Edible Nanoparticles Research Articles

Edible Nanoparticles – An Overview

Abstract Edible nanoparticles (ENPs) are exosome-like membrane-bound vesicles released by plants enriched with lipids, proteins, microRNAs, and other bio-actives from the source plant. This review outlines the info on ENPs till date. A thorough search was conducted in several databases, including Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed. Exosomes, edible nanoparticles, and nanocarriers were the search terms. ENPs remained unknown for several decades and are recently gaining wide attention due to their immense therapeutic potential in treating various diseases like cancer and intestinal and metabolic disorders. ENPs can be used in nanomedicines as it is used as nanocarriers to deliver drugs and other molecules, including chemotherapeutic agents, short interfering RNA, DNA vectors, and peptide sequences. Different cells take them up due to their safety and better bioavailability profiles than all other nanoparticles. Although the number of plants from which the ENPs are isolated is limited, there is still a lack of sufficient knowledge about their characteristics and immense potential. The new methods for the large-scale and cost-effective isolation of ENPs have to be optimized for their wholesome use as therapeutics.

A Comprehensive Review of Nanoparticles for Oral Delivery in Food: Biological Fate, Evaluation Models, and Gut Microbiota Influences.

Edible nanoparticles are being developed for the oral delivery of nutrients to improve human health and well-being. Because of the extremely demanding conditions foods experience within the gastrointestinal tract, fundamental knowledge about the biological fate of encapsulated nutrients must be constantly revised. In this review, we first provide an overview of the fundamental absorption pathways of ingested foods and then discuss the evaluation models available to test and predict the biological fate of nutrient-loaded nanoparticles. Then, owing to their importance for human health, the impacts of nanoparticles on the gut microbiota are evaluated. Lastly, the limitations of current evaluation methods are highlighted and future research directions on the study and application of edible nanoparticles for the oral delivery of bioactive food compounds are discussed.

Recent developments in plant-derived edible nanoparticles as therapeutic nanomedicines.

The use of nanotechnology in the treatment of numerous disorders has proven effective. The predicted development of plant-derived edible nanoparticles (PDNPs) as potential therapeutic agents for treating illness or in the delivery of drugs is inevitable. PDNPs generated from plants resemble mammal-extracted exosomes structurally. In contrast to their excellent biocompatibility with healthy cells, PDNPs are skewed toward malignancies by selectively targeting those cells via unique endocytic pathways. They can be generated in large quantities, are nontoxic, and have tissue-specific targeting abilities. Thus, with fewer off-target effects, using these PDNPs could broaden the breadth of pharmacological therapy. In this discussion, we emphasize the properties and biological activities of PDNPs isolated from fruits and vegetables and discuss the promising implications of these particles as nanomedicines. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: PDNPs have reportedly been employed for therapeutic applications for several ailments and are believed to have characteristics in common with exosomes generated from mammals. The advantages of PDNPs over mammalian-derived exosomes are numerous. Firstly, they may be produced on a commercial scale using a variety of efficient renewable sources. Secondly, the PDNPs' natural components developed in plant cells promise improved cytocompatibility, tolerability, low cytotoxicity, or other adverse effects. We evaluated some current studies on the applications and potential of PDNPs in this article. PDNPs could create new opportunities for drug discovery because of recent advancements in medicine and drug delivery system nanotechnology. Unfortunately, the precise mechanisms behind PDNP's functions and interaction in pathogenic processes have not yet been completely elucidated; as a result, the potential consequences of their clinical use are uncertain. Overall, PDNPs show a wide range of therapeutic possibilities that may be advantageous to patients and might eventually make up the next generation of pharmaceuticals.

A Novel Biocompatible Ternary Nanoparticle with High Antibacterial Activity: Synthesis, Characterization, and Its Application in Beef Preservation.

Edible nanoparticles containing antibacterial agents are one of the effective strategies to control foodborne diseases. Herein, novel ternary nanoparticles (TNP) were prepared from rosemary essential oil (REO), nisin and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) through hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction. The average particle size of TNP was 211.5 nm, and its encapsulation efficiency reached 86.6%. After the addition of LBP, the physical stability, thermal stability and storage stability of TNP were significantly improved. In vitro, compared with the control group, the population of S. aureus and E. coli O157:H7 in the TNP-treated group was reduced by 2.386 log CFU/mL and 1.966 log CFU/mL, respectively, on the fifth day. The free radical scavenging rate of TNP was 63.15%. The application of TNP on beef presented favorable preservation effects without affecting its color and texture. Therefore, the synthesis strategy of TNP has important reference significance for the research and development of new food antibacterial agents.

Encapsulation, protection, and delivery of curcumin using succinylated-cyclodextrin systems with strong resistance to environmental and physiological stimuli

Curcumin is commonly used as a nutraceutical in functional food and beverage formulations because of various biological activities. Typically, curcumin is encapsulated in edible nanoparticles or microparticles to improve its water-dispersibility, chemical stability, and bioavailability. In this study, a succinic acid-modified cyclodextrin (SACD) was fabricated and applied as a carrier for curcumin. Curcumin-loaded SACD (Cur-SACD) with a molar ratio of 1:1 and an encapsulation efficiency > 80% was formed spontaneously basing on hydrogen bonding between the aromatic ring of the curcumin and the hydrophobic cavity of the SACD. Cur-SACD exhibited excellent stability against long-time storage, UV-irradiation, and pasteurization, as well as against physiological conditions including body temperature, physiological salt concentrations, stomach and intestinal pH. This study suggests that Cur-SACD systems may be suitable for increasing the water-dispersibility, stability, and bioavailability of hydrophobic compounds intended for oral administration, such as those used in the food, supplement, and pharmaceutical industries.

A Review on Metal Nanoparticles from Medicinal Plants: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications

Plant extracts contain secondary metabolites which have the potential to act as reducing and stabilizing agents contributing to a greener and more efficient method to synthesize nanoparticles. Rapid growth of Nanotechnology has led to an increased demand in various fields. This review summarizes the use of potent medicinal plant extracts to synthesize metal nanoparticles, methods employed to characterize the properties of the nanoparticles and its application. Characterization of the nanoparticle based on its shape, size, chemical bonds, surface properties, hydrodynamic diameter and crystalline structure using techniques such as UV-Visible Spectroscopy, XRD (X-ray Diffraction), TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), EDS (X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy), DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering), Zeta Potential and FTIR (Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy) are elaborated. The synthesized metal nanoparticles have wide ranges of applications such as antimicrobial activity, antioxidative capability, anticancer effect, antidiabetic properties, plant growth enhancement, dye degradation effects and anti-larval properties. Recent advances in nanotechnology with special emphasis on plant metabolites provide an insight into their usage as plant-derived edible nanoparticles (PDNPs). Applications, limitations and future prospects of this technology have also been briefly discussed.

Edible plant-derived exosomal microRNAs: Exploiting a cross-kingdom regulatory mechanism for targeting SARS-CoV-2

BackgroundThe current COVID-19 pandemic is caused by SARS-CoV-2 which belongs to coronaviridae family. Despite the global prevalence, there are currently no vaccines or drugs. Dietary plant derived exosome-like vesicles are known as edible nanoparticles (ENPs). ENPs are filled with microRNAs (miRNAs), in bioavailable form. Recently, cross-kingdom regulation of human transcripts by plant miRNAs have been demonstrated. However, ENP derived miRNAs targeting SARS-CoV-2 has not been described. Study designMature ENP-derived miRNA sequences were retrieved from small RNA sequencing datasets available in the literature. In silico target prediction was performed to identify miRNAs that could target SARS-CoV-2. ENPs were isolated from ginger and grapefruit plants and the expression of SARS-CoV-2 targeting miRNAs were confirmed by qRT-PCR. ResultsFrom a total of 260 ENP-derived miRNAs, we identified 22 miRNAs that could potentially target SARS-CoV-2 genome. 11 miRNAs showed absolute target specificity towards SARS-CoV-2 but not SARS-CoV. ENPs from soybean, ginger, hamimelon, grapefruit, tomato and pear possess multiple miRNAs targeting different regions within SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, osa/cme miR-530b-5p specifically targeted the ribosomal slippage site between ORF1a and ORF1b. We validated the relative expression of six miRNAs (miR-5077, miR-6300, miR-156a, miR-169, miR-5059 and miR-166 m) in ginger and grapefruit ENPs by RT-PCR which showed differential enrichment of specific miRNAs in ginger and grapefruit ENPs. ConclusionSince administration of ENPs leads to their accumulation into lung tissues in vivo, ENP derived miRNAs targeting SARS-CoV-2 genome has the potential to be developed as an alternative therapy.

Extending the Shelf Life of Strawberries by the Sonochemical Coating of their Surface with Nanoparticles of an Edible Anti-Bacterial Compound

The current paper presents the coating of harvested strawberries with edible nanoparticles of Chitosan. The NPs were formed by the application of ultrasonic waves on an acidic solution of chitosan. In a one-step process the nanoparticles were created and subsequent to their formation they were deposited on the strawberries surface. The shelf life of the NPs coated was compared with the deposition of the same amount of non-sonicated chitosan, i.e., coating of individual chitosan molecules on the fruit. The characterization of the coated fruits was carried out by monitoring the weight loss. TSS (total soluble solids), pH, TA (titratable acidity), and Vitamin C. Finally, the freshness of the strawberries was determined by eye observation. In addition, the characterization of the chitosan NPs was also conducted in this study by (DLS) dynamic light scattering and (SEM) scanning electron microscopy.

Chitin nanocrystals reduce lipid digestion and β-carotene bioaccessibility: An in-vitro INFOGEST gastrointestinal study

Engineered nanoscale materials (ENMs) are being intentionally added to some food and beverage products to achieve novel or improved functional attributes. However, there is still a relatively poor understanding of the behavior of many types of ENMs within the human gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In this study, the impact of chitin nanocrystals on the gastrointestinal fate of a model emulsion was investigated using a standardized in vitro digestion model (INFOGEST), which is now widely used by food and nutrition scientists. The results obtained with the INFOGEST model were compared to those obtained with another commonly used static in vitro digestion model. Moreover, the impact of nanochitin dose on the digestibility and bioaccessibility of model food emulsions was examined: β-carotene-loaded corn oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by a non-ionic surfactant (Tween 80). In agreement with the results obtained using an earlier in vitro digestion model, we found that the presence of nanochitin reduced lipid digestion and β-carotene bioaccessibility. However, the magnitude of these effects was considerably less for the INFOGEST model, which was attributed to the higher levels of pancreatic lipases and lower levels of calcium ions used. Overall, this study shows that nanochitin may be used to retard lipid digestion (which is useful for creating foods that induce satiety), but that it also suppresses carotenoid bioaccessibility (reducing the nutritional value of foods). Consequently, food formulators must carefully consider all the potential impacts of edible nanoparticles when using them as functional ingredients in foods.

Incredible edible selenium nanoparticles produced by food-grade microorganisms

Background: Microorganisms commonly employed in food industry, such as Lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are also excellent natural nanotechnologists. They reduce selenite (SeO3 2- ) to form nanoparticles of red selenium (Se0 ) of exceptional quality and with interesting physical and (bio-)chemical properties. Objectives: The production of these nanoparticles has been studied in several relevant microorganisms to gain a better picture of the overall properties and quality of these particles, possible differences between producers, ease of production and, in particular, biological activity. Methods: Several common microorganisms, namely L. plantarum, S. cerevisiae and Escherichia coli have been cultured under standard conditions and 1mM concentrations of SeO3 2- have been converted to red particles of elemental selenium. These particles have been characterized extensively with respect to uniformity, size, shape, consistency and, in particular, biological activity against infectious microbes. Results: Highly uniform amorphous spherical particles of 100 nm to 200 nm in diameter could be produced by several microorganisms, including Lactobacillus. Although originating in bacteria and yeast, these particles exhibit antimicrobial activity when employed at concentrations of around 100 µM. This activity may in part be due to the inherent chemistry of selenium and /or of the protein coating of the particles. Interestingly, yeast also forms larger rod-like structures. These micro-needles with around 85 nm in diameter and up to 3 µm in length exhibit considerable antibacterial activity, possibly resulting from additional, physical interactions with cellular structures. Conclusion: Common microorganisms traditionally employed in the preparation of food produce nanoparticles of selenium which may be harvested and explored as natural antimicrobial agents or antioxidants. These particles provide a fine example of and lead for natural nanotechnology with biological activity and applications in food and food supplementation, medicine, agriculture and cosmetics.

Quality of postharvest strawberries: comparative effect of fungal chitosan gel, nanoparticles and gel enriched with edible nanoparticles coatings

This study compared, for the first time, the postharvest conservative action of edible fungal chitosan coatings (gel, nanoparticles and gel-nanoparticle) on the physico-chemical, sensorial and microbiological characteristics of strawberries. The nanoparticles were prepared by an ionic gelation method and characterized by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. The antioxidant (DPPH* and ABTS*) activity of the edible coatings and the antimicrobial (macrodilution method) action against phytopathogenic fungi were verified. The nanoparticles had a size of 331.1 nm and a zeta potential of+ 34 mV. The gel, nanoparticles and gel+nanoparticles exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 4 to 5, 1.5 to 2.5 and 1.0 + 0.5 to 2.0 + 1.5 g.L-1, respectively. All the edible coatings exhibited antifungal action. All the coatings had high scavenging activity, especially the gel edible coating. The coatings, especially the gel+nanoparticles, decreased the weight loss, microbiological growth, soluble solids, maturity index and moisture loss of the strawberry and preserved the pH values, anthocyanin content, titratable acidity and sensory characteristics. Therefore, the use of chitosan edible coating containing nanoparticles can be a promising strategy to improve the post-harvest quality of strawberries.

Lemon Exosome-like Nanoparticles-Manipulated Probiotics Protect Mice from C.d iff Infection.

SummaryClostridioides difficile (C. diff) is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. Here, we report that lemon exosome-like nanoparticles (LELNs) manipulated probiotics to inhibit C. diff infection (CDI). LELN-manipulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Streptococcus thermophilus ST-21 (STH) (LELN-LS) decrease CDI mortality via an LELN-mediated increase in bile resistance and gut survivability. LELN-LS treatment increases the AhR ligands indole-3-lactic acid (I3LA) and indole-3-carboxaldehyde (I3Ald), leading to induction of IL-22, and increases lactic acid leading to a decrease of C. diff fecal shedding by inhibiting C. diff growth and indole biosynthesis. A synergistic effect between STH and LGG was identified. The STH metabolites inhibit gluconeogenesis of LGG and allow fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) to accumulate in LGG; accumulated FBP then activates lactate dehydrogenase of LGG (LGG-LDH) and enhances production of lactic acid and the AhR ligand. Our findings provide a new strategy for CDI prevention and treatment with a new type of prebiotics.

A cost-effective polyethylene glycol-based method for the isolation of functional edible nanoparticles from ginger rhizomes

Edible nanoparticles (ENPs) are nano-sized vesicles derived from edible plants. These ENPs are loaded with plant derived microRNAs, protein, lipids and phytochemicals. Recently, ginger derived ENPs was shown to prevent inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer, in vivo, highlighting their therapeutic potential. Conventionally, differential centrifugation with an ultra-centrifugation step is employed to purify these ENPs which imposes limitation on the cost-effectiveness of their purification. Herein, we developed polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG6000) based ginger ENP purification (PEG-ENPs) method, which eliminates the need for expensive ultracentrifugation. Using different PEG6000 concentrations, we could recover between 60% to 90% of ENPs compared to ultracentrifugation method. PEG-ENPs exhibit near identical size and zeta potential similar to ultra-ENPs. The biochemical composition of PEG-ENPs, such as proteins, lipids, small RNAs and bioactive content is comparable to that of ultra-ENPs. In addition, similar to ultra-ENPs, PEG-ENPs are efficiently taken up by the murine macrophages and protects cells from hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative stress. Since PEG has been approved as food additive, the PEG method described here will provide a cost-effective alternative to purify ENPs, which can be directly used as a dietary supplement in therapeutic formulations.

Lycium barbarum lipid-based edible nanoparticles protect against experimental colitis

Edible plant-derived nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted increasing attention in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Lycium barbarum (LB), a popular functional fruit, possesses various biological functions. Here, fat-soluble contents were extracted from LB and further processed into LB lipid-derived NPs (LBLNs). The resultant NPs had an average hydrodynamic diameter around 189.2 nm, narrow size distribution (polydispersity index = 0.2), and negative surface charge (-34.9 mV). Moreover, they could be efficiently taken up by UC therapy-related target cells (macrophages), and over 69.0 % of macrophages internalized LBLNs after 4 h co-incubation. We further found from the in vitro results that LBLNs had strong capacities to inhibit the secretion of the main pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-12) and up-regulate the expression of the typical anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10). Finally, mice experiments confirmed that LBLNs after oral administration could specifically accumulate into inflamed colon tissues, and further attenuate UC-relevant symptoms (e.g., bodyweight loss, colon shortening, increase of spleen weight, and histopathological appearance, as well as ulceration). Collectively, this study demonstrates the excellent therapeutic outcomes of LBLNs against UC and provides a promising edible nanotherapeutic for UC treatment.

Plant-Derived Edible Nanoparticles and miRNAs: Emerging Frontier for Therapeutics and Targeted Drug-Delivery

Rigorous and timely studies have been conducted to develop natural and green nanomedicines wherein plant-derived edible nanoparticles (PDENs) have a great potential to be applied for targeted therapeutic delivery systems, because of their exclusive characteristics, namely desirable nanoparticle morphologies, environmentally safe and nonhazardous nature, appropriate tissue-specific targeting, and eminent potential for industrial pharmaceutical production. These nanoparticles can be exploited for drug transportation with distinctive benefits for treatment of diseases like cancers. In this Perspective, the properties and applications of PDENs are discussed with latest developments including the recent trends in plant-derived edible exosome-like nanoparticles and miRNAs.

Advances in Plant-derived Edible Nanoparticle-based lipid Nano-drug Delivery Systems as Therapeutic Nanomedicines.

Plant-derived edible nanoparticles (PDNPs) are nano-sized membrane vesicles released by edible plants, such as grapefruit, ginger, broccoli, and lemon. They are non-toxic, have tissue-specific targeting properties, and can be mass-produced. Thus, they have great potential for clinical application. PDNPs offer multiple advantages over the currently available drug delivery systems, such as their relatively high internalization rate, low immunogenicity, proven stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and ability to overcome the blood-brain barrier but not cross the placental barrier. In this review, we will discuss these merits of PDNPs and analyze the current issues in PDNP research.

Broccoli-derived nanoparticle inhibits mouse colitis by activating dendritic cell AMP-activated protein kinase

Abstract The intestinal immune system is continuously exposed to massive amounts of nanoparticles derived from food. Whether nanoparticles from plants we eat daily have a role in maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis is poorly defined. Here, we present evidence supporting our hypothesis that edible nanoparticles regulate intestinal immune homeostasis by targeting DC cell. With three mouse colitis models, our data show that orally given nanoparticles isolated from broccoli extracts protect mice against colitis. Broccoli-derived nanoparticles (BDN) mediated activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in dendritic cell (DC) plays a role in not only prevention of DC activation but also induction of tolerant DCs. Adoptively transferring DCs pre-pulsed with total BDN lipids but not sulforaphane depleted BDN lipids prevented DSS induced colitis in B6 mice, supporting the role of BDN sulforaphane in the induction of DC tolerance. Adoptively transferring AMPK+/+ but not AMPK−/− DCs pre-pulsed with sulforaphane prevented DSS induced colitis in B6 mice, further supporting the DC AMPK role in sulforaphane mediated prevention of DSS induced colitis. This finding could open new preventive/therapeutic avenues to address intestinal related inflammatory diseases via activating AMPK.

Broccoli-Derived Nanoparticle Inhibits Mouse Colitis by Activating Dendritic Cell AMP-Activated Protein Kinase

The intestinal immune system is continuously exposed to massive amounts of nanoparticles derived from food. Whether nanoparticles from plants we eat daily have a role in maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis is poorly defined. Here, we present evidence supporting our hypothesis that edible nanoparticles regulate intestinal immune homeostasis by targeting dendritic cells (DCs). Using three mouse colitis models, our data show that orally given nanoparticles isolated from broccoli extracts protect mice against colitis. Broccoli-derived nanoparticle (BDN)-mediated activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in DCs plays a role in not only prevention of DC activation but also induction of tolerant DCs. Adoptively transferring DCs pre-pulsed with total BDN lipids, but not sulforaphane (SFN)-depleted BDN lipids, prevented DSS-induced colitis in C57BL/6 (B6) mice, supporting the role of BDN SFN in the induction of DC tolerance. Adoptively transferring AMPK+/+, but not AMPK-/-, DCs pre-pulsed with SFN prevented DSS-induced colitis in B6 mice, further supporting the DC AMPK role in SFN-mediated prevention of DSS-induced colitis. This finding could open new preventive or therapeutic avenues to address intestinal-related inflammatory diseases via activating AMPK.

Nanoscale Nutrient Delivery Systems for Food Applications: Improving Bioactive Dispersibility, Stability, and Bioavailability.

There has been a surge of interest in the development of nanoscale systems for the encapsulation, protection, and delivery of lipophilic nutrients, vitamins, and nutraceuticals. This review article highlights the challenges associated with incorporating these lipophilic bioactive components into foods, and then discusses potential nanoscale delivery systems that can be used to overcome these challenges. In particular, the desirable characteristics required for any nanoscale delivery system are presented, as well as methods of fabricating them and of characterizing them. An overview of different delivery systems is given, such as microemulsions, nanoemulsions, emulsions, microgels, and biopolymer nanoparticles, and their potential applications are discussed. Nanoscale delivery systems have considerable potential within the food industry, but they must be carefully formulated to ensure that they are safe, economically viable, and effective. Nanoscale delivery systems have numerous potential applications in the food industry for encapsulating, protecting, and releasing bioactive agents, such as nutraceuticals and vitamins. This review article highlights methods for designing, fabricating, characterizing, and utilizing edible nanoparticles from a variety of different food-grade ingredients.

Standardization of Nanoparticle Characterization: Methods for Testing Properties, Stability, and Functionality of Edible Nanoparticles

There has been a rapid increase in the fabrication of various kinds of edible nanoparticles for oral delivery of bioactive agents, such as those constructed from proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and/or minerals. It is currently difficult to compare the relative advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of nanoparticle-based delivery systems because researchers use different analytical instruments and protocols to characterize them. In this paper, we briefly review the various analytical methods available for characterizing the properties of edible nanoparticles, such as composition, morphology, size, charge, physical state, and stability. This information is then used to propose a number of standardized protocols for characterizing nanoparticle properties, for evaluating their stability to environmental stresses, and for predicting their biological fate. Implementation of these protocols would facilitate comparison of the performance of nanoparticles under standardized conditions, which would facilitate the rational selection of nanoparticle-based delivery systems for different applications in the food, health care, and pharmaceutical industries.