Phycocyanin-phlorotannin complexes improve the structure and functional properties of yogurt

Adding natural bioactive ingredients to yogurt can improve the nutritional and physiological benefits. In this study, we used ultrasonic-assisted phlorotannin from Ascophyllum nodosum (A. nodosum) modified phycocyanin (PC) to form a complex (UPP) to produce a fortified fermented yogurt. The effects of PC and UPP on the structure, stability, and function of fermented yogurt within 7 days were assessed using physicochemical properties, texture analysis, rheological testing, 16S rDNA sequencing analysis, and lipidomics analysis. Molecular docking indicated that PC might bind to phlorotannin via ARG-77, ARG-84, LEU-120, ALA-81, CYS-82, and ASP-85 sites.When the mass ratio of the complex is 1:1, the ability of UPP1:1 to remove DPPH· scavenging ability in an acid environment increased by about 50 %. UPP1:1 with more acid stability changed the microstructure of the yogurt, enhanced the stability of the yogurt, improved the antioxidant properties, and inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria within 7 days. This work encouraged the extraction and use of phlorotannin from edible brown algae and offered a straightforward method for making yogurt supplemented with PC.