Citrus flavonoid-pectin conjugates: Towards broad scope therapeutic agents

• Citrus flavonoids and pectin form bioconjugates having significant bioactivity • Citrus flavonoid-pectin conjugates are water-soluble and higly biocompatible • Flavonoid-pectin bioconjugates enable delivery of nearly insoluble citrus flavonoids • Molecular conjugation merges the broad scope bioactivity of citrus flavonoids with that of pectin Obtained via synthetic organic chemistry, enzymatic, free radical or cavitation-based routes, citrus flavonoid-pectin conjugates are bioconjugates showing substantial bioactivity. Reviewing research achievements concerning the biological activity of citrus flavonoid-pectin conjugates since their recent introduction, this study suggests that the use of water-soluble and biocompatible citrus pectin to chemically bind and deliver citrus flavonoids offers a synergistic solution to the poor bioavailability of flavonoids that so far limited their uptake. Merging the powerful and broad scope bioactivity of citrus flavonoids with that of pectin, the approach is promising towards the development of new pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products for the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases.