Encapsulation Of Extract Research Articles

Hazelnut extract-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers and evaluation of their antioxidant properties

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a common hallmark of many degenerative diseases, developing in all those cases where a failure of physiological antioxidant mechanisms occurs (in particular, antioxidant enzymes and the glutathione system), or in case of exposure to an extremely high level of oxidants. In this regard, antioxidant natural extracts are promising compounds as preventive or therapeutic agents against ROS-dependent degenerations. In this study, a deep investigation of hazelnut (Corylus avellana) extract has been performed in terms of mass spectroscopy, evaluation of phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity. Then, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have been exploited for encapsulation of the hazelnut extracts in order to achieve prolonged bioactivity, increased stability, and targeting through a sustainable delivery approach. The hazelnut extract-loaded NLCs (NE_NLCs) have been deeply characterized for their stability, production yield, and encapsulation efficiency. Moreover, NE_NLCs showed optimal cytocompatibility on human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells, as well as excellent antioxidant activity, upon pro-oxidant stimulus on HDF cells.

Chemical , functional and therapeutic properties of encapsulated black cumin extract in Spirulina platensis

Phytochemicals are a large group of natural compounds with medicinal properties for a broad range of diseases. Due to their rapid metabolism in the body, encapsulation with biocompatible and biodegradable materials to trap them and increasing their bioavailability is a critical approach. In this work, Spirulina platensis was used as a carrier to encapsulate black cumin extract and to enhance its bioavailability, stability and therapeutic properties. Physicochemical characterizations of the composite were performed using FTIR, TGA, UV–visible spectroscopy. Antioxidant activity, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity assessment on the composite were done as bioactivity assays. FTIR, spectroscopy, and TGA results confirmed the encapsulation of extract in microalga. A significant encapsulation efficiency (81.94%) was obtained. The thermal stability of extract in the composite increased by 6.02% compared to the free extract. The composite showed a strong antioxidant effect (~5 times the extract), and a significant lethal impact on MCF-7 cancer cells (80%) with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 6.56 and 13.13 mg/ml against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. The results show that the composite successfully provides a novel system with effective integration of dietary and medicinal impacts and introduces a new nutrient with significant therapeutic specifications for cancer treatment. Novelty impact statement The work describes a novel nanocomposite consist of Spirulina platensis microalga and Black cumin as new slow release system. It integrates medicinal and nutritional effects to gather and introduces a controlled release complementary for cancer treatment.

Encapsulation of Watermelon Rind Extract in Chitosan Microcapsules: Analysis of Physical Properties and Flavonoid Release Ability

Along with the increase in watermelon production, the amount of watermelon rind waste increased. The total mass of fruit rind in a watermelon reaches around 30 percent and this fruit rind can increase the quantity of organic waste in Indonesia. The outer portion of the watermelon rind has a green layer containing a large amount of anthocyanin and a white layer containing flavonoids. In this study, the extract of watermelon rind containing anthocyanins and flavonoids was protected from damaging conditions using the ionic gelation encapsulation method. Chitosan (CN) was used as a natural polymer in this encapsulation method and sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) was used as an ionic crosslinking agent. The total of flavonols content (TF), microstructure test, in vitro releasing test, and shelf life of microcapsules were observed in the various ratio between watermelon rind and the solvent. From the process, can be concluded that higher watermelon skin levels will produce the most flavonoid microcapsules (70g/35 mL). At 70g/35 mL or 2:1 g/mL watermelon skin levels give the best flavonoid release test results, especially if it will be applied to the pharmaceutical industry, which follows a controlled release method.

Antiglycation, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities of crude extract of Turnera ulmifolia L. before and after microencapsulation process

Turnera ulmifolia L. is used in folk medicine and it is known to have anti-hyperglycemic effect on the organism in order to reduce complications in diabetic patients. Glycation process is directly related to oxidative stress, acting as an important endogenous source, inducing the production of free radicals, and thus increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. The encapsulation technology on natural compounds can minimize and even mitigate the risk of loss of biological activity in order to maintain their activities against oxidative stress and glycation. The present study aimed to evaluate the antiglycation and antioxidant activities of T. ulmifolia extract before and after encapsulation and cytotoxicity of the crude extract. This study presents important information about the biological activities, highlighting antioxidant and antiglycation potential and no cytotoxicity of Turnera ulmifolia crude extract, a species of genus Turnera that has been poorly studied. T. ulmifolia crude extract presented flavonoids as main active compounds. The results showed a promising activity in scavenging free and peroxyl radicals, chelating iron ions and inhibiting BSA glycation. In addition, this study showed the possible encapsulation of bioactive compounds using maltodextrin as wall material.

Encapsulation of curly parsley extract and its use in creating functional drinks

Drinks are the most suitable matrix for including biologically active ingredients, which opens prospects for expanding the range of functional and preventive foods. World science knows and has proven many functional properties of flavonoids and their effectiveness in treating and preventing various diseases. Therefore, flavonoids are among the most sought-after functional ingredients widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, their use is limited due to their low bioavailability, low solubility, low stability, and off-target release. Various methods of encapsulation of biologically active substances have been developed. The work aims to develop a functional soft drink with the optimization of the method of introducing biologically active substances into the drink's composition to ensure the preservation of the beneficial properties of the drink during production and storage. A concentrate of biologically active substances isolated from the curly parsley leaves grown in the Russian Federation's Kemerovo region was used as a functional ingredient. The composition of the resulting concentrate was investigated. Also, the research objects were collagen substances obtained from fish waste and sea buckthorn juice concentrate, used as functional ingredients of the drink. The process of obtaining a collagen substance that performs both technological functions in capsules and the role of a functional ingredient has been investigated. Encapsulation of functional ingredients was carried out. As a result of research, a functional non-alcoholic drink formulation was obtained with sea buckthorn juice and an encapsulated extract of biologically active substances from curly parsley (Petroselinum crispum). One serving of the drink contains 1 g of collagen and 40 mg of flavonoids. These results allow calling the product functional and recommend it for inclusion in the diets of a healthy population to improve health and prevent diseases.

Optimization of Pinhão Extract Encapsulation by Solid Dispersion and Application to Cookies as a Bioactive Ingredient

Pinhão residues have a wide range of bioactive compounds and encapsulation can be one of the alternatives to increase their bioavailability. Thus, this work aimed to apply pinhão extract, pure and encapsulated by solid dispersion, in the formulation of cookies as a bioactive ingredient. For that, pinhão extract was encapsulated in different biopolymers (sodium caseinate, gelatin, and gum arabic) and with different shear mechanisms (sonication, Ultra-Turrax, and magnetic stirring). The best encapsulation procedure has been defined by a chemometric analysis (hierarchical cluster analysis), considering thermal properties (DSC) of particles and ( +)-catechin encapsulation efficiency (HPLC). The optimized conditions were gelatin as encapsulation agent and Ultra-Turrax as shear mechanism (70.1 ± 2.8 °C maximum endothermic peak temperature and 96.0 ± 2.3% ( +)-catechin encapsulation efficiency). The phenolic profile of the encapsulated extract showed the presence of ( +)-catechin (0.31 ± 0.01 (mg/gparticle), protocatechuic acid (0.29 ± 0.00 mg/gparticle), and ( −)-epicatechin (0.11 ± 0.00 mg/gparticle). Both the pure and encapsulated extracts were incorporated into the cookie formulation, which was characterized in terms of centesimal composition, color parameters, texture, and sensory aspects. It was found that cookies with the pure and the encapsulated extract showed significant differences concerning the centesimal composition, products added with pinhão extract and encapsulated extract presented higher values when compared to the control, probably influenced by the mineral content of the pinhão. In addition, higher hardness values were detected for cookies formulated with the encapsulated extract, which possibly negatively affected the consumer’s sensory perception.

Extraction, Encapsulation into Lipid Vesicular Systems, and Biological Activity of Rosa canina L. Bioactive Compounds for Dermocosmetic Use.

Valorization of wild plants to obtain botanical ingredients could be a strategy for sustainable production of cosmetics. This study aimed to select the rosehip extract containing the greatest amounts of bioactive compounds and to encapsulate it in vesicular systems capable of protecting their own antioxidant activity. Chemical analysis of Rosa canina L. extracts was performed by LC-DAD-MS/MS and 1H-NMR and vitamins, phenolic compounds, sugars, and organic acids were detected as the main compounds of the extracts. Liposomes, prepared by the film hydration method, together with hyalurosomes and ethosomes, obtained by the ethanol injection method, were characterized in terms of vesicle size, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, in vitro release and biocompatibility on WS1 fibroblasts. Among all types of vesicular systems, ethosomes proved to be the most promising nanocarriers showing nanometric size (196 ± 1 nm), narrow polydispersity (0.20 ± 0.02), good entrapment efficiency (92.30 ± 0.02%), and negative zeta potential (−37.36 ± 0.55 mV). Moreover, ethosomes showed good stability over time, a slow release of polyphenols compared with free extract, and they were not cytotoxic. In conclusion, ethosomes could be innovative carriers for the encapsulation of rosehip extract.

Selection and Optimization of an Innovative Polysaccharide-Based Carrier to Improve Anthocyanins Stability in Purple Corn Cob Extracts.

The extraction process of alcohol-insoluble polysaccharides from exhausted Moradyn cob (Zea mays L. cv. Moradyn) (EMCP), camelina cake (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) (CCP), and common bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (CBP) was investigated and optimized by Response Surface Methodology. Each fraction was tested at different core/carrier ratios in the encapsulation of Moradyn cob extract (MCE), a rich source of antioxidant anthocyanins, and the obtained ingredients were screened for their encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and extraction process sustainability. The ingredients containing 50% and 75% CCP had EE% higher than 60% and 80%, respectively, and were selected for further studies. Preliminary structural analysis indicated CCP was mostly composed of neutral polysaccharides and proteins in a random-coiled conformation, which was also unchanged in the ingredients. CCP-stabilizing properties were tested, applying an innovative stress testing protocol. CCP strongly improved MCE anthocyanins solid-state stability (25 °C, 30% RH), and therefore it could be an innovative anthocyanins carrier system.

Microencapsulation of Lysiphyllum strychnifolium extract using pectin as a carrier matrix and its characterization

Lysiphyllum strychnifolium (Craib) A. Schmitz (LS, Fabaceae) is one of the folklore medicines in Thailand. The previous studies have demonstrated several pharmacological activities and high polyphenolic substances possessed by this plant. However, the suitable encapsulation of LS extract has not been discovered. This study aimed to develop LS microcapsules using spray-drying technique with pectin as a carrier. Moreover, the powder analysis and characterization were also conducted. The effects of inlet temperatures (80, 100, and 120°C) and carrier concentrations (1, 5, and 10 %w/v) on the encapsulation yield (EY), encapsulation efficiency (EE), total phenolic content (TPC), and main markers (trilobatin and yanangdaengin) of LS microcapsules were studied. Finally, the characterization was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained results indicated that S2 microcapsule formulation, pectin to extract ratio 10:1 (w/w) at inlet temperature of 100°C, was chosen as the optimal condition because of the positive tendency to acquire higher EE as pectin level was increased. On the contrary, the level of TPC and markers was reduced due to the more addition of pectin. The FTIR, XRD, and DSC results suggested that the well-encapsulated microcapsules were obtained for S2 formulation and SEM represented the semi-spherical structure of its microstructures. The development of LS microcapsules with the proximity to gain the advantageous powder analysis and characteristic has been achieved. Therefore, this approach could be used for the subsequent manufacturing of LS extract.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity of nano- and microencapsulated rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaves extract in cress (Lepidium sativum) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) seed gums for enhancing oxidative stability of sunflower oil.

There has been interest in the use of plant extract as a natural preservative agent for improving the oxidative stability of vegetable oils. However, plant extracts have low stability against heat and environmental stress. In this study, the antioxidant potential of nano‐ and microencapsulated Rosmarinus officinalis L. extract (RE) obtained using the ultrasonication method was measured. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of the extract was 174.4 ± 25.9 mg gallic acid/g extract and 78.30 ± 3.2 mg rutin/g extract, respectively. Antioxidant activity of 50, 100, 200, and 400 ppm of RE was measured by DPPH free radical scavenging methods, ferric reduction assay, and β‐carotene/linoleic acid assay, and then compared to the 100 ppm of TBHQ as a common synthetic antioxidant. The results showed that the antioxidant activity increased with increasing the concentration of the extract in all evaluating methods. The antioxidant activity of 200 ppm of the free and encapsulated extract in cress (Lepidium sativum) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) seed gums at different ratios (1:0, 1:1, and 0:1) was compared to sunflower oil without antioxidants, and oil‐containing TBHQ which was stored at 60°C for 24 days. The oxidation indexes of oil samples include peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid value, and p‐anisidine value measured at 4‐day intervals. A lower oil oxidation was observed in oil‐containing nanoencapsulated extract followed by microencapsulated extract, free extract, and TBHQ. Since producing nanoencapsulated RE requires a higher time and speed of homogenization and due to no statistically significant difference between the antioxidant properties of nanocapsules and microcapsules in oil, the use of microcapsules of RE in basil seed gum to increase the shelf life of sunflower oil is recommended.

Synthesis and characterization of smart stimuli-responsive herbal drug-encapsulated nanoniosome particles for efficient treatment of breast cancer

Abstract Extraction from the herbs was performed using the Soxhlet method. Various formula was synthesized for niosomes containing the extracts through thin film synthesis technique, and the most efficient formulation was selected. Afterwards, physicochemical properties of niosomes, including size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficacy (EE%), extract release rate, non-interactive action between the extracts and niosomes, antibacterial potential, and cellular uptake were assessed. Finally, the toxicity level of the niosomes to breast cancer cells was compared and their impact on the expression of p53 and MCL-1 was evaluated. Our data demonstrated that the synthesized niosomes were sensitive to the temperature and pH. Also, the niosomes containing Hedera Helix extract (Nio-HHE) sized 97.7 nm, with a zeta potential of −19.9 ± 6.7 mV, PDI of 0.35, and 58 ± 2.4% encapsulation efficacy showed more toxicity to the cancer cells than the niosomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract (Nio-GGE) with the size of 111 ± 8.5 nm, zeta potential of −23.5 ± 4.5 mV, PDI of 0.113, and 69 ± 1.2% encapsulation efficacy. The former system proved to have more antibacterial potential, and affect the expression of the oncogenes more than the latter. Meanwhile, both niosomal systems demonstrated an acceptable cellular uptake, and no chemical interaction with the extracts was observed. Furthermore, useful function of the synthesized niosomes was confirmed by morphological assessments. Our data confirmed that encapsulation of herbal extracts improves their anticancer and antibacterial potential. We concluded that Nio-HHE has more significant antitumor effects on breast cancer cells than Nio-GGE. Consequently, applying nano drug delivery systems based on herbal therapy could mitigate the side effects resulting from chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and offer promising perspectives for treatment of breast cancer.

Modeling of a spray-drying process for the encapsulation of high-added value extracts from food by-products

The main goal of this research was to develop a mathematical model for a co-current spray drying-assisted encapsulation of natural extracts from grape pomace and citrus fruit peels, aiming to predict both structural features and the retention of their bioactive constituents. Model validation was performed using a laboratory scale spray dryer, analyzing the product in terms of moisture content, solids and total phenolic compounds recovery yields. The comparison between experimental and simulated results revealed that the model properly described the system. A slight effect of air inlet temperature was observed on the phenolic content of produced particles. For this reason, a kinetic law, which allows predicting the degradation of phenols was proposed and validated. These results highlighted the potential of spray-drying technology to efficiently encapsulate high-added value compounds with good preservation of their bioactive compounds, offering the possibility to decrease food waste issues while improving industry economic benefits.

Encapsulation of coffee silverskin extracts by foam mat drying and comparison with powders obtained by spray drying and freeze-drying.

Coffee silverskin is a coproduct that has a rich composition in bioactive compounds. However, most of these compounds are susceptible to the conditions used during food processing and storage. Encapsulation is a process of great interest to increase the stability of these bioactive compounds, and different methods can influence the final characteristics of the product. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the encapsulation methods by foam mat drying, spray drying and freeze-drying for producing powder from coffee silverskin extracts. Density, porosity, overrun, and stability foam were evaluated and the physicochemical properties of powders, such as water activity, moisture, wettability, hygroscopicity, solubility, color, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic were determined. The optimal condition required for the feed mixture for foam formation was 7.6% gum arabic, 2% maltodextrin, and 10.4% egg albumin. All methods presented powders with desirable values of water activity, moisture content, and hygroscopicity, being considered stable for storage, and high content of bioactive compounds. Higher temperatures for foam mat drying produced powders with higher encapsulation efficiency (>77%) and longer wettability than lower temperatures (50 and 60°C). Therefore, this study verified that foam mat drying can be considered an efficient and promising method for encapsulating bioactive compounds from coffee silverskin extract. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Foam mat drying can be considered an alternative method to conventional encapsulation by spray drying and freeze-drying. This method is simple, inexpensive, and generates high-quality products. Optimization of foam properties is necessary to ensure successful drying.

Larvicidal Activity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles and Chitosan Nanoparticles Encapsulated Aloe vera Gel Extract against Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae)

Background:There is a worldwide interest in metal nanoparticles synthesized by various chemical reactions for use in biomedical applications. These processes exhibit a broad range of toxicity in non-target organisms. To avoid chemical toxicity, green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is proposed as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative. Aloe vera (A. vera) leaf extract is a medicinal agent with multiple properties, including antibacterial effects. Its constituents include lignin, pectin and hemicellulose, which can be used in the reduction of silver ions to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).Objective:The study aimed at the use of naturally occurring compounds as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles and investigation of the insecticidal activity of these compounds against Musca domestica (M. domestica) larvae.Methods:Phytochemical analysis of A. vera gel extract was done and the phytochemical components were identified by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. AgNPs and encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles (CsNPs) were prepared by an eco-friendly method using A. vera gel extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. A. vera-AgNPs and A. vera encapsulated CsNPs were characterized using Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV–vis spectrum), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Then the insecticidal activity of these compounds was investigated against late second instar larvae of the house fly.Results:The most active ingredients identified by GC-MS analysis were Terpene and Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The synthesized AgNPs were spherical with an average size of about 12-75 nm, as revealed by TEM. While encapsulated CsNPs ranged between 34-75 nm and the shape seemed spherical with dark parts confirming the encapsulated plant extract. FTIR and XRD results confirmed the successful encapsulation of the gel extract within the chitosan nanoparticles. Results proved the insecticidal potential of the tested compounds against M. domestica larvae, and the relative potency of encapsulated CsNPs was nearly 148.51 times more potent than A. vera crude extract whereas AgNPs was nearly 40.65 times more potent than A. vera crude extract. Furthermore, a prolongation of larval duration and reduction in the percentage pupation and adult emergence were observed.Conclusion:Overall, green-synthesized silver and chitosan nanoparticles have the potential for application as a biopesticide for house fly population control through the use of a safer and costeffective approach.

Dragon Fruit Peel Extract and Encapsulated Catfish Oil Formulation in Gummy Candy with Potential In Vitro Antihyperglycemia Properties

Red dragon (Hylocereus polyrhizus) fruit peel as household waste was still underutilized although it was high in bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. The oil extract of freshwater fish, such as catfish (Pangasius sp.) was high in monounsaturated fatty acids with reported antihyperglycemia properties. The objectives of this study were to encapsulate catfish oil extract, determine the most liked formulation of gummy candy with dragon fruit peel extract and encapsulated fish oil beads content, and analyze the proximate content and in vitro α-amylase inhibition activity of the most liked gummy candy formulation. The methods consisted of dragon fruit peel extraction, encapsulation of catfish oil extract using sodium alginate, gummy candy formulation, sensory evaluation, and analysis of color, proximate, and α-amylase inhibition activity. Twenty five percent w/w of the gummy candy ingredients were composed of the extracts and encapsulation beads at 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1 weight ratios. Encapsulation of the fish oil could mask the fishy odor in the gummy candy. All formulation could be molded into gummy candy perfectly and showed chewy texture. The addition of dragon fruit peel extract could increase the yellowness value, while the fish oil beads decreased the lightness value of the candy. The most liked gummy candy formulation was F3 (ratio 3:1). It was composed of 54.47% water, 1.59% db ash, 5.77% db fat, 1.82% db protein, 36.36% db carbohydrates and showed 46.49% α-amylase inhibition activity.

Masked Delivery of Allergen in Nanoparticles Safely Attenuates Anaphylactic Response in Murine Models of Peanut Allergy.

Food allergy is a growing health concern worldwide. Current allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) approaches require frequent dosing over extended periods of time and may induce anaphylaxis due to allergen-effector cell interactions. A critical need remains to develop novel approaches that refine AIT for the treatment of food allergies. Previous studies show that poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) nanoscale particles (NP) effectively suppress Th1- and Th17-driven immune pathologies. However, their ability to suppress the distinct Th2-polarized immune responses driving food allergy are unknown. Herein, we describe the safety and efficacy of NPs containing encapsulated peanut allergen in desensitizing murine models of peanut allergy. Peanut extract encapsulation allowed for the safe intravenous delivery of allergen relative to non-encapsulated approaches. Application of 2–3 doses, without the need for dose escalation, was sufficient to achieve prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy, which correlated with suppression of Th2-mediated disease and reduced mast cell degranulation. Efficacy was associated with strong reductions in a broad panel of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines. These results demonstrate the ability of PLG NPs to suppress allergen-specific immune responses to induce a more tolerogenic phenotype, conferring protection from intragastric allergen challenge. These promising studies represent a step forward in the development of improved immunotherapies for food allergy.

A Comprehensive Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction for Lycopene Recovery from Tomato Waste and Encapsulation by Spray Drying

This study aimed to extract bioactive compounds from tomato waste through ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), using ethanol as solvent. Process optimization was carried out by a central composite design of 33 runs for response surface modelling, simultaneously analyzing the effect of temperature (T), time (t), volume (V), liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S), amplitude (A), the pulser duration (on), and their interaction. The best conditions found by the desirability method (T = 65 °C, t = 20 min, L/S = 72 mL/g, A = 65%, on = 33 s, V = 90 mL) were experimentally verified, leading to the production of an extract with interesting properties (total carotenoids of 1408 ±14 µglycopene equivalents/g, lycopene yield of 1536 ± 53 µg/g, 36.1 ± 0.9 µgtrolox equivalents/g as antiradical power). Due to the instability of lycopene, the extract encapsulation by spray drying was undertaken using inulin and maltodextrins as coating agents. The evaluation of wall material composition provided high product recovery (73%), a high content of encapsulated compared to superficial lycopene (15.3 ± 2.9 and 0.30 ± 0.02 µg/g), and a product with good water solubility. The novelty of this work concerned the simultaneous study of the effect and interdependences of the UAE parameters, and the use of inulin to enhance the properties of microparticles.

Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction and Encapsulation of Antioxidants from Orange Peels in Alginate-Chitosan Microparticles.

The recovery of bioactive compounds from waste and modification of their properties by encapsulation are the main challenges today. In this study, the ultrasound-assisted extraction of antioxidants from orange peels was optimized using a central composite design. Ethanol (50%, v/v) was the solvent of choice for their extraction. The obtained total antioxidant contents were fitted using the second-order polynomial equation. The optimal conditions were the extraction time of 30 min, temperature of 60 °C, and the liquid-to-solid ratio of 15 mL/g. After that, the optimal extract was encapsulated in alginate-chitosan beads to modify the release of antioxidants under gastrointestinal tract conditions. The average size of beads was 252 µm, while the encapsulation efficiency was 89.2%. The results of the FTIR analysis indicated that there are no interactions between compounds of the extract and alginate-chitosan. In vitro release studies showed an initial rapid and then slow release of antioxidants. This release followed the simple Fickian diffusion. The encapsulation of orange peel extract provided improvement in the delivery of antioxidants after gastrointestinal digestion. The obtained encapsulated beads can be applied as the natural active ingredient of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.

Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Nigella sativa Extracts Encapsulated in Hydroxyapatite Sodium Silicate Glass Composite.

N. sativa is an interesting source of bioactive compounds commonly used for various therapeutic purposes. Associate its seeds extracts with biomaterials to improve their antimicrobial properties are highly demanded. This study aims to investigate the encapsulation of NS extracts in hydroxyapatite nanoparticle sodium silicate glass (nHap/SSG) scaffold. NS essential oil (HS) was extracted by hydrodistillation, while hexane (FH) and acetone extracts (FA) were obtained using Soxhlet extraction. (FH) was the most abundant (34%) followed by (FA) (2.02%) and (HS) (1.2%). GC-MS chromatography showed that the (HS) contained beta cymene, alpha thujene, β-pinene and thymoquinone, while (FH) had mostly fatty acids and (FA) decane, 2.9-dimethyl, benzene 1,3,3-trimethylnonyl and beta cymene. Loaded nHap/SGG scaffolds with various amount of (FH), (HS) and (FA) at 1.5, 3, and 6 wt%; were elaborated then characterized by ATR-FTIR, X-ray and SEM techniques and their antimicrobial activity was studied. Samples loaded with 1.5 wt% HE was highly active against C. albicans (19 mm), and at 3 wt% on M. luteus (20 mm) and S. aureus (20 mm). Additionally, loaded scaffolds with 1.5 wt% AE had an important activity against M. luteus (18.9 mm) and S. aureus (19 mm), while the EO had low activities on all bacterial strains. The outcome of this finding indicated that loaded scaffolds demonstrated an important antimicrobial effect that make them promising materials for a wide range of medical applications.

Encapsulation of propolis extract in whey protein nanoparticles

The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of propolis and to evaluate the possibility of encapsulation of propolis extract in the nanoparticles of whey protein (WPN) to increase protein's functionality and physicochemical characteristics. Nanoparticles were produced through freeze-drying. According to the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activities, extraction with 80% v/v ethanol was selected as the optimal process and was selected for the encapsulation. Three different complexes of 1%, 2.5%, and 4% propolis extract (g propolis/100 g protein) including whey protein nanoparticles were obtained at pH values 3.2 and 7.5. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that propolis-WPN complexes were formed mainly through hydrophobic interactions. In addition, the intensity of propolis peaks in XRD decreased or the peaks disappeared after encapsulation, showed that the crystallization phase of propolis was reduced or changed to an amorphous phase. Besides, FTIR results confirmed some hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds between components. Moreover, an increase in the amount of propolis led to the more controlled release in gastrointestinal digestion. Eventually, it was found that the compositions 4% pH: 3.2 and 4% pH: 7.5 had the most suitable characteristics to be further used in various food applications.