Pectin

Pectin is a heteropolysaccharide, derived from the cell wall of higher plants. Pectin involves in the formation of nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle of agents. Pectin is also an adsorbent, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that binds to bacteria toxins and other irritants in the intestinal mucosa, relieves irritated mucosa.

Pectin (5 mg/mL; 24, 48, and 72 h) shows low cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells, and can be made into nanoparticles (PPN), encapsulating Paclitaxel , decreases the Paclitaxel cytotoxicity (%) from 55.6% to 21.7% at 72 h^[1].
Pectin (3, 6 mg/mL; 48 h) inhibits Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 growth, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 40 mg/mL^[2].
Pectin inhibits Gram-negative Helicobacter pylori, a common human pathogen, shows highest antibacterial activity at pH 5.0, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.162 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.325 mg/mL^[2].
Pectin displays lower antibacterial activity against E. coli with MICs of 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL and MBC values ranging between 25-50 mg/mL^[2].
Pectin exhibits the antibacterial activity via its undissociated acid form^[2].

Pectin serves as the nanoparticles encapsulating Paclitaxel , (20 mg/kg; i.v.; single dose) significantly delays plasma clearance with detection of Paclitaxel possible up to 48 h in Balb/c mice^[1].

[1]. Verma AK, et al. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of negatively charged pectin nanoparticles encapsulating paclitaxel. Cancer Nanotechnol. 2013;4(4-5):99-102.   

[2]. Ciriminna R, et al. Pectin: A Long-Neglected Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial. ChemMedChem. 2020 Dec 3;15(23):2228-2235.   

[3]. Wikiera A, et al. Prozdrowotne w艂a艣ciwo艣ci pektyn [Health-promoting properties of pectin]. Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2014 Jan 2;68:590-6. Polish.