High Encapsulation Yield Research Articles

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana L.) leaf juice encapsulated within polysaccharides-blend-based carriers: Characterization and application as potential antioxidants in mayonnaise production

This study aimed to encapsulate cold-pressed horseradish leaf juice within maltodextrin/alginate (MD/AL), maltodextrin/guar gum (MD/GG), and maltodextrin/gum Arabic (MD/GA) by spray-drying, to characterize the encapsulates, and to test their potential as mayonnaise oxidation-preventing ingredients. The encapsulates exhibited desirable physicochemical, morphological, structural, and thermal properties, highlighting MD/GA-containing encapsulates, especially regarding high encapsulation yield (78.50 %). Also, encapsulates contained a significant amount of phenolics, which were stable during freezer storage. The encapsulates successfully delayed the mayonnaise oxidation: 31.91–38.94 % more than the synthetic antioxidant ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, especially highlighting MD/AL-containing encapsulates. Also, the encapsulates improved product quality with a higher pH and lower acidity after storage compared to the controls. Overall acceptability of encapsulates-containing mayonnaises and commercial mayonnaise did not differ significantly. This study contributes to sustainable development by providing new insights into the valorization of horseradish leaves, as a promising alternative to synthetic additives to prolong the oxidative stability and shelf-life of high-oil-containing foods.

Microencapsulation of a green microalga (Chlorella vulgaris) by complex coacervation for its valuation as a feasible ingredient in pear snacks

The nutritional and bioactivity values of Chlorella vulgaris make this green microalga a potential functional food ingredient. However, its unpleasant taste and smell, as well as dark green color, have been considered restrictive for its consumers' acceptability. Here, it was hypothesized that complex coacervation can be used to produce microcapsules able to mitigate the sensory weaknesses of C. vulgaris in think pear snacks, while ensuring their acceptance and intention to buy. For this, two proteins with similar isoelectric points were used, the pea protein isolate (PPI) and the bovine serum albumin (BSA), while the partially-sulfated carrageenan (C) was the selected polysaccharide to encapsulate C. vulgaris (6 % w/w), at pH 3. Higher encapsulation yield (79 %) and efficiency (75 %) were obtained for PPI/C coacervates due to these polymers' higher electrostatic interaction at pH 3, contrasting with the higher repulsion promoted by some negatively charged BSA amino acids. Despite this, both microcapsules exhibited an amorphous structure and low water activity (aw around 0.3). However, PPI/C microcapsules had significantly lower moisture and water solubility (11 % and 57 %, respectively), as well as continuous shells. Moreover, PPI/C avoided the early release of C. vulgaris compounds at gastric conditions ensuring its later release in the intestinal tract. When incorporated into think pear snacks, the higher sensory scores and buying intention were obtained for snacks with PPI/C microcapsules containing C. vulgaris. Therefore, complex coacervation, particularly of PPI/C, allowed to mitigate non-valued microalga sensory attributes contributing for the future acceptance and consumption of algae-based food products.

Mixed κ/ι-carrageenan - LM pectin gels: Relating the rheological and mechanical properties with the capacity for probiotic encapsulation

The rheological and mechanical properties of mixed κ/ι-carrageenan - LM pectin gels were determined, and the potential of these gels for the formation of beads using the extrusion method and for the encapsulation of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 53103 (LGG) was evaluated. Self-standing gels were obtained with all formulations evaluated. Carrageenan-rich gels, with carrageenan fraction (XC) ≥ 0.75, exhibited the highest storage modulus, but they were also brittle, while pectin-rich gels (XC ≤ 0.25) presented the highest hardness and cohesiveness. Pectin-rich formulations formed beads with the smallest initial diameter (2.40–2.45 mm), and the addition of carrageenan produced significantly more spherical beads compared to pure-pectin ones. As pectin-rich beads were the formulations that resisted simulated gastrointestinal conditions, these were selected for the encapsulation of LGG. These beads showed high encapsulation yields (87–96 %), and the percentage reduction of CFU/g during storage and simulated gastrointestinal conditions was not significantly different among formulations, the latter being significantly lower for encapsulated cells (8.64–15.03 %) compared to free cells (71.20 %). These results indicate that carrageenan-pectin gel beads with XC ≤ 0.25 were successful in encapsulating probiotic bacteria, and this capacity was related to the rheological and mechanical properties of the gels.

Inclusion complex of trans-p-coumaroyl-secologanoside (comselogoside) with β-cyclodextrin. Part I. structural characterization and study of solubilization and stabilization.

Comselogoside (COM) is a secoiridoid, derivative of p-coumaric acid with a wide range of potential beneficial properties, although its poor aqueous solubility and low stability limit its study and application. The formation of an inclusion complex with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) could improve the solubility and photostability of COM. The complexation of COM with β-CD in an aqueous solution has been studied for the first time, using the freeze-drying method with high encapsulation yield and efficiency. The formation of the inclusion complex was confirmed by electrospray ionization (ESI) mass and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Phase solubility studies provided an AN-type diagram with an increase in aqueous solubility by 100% and the formation of a high stoichiometric order complex COM: β-CD. The 1H NMR analysis with different COM/β-CD molar ratio established the formation of the 2:1 stoichiometric complex by Job ҆ s plot. In addition, the complexation of COM with β-CD improved the stability of COM against irradiation with UV light at 254 nm. Finally, combined docking and DFT calculations have been performed to study the formation and interactions of the COM: β-CD complexes. The computational results show excellent agreement with experimental observations.

Characterization of Grape Pomace Extract Microcapsules: The Influence of Carbohydrate Co-Coating on the Stabilization of Goat Whey Protein as a Primary Coating.

Both grape pomace and whey are waste products from the food industry that are rich in valuable ingredients. The utilization of these two by-products is becoming increasingly possible as consumer awareness of upcycling increases. The biological activities of grape pomace extract (GPE) are diverse and depend on its bioavailability, which is influenced by processes in the digestive system. In this work, goat whey protein (GW) was used as the primary coating to protect the phenolic compounds of GPE during the spray drying process. In addition, trehalose (T), sucrose (S), xylose (X), and maltodextrin (MD) were added to the goat whey proteins as co-coatings and protein stabilizers. All spray drying experiments resulted in microcapsules (MC) with a high encapsulation efficiency (77.6-95.5%) and yield (91.5-99.0%) and almost 100% recovery of phenolic compounds during the release test. For o-coumaric acid, the GW-coated microcapsules (MC) showed a bioavailability index of up to 731.23%. A semi-crystalline structure and hydrophilicity were characteristics of the MC coated with 10% T, S, X, or 5% MD. GW alone or in combination with T, S, MD, or X proved to be a promising carrier for polyphenols from grape pomace extract and ensured good bioavailability of these natural antioxidants.

Fish oil encapsulation by genipin-crosslinked complex coacervation between gelatin and different anionic polysaccharides

Herein, a combination approach of bovine bone gelatin (BBG)/anionic polysaccharide (AP) complex coacervation with genipin crosslinking was developed to successfully fabricate fish oil-loaded genipin-crosslinked BBG/AP (fish oil@BBG-genipin-AP) powders. The genipin crosslinking process promoted the formation of larger fish oil@BBG-genipin-AP particles from the BBG/AP particles and fish oil@BBG/AP particles. AP types (gum Arabic, GA; sodium alginate, SA; sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC) and concentrations significantly affected the critical pH to form complex coacervated particles, the powder physicochemical properties, the powder oxidative stability, and the powder in vitro digestion. The fish oil@BBG-genipin-CMC powder at the CMC preparation concentration of 17.5 mg/mL showed the highest loading capacity value (44.3% ± 0.8%), almost the highest encapsulation efficiency value (90.9% ± 0.7%), and the highest encapsulation yield (91.3% ± 2.0%). Due to the environmental pH change, the powders changed to emulsion droplets in the gastric phase and then released free fatty acids in the small intestinal phase. The highest FFA release percentages after the gastrointestinal phase (2 h in the gastric phase and 2 h in the small intestinal phase) were dependent on both AP types and their concentrations (GA: 64.8 ± 2.9%, 62.5 mg/mL; SA: 55.0 ± 3.1%, 15 mg/mL; and CMC: 48.9 ± 1.5%, 12.5 mg/mL). GA at a concentration of 62.5 mg/mL might be the best system to prepare fish oil@gelatin-genipin-anionic polysaccharide powders for fish oil digestion. This work provided useful information to develop oil-encapsulation powders for functional foods and understand the influences of wall materials on the fabrication and properties of powder foods.

Design of Experiment for Optimizing Microencapsulation by the Solvent Evaporation Technique.

We employed microemulsion combined with the solvent evaporation technique to produce biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) MCs, containing encapsulated isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), to act as crosslinkers in high-performance adhesive formulations. The MC production process was optimized by applying a design of experiment (DoE) statistical approach, aimed at decreasing the MCs' average size. For that, three different factors were considered, namely the concentration of two emulsifiers, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and gum arabic (GA); and the oil-to-water phase ratio of the emulsion. The significance of each factor was evaluated, and a predictive model was developed. We were able to decrease the average MC size from 326 μm to 70 µm, maintaining a high encapsulation yield of approximately 60% of the MCs' weight, and a very satisfactory shelf life. The MCs' average size optimization enabled us to obtain an improved distributive and dispersive mixture of isocyanate-loaded MCs at the adhesive bond. The MCs' suitability as crosslinkers for footwear adhesives was assessed following industry standards. Peel tests revealed peel strength values above the minimum required for casual footwear, while the creep test results indicated an effective crosslinking of the adhesive. These results confirm the ability of the MCs to release IPDI during the adhesion process and act as crosslinkers for new adhesive formulations.

Effect of guar gum-based carriers on the physical and bioactive properties of spray-dried delivery systems of ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.)

The aim of the present study was to develop, for the first time, highly efficient spray-dried encapsulation systems of ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.) polyphenols using partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) and its binary systems with collagen hydrolyzates, carboxymethyl cellulose, nutriose, mucin and xylan. All carriers were subjected to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to estimate their thermal behavior and stability. In the formulated spray-dried particles, the influence of different carriers on their physical-chemical (wettability, bulk density, zeta potential, morphology, size and FT-IR spectroscopy) and bioactive (encapsulation yield and simulated gastrointestinal digestion) properties were determined. The addition of each of the polymers used to the PHGG system increased the process yield and affected most of the physical parameters, with the exception of the diameter of the particles. The highest encapsulation yield (94.64%) for the most dominant phenolic compound - rosmarinic acid, was observed for particles made of PHGG and mucin, while PHGG-carboxymethyl cellulose particles showed controlled and continuous release in simulated gastrointestinal digestion, that can be associated with the highest values for wettability (2553.5 s) and water contact angle (87°).

Enhancing the Functional Properties of Tea Tree Oil: In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity and Microencapsulation Strategy.

In the context of addressing antimicrobial drug resistance in periocular infections, Tea Tree Oil (TTO) has emerged as a promising therapeutic option. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of TTO against bacterial strains isolated from ocular infections, with a particular focus on its ability to inhibit biofilm formation. Additionally, we designed and analyzed microcapsules containing TTO to overcome certain unfavorable physicochemical properties and enhance its inherent biological attributes. The quality of TTO was confirmed through rigorous analysis using GC-MS and UV-Vis techniques. Our agar diffusion assay demonstrated the effectiveness of Tea Tree Oil (TTO) against ocular bacterial strains, including Corynebacterium spp., coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp., and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as a reference strain of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). Notably, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for all tested microorganisms were found to be 0.2% and 0.4%, respectively, with the exception of Corynebacterium spp., which exhibited resistance to TTO. Furthermore, TTO exhibited a substantial reduction in biofilm biomass, ranging from 30% to 70%, as determined by the MTT method. Through the spray-drying technique, we successfully prepared two TTO-containing formulations with high encapsulation yields (80-85%), microencapsulation efficiency (90-95%), and embedding rates (approximately 40%). These formulations yielded microcapsules with diameters of 6-12 μm, as determined by laser scattering particle size distribution analysis, and exhibited regular, spherical morphologies under scanning electron microscopy. Importantly, UV-Vis analysis post-encapsulation confirmed the presence of TTO within the capsules, with preserved antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. In summary, our findings underscore the substantial therapeutic potential of TTO and its microcapsules for treating ocular infections.

In vitro Survival of Microencapsulated Canine-Specific Probiotics Under Simulated Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions and During Storage

The survival of probiotics in the gastrointestinal system of dogs is crucial for them to provide health benefits. However, probiotics must also endure various physical conditions during commercial production and storage. Therefore, this study employed the microencapsulation technique to ensure the survival of probiotics using alginate as the encapsulation material, both alone and in combination with goat milk (alginate-goat milk). The study assessed the survival rates of two probiotic LAB strains, Enterococcus hirae Pom 4 and Ligilactobacillus animalis FB2, in both types of matrices under simulated dog gastrointestinal conditions, during food production, and 28 days of refrigeration at 4°C. The findings revealed that alginate-goat milk microcapsules had the highest encapsulation yield, and the viability of microencapsulated LAB cells in the alginate-goat milk matrix was the best protection for both probiotic strains under all conditions, including pasteurization temperature. Even after pasteurization, viable counts exceeding 6 log cfu/g were observed, indicating the promising application of alginate-goat milk microcapsules for optimal protection, enabling probiotics to survive until they reach the intended site and provide health benefits to dogs.

Microcapsules of Sacha Inchi seed oil (Plukenetia volubilis L.) obtained by spray drying as a potential ingredient to formulate functional foods

Sacha Inchi seed oil (SIO) is rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids with important health benefits, but is temperature sensitive. Spray drying is a technology that improves the long-term stability of bioactive compounds. This work aimed to study the effect of three different homogenization techniques on some physical properties and bioavailability of microcapsules of Sacha Inchi seed oil (SIO) emulsions obtained by spray drying. Emulsions were formulated with SIO (5%, w/w), maltodextrin:sodium caseinate as wall material (10%, w/w; 85:15), Tween 20 (1%, w/w) and Span 80 (0.5%, w/w) as surfactants and water up to 100% (w/w). Emulsions were prepared using high-speed (Dispermat D-51580, 18,000 rpm, 10 min), conventional (Mixer K-MLIM50N01, Turbo speed, 5 min), and ultrasound probe (Sonics Materials VCX 750, 35% amplitude, 750 W, 30 min) homogenization. SIO microcapsules were obtained in a Mini Spray B-290 (Büchi) using two inlet temperatures of the drying air (150 and 170 °C). Moisture, density, dissolution rate, hygroscopicity, drying efficiency (EY), encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity, and oil release in digestive fluids in vitro were studied. Results showed that the microcapsules obtained by spray-drying had low moisture values and high encapsulation yield and efficiency values (greater than 50% and 70%, respectively). The thermogravimetric analysis indicates that heat protection was assured, enhancing the shelf life and the ability to withstand thermal food processing. Results suggest that spray-drying encapsulation could be a suitable technology to successfully microencapsulate SIO and enhance the absorption of bioactive compounds in the intestine. This work highlights the use of Latin American biodiversity and spray drying technology to ensure the encapsulation of bioactive compounds. This technology represents an opportunity for the development of new functional foods, improving the safety and quality of conventional foods.

Apple-derived 3D scaffold for improving gastrointestinal viability and in-situ growth of probiotics

This study develops a novel low-cost microbial delivery system by transforming common food materials such as apple tissue into a 3D scaffold. Apple tissue scaffold was constructed by decellularization of intact tissue using a minimal amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.5 % w/v). Vacuum-assisted infusion of model probiotic Lactobacillus cells led to a high encapsulation yield of probiotic cells (1010 CFU/g of scaffold) in 3D scaffolds on a wet basis. The bio-polymer coated 3D scaffolds with infused cells significantly enhanced the survivability of infused probiotic cells during simulated gastric and intestinal digestions. In addition, imaging and plate counting results validate the growth of the infused cells in the 3D scaffold after 1–2 days of fermentation in MRS media, while cells without infusion in the scaffold had limited attachment with the intact apple tissue. Overall, these results highlight the potential of the apple tissue-derived 3D scaffold to deliver probiotic cells and include the biochemical compositions to support the growth of delivered microbial cells in the colon.

Enhancement of solubility, thermal stability and bioaccessibility of vitexin using phosphatidylcholine-based phytosome

Vitexin is a C-glycosylated flavonoid which has many biological activities. However, extremely low aqueous solubility and poor bioaccessibility of vitexin greatly limits its application. In this study, phytosome technology was applied to improve these limitations using soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC) and egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EPC) as carrier agents. The effect of types of carrier agents and ratios of vitexin to carrier agent on the physicochemical properties, solubility, and thermal stability of vitexin-loaded phytosomes was investigated. The phytosome produced using EPC showed high encapsulation yield of 97.60%, encapsulation efficiency of 98.27%, solubility of 89.15%, total phenolic content (TPC) of 114.44 mg GAE/g phytosome, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of 15.77 mmol Trolox/g phytosome and DPPH radical scavenging activity of 9.49 mmol Trolox/g phytosome. The phytosomal preparations using the ratio of vitexin to EPC of 1:3 could improve physical and chemical properties of vitexin-loaded phytosomes. Furthermore, phytosome technology could promote greater bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity of vitexin under thermal and simulated gastrointestinal digestion conditions compared to unprocessed vitexin. The results suggest that phytosome technology has ability to overcome the limitation and enable the application of vitexin.

Microencapsulation of Yarrowia lipolytica: cell viability and application in vitro ruminant diets.

Microencapsulation is an alternative to increase the survival capacity of microorganisms, including Yarrowia lipolytica, a widely studied yeast that produces high-value metabolites, such as lipids, aromatic compounds, biomass, lipases, and organic acids. Thus, the present study sought to investigate the effectiveness of different wall materials and the influence of the addition of salts on the microencapsulation of Y. lipolytica, evaluating yield, relationship with cell stability, ability to survive during storage, and in vitro application of ruminant diets. The spray drying process was performed via atomization, testing 11 different compositions using maltodextrin (MD), modified starch (MS) and whey protein concentrate (WPC), Y. lipolytica (Y. lipo) cells, tripolyphosphate (TPP), and sodium erythorbate (SE). The data show a reduction in the water activity value in all treatments. The highest encapsulation yield was found in treatments using MD + TPP + Y. lipo (84.0%) and WPC + TPP + Y. lipo (81.6%). Microencapsulated particles showed a survival rate ranging from 71.61 to 99.83% after 24h. The treatments WPC + Y. lipo, WPC + SE + Y. lipo, WPC + TPP + Y. lipo, and MD + SE + Y. lipo remained stable for up to 105days under storage conditions. The treatment WPC + SE + Y. lipo (microencapsulated yeast) was applied in the diet of ruminants due to the greater stability of cell survival. The comparison between the WPC + SE + Y. lipo treatment, wall materials, and the non-microencapsulated yeast showed that the microencapsulated yeast obtained a higher soluble fraction, degradability potential, and release of nutrients.

Rapidly Dissolving Microneedles for the Delivery of Steroid-Loaded Nanoparticles Intended for the Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseases

Drug delivery through the skin has immense advantages compared to other routes of administration and offers an optimal way to treat inflammatory skin diseases, where corticosteroids are the cornerstone of topical therapy. Still, their therapeutic efficiency is limited due to inadequate skin permeability, potential side effects, and reduced patient compliance. To overcome these drawbacks, we propose a drug delivery system consisting of dexamethasone (DEX)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) incorporated in sodium alginate (SA) microneedles (MNs) as a minimally invasive dosage form for controlled drug release. Drug-loaded PLGA NPs were prepared by a nanoprecipitation method with a high encapsulation yield. They exhibited a controlled release pattern over 120 h. A modified vacuum-deposition micromolding method was used to load the obtained DEX-NPs into the tips of dissolving MNs. The NP-MNs showed improved insertion capabilities into the skin-simulant parafilm model and enhanced mechanical strength when tested against different static forces compared to their counterparts (SA-MNs). The results of an MN dissolution study following application to ex vivo chicken skin and agarose gel indicate that the NP-loaded segments of MNs dissolve within 15 s, in which the NPs are released into the skin. Taken together, the incorporation of DEX-NPs into SA-MNs could be a promising approach to bypass the limitations of conventional topical treatment of skin diseases, allowing for self-administration, increased patient compliance, and controlled drug release.

Preparation and characterization of sorafenib-loading microcapsules by complex coacervation of gum Arabic with chitosan or modified chitosan

Sorafenib is an oral multi-target kinase inhibitor that has been used to treat unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and advanced renal cell carcinoma. The aim of the study was to prepare gum Arabic-chitosan (GA-CS) and gum Arabic-modified chitosan (GA-MCS) microcapsules containing sorafenib as the core phase by complex coacervation. The fluorescence microscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), drug loading, and encapsulation efficiency of the microcapsules were clarified. The GA-MCS microcapsule was successfully performed at approximate pH of 4 with a 1% modified chitosan -to- 5% gum Arabic ratio of 5:1 (v/v), while the GA-CS microcapsule was successfully prepared at pH 3.5 with a volume ratio of 1% chitosan -to- 5% gum Arabic 1:1 (v/v). Sorafenib was encapsulated in the microcapsules as shown through the fluorescence microscopy images. The formation of GA-CS and GA-MCS microcapsules with hydrodynamic sizes of 6.31 μm and 6.56 μm, respectively, was successfully achieved. The drug loading and encapsulation efficiency of the GA-MCS microcapsule was greater than that of the GA-CS microcapsule. The findings indicated that the GA-MCS microcapsule could be an appropriate formation to load sorafenib with a high encapsulation yield.

Formation and Characterization of Fucus virsoides J. Agardh Pigment–Polyethylene Glycol Microparticles Produced Using PGSS Process

The particles from the gas-saturated solutions (PGSS) process was employed to micronize brown algae pigments separated by different extraction techniques. The particle formation of pigments with a coating material, polyethylene glycol (PEG), was carried out by the PGSS process using supercritical CO2. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to characterize the produced particles, while encapsulation efficiency was determined using spectrophotometric methods. The physical properties of obtained microparticles were also determined. The PGSS process enabled a high encapsulation yield in the range from 61.60 to 73.73%, and high encapsulation efficiency in terms of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid content. The release of CO2 during the PGSS process gave the microparticles their characteristic open and porous form, and enhanced the solubility and flow properties at the same time.

Harnessing Monocytes for a Liposomal Rosiglitazone-Mediated Anti-Inflammatory Effect

<img src=” https://s3.amazonaws.com/production.scholastica/article/38312/large/prnano_842022.jpg?1663092842”> Rosiglitazone, an anti-diabetic drug used for treating type Ⅱ diabetes mellitus with known anti-inflammatory properties, was withdrawn from the European market. The United States Food and Drug Administration has restricted its use due to its severe cardiovascular adverse effects. We hypothesized that rosiglitazone could be repurposed to provide safe anti-inflammatory therapy. By encapsulating the drug in liposomes internalized preferentially by circulating monocytes, monocytes’ inhibition can be achieved while avoiding the inherent systemic side effects. Rosig-litazone was loaded into empty liposomes by an active loading method. The formulation (LipRosi) was developed with desirable physicochemical properties promoting preferential monocyte internalization via membrane surface negative charge. Appropriate physicochemical properties include nano-size, low polydispersity index (PDI), high drug loading capacity, high encapsulation yield, and shelf-life stability. Further, these liposomes exhibited time- and con-centration-dependent uptake in a murine monocyte/macrophage cell line (RAW264.7). In addi-tion, LipRosi was found to be significantly more effective in depleting monocytes than drug-free liposomes and free drugs in solution. A cytotoxic effect on smooth muscle cells was only ob-served at the highest concentration examined and after an extended exposure time. In vivo stud-ies in rats demonstrated a time-dependent uptake by intact circulating white blood cells (WBC), primarily monocytes. Administration of 20 mg/kg LipRosi, injected on two consecutive days, achieved a therapeutic window of monocyte depletion after 24 hr. Of note, only a dismal dispo-sition of the formulation was detected in the heart. Since monocytes play a central role in the progression of inflammatory related-disorders, LipRosi could be found therapeutic for multiple disorders.

Aronia Melanocarpa: Identification and Exploitation of Its Phenolic Components.

The phenolic components of Aronia melanocarpa were quantitatively recovered by three successive extractions with methanol. They comprise anthocyanins (mainly cyanidin glycosides) phenolic acids (chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids) and flavonols (quercetin glycosides). Approximately 30% of the total phenolic compounds are located in the peel and the rest in the flesh and seeds. Peels contain the major part of anthocyanins (73%), while the flesh contains the major part of phenolic acids (78%). Aronia juice, rich in polyphenols, was obtained by mashing and centrifugation, while the pomace residue was dried and subjected to acidified water extraction in a fixed bed column for the recovery of residual phenolics. A yield of 22.5 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry pomace was obtained; however, drying caused anthocyanins losses. Thus, their recovery could be increased by applying extraction on the wet pomace. The extract was encapsulated in maltodextrin and gum arabic by spray drying, with a high (>88%) encapsulation yield and efficiency for both total phenols and anthocyanins. Overall, fresh aronia fruits are a good source for the production of polyphenol-rich juice, while the residual pomace can be exploited, through water extraction and spray drying encapsulation for the production of a powder containing anthocyanins that can be used as a food or cosmetics additive.

Stability, Morphology, and Effects of In Vitro Digestion on the Antioxidant Properties of Polyphenol Inclusion Complexes with β-Cyclodextrin.

Polyphenols are inversely associated with the incidence of chronic diseases, but therapeutic use is limited by poor stability and bioaccessibility. Encapsulation has been shown to overcome some of these limitations. A selection of polyphenols (catechin, gallic acid, and epigallocatechin gallate) and their combinations were encapsulated in beta-cyclodextrin (βCD). Encapsulation was characterized and the thermal and storage stability was evaluated using the 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay. The samples were then subjected to in vitro digestion using a simple digestion (SD) model (gastric and duodenal phases) and a more complex digestion (CD) model (oral, gastric, and duodenal phases). Thereafter, the chemical (oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay) and cellular (dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay in Caco-2 cells) antioxidant and antiglycation (advanced glycation end-products assay) activities were determined. Inclusion complexes formed at a 1:1 molar ratio with a high encapsulation yield and efficiency. Encapsulation altered the morphology of the samples, increased the thermal stability of some and the storage stability of all samples. Encapsulation maintained the antioxidant activity of all samples and significantly improved the antiglycation and cellular antioxidant activities of some polyphenols following SD. In conclusion, the formed inclusion complexes of βCD with polyphenols had greater storage stability, without altering the beneficial cellular effects of the polyphenols.