TURNING WASTE INTO WELLNESS: THE EMERGING ROLE OF MODIFIED PECTIN FROM FRUIT PEELS IN MODERN DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Pectin, a biodegradable and biocompatible polysaccharide mainly extracted from citrus peels and apple pomace, exhibits unique gelling and stabilizing properties due to its degree of esterification. These characteristics have enabled its wide application in pharmaceuticals as a natural carrier for controlled and targeted drug delivery systems. Pectin has also been considered an attractive natural polymer for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications outside of food uses. Pectin is non-toxic and has suitable physicochemical properties, which has led to research into the use of pectin as a carrier for targeted and controlled delivery of drugs (particularly in gastrointestinal systems); pectin has been investigated as a matrix tablet, gel beads, and film coated dosage forms. Pectin may have health promoting properties, potential for the use in active packaging systems, and potential compatibility with other biopolymers for the purpose of creating multifunctional materials for specific applications. Pectin has structural complexity and a variety of functions, including its crucial roles in plant growth, morphology, development, and defense.