Recently, the Innovation Team of Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Smart Manufacturing and Nutritional Health from the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IFST-CAAS) reviewed the research progress on protein–pectin composite carrier structures for enhancing the oral bioavailability of curcumin, and summarized the regulatory principles from molecular interactions to precision delivery. The findings were published in Trends in Food Science & Technology (JCR Q1, IF: 15.4), a top-tier international journal in the food science field. Danhua Ma is the first author, and Professors Jianyong Yi and Jinfeng Bi are co-corresponding authors.

Curcumin, the key bioactive component of turmeric, is widely recognized for its multifaceted health benefits. However, its inherently poor water solubility, low gastrointestinal stability, and lack of targeted absorption capability result in extremely low oral bioavailability, severely limiting its application in functional foods. Protein–pectin composite carriers, owing to their excellent biocompatibility and designable structures, are regarded as an ideal solution to this challenge. Yet, progress has long been hindered by bottlenecks such as unclear molecular interaction mechanisms, undefined delivery pathways, and difficulties in large-scale translation.

Centered on "structural regulation", this review systematically dissects the design logic and delivery mechanisms of protein–pectin composite carriers. At the molecular interaction level, an "environment-dependent synergistic interaction model" is introduced. It reveals that electrostatic interactions govern the initial assembly of the complexes, whereas hydrogen-bonding networks are responsible for maintaining long-term structural stability. The synergy between these two forces is dynamically modulated by pH, ionic strength, and the fine structure of pectin, thereby offering a theoretical basis for the rational design of carriers. At the delivery-efficacy level, a "solubilization–protection–targeting" three-stage delivery system explains the full-chain performance enhancement pathway: the hydrophobic core encapsulates curcumin, the pectin shell protects the cargo through the gastrointestinal tract, and finally, the colonic microbiota trigger its precise release. Here, the neutral sugar side chains of the pectin RG-I domain are identified as a crucial "biological key" for colon targeting. At the industrial application level, the review systematically examines the key constraints when transitioning from lab-scale studies to real-world applications. With an emphasis on preserving pectin structural integrity, ensuring batch-to-batch preparation controllability, and achieving functional compatibility across diverse food matrices, it proposes a systematic strategy that integrates green preparation of raw materials, precise process control, and adaptation to specific application scenarios.

This review establishes a full-chain theoretical framework from molecular interactions to industrial applications, deepens the understanding of the structural regulation principles of protein–pectin composite carriers, and provides a reference with both theoretical insights and practical guidance for the efficient delivery of hydrophobic functional ingredients. It holds significant value for advancing the manufacturing of functional foods.

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (General Program).

Original link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2026.105634