Pectin modified with phenolic acids: Evaluation of their emulsification properties, antioxidation activities, and antibacterial activities

High methoxyl pectin grafted onto gallic acid by one- and two-pot redox-pair procedures

The aim of this research was to graft gallic acid (GA) onto high methoxyl pectin (HMP) through the redox-pair of ascorbic acid (Aa) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with one- and two-pot procedures. The effectiveness of the both procedures and the chemical, physical and antioxidant properties of the obtained HMP-GA were evaluated. HMP-GAone-pot (23.3 ± 0.21 mg GA Equivalent (GAE)/g) and HMP-GAtwo-pot (32.3 ± 0.52 mg GAE/g) were best obtained at H2O2/Aa molar ratio-HMP/GA weight ratio of 9.0-0.5 and 16.0-0.5, respectively. The UV-Vis and FT-IR spectra and along with their derivative and thermal gravimetric analyses, revealed differences between HMP-GAone-pot and HMP-GAtwo-pot. The latter exhibited a greater antioxidant capacity than the former in single electron transfer (ET), hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), and ET-HAT mixed assays. The chemical differences can be attributed to side reactions that may have interfered with the grafting reaction. Consequently, HMP-GA, possessing unique antioxidant and prebiotic properties, can be synthesized through redox-pair procedures.

Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida) berries ripeness induced pectin diversity: A comparative study in physicochemical properties, structure, function and fresh-keeping potential

The effect of hawthorn berries ripeness on the physicochemical, structural and functional properties of hawthorn pectin (HP) and its potential in sweet cherry preservation were investigated. With the advanced ripeness of hawthorn berries, the galacturonic acid (GalA) content decreased from 59.70 mol% to 52.16 mol%, the molecular weight (Mw) reduced from 368.6 kDa to 284.3 kDa, the microstructure exhibited variable appearance from thick lamella towards porous cross-linked fragment, emulsifying activity and emulsions stability, antioxidant activities, α-amylase and pancreatic lipid inhibitory capacities significantly increased. The heated emulsion stored for 30 d presented higher creaming index and more ordered oil droplets compared to the unheated emulsion. With the extended berries ripeness, the firmness of HP gels remarkably decreased from 225.69 g to 73.39 g, while the springiness increased from 0.78 to 1.16, HP exhibited a superior inhibitory effect in water loss, browning, softening, and bacterial infection in sweet cherries preservation.

Exploring the emulsification potential of chitosan modified with phenolic acids: Emulsifying properties, functional activities, and application in curcumin encapsulation

This study successfully grafted caffeic acid and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid into chitosan through a coupling reaction, yielding grafting ratio of 8.93 % for caffeic acid grafted chitosan (CA-GC) and 9.15 % for 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid grafted chitosan (DHB-GC) at an optimal concentration of 4 mmol phenolic acids. The characterization of modified chitosans through ultraviolet visible spectrometer (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and x-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) confirmed the successful grafting of phenolic acids. In the subsequent step of emulsion preparation, confocal laser scanning microscope images confirmed the formation of O/W (oil-in-water) emulsions. The phenolic acid-grafted chitosans exhibited better emulsification properties compared to native chitosan, such as reduced droplet size, more uniform emulsion droplet distribution, increased ζ-potential, and enhanced emulsifying activity and stability. Moreover, the modified chitosans demonstrated increased antioxidant activities (evidenced by DPPH and β-carotene assays) and displayed greater antimicrobial effects against E. coli and S. aureus. Its efficacy in curcumin encapsulation was also notable, with improved encapsulation efficiency, sustained release rates, and enhanced storage and photostability. These findings hint at the potential of modified chitosans as an effective emulsifier.

Comprehensive review on recent trends and perspectives of natural exo-polysaccharides: Pioneering nano-biotechnological tools

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs), originating from various microbes, and mushrooms, excel in their conventional role in bioremediation to showcase diverse applications emphasizing nanobiotechnology including nano-drug carriers, nano-excipients, medication and/or cell encapsulation, gene delivery, tissue engineering, diagnostics, and associated treatments. Acknowledged for contributions to adsorption, nutrition, and biomedicine, EPSs are emerging as appealing alternatives to traditional polymers, for biodegradability and biocompatibility. This article shifts away from the conventional utility to delve deeply into the expansive landscape of EPS applications, particularly highlighting their integration into cutting-edge nanobiotechnological methods. Exploring EPS synthesis, extraction, composition, and properties, the discussion emphasizes their structural diversity with molecular weight and heteropolymer compositions. Their role as raw materials for value-added products takes center stage, with critical insights into recent applications in nanobiotechnology. The multifaceted potential, biological relevance, and commercial applicability of EPSs in contemporary research and industry align with the nanotechnological advancements coupled with biotechnological nano-cleansing agents are highlighted. EPS-based nanostructures for biological applications have a bright future ahead of them. Providing crucial information for present and future practices, this review sheds light on how eco-friendly EPSs derived from microbial biomass of terrestrial and aquatic environments can be used to better understand contemporary nanobiotechnology for the benefit of society.

Insights into the impact of modification methods on the structural characteristics and health functions of pectin: A comprehensive review

Pectin is a complex polysaccharide that is widely present in plant cells and has multiple physiological functions. However, most pectin exists in the form of protopectin, which has a large molecular weight and cannot be fully absorbed and utilized in the human gut to exert its effects. The significant differences in the structure of different sources of pectin also limited their application in the food and medical fields. In order to achieve greater development and utilization of pectin functions, this paper reviewed several commonly used methods for pectin modification from physical, chemical, and biological perspectives, and elaborated on the relationship between these modification methods and the structure and functional properties of pectin. At the same time, the functional characteristics of modified pectin and its application in medical health, such as regulating intestinal health, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and drug transport, were reviewed, so as to provide a theoretical basis for targeted modification of pectin and the development of new modified pectin products.

Chlorogenic acid-chitosan copolymers: Synthesis, characterization and application in O/W emulsions for enhanced β-carotene stability

In this study, chlorogenic acid-chitosan (CA-CS) copolymers were prepared with varying Chitosan (CS): chlorogenic acid (CA)ratios and characterized for their water solubility, antioxidant capacity, and emulsions stability. Results showed that CA-CS samples exhibited up to 90.5 % increase in DPPH scavenging efficiency and 20 % increase in hydroxyl radical scavenging efficiency compared to CS alone. CA-CS copolymers used to stabilize oil in water (O/W) emulsions, which were evaluated for their potential in encapsulating and protecting β-carotene. Microscopic observations revealed homogeneous spherical droplets in stable emulsions, suggesting effective interfacial structures. The selected CA-CS-stabilized O/W emulsions demonstrated encapsulation efficiencies of 74.8 % and 75.26 % for β-carotene. The CA-CS stabilized O/W emulsions provided the most effective protection against β-carotene degradation under UV exposure, retaining over 80 % of β-carotene content after 12 h of testing. These findings indicate that CA-CS-based O/W emulsions show promise as carriers and protectors for bioactive compounds, due to their improved antioxidant capacity, emulsions stability, and protection against degradation.

Preparation of curcumin-loaded pectin-nisin copolymer emulsion and evaluation of its stability

In the paper, Nisin was grafted onto native pectin by the 1-ethyl-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC·HCl) method. Structure characterisation showed that the carboxyl group of pectin interacted with the amino group of Nisin and formed an amide bond. The highest grafting ratio of the modified pectin was up to 24.89 %. The emulsifying property of modified pectin, significantly improved, and emulsification performance improved with increasing grafting ratio. Emulsifying activity, emulsion stability, Zeta potential, and droplet morphology data demonstrate a notable enhancement in pectin's emulsifying properties due to Nisin's introduction, with the degree of grafting showing a direct correlation with the improvement observed. Pectin-based emulsion is utilized to load curcumin, enhancing its stability and bioavailability. Research findings highlight that the incorporation of Nisin-modified pectin significantly elevates curcumin encapsulation efficiency, while decelerating its release rate. Moreover, the stability of curcumin loaded in the modified pectin under light exposure, alkaline conditions, and long-term storage is also significantly improved. Ultimately, the bioavailability of curcumin escalates from 0.368 to 0.785.

Bio-based active packaging: Gallic acid modified agarose coatings in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) preservation

Antioxidant and antimicrobial agarose coatings were developed by grafting gallic acid through the carbodiimide coupling method. Structural characterization revealed that the carboxyl group of gallic acid was successfully grafted onto the C6-OH of D-galactose in agarose, with the highest observed grafting ratio being 13.73 %. The grafting of gallic acid significantly increased the antioxidant and bacteriostatic activities of the agarose. As the grafting ratio of gallic acid-modified agarose (GaAg) increased from 0 to 13.73 %, the scavenging ratio of DPPH and the inhibition ratio of β-carotene bleaching were observed to increase from 0 % to 65.92 % and 6.89 % to 73.46 %, respectively. GaAg exhibited up to 100 % inhibition of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The physicochemical properties of gel strength, viscosity, gelling temperature and melting temperature decreased to 971.3 g/cm2, 17.9 mPa·s, 31.7 °C and 84.1 °C, respectively. The gel contact angle was increased from 22.1° to 73.6°. Fish preservation tests have demonstrated that it effectively inhibited bacterial growth, prevented fat oxidation, blocked light, reduced moisture loss, and enhanced the overall quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) fillets during refrigeration, which was more effective than native agarose in extending the shelf life of fish. Therefore, GaAg holds promise as an aquatic product preservative.

Modification methods, biological activities and applications of pectin: A review

Pectin is a complex and functionally rich natural plant polysaccharide that is widely used in food, medical, and cosmetic industries. It can be modified to improve its properties and expand its applications. Modification methods for natural pectin can be divided into physical, chemical, enzymatic, and compound methods. Different modification methods can result in modified pectins (MPs) exhibiting different physicochemical properties and biological activities. The objectives of this paper were to review the various pectin modification methods explored over the last decade, compare their differences, summarize the impact of different modification methods on the biological activity and physicochemical properties of pectin, and describe the applications of MPs in food and pharmaceutical fields. Finally, suggestions and perspectives for the development of MPs are discussed. This review offers a theoretical reference for the rational and efficient processing of pectin and the expansion of its applications.

Arabic gum grafted with phenolic acid as a novel functional stabilizer for improving the oxidation stability of oil-in-water emulsion

Three kinds of phenolic acids: ferulic acid (FA), caffeic acid (CA), and gallic acid (GA) with different chemical structures were individually grafted onto Arabic gum (AG) via a laccase mediated method, and their roles in stabilizing o/w emulsions were evaluated. The total phenolic content in modified AG increased from 2.7 ± 0.2 to 18.7 ± 0.2, 19.8 ± 0.6, 22.4 ± 0.8 mg/g after 4 h of laccase catalysis, respectively. FTIR spectra of modified AGs exhibited additional phenolic characteristics, revealing the successful grafting of phenolic acids to AG structure. Compared with natural AG, modified AGs showed remarkably enhanced thermal stability, as well as antioxidant capacity in an order of gallic acid > caffeic acid > ferulic acid. The incorporation of phenolic acids into AG dramatically improved its emulsification performance. Herein, gallic acid-modified AG evinced up to 17.6 % and 12.6 % increments in emulsifying activity and emulsion stability relative to natural AG, respectively. Moreover, the oxidative stability of AG emulsions was pronouncedly meliorated by the introduced phenolic acids, especially gallic acid, as manifested by the suppressed production of primary and secondary oxidation products.

Effect of different NaCl concentration on the structure-function relationship of citrus peel pectins modified by electrochemistry

In this study, the modified citrus peel pectins (CPPs) were successfully produced by electrochemistry with varying NaCl concentrations of 0, 0.01 % and 0.1 % w/v using an H-type cell at 40 mA current. After 4 h, the pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of oxidized CPP solution in the anodic region were 2.00- 2.52 and 371.17- 564.45 mV, respectively, due to the electrolysis of water, whereas those of reduced CPP solution in cathodic region were 9.46- 10.84 and - 202.77 ~ -230.57 mV. The modified CPPs in the anodic region (A-0, A-0.01, and A-0.1) exhibited significantly higher weight-average molecular weights and methyl esterification degrees than those in the cathodic region (C-0, C-0.01 and C-0.1). In contrast, the K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ contents of A-0, A-0.01, and A-0.1 were lower than those of C-0, C-0.01 and C-0.1 due to the electrophoretic migration. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of A-0 and A-0.01 solutions were stronger than those of the C-0, C-0.01, and C-0.1, while rheological and texture properties of their hydrogels showed contradictory results. Finally, the potential structure-function relationships of CPPs were explored by combining PCA and correlation analysis. Overall, this study introduced a potential approach for pectin purification and functional low-methoxyl pectin manufacturing.

Acylated pectin/gelatin-based films incorporated with alkylated starch crystals: Characterization, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and coating preservation effects on golden pomfret

Pectin and starch crystals were modified by ethyl gallate and octadecyl-trimethoxysilane, respectively, followed by using acylated pectin (AP) and alkylated starch crystals (ASCs) as bioactive reagents and hydrophobic enhancers to improve the physiochemical properties of gelatin-based films and evaluate their coating preservation effects on golden pomfret. The properties of AP and ASC were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), proton-nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The ethyl-gallate-modified pectin/gelatin (AP/G) containing 3 % ASC (AP/G/ASC-3 %) was shown to have the maximum tensile strength and Young's modulus of all the tested composite films. The AP/G containing 10 % ASC exhibited a water contact angle higher than 94°, coupled with a significant improvement in UV-shielding efficiency. FTIR and SEM analysis of the AP/G/ASC-3 % film indicated that the molecular interactions in the composite film components were noncovalent linkages, including hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic interactions, contributing to homogeneous and smooth microstructures. Additionally, the solutions of AP/G and AP/G/ASC composite films presented obvious antioxidant and antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the AP/G and AP/G/ASC active coatings could effectively inhibit lipid oxidation and improve the textural acceptability of golden pomfret (Trachinotus blochii) fillets during 4 °C storage.

Pectin grafted with resorcinol and 4-hexylresorcinol: Preparation, characterization and application in meat preservation

To augment the functional attributes of pectin and expand its prospective utilization in food preservation, this research explored the enzymatic grafting of resorcinol and 4-hexylresorcinol onto pectin. Structural analysis verified the successful grafting of both resorcinol and 4-hexylresorcinol to pectin via esterification, with the 1-OH of resorcinol and 4-hexylresorcinol and the carboxyl group of pectin functioning as grafting sites. The grafting ratios of resorcinol-modified pectin (Re-Pe) and 4-hexylresorcinol-modified pectin (He-Pe) were 17.84 % and 10.98 %, respectively. This grafting modification notably enhanced the antioxidative and antibacterial properties of pectin. Specifically, DPPH clearance and the inhibition ratio in the β-carotene bleaching assay increased from 11.38 % and 20.13 % (native pectin, Na-Pe) to 41.15 % and 36.67 % (Re-Pe), and 74.72 % and 53.40 % (He-Pe). Moreover, the inhibition zone diameter against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus rose from 10.12 and 10.08 mm (Na-Pe) to 12.36 and 11.52 mm (Re-Pe), and 16.78 and 14.87 mm (He-Pe). Additionally, the application of native and modified pectin coatings effectively impeded pork spoilage, with the modified pectins demonstrating a more potent effect. Among the two modified pectins, He-Pe exhibited the most significant enhancement in pork shelf life.

Non-radical synthesis of amide chitosan with p-coumaric acid and caffeic acid and its application in pork preservation

p-Coumaric acid and caffeic acid were grafted onto chitosan through a non-radical synthesis method to improve the properties of chitosan and expand its application in food industry. Structural characterization demonstrated that the -COOH of the two phenolic acids were bonded to the -NH₂ of the chitosan and formed an acylamino. The grafting ratios of p-coumaric acid-modified chitosan (Cm-CTS) and caffeic acid-modified chitosan (Cf-CTS) reached 10.30 % and 9.78 %, respectively. After modification, the water solubility of the chitosan greatly improved from 9.33 % (native chitosan, Nt-CTS) to 77.33 % (Cm-CTS) and 100 % (Cf-CTS). Besides, the involvement of phenolic acid and caffeic acid endowed the chitosan with strengthened antioxidation and antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Nt-CTS and the modified chitosans were coated on the pork surface. The results indicated that Nt-CTS effectively inhibited pork spoilage and the modified chitosans could further prolong the shelf life of pork.

Ferulic acid- and gallic ester-acylated pectin: Preparation and characterization

In this study, pectin was modified with ferulic acid (Fa), trans-ferulic acid (trans-Fa), methyl gallate (MG), and ethyl gallate (EG) via the enzymatic method using aqueous/organic phases to enhance its physiochemical and bio-active properties. Results revealed that lipase might catalyze the hydrolysis of the ester bond within pectin in aqueous phase and prompt the transesterification between the hydroxyl group in the para position in Fa/trans-Fa or the 2'-OH group of MG/EG and the carboxylic group of pectin in the organic phase. The graft ratio was 21.00%, 21.67%, 13.24%, and 11.93% for the Fa-, trans-Fa-, MG-, and EG-modified pectin, respectively. In addition, compared with native pectin, the modified pectin exhibited improved apparent viscosity and emulsion activity. Moreover, the clearance of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazine (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) was effectively enhanced for the modified pectin. Furthermore, the modified pectin exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus while no cytotoxic effects based on the results of cell culture experiments. Our results provide a theoretical basis for the expansion of pectin applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Pharmacological studies of rhizomes of extract of Cyperus tegetum, emphasized on anticancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

With over 950 species, Cyperus is one of the most promising health boosting genera in the Cyperaceae family. Traditional uses of Cyperus sp. have been described for gastrointestinal blood abnormalities, menstrual irregularities, and inflammatory diseases, among others. Cyperus tegetum Roxb belonging to Cyperaceae family, is used in traditional medicine to treat skin cancers.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was carried out to explore the potential effect of the extract of the plant Cyperus tegetum against different pharmacological activity namely inflammatory, analgesic activity as well as skin cancer activity in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cytotoxicity of the extract was measured by MTT and Live/death assay on HeLa cell line. Skin cancer was induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in mice to measure its effects.

RESULT

Stigmasterol and some poly phenolic compounds are identified using HPTLC process from the methanol extract of the rhizome of the plant Cyperus tegetum (CT-II). After confirmation of the presence of different polyphenolic compound and triterpenoids in the extract, it was subject to MTT and Live/death assay on HeLa cell line. From the observation it could be concluded that the IC₅₀ of the extract is 300 μg/ml. Thus, the CTII was evaluated further for its in vivo anticancer property. In the tumorigenesis study, the number of tumor growths, the area and weight of the tumor significantly decreases with increment in the dose of CT-II extract and some elevated enzyme release in renal (creatinine, urea) as well as hepatic (AST, ALT, ALP) enzymes are also controlled with the increased dose of the same extract. The elevated enzyme release may be due to cancer induced rupture of the plasma and cellular damage. This CT-II extract also exhibits some other pharmacological activity like anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.

CONCLUSION

As metabolic activation via carcinogens and inflammation response plays important role in development of cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can be correlated with anti-cancer properties. Taken all the above studies, it was illustrated that the extract of Cyperus tegetum might be a promising compound to reduce skin cancer risk.

Subchronic Oral Toxicity of Sodium p-Hydroxybenzoate in Sprague-Dawley Rats

p-Hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HBA), which exists extensively in plants, is well known for its anti-inflammatory effects, but various adverse side effects have also been reported. Previous research has found that acid translated to its sodium salt improves the safety profile of compounds. Therefore, we hypothesized that p-HBA translated to sodium p-hydroxybenzoate would improve its safety profile. In the present study, we evaluated the toxicity of sodium p-hydroxybenzoate after 90 days of repeated oral toxicity experiments according to OECD guidelines in male and female Sprague–Dawley rats. Sodium p-hydroxybenzoate was administered orally to SD rats at doses of 0, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day for 90 days. All animals survived to the end of the study, and no sodium p-hydroxybenzoate treatment-associated mortality or clinical changes were observed during the study period. Sodium p-hydroxybenzoate did not promote any clinical signs of toxicologically relevant effects, including changes in body weight, food intake and urinalysis parameters, in male or female SD rats. Dose-related alterations in hematological parameters, organ weights and histopathological findings in hepatic tissue were examined in animals of both sexes in the 500 mg/kg BW/day group. Based on the study, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for sodium p-hydroxybenzoate was determined to be 250 mg/kg BW/day in both male and female rats.

Chitosan-grafted-phenolic acid copolymers against Shewanella putrefaciens by disrupting the permeability of cell membrane

Chitosan (CS) is a kind of high molecular polymer with antibacterial properties. A copolymer with high bacteriostatic activity can be formed by grafting phenolic acid compounds into the chitosan molecular chain, which can inhibit the growth of dominant spoilage bacteria in aquatic products. The study aimed to investigate the antibacterial effect and mechanism of chitosan-grafted-phenolic acid copolymers on Shewanella putrefaciens (S. putrefaciens). CS-grafted-protocatechuic acid (CS-g-PA) and CS-grafted-gallic acid (CS-g-GA) were attained by EDC/NHS coupling reaction. The antibacterial tests indicated that CS-g-PA and CS-g-GA had the same minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (1.25 mg/mL) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) (5.0 mg/mL) against S. putrefaciens. According to the change trend of growth curve, the growth of S. putrefaciens was significantly restrained under 2MIC graft copolymers (P < 0.05). Moreover, the increment of alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) activity and electrical conductivity demonstrated that the cell wall and membrane permeability of S. putrefaciens were damaged respectively. In addition, the increase of lactate dehydrogenase (LDHase) activity, protein and nucleic acid absorbance and the decrease of adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity suggested that the cell membrane was incomplete and poor fluidity. The irregular shape of bacteria and the outflow of intercellular contents were also observed from scanning electron microscope (SEM). The above results manifested a great potential of CS-g-PA and CS-g-GA for use as food preservatives to aquatic products.

Trends in "green" and novel methods of pectin modification - A review

Modification of hydrocolloids to alter their functional properties using chemical methods is well documented in the literature. There has been a recent trend of adopting eco-friendly and "green" methods for modification. Pectin, being a very important hydrocolloid finds its use in various food applications due to its gelling, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties. The adoption of various "green" methods can alter the properties of pectin and make it more suitable for incorporation in food products. The novel approaches such as microwave and pulsed electric field can also be utilized for solvent-free modification, making it desirable from the perspective of sustainability, as it reduces the consumption of organic chemicals. Pectic oligosaccharides (POSs) produced via novel approaches are being explored for their biological properties and incorporation in various functional foods. The review can help to set the perspective of potential scale-up and adoption by the food industry for modification of pectin.

Preparation of acylated chitosan with caffeic acid in non-enzymatic and enzymatic systems: Characterization and application in pork preservation

To further improve the performance of chitosan in food processing and preservation, this study investigated the grafting of the caffeic acid onto the chitosan in non-enzymatic and enzymatic systems. Result suggested that the caffeic acid was successfully incorporated into the chitosan in the non-enzymatic system, and the grafting ratio of modified chitosan (CA@CTS-N) was 7.49%. Moreover, lipase had a significant positive effect on the grafting reaction of the chitosan, and the modified chitosan prepared in enzymatic system (CA@CTS-E) obtained a higher grafting ratio, which was 11.82%. In both systems, the carboxyl of the caffeic acid was bonded to the amino of the chitosan and formed carbonyl ammonia. After the introduction of foreign group, many changes occurred in the functional properties of the modified chitosan. First, the water solubility of the chitosan was significantly improved from 0.00285 (native chitosan, CTS) to 0.221 (CA@CTS-N) and 0.774 g/100 mL (CA@CTS-E). The caffeoyl had a significant impact on the emulsifying properties of the chitosan. Compared with those of CTS, the modified chitosan had stronger antioxidation and antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Finally, the pork treated with the modified chitosan exhibited longer shelf life than that treated with CTS.