Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (hawthorn) berry is a polyphenol-rich natural product with potent antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. However, its practical application in food and nutraceutical formulations is limited by poor stability and low bioavailability. This study proposes a sustainable strategy to improve polyphenol retention and bioactivity through microencapsulation using sodium alginate combined with agro-industrial byproducts, namely citrus pectin and spray-dried whey protein obtained from cheese industry residues. C. monogyna fruit extract was encapsulated using two encapsulation systems: alginate-pectin (AP) and alginatepectin-whey protein (APW). LC-MS/MS profiling identified chlorogenic acid, rutin, procyanidin B2, hyperoside, and vitexin as the main constituents. Encapsulation significantly improved stability: APW retained 30.48% of polyphenols and 94.88% of tannins, compared with 20.04% and 70.74% in AP, while AP better preserved flavonoids (89.43% vs. 82.47%). Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC) confirmed preserved or enhanced radical scavenging activity, despite a slight reduction in reducing power. Molecular docking revealed strong binding of rutin (-6.93 kcal/mol) and procyanidin B2 (-6.40 kcal/mol) to whey proteins as bioactive binders. FTIR, SEM, and TGA/DSC analyses confirmed hydrogen bonding, porous microstructures, and improved thermal stability. Overall, these findings highlight the synergistic role of whey proteins as bioactive binders and polysaccharides as structural stabilizers. This valorization of agro-industrial by-products demonstrates a promising approach for the development of stable, functional, and sustainable food-grade nutraceuticals, paving the way for innovative applications in dietary supplements and fortified foods.
Agro-industrial byproducts as sustainable carriers for polyphenols from Crataegus monogyna fruits: synergistic encapsulation, stabilization, and molecular docking insights
Peron G.
2026-01-01
Abstract
Crataegus monogyna Jacq. (hawthorn) berry is a polyphenol-rich natural product with potent antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. However, its practical application in food and nutraceutical formulations is limited by poor stability and low bioavailability. This study proposes a sustainable strategy to improve polyphenol retention and bioactivity through microencapsulation using sodium alginate combined with agro-industrial byproducts, namely citrus pectin and spray-dried whey protein obtained from cheese industry residues. C. monogyna fruit extract was encapsulated using two encapsulation systems: alginate-pectin (AP) and alginatepectin-whey protein (APW). LC-MS/MS profiling identified chlorogenic acid, rutin, procyanidin B2, hyperoside, and vitexin as the main constituents. Encapsulation significantly improved stability: APW retained 30.48% of polyphenols and 94.88% of tannins, compared with 20.04% and 70.74% in AP, while AP better preserved flavonoids (89.43% vs. 82.47%). Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC) confirmed preserved or enhanced radical scavenging activity, despite a slight reduction in reducing power. Molecular docking revealed strong binding of rutin (-6.93 kcal/mol) and procyanidin B2 (-6.40 kcal/mol) to whey proteins as bioactive binders. FTIR, SEM, and TGA/DSC analyses confirmed hydrogen bonding, porous microstructures, and improved thermal stability. Overall, these findings highlight the synergistic role of whey proteins as bioactive binders and polysaccharides as structural stabilizers. This valorization of agro-industrial by-products demonstrates a promising approach for the development of stable, functional, and sustainable food-grade nutraceuticals, paving the way for innovative applications in dietary supplements and fortified foods.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
