Synthesis and characterization of pectin derivative with antitumor property against Caco-2 colon cancer cells

New pectin derivative (Pec-MA) was obtained in specific reaction conditions. The presence of maleoyl groups in Pec-MA structure was confirmed by 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The substitution degree of Pec-MA (DS = 24%) was determined by 1H NMR. The properties of Pec-MA were investigated through WAXS, TGA/DTG, SEM and zeta potential techniques. The Pec-MA presented amorphous characteristics and higher-thermal stability compared to raw pectin (Pec). In addition, considerable morphological differences between Pec-MA and Pec were observed by SEM. The cytotoxic effect on the Caco-2 cells showed that the Pec-MA significantly inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells whereas the Pec-MA does not show any cytotoxic effect on the VERO healthy cells. This result opens new perspectives for the manufacture of biomaterials based on Pec with anti-tumor properties.