Assessing protopectin transformation potential of plant tissue using a zoned criterion space

Introduction. The existing diversity of plant raw materials and products predetermine the prospects of studying their potential as sources of pectin substances. However all current classifications are either fragmented or inconsistent. Study objects and methods. Our theoretical ivestigation aimed to develop an adequate classification for all taxa of plant origin, as well as their tissues and derivatives as pectin-containing materials. We developed criteria for assessing transformation potential of the protopectin complex based on the mass fractions of biologically active non-uronide components, native water-soluble pectin, the protopectin complex, and pectin substances. Individual boundary conditions were based on individual pectin potential, protopectin fragmentation potential, and pectin isolation potential. Results and discussion. Based on the boundary conditions, we defined an universal criterion space that included a set of points M in the coordinates expressed by three main criteria. According to individual boundary conditions, the criterion space was divided, or zoned, into four domains corresponding to protopectin fragmentation potential. They were characterized by: 1) lack of pectin potential, 2) ineffective protopectin fragmentation, 3) ineffective isolation of fragmentation products, and 4) effective isolation. Finally, we developed a generalized algorithm to determine the location of points M[μ1, μ2 , μ3 ] in the zoned criterion space, characterizing the plant tissue. Conclusion. Our approach can be used to assess any plant tissue for its protopectin transformation potential, which determines the technological influence on its pectin potential. This approach is universal, i.e., applicable to both plant tissue and its derivatives.