Search

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) exhibits antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties; however, low cellular permeability and stability limit its bioavailability. Liposomes have the potential for enhancing bioactive compounds' bioavailability. Yet, low entrapment efficiency (EE) and burst release of hydrophilic substances make them impractical for food industry use. Here, we incorporated gelatin into liposomes to overcome these limitations. EGCG-loaded conventional liposomes (EGCG/CLs) and gelatinized-core liposomes (EGCG/GLs) had small particle sizes and high absolute zeta potentials. Encapsulation in EGCG/GLs significantly improved the EE of EGCG compared to that in EGCG/CLs (p < 0.05). EGCG/GLs retained EGCG in the hydrophilic region, whereas EGCG/CLs exhibited significantly higher release of EGCG during storage (p < 0.05). Additionally, in comparison to EGCG/CLs, gelatin incorporation significantly enhanced the sustained release, cellular permeability, and cellular antioxidant activity of EGCG (p < 0.05). This study emphasizes the capability of gelatinized-core liposomes as a potent delivery system for enhancing the stability and bioavailability of EGCG/CLs, broadening the prospects for utilizing them in the food industry. • Gelatin was incorporated within the hydrophilic region of liposomes. • Gelatin-core liposomes improved the entrapment efficiency of EGCG. • Gelatin-core liposomes improved the storage and heat stability of EGCG. • Gelatin-core liposomes enhanced the cellular properties of EGCG. • Gelatin incorporation could broaden the applications of EGCG-loaded liposomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the possibility of improving the antioxidant activities and solubilities of quercetin (QUE) and isoquercetin (IQUE) through a combination of nanoencapsulation with gel incorporation. QUE- and IQUE-loaded nanoparticles (QUE and IQUE NPs, respectively) were prepared through ionic gelation between chitooligosaccharide and poly-γ-glutamic acid. The antioxidant activities of QUE and IQUE increased by 2.5 and 3.5 times, respectively, after nanoencapsulation. Furthermore, QUE and IQUE NP-filled gelatin gels (G-QUE and G-IQUE NPs, respectively) showed higher antioxidant stabilities than QUE and IQUE NPs, respectively. G-QUE and G-IQUE NPs exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher G' values than free QUE and IQUE in gels, respectively. Moreover, the hardness of G-QUE NPs was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of free QUE in gel. In conclusion, combining nanoencapsulation and gel incorporation can improve the antioxidant activities, stabilities, and physical properties of QUE and IQUE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of chitosan (CS)-tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles (NPs) on the stability, antioxidant activity, and bioavailability of astaxanthin (ASX). ASX-loaded CS-TPP NPs (ACT-NPs) prepared by ionic gelation between CS (0.571 mg/mL) and TPP (0.571 mg/mL) showed 505.2 ± 184.8 nm, 20.4 ± 1.2 mV, 0.348 ± 0.044, and 63.9 ± 3.0% of particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and encapsulation efficiency, respectively. An in vitro release study confirmed that the release of ASX in simulated gastric (pH 1.2) and intestinal (pH 6.8) fluid was prolonged within ACT-NPs. The in vitro antioxidant activities of ACT-NPs were significantly improved compared with free ASX (FA) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the cellular and in vivo antioxidant analysis verified that ACT-NPs could enhance the cytoprotective effects on the BHK-21 cell line and demonstrate sustained release properties, leading to prolonged residence time in the rat plasma. The results suggest that the stability, antioxidant properties, and bioavailability of ASX can be effectively enhanced through encapsulation within CS-TPP NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of nanoencapsulation and gel incorporation on the antioxidant activity, stability, and in vitro release profile of curcumin (CUR). CUR-loaded nanoparticles (CUR NPs) and CUR NPs-filled gelatin (GL)-genipin (GP) gels (GL/GP-CUR NPs) were prepared by ionic gelation and gelation, respectively. CUR NPs and GL/GP-CUR NPs exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity, stability and in vitro release profile than free CUR (p < 0.05); however, there were distinct differences between them. GL/GP-CUR NPs demonstrated 1.17 times higher antioxidant activity than CUR NPs. The stability of GL/GP-CUR NPs was increased by 174% compared with that of CUR NPs. The in vitro release rate of CUR within CUR NPs was dramatically higher than GL/GP-CUR NPs, indicating that GL/GP gel could protect CUR NPs from the degradation (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated the potential of GL/GP-CUR NPs as an effective delivery system for enhancing the application of CUR in the food industry. • Overcoming CUR's limitations, including low solubility and stability, is essential. • CUR NPs were integrated into gelatin-GP hydrogel. • CUR NPs in gelatin-GP hydrogel improved stability and antioxidant activity of CUR. • CUR NPs in gelatin-GP hydrogel offer a promising food industry delivery system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]