of polyphenols/proteins. The findings provide prospects for the application of composite materials in food preservation, functional food development, and nanocarrier development, which can provide theoretical references for the in-depth development of polyphenols in the food industry.

Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Address: College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hebei University, No. 342 Yuhua East Road, Lianchi District, Baoding 071002, China.; College of Textile and Fashion, Hunan Institute of Engineering, No. 88 East Fuxing Road, Yuetang District, Xiangtan, 411100, China.; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hebei University, No. 342 Yuhua East Road, Lianchi District, Baoding 071002, China; Comprehensive Experimental Center, Hebei University, No. 342 Yuhua East Road, Lianchi District, Baoding 071002, China. Electronic address: [email protected].

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