Preparation of dextran-casein phosphopeptide conjugates, evaluation of its calcium binding capacity and digestion in vitro

In order to construct a novel and efficient calcium delivery system, a dextran– casein phosphopeptide (CPP) conjugates as calcium carrier was prepared by Maillard reaction of CPP and dextran. The preparation of the conjugates, construction of calcium delivery system and digestion in vitro were studied. The grafting rate of conjugates, which was confirmed by migration and intensity changes in the characteristic peaks using ultraviolet–visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, reached 48.88%. The microscopy showed CPP was coated with dextran, the conjugates with a kind of “shell–core” structure had excellent stability. Compared with CPP, the chelating rate of conjugates increased from 6.0% to 13.87%, and the calcium retention rate improved from 1.09% to 7.90% in vitro digestion. The calcium binding capacity and effect of controlled release of the conjugates were superior to those of CPP. Therefore, the conjugates could be used as an effective carrier for new calcium supplements.