Adsorption of β-glucuronidase and estrogens on pectin/lignin hydrogel particles

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to generate supramolecular complexes of pectin and lignin with properties necessary to interrupt the enterohepatic circulation (EHC) of estrogens. Three types of pectin hydrogel particles were prepared from citrus pectin (PHP), citrus pectin/wheat lignin (PLWHP), or citrus pectin/oak lignin (PLOHP). The surface of PHP was smooth, whereas the surface of PLWHP had irregularly arranged structures and PLOHP contained pores. PHP actively adsorbed microbial β-glucuronidase and moderately adsorbed estrogens. PLWHP had moderate and PLOHP high affinity for estrogens. Thus, PLOHP meets the requirements of a complex capable of interrupting the EHC of estrogens.