Structure, stability, and mechanism of dextran–CPP–Ca2+ conjugates: A novel high-efficiency calcium ion delivery system

Calcium has limited bioavailability because of the formation of calcium phosphate deposits in the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we prepared a dextran-casein phosphopeptide (CPP)-Ca2+ delivery system and evaluated for Ca2+ binding mechanism, structure, stability, and sustained release of Ca2+ and assessed inhibition of calcium phosphate precipitation. The results revealed that Ca2+ binds to dextran-CPP through the phosphate, carboxyl, and amino groups and forms crystal clusters. Furthermore, compared with single polymer CPP-Ca2+ conjugates, copolymer dextran-CPP-Ca2+ conjugates exhibited improved stability at various conditions (pH, temperature, and coexisting food), efficiently reduced the calcium phosphate precipitation, and improved sustained-release of Ca2+. Collectively, dextran-CPP-Ca2+ conjugates can be an efficient Ca2+ delivery system.