Chapters authored
Biotechnology Applications in the Pectin Industry
Pectin and/or pectin-like polysaccharide (PLP) is one of polysaccharides contained in the plants and algae cell walls, That’s known as a polymer branched from galacturonic acids. Pectins are widely used in industry to remove heavy elements, gel and stabilize materials. Furthermore, its antioxidant properties are considered medically and in healthy eating policies. “Pectin is composed of D-galacturonic acid linked by α-1, 4-glycosidic linkage and in most cases, pectins are classified according to their degree of esterification (DE), which represents the ratio of galacturonic acid groups esterified in the structure of the pectin polysaccharide. The high methyl (HM) ester is a polymer that is methyl esterified in more than 50% of its carboxylate monomers, and conversely, the low methyl (LM) ester is a pectin with a degree of esterification of less than 50%. The bioactive properties of pectin polymers are very wide. For example, pectins, with their antioxidant properties, are anti-cancer and anti-tumor, and help heal patients undergoing chemotherapy. Pectin polymers can help improve diabetes and lower cholesterol. In addition, pectin has received much attention in medicine due to the importance of hydrogels, nanofiber mats and nanoparticles.” The purpose of this chapter is to review and introduce possible applications of biotechnology in pectin industries. We review sections on agricultural production and the enzymatic extraction method, as well as enzymatic-ultrasonic extraction. Finally, some suggestions are made for factory effluents and solid waste.
Part of the book: Pectins