In the present study electro-spinning technique was used to encapsulate pomegranate flower extract (PFE) in zein fibers. The effect of PFE concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% (v/v)) on the electrospun solution properties, such as surface tension, apparent viscosity, and electrical conductivity were investigated. These effects on various fibers properties including morphology, thermal properties, structural characteristics, morphology, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and release behavior was also evaluated. The results revealed that, increasing the PFE concentration (0–15%) led to increased surface tension and electrical conductivity and decreased the apparent viscosity of the electrospinning solution. This caused an increase in the fiber diameter from 217.1 to 722.2 nm with considerable EE (92.21–96.1%) and loading capacity (LC) (12.3–36.1%). Increasing the PFE concentration increased the surface hydrophilicity (contact angle of 93.21° and 57.82° respectively for 0 and 15% PFE loaded electrospun). Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) results showed that all the fibers were uniform and free of beads. Also, molecular interaction between the PFE and zein has been confirmed with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). DSC results indicated that the thermal stability were increased with increasing PEF concentration. The study also showed that the release of the PFE was slowest in a fatty food simulant. The primary release mechanism in simulated environments was Fickian diffusion. This research demonstrated that PFE loaded zein fibers can be used successfully in drug delivery, active packaging, and cosmetic products.
Read full abstract