Enhanced Oil Binding Potential of Procambarus clarkii Chitosan (PCC): A Study with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Sunflower Oil Under Simulated Gastric Conditions

Chitosan is recognized by its capacity to bind lipids based on the viscosity and degree of deacetylation. We analyzed the in vitro binding of <i>Procambarus clarkii</i> chitosan (PCC) with extra virgin olive oil and sunflower oil at temperatures and pH levels that approximate gastric-like conditions. In the tube test, 4 mg of PCC and 0.3 g of either EVO or of SO oils were mixed by stirring in test tubes with 4 mL of water acidified with HCl to a pH of 3. The PCC binding capability was determined by measuring the differences between the suspension without PCC and the suspension with PCC added. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was utilized to further observe the uniformity and morphology of the emulsified PCC/oil hydrogels. In the test tube, PCC was shown to have a 1:11 (<i>w/w</i>) binding capacity for EVO and 1:15 (<i>w/w</i>) for SO. The SEM-based examination demonstrated a smooth surface with fine porosity of the microstructure of either PCC/oil hydrogel, proving successful emulsification. Under conditions similar to those in the stomach after a meal, including acidity, mixed composition, and temperature, PCC efficiently binds and emulsifies EVO and SO.