Phytic Acid: In-depth analysis and cutting-edge applications of multifunctional natural compounds

Abstract

Phytic Acid, as a natural organophosphorus compound extracted from plant seeds, has not only shown extensive application potential in food, metal, textile, and other industries but also has shown unique value in the medical and energy fields. In this paper, the chemical properties, physiological functions, extraction methods, application fields, and future research directions of the chemical compounds were reviewed, to provide a reference for further research and application.

Introduction

Phytic acid, also known as inositol hexaphosphate or cyclohexanol hexaphosphate, is an organophosphate compound widely found in plant seeds. Because of its unique chemical structure and physiological function, phytic acid has shown wide application prospects in food, medicine, agriculture, energy, and other fields. In recent years, with the deepening of research, its application value in various fields has gradually been recognized.¹

Chemical properties and physiological functions

Phytic acid is a hexaphosphate ester composed of six phosphate groups connected to inositol rings, which are highly water-soluble and stable. In plants, as a form of phosphorus storage, it is involved in a variety of physiological processes, such as energy metabolism, signal transduction, and cell wall construction. In addition, it also has strong oxidation resistance and metal ion chelation ability, which plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the plant environment.²

Extraction method

The extraction methods of phytic acid mainly include solvent extraction, ion exchange, supercritical fluid extraction, and so on. Among them, solvent extraction is one of the most commonly used methods, which can be effectively extracted from plant seeds by choosing the right solvent and extraction conditions. The ion exchange principle utilizes the ion exchange interaction with the ion exchange resin to achieve the separation and purification of phytic acid. Supercritical fluid extraction is a new extraction technology, which has the advantages of high extraction efficiency and simple operation.³

Application areas

Food industry

Phytic acid is widely used in the food industry as an antioxidant and preservative. It can effectively extend the shelf life of food and improve the safety of food. In addition, it can also be combined with metal ions in food to reduce its harm to the human body.

Pharmaceutical industry

Phytic acid also shows extensive application potential in the pharmaceutical field. It can reduce blood sugar and blood lipids and has a certain adjuvant therapeutic effect on cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In addition, it also has a strong anti-tumor effect and can be used as an adjunct therapy for cancer.³

Agricultural field

The application of phytic acid in the agricultural field is mainly concentrated in fertilizers and pesticides. As a fertilizer additive, it can improve the utilization rate of fertilizer and the yield of crops. As a pesticide additive, it can improve the stability and control effect of pesticides.⁴

Energy field

In recent years, the application of phytic acid in the energy field has also attracted wide attention. The results show that it can be used as the electrolyte of an aqueous proton battery, which can significantly improve the electrochemical performance of the battery. In addition, it can also be used as an additive to biodiesel to improve the combustion performance of biodiesel.¹ 

Future research direction

Although phytic acid has shown a wide range of application prospects in many fields, there are still some problems and challenges. For example, extraction efficiency and purity still need to be further improved; The application mechanism in the fields of medicine and energy still needs further study; The biosafety and long-term stability of the drug still need to be further verified. Therefore, future research should focus on addressing these issues and exploring the potential of phytic acid applications in other fields.⁵

Conclusion

Phytic acid, as a multifunctional natural compound, has shown wide application prospects in food, medicine, agriculture, energy, and other fields. With the deepening of research and the continuous expansion of application fields, it is believed that phytic acid will play a more important role in the future.

Refences

[1].Gupta, R. K.; Gangoliya, S. S.; Singh, N. K., Reduction of phytic acid and enhancement of bioavailable micronutrients in food grains. Journal of food science and technology 2015,52,676-684.

[2].Oatway, L.; Vasanthan, T.; Helm, J. H., Phytic acid. Food Reviews International 2001,17(4), 419-431.

[3]. M.; Rackis, J. J., Phytic acid interactions in food systems. Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition 1980,13(4), 297-335.

[4].Nissar, J.; Ahad, T.; Naik, H.; Hussain, S., A review phytic acid: As antinutrient or nutraceutical. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2017,6(6), 1554-1560.

[5].Urbano, G.; Lopez-Jurado, M.; Aranda, P.; Vidal-Valverde, C.; Tenorio, E.; Porres, J., The role of phytic acid in legumes: antinutrient or beneficial function? Journal of physiology and biochemistry 2000,56(3), 283-294.

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