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A polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) matrix formed between chitosan and pectin was developed to entrap a bioactive compound (anthocyanin), obtaining an useful pH indicator device. Polysaccharides of opposite charges such as chitosan and pectin can have a very strong intermolecular interaction. The innovation lies in obtaining a new system based on natural and biodegradable compounds, which is simple to manufacture, to indicate variation in pH by visual changes in colour. This device has potential applications in food packaging. The PEC was studied using chitosan and pectin solutions at different pHs values (3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 5.5) and pectin/chitosan molar ratios (1.0 to 10/1.0 to 5.0). PEC films were homogeneous and showed the highest yield (60.0%) at pH 5.5. Diffusion tests indicated efficient bioactive compound entrapment in the PEC matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicate the compatibility between the polymers and bioactive compound.

A polyelectrolyte complex system of chitosan-pectin nano- and microparticles was developed to encapsulate the hormone insulin. The aim of this work was to obtain small particles for oral insulin delivery without chemical crosslinkers based on natural and biodegradable polysaccharides. The nano- and microparticles were developed using chitosans (with different degrees of acetylation: 15.0% and 28.8%) and pectin solutions at various charge ratios (n+/n− given by the chitosan/pectin mass ratio) and total charge. Nano- and microparticles were characterized regarding particle size, zeta potential, production yield, encapsulation efficiency, stability in different media, transmission electron microscopy and cytotoxicity assays using Caco-2 cells. The insulin release was evaluated in vitro in simulated gastric and intestinal media. Small-sized particles (~240–~1900 nm) with a maximum production yield of ~34.0% were obtained. The highest encapsulation efficiency (~62.0%) of the system was observed at a charge ratio (n+/n−) 5.00. The system was stable in various media, particularly in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed spherical shape particles when insulin was added to the system. In simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8), controlled insulin release occurred over 2 h. In vitro tests indicated that the proposed system presents potential as a drug delivery for oral administration of bioactive peptides.

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Nutritionally enhanced pasta was developed by adding dried leaves of Pereskia aculeata Miller, known as ora-pro-nobis (DPN). The DPN are edible wild plants, underused and unknow plants. The incorporation of DPN dried leaves flour (DPN-F) into a regularly eaten food product, such as pasta, could be a healthy and low-cost strategy to improve nutrient intake and promote an exploration into a new fresh market food. The aim of this study was to develop a pasta product containing DPN-F, improving the protein, dietary fibre, calcium and iron intake and characterize its physico-chemical and sensorial aspects. The addition of DPN-F decreased the cooking loss and increased significantly the dietary fibre and ash content, as well as calcium and iron, as compared to conventional pasta. An alternative and healthy application of non-conventional edible vegetable proposed was greatly accepted (80.0%) by the potentials consumers.

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