Bioactivity and technological functions of complex carbohydrates.

The article offers update on emerging nutraceutical ingredients that combine bioactivity, health and technological functions. An overview of the evaluation of structure and function relationships relating to techno- and bio-functionality of complex carbohydrates is provided. It describes the technological function of branched pectins and shows the different pectic type structures of several plant sources and their bioactivities. The challenge of producing oligosaccharides is also discussed.