LAUSR

In this study, pectin (PC), whey protein isolate (WPI), and chitosan (CS) were combined with purple corn cob anthocyanins (PCCA). Four complexes, PC−PCCA, WPI−PCCA, WPI−PC−PCCA, and CS−PC−PCCA were prepared to evaluate the improvement in the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and digestive stability of PCCA. The encapsulation efficiency (EE), particle size, physical properties, and mode of action of the synthesized PCCA complexes were evaluated. Among them, CS−PC−PCCA had the highest EE (48.13 ± 2.73%) except for WPI−PC−PCCA; furthermore, it had a medium size (200−300 nm), the lowest hygroscopicity (10.23 ± 0.28%), lowest solubility (10.57 ± 1.26%), and highest zeta potential (28.20 ± 1.14). CS−PC−PCCA was multigranular and irregular in shape; x-ray diffraction showed that it was amorphous; and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that it was joined with PCCA through hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. Compared with PCCA, the four complexes showed a higher α-glucosidase inhibition activity and digestive stability, except for WPI−PC−PCCA. Furthermore, CS−PC−PCCA exhibited the best α-glucosidase inhibition and simulated digestion stability.