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Functional oil is type of oil that is beneficial to human health and has nutritional value, however, functional oils are rich in bioactive substances such as polyunsaturated fatty acids which are sensitive to environmental factors and are susceptible to oxidation or decomposition. Construction of emulsion-based oil powder is a promising approach for improving the stability and solubility of functional oils. However, the low effective loading of oil in powder is the main challenge limiting encapsulation technology. This manuscript focuses on reviewing the current research progress of emulsion-based functional oil powder construction and systematically summarizes the processing characteristics of emulsion-based oil powder with high payload and summarizing the strategies to enhance the payload of powder in term of emulsification and drying, respectively. The impact of emulsion formation on oil powder production is discussed from different characteristics of emulsions, including emulsion composition, emulsification methods and emulsion types. In addition, the current status of improving material loading performance by various modifications to the drying technology is discussed, including the addition of drying processing additives, changes in drying parameters and the effect of innovative technological means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, metformin (Met) has shown to have antineoplastic properties in cancer treatment by improving hypoxic tumor conditions, and causing reduction in the synthesis of biomolecules, which are vital for cancer growth. However, as an orally administered drug, Met has low bioavailability and rapid renal clearance. Thus, the goal of this study was to vectorize Met inside liposomes in the context of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which currently lacks treatment options when compared to other types of breast cancer. Vectorization of Met inside liposomes was done using Bangham method by implementing double design of experiment methodology to increase Met drug loading (minimum-run resolution V characterization design and Box-Behnken design), as it is generally extremely low for hydrophilic molecules. Optimization of Met-loaded liposome synthesis was successfully achieved with drug loading of 190 mg/g (19% w/w). The optimal Met-liposomes were 170 nm in diameter with low PdI (< 0.1) and negative surface charge (-20 mV), exhibiting sustained Met release at pH 7.4. The liposomal Met delivery system was stable over several months, and successfully reduced TNBC cell proliferation due to the encapsulated drug. This study is one the first reports addressing liposome formulation through thin-film hydration using two design of experiment methods aiming to increase drug loading of Met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin is utilized extensively as Chinese medicine in Asia due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and inflammatory activities. However, its use has the challenges of low oral bioavailability and high heat sensitivity. The aim of this research was to produce flexible nano-liposomes containing curcumin using an innovative approach of ethanol injection and Tween 80 to enhance the stability and preservation of curcumin. The mean particle size, encapsulation efficiency, thermal degradation, storage stability, and curcumin release in flexible nano-liposomes were also investigated. We found that the mean particle size of curcumin-loaded flexible nano-liposome decreased from 278 nm to 27.6 nm. At the same time, the Tween 80 concentration increased from 0 to 0.15 wt%, which corresponded with the results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) morphology analyses, and particle size decreased with an enhancement in Tween 80 concentration. Further, pure curcumin was quickly released within one hour at 37 °C, and first-order kinetics matched with its release curve. However, curcumin encapsulated in flexible nano-liposomes showed a slow release of 71.24% within 12 h, and a slower release pattern matched with the Higuchi model over 24 h, ultimately reaching 84.63% release. Hence, flexible nano-liposomes of curcumin made by a combination of ethanol injection and Tween 80 addition prevented the thermal degradation of curcumin, and enhanced its storage stability and preservation for future drug delivery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study examined the rheological and textural properties of gels produced through emulsion gelation using pea protein isolate (PPI). Emulsions were prepared with varying PPI concentrations (2%–10%) and 0.25 oil fraction, followed by heat treatment. Higher PPI concentrations improved encapsulation efficiency (EE), but heat slightly reduced it, though EE remained above 90%. Droplet size decreased with higher PPI. The emulsion was then gelled with different kappa‐carrageenan (KC) concentrations (1%–2%) and pH levels (4–7). Gel hardness increased with KC content, while adhesiveness decreased. Springiness, cohesiveness and water‐holding capacity (WHC) rose with pH and KC, while meltability decreased. Rheological tests showed stronger gels with higher KC and lower pH. Storage time generally increased gel strength, except at pH 4. This work highlights the interplay between PPI, KC, pH and storage time in shaping the properties of pea protein‐based emulsions and gels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of air inlet temperature at 155, 165 and 175 °C and whey protein isolate (WPI) of 15, 25 and 35% concentration on numerous parameters of ginger oleoresin powder produced by spray drying was examined in this research. Powder recovery increased dramatically from 23.35 to 68.43% and 53.66 to 64.27%, respectively, as WPI concentration increased from 15 to 35% and inlet temperature decreased from 155 to 175 °C. Increases in WPI concentration and inlet temperature enhanced dissolving time from 22.36 to 32.17 s and 19.54 to 24.24 s respectively. Water activity, encapsulation efficiency of ginger oleoresin microcapsules increased from 0.16 to 0.22, 75.28 to 82.43% respectively, while total phenolic content decreased from 27.13 to 19.04 (mg GAE/g) when WPI concentration increased. Lower encapsulation efficiency (78.66%) and higher total phenol content (23.57 mg GAE/g) were reported at higher inlet temperatures (175 °C). The encapsulated oleoresin samples also exhibited smaller-sized particles which were tightly packed at higher inlet temperatures. Micrographs of the powdered sample revealed smooth morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the use of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA)–based therapies has gained substantial attention in the field of drug development. In such an application, multiple LNP attributes have to be carefully characterized to ensure product safety and quality, whereas accurate and efficient characterization of these complex mRNA-LNP formulations remains a challenging endeavor. Here, we present the development and application of an online separation and characterization platform designed for the isolation and in-depth analysis of mRNAs and mRNA-loaded LNPs. Our asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation with a multi-detector (MD-AF4) method has demonstrated exceptional resolution between mRNA-LNPs and mRNAs, delivering excellent recoveries (over 70%) for both analytes and exceptional repeatability. Notably, this platform allows for comprehensive and multi-attribute LNP characterization, including online particle sizing, morphology characterization, and determination of encapsulation efficiency, all within a single injection. Furthermore, real-time online sizing by synchronizing multi-angle light scattering (MALS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) presented higher resolution over traditional batch-mode DLS, particularly in differentiating heterogeneous samples with a low abundance of large-sized particles. Additionally, our method proves to be a valuable tool for monitoring LNP stability under varying stress conditions. Our work introduces a robust and versatile analytical platform using MD-AF4 that not only efficiently provides multi-attribute characterizations of mRNA-LNPs but also holds promise in advancing studies related to formulation screening, quality control, and stability assessment in the evolving field of nanoparticle delivery systems for mRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilizers that release nutrients slowly can provide crops with consistent nutrients, while soils with good water-holding capacity can alleviate the impact of droughts on crops. Sodium alginate/carboxymethyl starch sodium/polydopamine/urea (SCPU) is a new kind of slow-release fertilizer with water absorption property. In this study, the Box–Behnken response surface methodology (RSM) was used to reveal the effects of concentrations of sodium alginate, carboxymethyl starch sodium, urea, calcium chloride and dopamine on the encapsulation efficiency and water absorption of SCPU. The results show that the optimum preparation conditions to obtain the highest level of encapsulation efficiency (89.27%) and water absorption (167.05%) are 2.2% sodium alginate, 5% carboxymethyl starch sodium, 30% urea, 1.9% calcium chloride and 0.52% dopamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spray drying is a well-established, energy efficient, and scalable process widely used in the food industry, however it may lead to thermal degradation of susceptible compounds, such as (poly)phenols, resulting in biological activity loss to some extent. In this study, we aimed to improve the physicochemical stability and bioaccessibility of (poly)phenols from Rosa pimpinellifolia fruit extract (Rosa extract) loaded in liposomes by generating solid particles via spray drying. Liposomes were conjugated with chitosan (Ch) and whey protein (Wp) to optimize the biopolymer concentrations by monitoring mean particle diameter, polydispersity index, and surface charge. The mean diameter of liposomes ranged between 135 and 210 nm upon optimal addition of Ch (0.4%, w/v) and Wp (4.0%, w/v) which also increased the entrapment efficiency of (poly)phenols from 74.2 to 77.8% and 79.1%, respectively. After spray drying, about 65–76% of the antioxidant capacity were retained in biopolymer-conjugated liposomes (Ch or Wp) while the retention rate was 48% in only spray-dried extract (Rosa extract powder). Compared to unencapsulated Rosa extract, spray drying (Rosa extract powder) and conjugation with Ch (Ch-Lip powder) or Wp (Wp-Lip powder) significantly increased the bioaccessibility of (poly)phenols and preserved their antioxidant capacity. Based on the findings of this study, Ch- or Wp-conjugation of liposomes prior to spray drying could improve physicochemical stability and protect (poly)phenols loaded in liposomes against processing stress and passage through the digestive tract. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations on a variety of bioactive compounds may draw more attention to their potential as functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to optimize a liposomal formulation to enhance the stability of a phenolic-rich extract from green walnut husk. Liposomes were prepared using varying concentrations of phosphatidylcholine (0.15–2% w/v), extract (0–1.3% v/v), and sodium laurate (0–0.2% w/v) via ethanol injection and sonication. Characterization included visual appearance, particle size, polydispersity index, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency, and morphology. Stable liposomes were achieved at 0.15% and 0.3% w/v phosphatidylcholine, although with low encapsulation efficiency (<40%). The addition of 0.2% (w/v) sodium laurate improved the stability, especially at higher phosphatidylcholine concentrations, enhancing the electrostatic repulsion. Optimal concentrations of 2% w/v phosphatidylcholine, 0.2% w/v sodium laurate, and 0.6% v/v extract were determined. The liposomes exhibited a spherical unilamellar morphology with a size of 97.5 ± 0.9 nm and a negative surface charge of –39.8 ± 0.9 mV. These nanoliposomes showed 79.7 ± 0.7% encapsulation efficiency and remained stable under pH, temperature, ionic strength, and storage time variations. Overall, the liposomes proved effective in preserving the natural phenolics of walnut husks under challenging environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to characterize and evaluate the antioxidant activity of Chlorella peptide fractions coated with chitosan-modified nanoliposomes. Additionally, the release process of these peptide fractions under simulated gastric and intestinal conditions was evaluated. Protein hydrolysates were obtained from Chlorella through enzymatic hydrolysis, resulting in increased concentrations of antioxidant and hydrophobic amino acids. Peptide fractions were selected and separated based on their molecular weights, and it was observed that the fractions with lower molecular weights (less than 10 kDa, PF-10) contained higher amounts of hydrophobic and antioxidant amino acids. Among the fractions, PF-10 exhibited the highest radical inhibition activity for DPPH and ABTS, as well as enhanced reducing power and chelating activity towards copper ions. PF-10 and PF-30 (peptide fractions with a molecular weight less than 30 kDa) also demonstrated higher inhibition of nitric oxide radicals and total antioxidant activity (TAA) compared to the hydrolyzed form and other fractions. The analysis of physicochemical properties identified PF-10 as the most favorable treatment due to its size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency (EE). Coating the nanoliposomes with chitosan resulted in an increase in particle size and PDI but significantly improved the preservation of EE during storage. Chitosan coating also enhanced the activity of DPPH and OH radical scavenging. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the localization of peptides within the polar regions and the bilayer membrane of nanoliposomes, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed agglomerated and spherical structures. Overall, our findings highlight the effectiveness of nanoliposomes as carriers for delivering peptide fractions with high antioxidant activity. The formulation of chitosan-coated nanoliposomes as carriers for Chlorella-peptide fractions represents an innovative advancement, providing opportunities for the creation of functional and stable formulations. These formulations hold the potential to provide benefits regarding human health and environmental considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work is devoted to the development of probiotic microencapsulation systems with the co-encapsulation of a plant extract, which can increase the survival of beneficial bacteria and are suitable for potential applications in the enrichment of fermented beverages based on acid whey. The encapsulation process exhibited a high level of effectiveness, achieving 83.0% for Bifidobacterium (BB), 89.2% for Stevia leaf extract (SE), and 91.3% for their combination (BB + SE). The FTIR analysis verified substantial interactions between the encapsulated agents and the polymer matrix, which enhanced the stability of the microcapsules. The BB + SE microcapsules exhibited reduced swelling and moisture content, indicating a denser structure compared to separately encapsulated BB and SE. Comparison of release kinetics of BB, SE and BB + SE loaded microcapsules showed that the combination of active agents has a quicker initial release, reaching 60% release within the first 2 h, and this value increased to 70% after 4 h. The release kinetics studies demonstrated a controlled release of active substances over 24 h. A morphology analysis shows that the surfaces of the dry microcapsules containing BB, SE, and their combination BB + SE have a porous structure. For encapsulated agents, the size of the capsules produced with BB and SE are smaller than those produced with two components (BB + SE), the sizes of which are between 760 µm and 1.1 mm. Modeling of the behavior of microcapsules in a simulated gastrointestinal tract provides information on swelling and active agents release rates as a function of pH in real biological environments. Thus, the new formulations of microcapsules with microorganisms and plant extracts have great potential for the development of fermented whey-based beverages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ionotropic gelation method is a process of forming gels or microcapsules from polymers such as alginate using divalent ions like calcium. The aim of this work was to study the effect of encapsulation conditions on phenolic compounds efficiency and the antioxidant activity of malabar nut (Justicia adhatoda L.) leaves using ionotropic gelation method. The parameters studied were sodium alginate concentration (1 to 4%), calcium chloride concentration (2 to 8%), extract/alginate solution ratio (0.1 to 0.6%), and gelation time (10 to 40 min). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were assessed to determine the antioxidant compounds while ferric-reducing power and free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Experimental results showed that all encapsulation conditions had a significant effect ( p ˂ 0.05) on total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of the extract. The best conditions selected were 3% of sodium alginate, 6% of CaCl2, 0.1% of extract/alginate ratio and 10 min of gelation time with values of 94.04 ± 0.03% for TPC encapsulation efficiency, 98 ± 0.04% for TFC encapsulation efficiency, 217.52 ± 0.03 mg of AAE/100g for ferric reducing power (FRP), and 83.53 ± 0.37% for DPPH. Ferric-reducing power and free radical scavenging potential (DPPH) were found to be positively significantly correlated with phenolic and flavonoid content encapsulation efficiency under the influence of all encapsulation parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of different coating materials on the microencapsulation of hempseed oil by spray drying. For this purpose, hempseed oil emulsions were prepared with skimmed milk powder (SMP), maltodextrin (MD), and whey protein concentrate (WPC). The properties of these emulsions including rheological, zeta potential, and physicochemical properties were analyzed. Then, hempseed oil microcapsules were produced using spray drying. The effect of the different coating materials on spray-dried hempseed oil capsules was evaluated in terms of microencapsulation yield, surface oil, microencapsulation efficiency, oxidation stability, and physicochemical properties. The combinations of SMP (50.58%) or WPC (56.21%) with MD significantly enhanced the microencapsulation yield. The highest microencapsulation efficiency (92.16%) was obtained in the microcapsule with SMP: MD. This microcapsule with SMP: MD also showed higher oxidative stability compared to other microcapsules. Besides, this combination (SMP: MD) effectively protected the hempseed oil against oxidation during the Schaal oven test. Additionally, spray-dried hempseed oil microcapsules were characterized using FT-IR, TGA, and SEM. It was determined that using MD as a coating material improved the thermal stability of the microcapsules. As a result, it was concluded that the SMP: MD as a coating material was suitable for the microencapsulation of hempseed oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excessive use of biocides has considerable environmental and economic impacts; this is why new technologies have been sought to decrease the concentration levels applied in an effort to reduce the use of these substances. Microencapsulation using cyclodextrins has been widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries as a way of reducing the concentrations of the active substance necessary to achieve a biological effect and/or eliminate its irritating or toxicological effects. In this study, the inclusion complexation behavior and binding ability of benzothiazolinone (BIT) with different β-cyclodextrins (β-CD, HP-β-CD, and Me-β-CD) was investigated. The intermolecular interactions were examined through UV and FTIR spectroscopy, DSC, 1D 1H NMR, and 2D ROESY. The highest stability constant was observed for the BIT/Me-β-CD inclusion complex (299.5 ± 2.9 M−1). Antibacterial activity was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and the results revealed that the BIT/Me-β-CD inclusion complex displays a higher antibacterial activity than BIT. The acute toxicity of the biocide and inclusion complex was also examined using the photobacterium Aliivibrio fischeri. Although BIT exhibited higher toxicity than the inclusion complex, further investigation is needed due to the quorum quenching effect of β-CDs. The data found suggest that BIT microencapsulation can increase its aqueous solubility and can be used as an effective tool to improve its chemical, biological, and ecotoxicological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare two kinds of soluble dietary fibres in a mixture with OSA-starch as wall components of linseed oil capsules. Comparison was made based on emulsion (droplet size, polydispersity index, and viscosity) and powder properties (outer structure, colour, surface oil content, and encapsulation efficiency). Additionally, linseed oil powders were applied to the food model (apple juice) and the colour, physical stability, and volatile compound profile of fortified juice were determined. Although the obtained linseed oil emulsions with different compositions of polysaccharide components showed some variation in droplet size, polydisperse index and viscosity, their encapsulation efficiency by spray-drying was very high (>98%). The powders produced had a similar structure and low surface oil content, and their 2% addition to apple juice did not change its stability and only slightly decreased its colour lightness and yellowness. However, greater differences in the volatile compounds of obtained juices were observed. Overall, the added powders reduced the volatility of aroma compounds typical of apple juice but introduced propanal and hexanal, especially the powders with the highest OSA-starch share. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of probiotics in functional foods has gained significant interest due to their various beneficial effects to human when consumed in adequate amounts. However, the low survivability of probiotics subjected to adverse environmental conditions during processing, storage and gastrointestinal passage limited their commercial applications. Double emulsion microbial encapsulation is a promising approach to provide probiotic living cells with a full protection to resist adverse environmental conditions. Based on numerous cases of double emulsions applied for probiotic encapsulation, this report reviews various factors influencing the encapsulation yield and viability of probiotics, including emulsification methods, emulsifier selection, effect of probiotics, and modification of emulsification technique, also the targeted release mechanisms of these double emulsions triggered by various manners. This information can be useful to optimize the formulation and emulsification technique of double emulsion in order to improve the use efficacy and beneficial effects of probiotics in different commercial products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nano-structure Lipid Carriers (NLCs) are small spheres extending in scale from 10 to 1000 nanometres comprised of biocompatible and biodegradable lipids. These spheres can encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, preserving them from degradation and increasing their distribution to the intended place in the body. Imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, has been investigated in hamster model at 5-10 mg/kg for experimental leishmaniasis. The goal of this research is to develop Imipramine in a nano-structured lipid carrier formulation for targeting macrophage cells. Materials and Methods: Imipramine-loaded NLCs were created employing Glyceryl Monostearate (GMS) as the solid lipid constituent alongside oleic acid as the liquid lipid, while tween80 acted as the surfactant. The process of hot homogenization was employed to prepare the NLCs. The formulation was optimized using 2³ factorial designs using design expert software. The optimised formulation was further used for the preparation of mannose functionalized imipramine-loaded NLCs. Results: The IMP-NLC opt and M-NLC show a globule size of 348.5±0.81 nm and 459.4±0.28 nm with encapsulation efficiency of 61.6±0.326% and 64.48±0.408%, respectively. The drug release in vitro demonstrates a dual-phase pattern, featuring an early rapid sudden release followed by a gradual and slower release. The surface morphology, drug release kinetics and stability were also used to characterize the prepared NLCs. Conclusion: This study concludes that nanostructured lipid carriers demonstrate considerable encapsulation efficiency, release and stability for further pre-clinical investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This work established an oxidised porous starch carrier system for the administration of caffeine by selectively oxidising the main hydroxyl groups at the C6 positions of porous starch to carboxyl groups using 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidoxyl (TEMPO) oxidation. The loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of oxidised porous starch on caffeine rose as the oxidation degree (0%–90%) increased, increasing by 4.66 and 4.95 times, respectively, at 90% oxidation. The crystallinity of porous starch diminished after TEMPO oxidation, while the crystalline caffeine transferred into an amorphous state when loaded onto oxidised porous starch. Following oxidation, the absolute value of porous starch surface potential rose, enabling the granules avoided aggregation. Caffeine formed tighter bonds with oxidised porous starch in acidic conditions due to the dissociation of carboxyl groups, which lead to a peak loading capacity (8.02%) of oxidised porous starch with 90% oxidation at pH 4. Electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds were the driving forces. Long‐term gastrointestinal release of caffeine was achieved utilising oxidised porous starch as carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA-based therapeutics, including siRNA, have obtained recognition in recent years due to their potential to treat various chronic and rare diseases. However, there are still limitations to lipid-based drug delivery systems in the clinical use of RNA therapeutics due to the need for optimization in the design and the preparation process. In this study, we propose adaptive focused ultrasound (AFU) as a drug loading technique to protect RNA from degradation by encapsulating small RNA in nanoliposomes, which we term nanoplexes. The AFU method is non-invasive and isothermal, as nanoplexes are produced without direct contact with any external materials while maintaining precise temperature control according to the desired settings. The controllability of sample treatments can be effectively modulated, allowing for a wide range of ultrasound intensities to be applied. Importantly, the absence of co-solvents in the process eliminates the need for additional substances, thereby minimizing the potential for cross-contaminations. Since AFU is a non-invasive method, the entire process can be conducted under sterile conditions. A minimal volume (300 μL) is required for this process, and the treatment is speedy (10 min in this study). Our in vitro experiments with silencer CD44 siRNA, which performs as a model therapeutic drug in different mammalian cell lines, showed encouraging results (knockdown > 80%). To quantify gene silencing efficacy, we employed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Additionally, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques were employed to capture images of nanoplexes. These images revealed the presence of individual nanoparticles measuring approximately 100–200 nm in contrast with the random distribution of clustered complexes observed in ultrasound-untreated samples of liposome nanoparticles and siRNA. AFU holds great potential as a standardized liposome processing and loading method because its process is fast, sterile, and does not require additional solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need of sustainable food packaging preserving food from degradation conducted to increase research on active packaging using essential oil, as carvacrol, for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The encapsulation of this kind of volatile molecules is necessary and nanoencapsulation into biopolymers, as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) showed an increasing interest as a green solution, although this method again need to be improved. In this study, a full experimental design was developed to select the best method (nanoprecipitation and emulsification) and operating conditions (PHBV molecular weight, surfactant concentration, carvacrol/PHBV ratio and Aqueous/Organic phase volume ratios) to encapsulate carvacrol into PHBV. In this purpose, for each tested conditions, encapsulation efficiency (process efficiency, carvacrol recovery, PHBV recovery and loading capacity), as well as nanoparticles’ morphology and size were estimated, and statistically analysed. Carvacrol recovery and loading capacity were significatively highest (61 % and 100 % respectively) using emuslification method, low surfactant concentration, high carvacrol/PHBV ratio (for loading capacity) and low PHBV molecular weight (for carvacrol recovery). To the contrary, PHBV recovery increased (93 %) using the nanoprecipitation method, a high surfactant concentration and a low carvacrol/PHBV ratio, while process efficiency increased (73 %) with a low carvacrol/PHBV ratio and a low aqueous/organic phase volume ratio. Moreover, small spherical-shaped and separated nanoparticles were obtained using emulsification method, high surfactant concentration but low carvacrol/PHBV ratio. Therefore, including all the aspects of carvacrol nanoencapsulation into PHBV (shape and encapsulation efficiency) using emulsification method, with a low level for all parameters except the surfactant concentration are the most suitable strategy.

Granaticins are natural pigments derived from microorganisms with promising bioactivity. However, their practical applications have been restricted due to inherent instability. To improve the stability of granaticins from the novel strain Streptomyces vilmorinianum YP1, microcapsules were prepared using gum Arabic (GA) by a freeze-drying method. The optimal parameters for microencapsulation were determined using response surface methodology. Under the optimal conditions (GA 9.2% (v/v), a wall/−core ratio 4.8 (w/w), encapsulating temperature 29 °C), the maximum encapsulation efficiency achieved was 93.64%. The microcapsules were irregular single crystals with an average particle size of 206.37 ± 2.51 nm. Stability testing indicated improved stability of the microencapsulated granaticins. Notably, granaticnic B retention increased by 17.0% and 6.6% after exposure to sunlight and storage at 4 °C, respectively. These finding suggest that GA as a well material significantly enhances the stability of granaticins from S. vilmorinianum YP1, facilitating their potential applications.

Mixtures of maltodextrin (MD), egg yolk protein (EYP), Manchurian walnut protein isolate (MWPI) and soybean protein isolate (SPI) in different proportions were used as wall materials to prepare Manchurian walnut oil microcapsules by spray drying. The micromorphology, thermal stability, storage stability and antioxidant stability of microcapsules were analyzed. The results showed that the encapsulation efficiency of microcapsules prepared with MWPI was 73.68%, with an intact and dense structure, indicating that Manchurian walnut oil was successfully encapsulated in and protected by the microcapsules. The microcapsule powder had good flowability and solubility. The MWPI microcapsules lost only 5.48% of its initial mass under programmed heating conditions (10 ℃/min, up to 150 ℃), which was much lower than that of SPI microcapsules (10.3%), thereby being more able to meet the requirements of most thermally processed products. Microencapsulation obviously slowed down the oxidation rate of Manchurian walnut oil and improved its storage stability. The antioxidant experiments demonstrated that microencapsulation could effectively improve the antioxidant stability of active ingredients in Manchurian walnut oil. Therefore, this study demonstrated MWPI to be an excellent microcapsule wall material by evaluating its performance, which will expand the range of selection of protein-based wall materials, and provide a new idea for the application of walnut protein isolate resources to improve the added value of Manchurian walnut.

Multiple emulsions can dissolve some substances with different properties, such as hydrophilicity and lipophilicity, into different phases. They play an important role in protection, controlled release and targeted release of the encapsulated substances. However, it's poor stability has always been one of the main problems restricting its application in the food industry. For this reason, a heat-induced aggregate (HIA) of Maillard graft product of isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMO), as well as egg white protein (EWP), was used as hydrophilic emulsifier to improve the stability of W1/O/W2 emulsions. Moreover, gelatin was added into the internal aqueous phase (W1) to construct W1/O/W2 emulsion-gels system. The encapsulation efficiency of HIA-stabilized W1/O/W2 emulsions remained nearly unaltered, dropping by only 0.86%, significantly outperforming the conjugates and physical mixture of IMO and EWP in terms of encapsulation stability. The emulsion-gels system was constructed by adding 5% gelatin in the W1, and had the highest EE% and good salt and heat stability after 30 days of storage. This experiment provides guidance for improving the stability of W1/O/W2 emulsions system and its application in the package delivery of functional substances in the food field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological advancement in encapsulating vegetable oil enriched with PUFA has become a new trend to improve stability, preservation, and food application. For microencapsulation of flaxseed oil, spray and freeze drying have been extensively used; however, in this study, ultrasonication along with microwave drying had a significant impact on the encapsulation efficiency (%) and dissolution time (min) of the powder. Analysis of experimental data revealed the optimized condition of microencapsulated flaxseed oil powder at 4.5 g maltodextrin/g of whey protein concentrate,.208 mL oil/g of wall material, and 14 min ultrasonication time. In addition, 6 min of microwave drying at 60 W provided 85.4% encapsulation efficiency, 1.98 meq/kg of oil peroxide value, 4.92 color difference, and 7.08 min dissolution time for the encapsulated powder. Storage studies for 21 days revealed that the peroxide value of raw oil increased by 13 times, whereas microencapsulated powder had only a twofold increase which demonstrated its higher stability when compared with bulk flaxseed oil. Practical applications: Flaxseed oil is rich in omega‐3 fatty acids, however has poor stability. Encapsulation of flaxseed oil will enhance stability, longer shelf life, and health benefits. Encapsulated oil can be used in dairy and bakery products to increase omega‐3 fatty acids intake and enhance the nutritional values of final products. The current work will recommend the food industries to prepare omega‐3 fatty acids‐rich foods by incorporating encapsulated flaxseed oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ilex paraguariensis, known as yerba-mate, is widely consumed as a hot or cold infusion in South America. Every year during the leaves harvesting, a rate of 5 tons/ha of branches is generated due to the tree trimming. The epidermis of these branches (IPC) is characterized by a high concentration of chlorogenic acids. Due to its promising high compound concentration, IPC extract is well-suited for various applications, and its preservation is particularly crucial, especially in bakery goods. This study aimed to optimize the spray-drying encapsulation of IPC extract to enhance the stability of chlorogenic acids for baked product applications. Through multivariate design, the optimal encapsulation conditions were determined, resulting in 75% encapsulation efficiency (%EE), 66.5% loading capacity (%LC), a 41 ºC increase in thermal stability, and particles with an average diameter of up to 5 µm. In sponge cakes formulated with encapsulated IPC extract (IPCE), an average of 94.4% of chlorogenic acids was preserved, compared to only 69.3% when free-IPC extract was used. Furthermore, the chlorogenic acids in IPCE exhibited excellent stability over 12 months when stored at 4ºC. Spray-drying encapsulation proved to be a rapid and effective process for the food industry, preserving chlorogenic acids for at least one year during storage under conditions that would naturally lead to degradation. These findings encourage the application of encapsulates to enhance the functionality of foods and add value to a naturally neglected commercial product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The study aimed to encapsulate carotenogenic extracts from Sporidiobolus salmonicolor yeast through freeze-drying and evaluate the stability during the storage and their potential application and in dairy product. An experimental design methodology was employed to assess the matrix effects of gum Arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) composition on carotenoid encapsulation efficiency. The microparticles were characterized for yield, encapsulation efficiency, water activity, moisture, color parameters, and their application in natural yogurt. The extract carotenoid showed 5014.12 μg/L of total carotenoids, without toxicity and with antioxidant activity of 1.44 mM trolox/g. The maximum carotenoid encapsulation efficiency was 90%, achieved with MD and GA proportions of 5 and 30 g/L, respectively. Storage stability tests for the microcapsules revealed initial values of 0.097 for water activity and 1.05% for moisture. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated encapsulation efficiency, with carotenoids undergoing degradation at 408 °C. Storage in an amber bottle preserved 84% of the encapsulated material for 110 days. Applying concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0% of encapsulated carotenoids in natural yogurt maintained the product's color (Chroma C*) for 22 days when stored at 4 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciencia y Tecnología Agropecuaria is the property of Agrosavia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nanoemulsions are gaining interest in a variety of products as a means of integrating easily degradable bioactive compounds, preserving them from oxidation, and increasing their bioavailability. However, preparing stable emulsion compositions with the desired characteristics is a difficult task. The aim of this study was to encapsulate the Tinospora cordifolia aqueous extract (TCAE) into a water in oil (W/O) nanoemulsion and identify its critical process and formulation variables, like oil (27–29.4 mL), the surfactant concentration (0.6–3 mL), and sonication amplitude (40% to 100%), using response surface methodology (RSM). The responses of this formulation were studied with an analysis of the particle size (PS), free fatty acids (FFAs), and encapsulation efficiency (EE). In between, we have studied a fishbone diagram that was used to measure risk and preliminary research. The optimized condition for the formation of a stable nanoemulsion using quality by design was surfactant (2.43 mL), oil concentration (27.61 mL), and sonication amplitude (88.6%), providing a PS of 171.62 nm, FFA content of 0.86 meq/kg oil and viscosity of 0.597 Pa.s for the blank sample compared to the enriched TCAE nanoemulsion with a PS of 243.60 nm, FFA content of 0.27 meq/kg oil and viscosity of 0.22 Pa.s. The EE increases with increasing concentrations of TCAE, from 56.88% to 85.45%. The RSM response demonstrated that both composition variables had a considerable impact on the properties of the W/O nanoemulsion. Furthermore, after the storage time, the enriched TCAE nanoemulsion showed better stability over the blank nanoemulsion, specially the FFAs, and the blank increased from 0.142 to 1.22 meq/kg oil, while TCAE showed 0.266 to 0.82 meq/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The food borne pathogen Enterobacter cloacae contribute to food borne illness in humans. Biofilm formation in Enterobacter cloacae makes them more resistant to antibiotics. The main goal of the research is to prevent biofilm-forming Enterobacter cloacae by encapsulating nisin in liposomes using nanotechnology. The isolate was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and the biofilm-formed were characterized. Nisin was selected based on sensitivity testing. A microvesicle encapsulation method was used to encapsulate nisin in liposomes. Bacterial control was determined by colony forming units in an in vitro bioassay. Inhibition and eradication of Enterobacter cloacae was investigated using a microbial biofilm highthroughput antimicrobial susceptibility test using the Calgary biofilm apparatus. The food borne pathogen Enterobacter cloaca was isolated from the skin of grapes. After characterizing the biofilm formation on the isolate, the results showed that Enterobacter cloacae has the highest biofilm formation in tryptic broth (TSB) and brain heart infusion medium (BHI). In the antibiotic susceptibility test, the isolate is inhibited by antibiotics when presented in high concentrations. High-throughput analysis was performed using the Calgary biofilm apparatus, and the results showed that the nisinloaded liposome exhibited good inhibition compared to antibiotics. One mM concentration of nisin (3.3 mg/10 mL) was used to encapsulate them in liposomes using a microvesicle encapsulation method. The results showed a tremendous inhibition of the food borne pathogen Enterobacter cloacae by the colony-forming units. This liposomal encapsulation of nisin promises high inhibition and can also be used for food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin is an antioxidant that can effectively eliminate free radicals. However, as its oral bioavailability is low, an effective delivery method is required. Phospholipid-based liposomes can encapsulate lipophilic drugs, such as curcumin, while liposome, cholesterol, and gum Arabic (GA) can enhance the internal and external stability of drug membranes. This present study used concentrations of cholesterol (Cchol) and GA (CGA), ranging from 0 to 10, 20, 30, and 40% as well as 0 to 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40%, respectively, to encapsulate curcumin in a GA–cocoliposome (CCL/GA) matrix and test its efficacy in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and simulated gastric fluid (SGF). The absence of new characteristic peaks in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra results indicate the presence of non-covalent interactions in the CCL/GA encapsulation. Furthermore, increasing the Cchol decreased the encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), and antioxidant activity (IR) of the CCL/GA encapsulation but increased its release rate (RR). Conversely, increasing CGA increased its EE and IR but decreased its LC and RR. The two conditions applied confirmed this. Liposomal curcumin had the highest IR in SIF (84.081%) and the highest RR in SGF (0.657 ppm/day). Furthermore, liposomes loaded with 10% Cchol and 20% CGA performed best in SIF, while those loaded with 10% Cchol and 30% CGA performed best in SGF. Lastly, the CCL/GA performed better in SIF than SGF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to environmental issues, upcycling has become a growing trend in the food industry. Aquasoya is a promising method to upcycle by-product from soybean processing due to its high protein contents and excellent emulsifying ability. In the present research, Aquasoya powder was used an emulsifier to incorporate the antioxidant compounds from perilla skin extract (PSE), namely rosmarinic acid, into oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion system and its physochemical stability was assessed. As a result, droplet size of the emulsion was smaller in PSE-incorporated emulsion (PO, 350.57 ± 9.60 b nm) than the emulsion without PSE (PX, 1045.37 ± 142.63 a nm). Centrifugal photosedimentometry analysis also revealed that the physical stability was significantly improved in PO, and the stability was maintained over 30 d of storage. Furthermore, as PO had a higher ABTS radical scavenging ability and showed slower initial lipid oxidation, it was concluded that PO has a higher antioxidant ability than PX. Conclusively, Aquasoya can be considered as an emulsifier in O/W emulsion with PSE because it can effectively integrate and stabilize the antioxidant substance derived from perilla skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan (CS) can be extracted from waste fish scales through a series of chemical processes, including demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation. The biomaterial poly (acrylamide [AM]‐co‐acrylic acid [AA])/CS is a unique superabsorbent material synthesized through the free radical graft copolymerization method by using AM, AA, and CS powder. During synthesis, ammonium persulfate is used as an initiator, and N, N′‐methylene bisacrylamide is used as a cross‐linker. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy have been studied to know about the morphology and structure of the synthesized superabsorbent materials. The water absorbency of the material continuously increases from day 1 to day 30. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) of the superabsorbent material show adequate thermal stability. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicates that the synthesized biomaterial is virtually amorphous in nature. The percentage of biodegradability increases with time. The encapsulation efficiency of amoxicillin drugs is around 70%, which indicates that the biomaterial is highly efficient for drug release applications. The synthesized novel biomaterial is a low‐cost, eco‐friendly, and thermally stable hydrogel that can be effectively used in drug release applications. Highlights: Chitosan (CS)‐based hydrogels are highly pH‐sensitive towards drug release.The biodegradability and swelling behavior of the synthesized biomaterial were studied by adopting a suitable methodology.The novel material formed was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, TGA, and Scanning electron microscopy. The encapsulation efficiency, kinetic study, and controlled drug release behavior of the amoxicillin drug were studied in solutions of simulated gastric fluid and phosphate‐buffered saline.The material developed in this study shows good performance in controlled drug delivery, and is therefore suitable for manufacturing medical devices used in drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin is utilized extensively as Chinese medicine in Asia due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and inflammatory activities. However, its use has the challenges of low oral bioavailability and high heat sensitivity. The aim of this research was to produce flexible nano-liposomes containing curcumin using an innovative approach of ethanol injection and Tween 80 to enhance the stability and preservation of curcumin. The mean particle size, encapsulation efficiency, thermal degradation, storage stability, and curcumin release in flexible nano-liposomes were also investigated. We found that the mean particle size of curcumin-loaded flexible nano-liposome decreased from 278 nm to 27.6 nm. At the same time, the Tween 80 concentration increased from 0 to 0.15 wt%, which corresponded with the results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) morphology analyses, and particle size decreased with an enhancement in Tween 80 concentration. Further, pure curcumin was quickly released within one hour at 37 °C, and first-order kinetics matched with its release curve. However, curcumin encapsulated in flexible nano-liposomes showed a slow release of 71.24% within 12 h, and a slower release pattern matched with the Higuchi model over 24 h, ultimately reaching 84.63% release. Hence, flexible nano-liposomes of curcumin made by a combination of ethanol injection and Tween 80 addition prevented the thermal degradation of curcumin, and enhanced its storage stability and preservation for future drug delivery applications.

Fertilizers that release nutrients slowly can provide crops with consistent nutrients, while soils with good water-holding capacity can alleviate the impact of droughts on crops. Sodium alginate/carboxymethyl starch sodium/polydopamine/urea (SCPU) is a new kind of slow-release fertilizer with water absorption property. In this study, the Box–Behnken response surface methodology (RSM) was used to reveal the effects of concentrations of sodium alginate, carboxymethyl starch sodium, urea, calcium chloride and dopamine on the encapsulation efficiency and water absorption of SCPU. The results show that the optimum preparation conditions to obtain the highest level of encapsulation efficiency (89.27%) and water absorption (167.05%) are 2.2% sodium alginate, 5% carboxymethyl starch sodium, 30% urea, 1.9% calcium chloride and 0.52% dopamine.

In this study, protein-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres were prepared via supercritical fluid extraction of emulsion (SFEE) technology. To understand the correlation between process parameters and the main quality characteristics of PLGA microspheres, a comprehensive prior study on the influence of process variables on encapsulation efficiency (EE), initial drug burst release (IBR), morphology, surface property, and particle size distribution (PSD) was conducted within a wide process condition range of each unit process step, from the double-emulsion preparation step to the extraction step. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), a high-molecular weight-protein that is difficult to control the IBR and EE of PLGA microspheres with, was used as a model material. As double-emulsion manufacturing process parameters, the primary (W/O) and secondary emulsion (W/O/W) homogenization speed and secondary emulsification time were evaluated. In addition, the effect of the SFEE process parameters, including the pressure (70–160 bar), temperature (35–65 °C), stirring rate (50–1000 rpm), and flow rate of supercritical carbon dioxide, SC-CO2 (1–40 mL/min), on PLGA microsphere quality properties were also evaluated. An increase in the homogenization speed of the primary emulsion resulted in an increase in EE and a decrease in IBR. In contrast, increasing the secondary emulsification speed resulted in a decrease in EE and an increase in IBR along with a decrease in microsphere size. The insufficient secondary emulsification time resulted in excessive increases in particle size, and excessive durations resulted in decreased EE and increased IBR. Increasing the temperature and pressure of SFEE resulted in an overall increase in particle size, a decrease in EE, and an increase in IBR. It was observed that, at low stirring rates or SC-CO2 flow rates, there was an increase in particle size and SPAN value, while the EE decreased. Overall, when the EE of the prepared microspheres is low, a higher proportion of drugs is distributed on the external surface of the microspheres, resulting in a larger IBR. In conclusion, this study contributes to the scientific understanding of the influence of SFEE process variables on PLGA microspheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex coacervation is an encapsulation technique used to preserve the bio functionality of essential oils as well as provide controlled release. In this present work, encapsulation of Citrus Hystrix essential oil (CHEO) was formed by a complex coacervation technique with Gelatin-B (Gel B) and Chitosan (Chi) as the capping materials. The suitable encapsulation formulation was investigated as a function of pH and wall ratio using Zeta Potential analysis. Turbidity measurement and coacervate yield were carried out to confirm the suitable condition. Total Phenolic Content (TPC) was used to obtain the encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of the process. Results show that the suitable condition for coacervate formation between Gel B and Chi ratio of 5:1 was at pH 5.8, which produced a high encapsulation efficiency of 94.81% ± 2.60. FTIR analysis validates the formation of coacervate as well as the encapsulated CHEO. The encapsulates obtained were spherical and dominated by 194.557 um particles. The CHEO was successfully encapsulated by a complex coacervation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EOs) have many beneficial qualities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, and antifungal activities, along with good aroma, which have played a significant role in pharmaceutical, textile, and food industries. However, their high volatility and sensibility to external factors, as well as susceptibility to deterioration caused by environmental and storage conditions, or even common processing, and consequently limited water solubility, makes it difficult to incorporate them into aqueous food matrices and limits their industrial application. Spray-drying encapsulation has been proposed as a solution and a challenging research field to retard oil oxidation, extend EO's shelf life, improve their physicochemical stability, achieve controlled release, suggest novel uses, and therefore boost their added value. The objective of this review is to discuss various used wall materials, infeed emulsion properties, the main formulation and process variables affecting the physicochemical properties and release characteristics of the EOs-loaded particles obtained by spray-drying, the stability of EOs during storage, and the applications of encapsulated EOs powders in foods and nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and textile industries. The current review also summarizes recent advances in spray drying approaches for improving encapsulation efficiency, flavor retention, controlled release, and applicability of encapsulated EOs, thereby expanding their use and functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In order to study the effect of adsorption of surfactant at the two interfacial layers on emulsion stability, the kinetically stable water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W/O/W) emulsion carriers were prepared using polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) and gum arabic (GA) as emulsifiers. The relationship between the adsorption of the surfactant and the stability mechanism of the emulsions was elucidated. RESULTS: When the contents of PGPR and GA were low, the interfaces between oil and the inner and outer water phases, respectively, could not be completely covered. However, when the concentration of PGPR was higher than 60 g kg−1, the excess PGPR was adsorbed on the interface between the oil phase and the outer water phase. When the concentration of GA reached 80 g kg−1, more GA was adsorbed to the oil‐in‐water interface. Moreover, the presence of PGPR on the interface could reduce the adsorption capacity of GA. Two types of kinetically stable emulsions were obtained by optimizing the interface composition (60 g kg−1 GA/80 g kg−1 PGPR and 60 g kg−1 PGPR/80 g kg−1 GA). The kinetically stable W/O/W emulsions prepared in this study were successfully used to encapsulate a hydrophilic vitamin (vitamin B12) with an encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 80% and release efficiency (RE) of 95%. The interfacial adsorption GA can accelerate the hydrolysis of fat. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study provides a new strategy for the preparation of W/O/W emulsions, which might be beneficial for application in food, cosmetic, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) constitute the microbial group most used as probiotics; however, many strains reduce their viability during their transit through the body. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two microencapsulation techniques, as well as the incorporation of lactulose as a prebiotic and the use of chitosan coating on the microcapsules, on the viability of the Lactobacillus sp. strain FM4.C1.2. LAB were microencapsulated by extrusion or emulsion, using 2% sodium alginate as encapsulating matrix and lactulose (2 or 4%) as the prebiotic. The encapsulation efficiency was evaluated, and the capsules were measured for moisture and size. The encapsulation efficiency ranged between 80.64 and 99.32% for both techniques, with capsule sizes between 140.64 and 1465.65 µm and moisture contents from 88.23 to 98.04%. The microcapsules of some selected treatments (five) were later coated with chitosan and LAB survival was evaluated both in coated and uncoated microcapsules, through tolerance to pH 2.5, bile salts and storage for 15 days at 4 °C. The highest survival of the probiotic strain under the conditions of pH 2.5 (96.78–99.2%), bile salts (95.54%) and storage for 15 days (84.26%), was found in the microcapsules obtained by emulsion containing 4% lactulose and coated with chitosan. These results demonstrate the possible interaction of lactulose with alginate to form better encapsulating networks, beyond its sole probiotic effect. Additional research may shed more light on this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood hemicelluloses have been used as a wall material for spray-dried microencapsulation of polyphenols. Nevertheless, their incomplete water solubility could negatively impact their encapsulation efficiency (EE) and the formation of a complete protective layer, which might be alleviated synergistically by combining them with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). Here, we explored the effects of CMC addition (0.5–3.0 %, w/w of WM) on the capacity of galactoglucomannans (GGM) and glucuronoxylans (GX) to retain bioactive compounds of bilberry during spray drying; and its contribution to the formation of wall thickness. The results revealed that EE of GGM and GX increased by 4–8 % with the CMC addition at 0.5 %, but significantly declined at higher CMC concentrations. Adding CMC improved the microcapsules' antioxidant activities, surface smoothness, and solubility, but had no effect on their particle size, thermal properties, amorphous structure, or moisture content. The majority of the GGM and GX microcapsules had a hollow internal structure surrounded by continuous wall matrix with a thickness of about 2.3–2.6 μm, which increased to 3.1–3.5 μm with the addition of 0.5 % CMC. Therefore, using CMC at an optimized proportion as a co-encapsulant improved wood hemicelluloses' ability to protect bioactive compounds during spray drying and enhanced microcapsule wall formation.

In this study, ω-3 medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCTs) microcapsules with excellent performance were obtained using soy protein as the wall component to address the oxidation-related problems of MLCTs. Additionally, the effect of soy, whey, or pea proteins on microcapsules in terms of the changes in their structure and physicochemical properties was investigated. The results showed that the small particle size, low PDI (polydispersity index) and zeta potential, fast adsorption rate, and low interfacial tension of these protein-based samples fabricated through the O/W template method were conducive to maintaining the integrity of microcapsules during spray-drying. The microcapsules, characterized by a spherical shape, exhibited superior encapsulation efficiency of 94.56%, surpassing the findings of previous investigations. Overall, these microcapsules exhibited long-term storage stability and low controllable release rates, which could be utilized as carriers for liposoluble actives.

Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), a monomer saponin component, is one of the components with the highest content in total saponins of Panaxnotoginseng. It had various pharmacological effects. The bioavailability of oral tablets is only 1–20 %, and it is eliminated quickly in the blood. The development of new dosage forms and new routes of administration of ginsenoside Rg1 with sustained release and high bioavailability has become a significant problem to be solved. The Rg1 liposomes study used a thin film dispersion ultrasound method for its preparation. This study focused the pharmacokinetic parameters of ginsenoside Rg1 liposomes in rats through the lung perfusion method. Ginsenoside Rg1 liposomes were round and uniform in shape, the particle size was 2–3 μm, and the encapsulation efficiency of ginsenoside Rg1 liposome was 51.2 %. Results showed that, after pulmonary administration of ginsenoside Rg1, the time of ginsenoside Rg1 detected by Rg1 liposomes was longer than that of Rg1 solution, the relative bioavailability of ginsenoside Rg1 liposome lung administration AUC liposome/AUC solution = 122.67 %. These results provided the scientific theoretical and experimental basis for further development of new dosage forms and new routes of administration of ginsenoside Rg1.

Baicalin, a flavonoid extracted from traditional Chinese medicine, Scutellaria baicalensis has significant anti-inflammatory effects. Microsponges are drug delivery systems that improve drug stability and slow the release rate. The combination of baicalin and the microsponges produced a new and stable system for its delivery, resulting in a novel formulation of baicalin. Baicalin microsponges (BM) were prepared using the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method. Effects of the mass ratio of the polymer (ethylcellulose) to baicalin, the concentration of the emulsifier polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), the stirring speed on the encapsulation efficiency (EE), and yield of the microsponges were investigated by combining the one-factor test and Box-Behnken design (BBD). The preparation process was standardised using 2.61:1 mass ratio of ethyl cellulose to baicalin, 2.17% concentration of PVA, with stirring at 794 rpm. Optimised BM formulations were evaluated for the parameters of EE (54.06 ± 3.02)% and yield of (70.37 ± 2.41)%, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and in vitro cell evaluation. Results of the in vitro anti-inflammatory assay showed that baicalin microsponges-pretreated-lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7, mouse macrophages showed reduced inflammatory response, similar to that seen in baicalin-treated macrophages.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is the template for protein biosynthesis and is emerging as an essential active molecule to combat various diseases, including viral infection and cancer. Especially, mRNA-based vaccines, as a new type of vaccine, have played a leading role in fighting against the current global pandemic of COVID-19. However, the inherent drawbacks, including large size, negative charge, and instability, hinder its use as a therapeutic agent. Lipid carriers are distinguishable and promising vehicles for mRNA delivery, owning the capacity to encapsulate and deliver negatively charged drugs to the targeted tissues and release cargoes at the desired time. Here, we first summarized the structure and properties of different lipid carriers, such as liposomes, liposome-like nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, exosomes and lipoprotein particles, and their applications in delivering mRNA. Then, the development of lipid-based formulations as vaccine delivery systems was discussed and highlighted. Recent advancements in the mRNA vaccine of COVID-19 were emphasized. Finally, we described our future vision and perspectives in this field.