Novel and safe debranched starch-zinc complexes with endoconcave structure as zinc supplements

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers 2024-04, Vol.330, p.121826-121826, Article 121826
• Main Authors: Zhi, Kangkang, Dong, Wenhui, Du, Yanjing, Tuo, Tongtong, Wei, Junqing, Song, Shen, Cui, Jiajia, Zhang, Ji
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Debranched starch; Delivery; Pullulanase; Structural elucidation; Zinc supplements
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.121826

Zinc deficiency is a serious risk to human health and growth, especially in children. The development of zinc supplements can effectively reduce this harm. Here, a series of debranched starch‑zinc complexes (DS-Zn) were prepared, whose zinc complexation was inversely proportional to the amylopectin content in the debranched starch (DS). The physicochemical properties of DS-Zn were characterized using the conductivity, XRD, iodine staining and thermogravimetry. Combined with XPS, solid-state 13C NMR and IR, it was elucidated that the structure of DS-Zn is endoconcave structure with 2-O and 3-O of DS on the inner side and 6-O of DS on the outer side, where zinc is located. The DS-Zn exhibits good biosafety including blood, cellular and mutagenicity. In vitro simulations of digestion and zinc-deficient cellular models showed that DS-Zn was more tolerant to the gastrointestinal environment and more effective in zinc supplementation (increased by 33 %) than inorganic zinc supplements. Utilizing the compressibility of starch, DS-Zn was prepared as a more palatable oral cartoon tablet for children. This study will provide important support to advance the development and application of novel starch-based zinc nutritional supplements. [Display omitted]