An efficient ionic gelation based nano-delivery system to improve the stability and controlled release of saffron extracts

Abstract

Saffron bioactive compounds possess exceptional nutritional and health properties. However, their industrial utilization has been limited due to challenges such as low solubility, poor bioavailability, untargeted release, and instability during processing and preparation. This study aimed to improve the delivery and stability of nano-sized saffron extracts as a rich antioxidant and anticancer agent via an ionic gelation-based approach. Efficient alcoholic and aqueous extracts of saffron loaded in chitosan-alginate nanoparticles (CANPs) were developed. Size and zeta potential of produced CANPs recorded in the range of 218–251 nm and 27.5–53.6 mV, respectively. The spherical CANPs showed high encapsulation efficiency. Also, AFM analysis depicted the distinct shape and uniform size distribution of prepared CANPs. The CANPs swelled in neutral solution, while in acidic conditions, it tended to shrink. The release profiles revealed that non-Fickian diffusion of encapsulants would be controlled by adjusting the pH. The encapsulation of saffron extracts within the CANPs significantly enhanced the storage stability. Both refrigerator and room temperatures in dark condition were detected suitable for the storage of saffron extracts loaded CANPs. Cytotoxicity test against MCF-7 cells demonstrated higher anticancer activity of the aqueous extract compared to the alcoholic extract loaded CANPs. Deionized water demonstrated more efficient performance for saffron extract preparation and biological functions in comparison to ethanolic extract. In brief, the CANPs could be introduced as an efficient protective delivery system for the rich bioactive compounds source, namely saffron extracts in functional food and pharmaceutical industries.