Carrier Agent Research Articles

Encapsulation bioactive compund propolis with carrageenan –gum arabic by spray drying

Propolis is a product from the honeybee particularly from flowers , leaf buds, plant resins that bee collected as building material. Propolis exerts numerous pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti bacterial, anticancer, antifungal, anti inflammatory, antiviral etc. There are growing interest In the food industry in microencapsulation to protect, isolate or control the release of given substances. Spray drying is one of many methods to encapsulate food ingredients. Microcapsules were produced by a spray-drying technique using of solution of k–carrageenan gum arabic and maltodextrin as the binding materials. In this work, the effects of spray-drying on the encapsulation yield, particle size and total phenolic content of the bioactive components of propolis were determined for different concentration between carrier agent and propolis at volume ratio 1:0,5 1:1, 1:1,5,1. The SEM testing showed that the microcapsules had a regular spherical shape with the size 1 µm. The spray-dried propolis extract showed high total phenolic content 67,78 mg(GAE)/g extract at ratio 1:2, and the highest yield at concentration ratio between carrier agent and propolis 1:0,5 are 64,7 %.

The in-vitro and In-vivo histopathology and toxicity of Gd(III)-anionic linear globular dendrimer second-generation G2-C595 nanoprobe

Objective(s): Toxico-histopathological studies are used to assess the toxic impacts of nanoparticles in organism exposure. The present study aimed to evaluate the prospective nano-cytotoxicity impacts of Gd(III)-anionic linear globular dendrimer second-generation G2-C595 (Gd[III] dendrimer G2-C595) contrast nanoprobe in terms of the exposure of many nude mice organs and organisms. In addition, we assessed the potential of the Gd(III)-dendrimer G2-C595 nanoprobe as a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) nano-contrast agent for the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK-293).Materials and Methods: Gadolinium (Gd[III]) was loaded with dendrimer G2 and conjugated with the C595 monoclonal antibody to generate the Gd(III)-dendrimer G2-C595 to determine the impact on MUC1 beneficial cancer tumors. The cytotoxic effects of the Gd(III)-dendrimer G2-C595 nanoprobe on the HEK-293 cells were also investigated in-vitro and in-vivo. In addition, the Gd(III)-dendrimer G2-C595 nanoprobe was used on nude mice bearing the MCF-7 tumors to explore its specific activity against the in-vivo model of cancer.Results: The Gd(III)-dendrimer G2-C595 contrast nanoprobes affected the cytotoxicity of MCF-7, and no in-vivo toxicity was induced in the HEK-293 cells, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, liver tissues, and other organs.Conclusion: According to the results, the Gd(III)-dendrimer G2 and Gd(III)-dendrimer G2-C595 induced no toxicity in the HEK-293 cells and heart, liver, and brain tissues of mice. In addition, the Gd(III)-dendrimer G2-C595 showed specific anti-action against the in-vivo tumor model. Therefore, the Gd(III)-dendrimer G2-C595 nanoprobe is highly recommended as a novel and effective MR contrast agent and antitumor carrier agent. Furthermore, the Gd(III)-dendrimer G2-C595 nano-sized probes demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and safety with no impact on normal organ functioning.

Impact of carrier agents and temperature during storage of dry inocula of Salmonella enterica: A contribution to the validation of low water activity foods processing interventions

In this study, dry inocula were developed using four different carriers [talc, fine sand (0.05–0.2 mm), regular sand (0.2–0.6 mm), and calcium carbonate] for validation of inactivation steps of low moisture foods against Salmonella enterica. Besides, the changes in aw and the survival of S. enterica in the dry inocula made with the four carriers were evaluated throughout the storage period of up to 150–180 days at 4 and 25 °C. Among the carriers evaluated fine and regular sand seem to constitute the best carrier agents for longer preservation of S. enterica cells to be employed in dry inocula. Besides, the storage of inoculated carrier agents under refrigeration (4 °C) enhanced the stability of the dry inocula prepared, maintaining S. enterica counts unaltered for ~ six months (p < 0.05). Overall, based on the results, it has been found that the aw variation during storage did not directly influence S. enterica survival in the dry inocula. However, considering only the aw of the dry inocula obtained using the different carrier agents, it is possible to propose combinations between carrier agents and aw of low moisture foods (LMF). The findings of this study will be highly relevant for the development of stable dry inocula for use in the validation of the inactivation steps of LMF.

Doxorubicin-loaded carboxymethyl cellulose/Starch/ZnO nanocomposite hydrogel beads as an anticancer drug carrier agent

In this paper, nanocomposite hydrogel beads were prepared through combining carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), as well as physical cross-linking with FeCl3. The obtained nanocomposite hydrogel beads were used as a potential candidate for controlled release of anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The nanocomposite hydrogel beads were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, UV–vis, SEM, EDX, TGA and DSC. In addition, gel content, swelling/de-swelling properties, and drug release of the samples were evaluated. The swelling and drug release profiles revealed that the amount of drug released and swelling of the hydrogels depended on the CMC content, pH, and ZnO nanoparticle content. Prolonged and more controlled drug releases were observed for ZnO nanoparticle containing CMC/Starch beads, which increased with the rise in ZnO nanoparticle content. The cytotoxicity of the samples was confirmed using human colon cancer cells (SW480).

Doxorubicin-loaded oxidized starch/poly (vinyl alcohol)/CuO bio-nanocomposite hydrogels as an anticancer drug carrier agent

In this paper, the bio-nanocomposites were used as a potential candidate for controlled release of anticancer drug doxorubicin. Formation of CuO nanoparticles in hydrogels was confirmed using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, TGA and DSC. In addition, gel content, swelling/de-swelling, antibacterial properties, and drug release profiles were evaluated. The swelling and drug release profiles revealed that the amount of drug released and swelling of the hydrogels depended on the oxidized starch content, pH, and CuO nanoparticle content. Prolonged and more controlled drug releases were observed for CuO nanoparticle containing oxidized starch/PVA hydrogels, which increased with the rise in CuO nanoparticle content.

Silver nanoparticles-tragacanth gel as a green membrane for effective extraction and determination of capecitabine.

A novel eco-friendly and effective electromembrane extraction method combining high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection was developed for the enrichment and determination of capecitabine. Tragacanth-silver nanoparticles conjugated gel was prepared by dissolving the tragacanth powder in synthesized silver nanoparticles solution and was used as a green membrane in electromembrane extraction. The porosity and presence of silver nanoparticles in the gel were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy. This new electromembrane extraction approachuses neither organic solvent nor carrier agents to extract the target analyte. The best electromembrane extraction efficiency was obtained by using 4.0mm membrane gel thickness containing 2.5% w/v of tragacanth gum, donor phase pH=5.0, acceptor phase pH=3.0, applied voltage 50 V, extraction time 20min, and agitation rate 500rpm. During method validation under the optimized conditions, good linearity dynamic range between 1 and 500ng/mL with the coefficient of determination (R2 )=0.998 was obtained. Limit of detection and Limit of quantitation were estimated to be 0.84 and 1.0ng/mL, respectively. Finally, the applicability of this method in real samples was confirmed by an acceptable performance in extraction and determination of capecitabine in human plasma samples.

Effect of encapsulating agents on antioxidative properties of spray dried jamun juice powder

The aim of the present work is to investigate the functional properties of Jamun fruit juice powder produced using three different carrier agents. Spray drying of the jamun juice powder was performed using a pilot scale spray dryer. Maltodextrin 21 DE, gum Arabic and a combination of both maltodextrin/gum Arabic was used as a carrier agents. Optimization of the carrier agents was initially done based on the product yield, Powder samples were analysed for its functional properties in terms of total carbohydrates, ascorbic acid and antioxidative activities to determine the best carrier agents retaining the functional properties of dried powder. The result reveals that the powder samples produced using gum arabic poses the best functional properties with limited physical properties whereas powder produced in combination with maltodextrin and gumarabic exhibiting the comparatively better functional as well as physical properties. Result obtained during the current investigation suggests the suitable carrier agents for production of jamun juice powder exhibiting its inherent functional attributes.

Virgin coconut oil: A nutraceutical and therapeutic food

Coconut oil constitutes the most important source of dietary fat in many countries. But, of late the consumption of coconut oil has been linked with incidence of coronary heart diseases and sustained campaign against its use is going on. Normal coconut oil contains 92% of saturated fatty acids, most of them are medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). The monoglyceride monolaurium is the substance that keeps infants from getting viral or bacterial or protozoal infections. Coconut oil lowers cholesterol through stimulation of thyroid function. Also coconut oil has high resistance to oxidative rancidity, sharp melting behavior, effective heat transfer agent in frying, provides moisture barrier and in frying, loss to bakery items in spray oil use, carrier and protective agent for fat soluble vitamins, maximum glycerin content, easily saponifiable even in cold, germicidal and antimicrobial property, ready penetration into the skin and appreciable water absorbing property.

Starch nanoparticles: production methods, structure, and properties for food applications

The present review will provide readers with a state-of-the-art understanding of starch nanoparticles (SNPs), which may be a promising alternative for obtaining a novel ingredient with properties different from those of original starch, thus opening new avenues for starch engineering. The production of SNP has been carried out on a laboratory scale through enzymatic, chemical and/or physical methods with the use of emerging technologies, such as sonication and non-thermal plasma. Promising results have been achieved, such as stabilizers in emulsions and carrier agents of bioactive compounds, in addition to improving the mechanical and barrier properties of films made with vegetable polymers. The future looks promising for studies aimed at optimizing processes, increasing the scale of production and expanding the applications of SNPs.

Production and characterization of Hibiscus sabdariffa by spray dryer using different sprinkler nozzles and carrier agents

Hibiscus Sabdariffa has high antioxidant capacity, but as the fruit in natura can degrade, the drying process can assist in the conservation and the spray drying is a widely used technique. The objective was to evaluate the drying of H. sabdariffa by spray dryer, employing different diameter nozzles and carrier agents. The process yield and the powder properties such as moisture content, water activity, hygroscopicity, solubility, anthocyanins, antioxidant capacity, and color were determined. Regardless of the formulation, the powders showed low water activity (<0.27) and hygroscopicity (<20%), which guarantees good handling and showed a high solubility (>77%). In relation to the antioxidant compounds, the powder obtained from the interaction of gum arabic and chitosan presented higher anthocyanin content and antioxidant capacity. Therefore, it was concluded that both carrier agents and the diameter of the sprinkler nozzle influenced the yield and the chemical and antioxidant properties of H. sabdariffa. Practical applications Hibiscus sabdariffa is widely consumed and its health benefits are due to the presence of antioxidant compounds. However, during the drying process by spray dryer, different factors can lead to the degradation of the antioxidant compounds. Thus, controlling the drying parameters is necessary to evaluate how the process affects the content of antioxidant compounds. The obtained H. sabdariffa extract presented a retention of anthocyanins and antioxidant compounds, which makes its application possible in different products.

The influence of different carrier agents and drying techniques on physical and chemical characterization of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) microencapsulation powder

Fruit powders can become a new and innovative direction of using the potential of Japanese quince (JQ) fruit in an affordable form. Therefore, physical (dry matter, true and bulk density, porosity and color) and chemical parameters of JQ juice powders obtained by using different carrier agents and drying techniques were evaluated. The juice was mixed with maltodextrin, inulin and a mixture of both in different proportions and dried using freeze, spray, and vacuum (50, 70, and 90 °C) drying techniques. The identification and quantification of phenolic compounds in JQ juice powders were performed by LC–PDA–QTOF–MS and UPLC-PDA, respectively, while antioxidant capacity was measured using ABTS, FRAP and ORAC assays. In addition, enzymatic in vitro inhibition tests of α-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase, acetylcholinesterase and 15-lipoxygenase were performed. Among the drying techniques applied, freeze-drying resulted in the highest retention of polyphenols, while among the carrier agents maltodextrin was found to be the best biopolymer for obtaining high-quality fruit powder and also ensured powders with the lowest content of undesirable hydroxymethylfurfural.

Preparation of powdered oil particles by spray drying of cellulose nanocrystals stabilized Pickering hempseed oil emulsions

We are reporting the preparation of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) particles stabilized Pickering hempseed oil-in-water emulsions and using them as feedstocks for the preparation of oil powders without using any other hydrophilic carrier agent. Oil powders were prepared in a spray drier by rapid evaporation of water. The effect of the ratio of HSO to CNCs was evaluated on the emulsion stability and droplet size of emulsified hempseed oil. A mass ratio of 18 g hempseed oil/g CNC or lower was found to be optimal for emulsion stability over 15 days and droplet size between 500 nm and 1–2 μm. The effective interfacial area coverage of oil droplets by CNCs was found to be fundamental for emulsion stability. For the first time, the spray drying of CNCs stabilized oil/water emulsion was used to produce stable encapsulated oil particles without any oil leakage. The microencapsulation efficiency was dependent on the hempseed oil/CNC mass ratio, which in turn influenced the effective coverage of oil droplets. The results suggested that about 10–14 layers of CNCs are required to effectively encapsulate hempseed oil droplets with minimal oil leakage. Less than eight theoretical layers of CNCs resulted in lower encapsulation efficiency with an increase of free-extractable oil. These results are of particular relevance in advanced formulations containing hempseed oil and other compounds that can be potentially stabilized and/or microencapsulated by CNCs.

Effects of carrier agents on powder properties, stability of carotenoids, and encapsulation efficiency of goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.) powder produced by co-current spray drying

Maltodextrin, modified starch, inulin, alginate, gum arabic, and combinations thereof were used as carrier agents for spray drying of carotenoid-rich goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.) juice and compared to cellobiose as an alternative carrier. Powders were analyzed with respect to particle size and morphology, yield, moisture content, cold water solubility, suspension stability, hygroscopicity, carotenoid encapsulation efficiency, and carotenoid retention during storage. A high initial carotenoid concentration after spray drying, a high encapsulation efficiency of 77.2%, and a slow carotenoid degradation kinetics favored the high carotenoid content of the cellobiose powder at the end of the storage. Cellobiose might protect the carotenoids from degradation processes by light exposure, high temperature, and oxygen due to a tighter particle crust and larger particle sizes. Therefore, cellobiose may be considered a potential carrier agent for the encapsulation of carotenoid-rich fruit juices.

An Approach to Value Cocoa Bean By-Product Based on Subcritical Water Extraction and Spray Drying Using Different Carriers

The aim of this study was to establish an efficient, sustainable technological procedure for valorization of food by-product, that is, cocoa bean shells (CBSs). The properties and stability of CBS extracts obtained by spray drying process with maltodextrin (MD) and whey protein (WP) as carrier agents were evaluated. For this purpose, phytochemicals of CBSs were extracted by subcritical water extraction. Physico-chemical properties, total phenolic (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) contents of the encapsulated extracts were determined in order to verify the efficiency of spray drying. Additional analyses for phytochemical characterization of the obtained powders were also performed. The efficiency of microencapsulation process was characterized by product recoveries higher than 58%. Both coating materials significantly influenced the encapsulation of phytochemicals in terms of rehydration, water solubility index and water absorption index, with WP being at an advantage. The best results for TP and TF contents were achieved when CBSs were encapsulated using WP (37.68 mg GAE/g and 7.66 mg CE/g, respectively). Microencapsulation using WP yielded higher content of gallic acid, caffeine, and theobromine than those with MD. According to the results, the formulation using 50% WP provided a better preservation of polyphenols compared to 50% MD. Therefore, spray drying with WP can be used as a method of choice for obtaining high quality CBS powders.

Photocatalytic property and pH-response behavior of modified ZnO electrospun nanofibers grafted with poly(methyl methacrylate)

ZnO nanomaterials have been widely studied in medical and biological fields owing to their better biocompatibility, pH-responsibility and higher photocatalytic ability as drug carriers and disease therapy agent. However, the unstability of ZnO nanomaterials within aqueous solution restricts the applications of it to some extent. In this work, ZnO nanofibers with relative higher porosity were fabricated by electrospinning to improve the load capacity as carriers, and then were modified by hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) through graft polymerization on the surface to improve their stability in aqueous solution. Observations on the morphologies of the nanofibers by SEM showed that the surface modification of PMMA well enhanced the water-stability of ZnO nanofibers. Moreover, the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B was investigated, and pH sensitive release behaviors were studied in details under different pH values, by taking Nifedipine as drug model. The results indicated that PMMA modified ZnO nanofibers showed obvious photocatalytic performances and maintained relative excellent pH-response properties. These findings all suggested that the modified ZnO nanofibers might be one kind of excellent material as medical carrier or therapy agents.

Emulsion liquid membrane extraction of polyphenols compound from palm oil mill effluent

Polyphenols possess many health attributes, as they are powerful antioxidants. Recovery of value-added compounds from industrial waste is a new approach in order to promote sustainability. In this study, the extraction of polyphenols from palm oil mill sterilization condensate by emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) process is proposed. The sterilization condensate was first characterized to determine the total phenolic content (TPC) in the sample. For the extraction, liquid membrane was formulated to choose the best diluent, carrier, and stripping agent. Once the formulation was successfully attempted, the extraction of polyphenols to recover polyphenols was performed. The results show that 2627.3 mg GAE/L of TPC was obtained in the condensate. During the liquid membrane formulation, palm oil was chosen as a green diluent, TBP and n-Octanol were selected as the most appropriate carriers for synergize in a composition of 8:2 by volume, while sodium hydroxide was selected as the most appropriate stripping agents to best facilitate the extraction process. The extraction and recovery performance of polyphenols showed performance of 96.5% and 31%, respectively. The findings of this study show that ELM is a potential technology to extract and recover polyphenols from palm oil mill sterilization condensate.

Exogenous Vitamin C-Triggered Surface Charge Conversion of pH/Reduction-Responsive Micelles for the Enhanced Tumor-Specific Activity of Loaded Doxorubicin.

The effective accumulation at tumor sites and endocytosis by tumor cells for anticancer agents in carriers are essential in successful cancer therapy, and both of the processes are affected by the surface charge of drug carriers. In this study, vitamin C (VC) was employed as an "exogenous switch" to trigger the surface charge conversion of DOX-loaded micelles to obtain a better antitumor effect. T micelles formed by poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate)-ss-b-poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PCL-PDEA-ss-PMPC) turned their ζ potentials from +1 mV to +18 mV under treatment of 20 mM VC, while the ζ potentials of control R micelles formed by PCL-ss-P(DEA-r-MPC) almost remained unchanged under the same condition. DOX-loaded T@DOX and R@DOX had high DLCs of 12% and 13.8%, respectively, and both showed an accelerated drug release in a reductive environment (10 mM GSH or 20 mM VC) at pH 5.0. Notably, due to the surface charge conversion and fast drug release triggered by VC, T@DOX/VC (T@DOX was pretreated by VC) showed an enhanced cytotoxicity and cellular uptake superior to T@DOX, R@DOX, and R@DOX/VC. T@DOX/VC also displayed the in vivo antitumor effect well, which was comparable to DOX·HCl but with less toxic side effects than DOX·HCl. In summary, VC as an exogenous trigger can induce a better antitumor effect of drug-loaded micelles with a suitable polymer structure by charge conversion, and T@DOX/VC has shown to be as a promising approach to achieve potent treatment of tumors.

Use of a Taguchi Design in Hibiscus sabdariffa Extracts Encapsulated by Spray-Drying.

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa were spray-dried using maltodextrin (MD) and gum arabic (GA) as carrier agents. A Taguchi L8 experimental design with seven variables was implemented. Physicochemical properties in the encapsulates were evaluated by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis,) X-ray Diffraction (XRD), spectroscopy and gravimetric techniques. Treatments with aqueous extracts showed the highest concentration of total soluble polyphenols (TSP) 32.12–21.23 mg equivalent gallic acid (EAG)/g dry weight (DW), and antioxidant capacity (AOX) in the 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzotiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assay. The best treatment for TSP and AOX was T4: 2.5% Hibiscus w/w, aqueous extract, decoction, extract-to-carrier ratio 1:1 (w/w), proportion to carriers (MD:GA) 80:20 (w/w), 10,000 rpm, 150 °C. The Taguchi L8 design is a tool that allows the use of multiple variables with a low number of treatments that indicate the drying conditions that give the best parameters, focusing mainly on TSP and AOX, also, it is a good alternative for the preservation and stability of the phenolic compoudns in Hibiscus.

TRAINING OF PERSONNEL HANDLING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN AIR TRANSPORT

Safe air transport and handling of hazardous substances and objects are affected by training of personnel handling dangerous goods. The carrier or cargo agent is responsible for the acceptation and control process as well as the storage and loading of hazardous materials in accordance with obligatory regulations. The article describes the minimum knowledge of specific sections of the instructions for given persons according to the Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), which deal with the transport of hazardous substances. Attention was also paid to the professional training of personnel handling hazardous shipments affecting compliance with safety rules in air transport.

Doxorubicin Loading on Functional Graphene as a Promising Nanocarrier Using Ternary Deep Eutectic Solvent Systems

The application of graphene in the field of drug delivery has attracted massive interest among researchers. However, the high toxicity of graphene has been a drawback for its use in drug delivery. Therefore, to enhance the biocompatibility of graphene, a new route was developed using ternary natural deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as functionalizing agents, which have the capability to incorporate various functional groups and surface modifications. Physicochemical characterization analyses, including field emission scanning electron microscope, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Brunauer−Emmett−Teller, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive X-ray, were used to verify the surface modifications introduced by the functionalization process. Doxorubicin was loaded onto the DES-functionalized graphene. The results exhibited significantly improved drug entrapment efficiency (EE) and drug loading capacity (DLC) compared with pristine graphene and oxidized graphene. Compared with unfunctionalized graphene, functionalization with DES choline chloride (ChCl):sucrose:water (4:1:4) resulted in the highest drug loading capacity (EE of 51.84% and DLC of 25.92%) followed by DES ChCl:glycerol:water (1:2:1) (EE of 51.04% and DLC of 25.52%). Following doxorubicin loading, graphene damaged human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) through the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (>95%) and cell cycle disruption by increase in the cell population at S phase and G2/M phase. Thus, DESs represent promising green functionalizing agents for nanodrug carriers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that DES-functionalized graphene has been used as a nanocarrier for doxorubicin, illustrating the potential application of DESs as functionalizing agents in drug delivery systems.