Functional confectionery can be exploited as a vehicle for the protection of phenolic compounds (PCs) and for enhancing absorption during the gastrointestinal (GI) process. In this study, a confection containing 20% of mango bagasse (MB), gelatin and pectin was formulated. The PC profile, antioxidant capacity, in vitro bioaccessibility and apparent permeability (Papp) during mouth–stomach–intestine digestion (15, 30, 60, 120 min) and in vitro colonic fermentation (6, 12, 24 h) were evaluated for MB and the mango bagasse confection (MBC). HPLC-DAD analysis showed that mangiferin (830.69 μg g⁻¹) was the most abundant compound in MBC. Total PCs (4.14 mg g⁻¹), quercetin (244.83 μg g⁻¹), and gallic acid (GA) (285.43 μg g⁻¹) were highly bioaccessible mainly at the intestine at 60–120 min of digestion. GA was the most bioaccessible compound. Total flavonoids (TFs) and condensed tannins (CTs) had the maximum bioaccessibility in the mouth and stomach, respectively. For the permeability studies, PCs showed efflux rather than uptake in the intestine. Those compounds that exhibited intestinal absorption were mangiferin > GA > total PCs > TFs, whereas quercetin and CT absorption was negligible. The antioxidant capacity remained unchanged along the GI, mangiferin and quercetin being the most likely compounds to exert this activity. Overall results indicate that MBC has higher bioaccessibility, absorption and antioxidant capacity than MB, suggesting an effective protective role of gelatin and pectin, giving insight into the potential of MBC as a functional food.

The formation of resistant starch type 5 (RS5), primarily associated with amylose–lipid complexes, is typically attributed to starches with high-amylose content due to their affinity for lipid interactions. Recently, studies have also investigated the potential of amylopectin-rich starches to form amylopectin–lipid complexes (ALCs), expanding RS5 sources. This study explores the capacity of waxy corn starch (WS), which is rich in amylopectin, to develop ALCs with oleic acid (10% w/w) under different thermal and mechanical conditions. Specifically, WS was treated at temperatures of 80 °C, 85 °C, and boiling, with stirring times of 0 and 45 min. Results demonstrated significant ALC formation, reaching a peak complexation index (CI) of 59% under boiling conditions with 45 min of stirring. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) identified a notable endothermic transition at 110 °C, indicating strong ALC interactions. FTIR spectra further evidenced starch–lipid interactions through bands at 2970 cm⁻¹ and 2888 cm⁻¹. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of orthorhombic nanocrystals in native WS, with ALC samples exhibiting a V-type diffraction pattern, supporting effective complexation. This study advances knowledge on starch–lipid interactions, suggesting ALCs as a promising RS5 form with potential food industry applications due to its structural resilience and associated health benefits.

Biological, physicochemical, structural, and thermal properties of PVA-based electrospun wound dressings added with hydrolyzed collagen (HC) and different concentrations of Hypericum perforatum ethanolic extract (EEHP) were studied. Membrane characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, barrier properties, scanning electron microscopy, image analysis (diameter and pore size), as well as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Results showed that the PVA/HC/EEHP materials, fabricated under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity, generated fiber membranes with diameters between 140–390 nm, adequate porosity and pore size for cell growth (67–90% and 4–16 µm, respectively), and good barrier properties (0.005–0.032 g·m⁻² s⁻¹) to be used in the treatment of conditions on the skin, and was even better than some commercial products. Finally, they showed to have anti-inflammatory (>80%), and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and S. epiderm. Furthermore, higher crystalline structure was observed according to the EEHP concentration. In addition, this is the first report in which PVA/HC/EEHP membranes are successfully fabricated and characterized.