{"title":"Application of pumpkin-leaf protein concentrate as a matrix component for the encapsulation of folic acid","authors":"Ana Salević-Jelić , Vesna Rakić , Bojana Balanč , Steva Lević , Željko Radovanović , Verica Đorđević , Zorica Knežević-Jugović , Viktor Nedović","doi":"10.1016/j.fochx.2025.102310","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the valorization of pumpkin leaves, an underutilized agricultural byproduct, to produce plant-based protein concentrate and apply this concentrate as a novel component for developing encapsulation matrices. Composite zein/pumpkin-leaf protein concentrate/alginate matrices were structured using a pH-driven method for folic acid (FA) encapsulation. This approach afforded spherical, compact, and uniform nanoparticles, which were formed via intermolecular hydrogen bonding. These nanoparticles successfully encapsulated FA with an encapsulation efficiency of 79.09 % and a loading content of 15.82 %. The thermal analysis of all nanoparticle formulations showed compatibility among their components. The antioxidant activity and storage stability of control nanoparticles were improved by encapsulating FA and increasing its content. Notably, the nanoparticles could release FA during simulated digestion. These results emphasize the potential of the developed nanoparticles as novel nutraceuticals or ingredients for use in functional food formulations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12334,"journal":{"name":"Food Chemistry: X","volume":"26 ","pages":"Article 102310"},"PeriodicalIF":6.5000,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Food Chemistry: X","FirstCategoryId":"97","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590157525001579","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"CHEMISTRY, APPLIED","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study investigates the valorization of pumpkin leaves, an underutilized agricultural byproduct, to produce plant-based protein concentrate and apply this concentrate as a novel component for developing encapsulation matrices. Composite zein/pumpkin-leaf protein concentrate/alginate matrices were structured using a pH-driven method for folic acid (FA) encapsulation. This approach afforded spherical, compact, and uniform nanoparticles, which were formed via intermolecular hydrogen bonding. These nanoparticles successfully encapsulated FA with an encapsulation efficiency of 79.09 % and a loading content of 15.82 %. The thermal analysis of all nanoparticle formulations showed compatibility among their components. The antioxidant activity and storage stability of control nanoparticles were improved by encapsulating FA and increasing its content. Notably, the nanoparticles could release FA during simulated digestion. These results emphasize the potential of the developed nanoparticles as novel nutraceuticals or ingredients for use in functional food formulations.
期刊介绍:
Food Chemistry: X, one of three Open Access companion journals to Food Chemistry, follows the same aims, scope, and peer-review process. It focuses on papers advancing food and biochemistry or analytical methods, prioritizing research novelty. Manuscript evaluation considers novelty, scientific rigor, field advancement, and reader interest. Excluded are studies on food molecular sciences or disease cure/prevention. Topics include food component chemistry, bioactives, processing effects, additives, contaminants, and analytical methods. The journal welcome Analytical Papers addressing food microbiology, sensory aspects, and more, emphasizing new methods with robust validation and applicability to diverse foods or regions.