Novel ternary covalent complexes (OsrhLF-EGCG-Mal) based on plant-derived recombinant lactoferrin (OsrhLF) by polyphenol-carbohydrate dual-modification strategy.

Bovine lactoferrin was widely used in food industry but suffered from resource dependence, environmental sensitivity and digestive inactivation susceptibility. As a promising alternative, the characteristics of plant-derived recombinant lactoferrin (OsrhLF) remained unclear. Herein, novel OsrhLF-EGCG-Mal ternary covalent complexes were innovatively constructed via dual-modification strategy with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and maltodextrin (Mal). Results confirmed that covalent conjugation altered the spatial conformation of OsrhLF and affected its antioxidant activity, EGCG and Mal exerted effect on OsrhLF against gastrointestinal digestion. Analysis of short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) in vitro feces fermentation verified the regulatory role of the OsrhLF-EGCG-Mal. Finally, the OsrhLF-EGCG-Mal enhanced water-holding capacity of the apple matrix, a critical functional advantage - in food processing and preservation. This study not only addressed the key shortcomings of lactoferrin application in food systems but also expanded the industrial application of OsrhLF in the field of food chemistry.