Bioactivity of Phenolic Acid‐Modified Gelatin: Antioxidant, Anti‐Enzymatic, and Anti‐Inflammatory Functions

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the antioxidant, anti‐enzymatic, and anti‐inflammatory activities of gelatin‐pyrocatechuic acid (Ge‐2,3‐DHBA) compared with those of gelatin–gentisic acid (Ge‐2,5‐DHBA) and gelatin–gallic acid (Ge–GA) conjugates. Synthesized via free‐radical grafting at room temperature using hydrogen peroxide and ascorbic acid, their antioxidant activities were assessed by DPPH, superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide assays. Enzymatic inhibition was tested against acetylcholinesterase and α‐glucosidase, as well as albumin denaturation. Ge‐2,3‐DHBA showed significantly stronger DPPH scavenging than Ge‐2,5‐DHBA ( p  < 0.0001), while Ge‐2,5‐DHBA excelled in superoxide ( p  < 0.001) scavenging activity. Ge‐2,3‐DHBA also had stronger enzyme inhibition and albumin denaturation effects. Both Ge‐2,3‐ and Ge‐2,5‐DHBA outperformed Ge–GA in antioxidant activity and albumin inhibition, with comparable enzyme inhibition. Among the conjugates, gelatin‐pyrocatechuic acid shows promise as a therapeutic candidate against oxidative stress and age‐related diseases like Alzheimer's, type II diabetes, and inflammation.