Abstract:
Pectin contains about 70% galacturonic acid. The exact chemical structure of pectin has not yet been definitively established, but three main pectin polysaccharides from the plant wall have been isolated and identified. These are homogalacturonans, which contain about 65%, rhamnogalacturonans - 20-35% and substituted galacturonans. In order to determine the possible mechanism of action of apple pectin, the pH was determined in mixtures that mimic the contents of the stomach, small and large intestine with the addition of hydrochloric acid and alcohol. To determine the pH in the stomach used 0.1 N solution HCl, of a small bowel - the buffer hydrocarbonate with pH 7,5, a large intestine - the buffer hydrocarbonate with рН 8,5. In vitro models simulating the environment of different parts of the gastrointestinal tract have shown that apple pectin, in contrast to activated carbon and silicon dioxide, exhibits buffering properties, and when alcohol is administered causes a shift in pH to the acidic side. As a result of determining the zero charge point of apple pectin, it can be stated that at pH above 3.69 it adsorbs cations of metals or organic substances, which explains the ability to bind ethanol.
