Pectic oligosaccharides: Manufacture and functional properties

There is an increased interest on the identification, production, purification, evaluation and commercialization of new prebiotics with improved properties. Partial hydrolysis of pectin by chemical and/or enzymatic methods leads to the production of pectin-derived oligosaccharides (POS), which have been proposed as a new class of prebiotics. This work reviews the scientific information available on the production, chemical characterization, purification and properties of POS, with special focus on their in vitro and in vivo effects.

► Pectic oligosaccharides (POS) have been proposed as a new class of prebiotics.
► There are sound scientific evidences of the biological activity of POS.
► Additional studies are needed on the structure-function interrelationship.
► Fermentation studies in artificial colon and in vivo assays should be carried out.
► This work provides an updated overview on POS production and their properties.