Micellar Systems Research Articles

Encapsulation of Quercetin in a Mixed Nanomicellar System to Enhance its Cytotoxicity against Breast Cancer Cells

AbstractThe therapeutic potential of quercetin‐loaded Pluronic® F‐127 (PF‐127)/Tween 80 mixed nanomicelles as a passive targeted drug delivery system for breast cancer therapy is evaluated. Quercetin‐loaded mixed nanomicelles with different mass ratios of drug/PF‐127/Tween 80 were prepared by thin‐film hydration method. The physical interactions of quercetin with PF‐127 and Tween 80 in an optimal ratio were investigated. The results of in vitro drug release experiments showed that the mixed micellar system exhibits a prolonged and sustained release behavior compared to the solution of free quercetin. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies of quercetin‐loaded mixed nanomicelles on breast cancer cells revealed that the encapsulated drug has a lower half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value compared to the free drug.

Mechano‐Responsive Leapfrog Micelles Enable Interactive Apoptotic and Ferroptotic Cancer Therapy

AbstractThe combination of apoptosis and ferroptosis is highly appealing in addressing the tumor heterogeneity‐induced therapy resistance. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐based cancer nanomedicine can assemble multiple cell death modalities in a single platform, but the potency of ferroptosis induction is limited. Here, a novel mechano‐responsive polymeric micellar system for selective ferroptosis boosting and ROS therapy sensitization is reported. The mechanophore, ferrocene (Fc) is the key to such design, and the ultrasound can speed up the dissociation of Fc and the release of Fe2+ and hydroxyl radical in the presence of elevated H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment. The Fc‐conjugated amphiphilic copolymers self‐assemble into nanoscale micelles wherein a model sonosensitizer, protoporphyrin IX is physically encapsulated. Upon triggering, the mechano‐responsive micelles produce both singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical for apoptotic cell death in a model murine breast cancer cell line (4T1). The ROS also depletes intracellular glutathione and thioredoxin, which together with the heightened Fe2+ level boosts lipid peroxidation and hence ferroptotic cell death. The interactive apoptosis and ferroptosis induction and sensitization is further demonstrated in a 4T1 tumor‐bearing mice model with negligible adverse effects. The current work provides a novel approach to simultaneously sensitize apoptosis and ferroptosis for efficient on‐demand cancer therapy.

Solubilization of diphenylcarbazide in the micellar system of tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide: the micellar effect on complex formation of the ligand

ABSTRACT This work aims to investigate the interaction of diphenylcarbazide (DPC) with tetradecyltrimethyaammonium bromide (TTAB) over concentrations ranging from below and above the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the surfactant and subsequent complexation of DPC with Zn(II) of the surfactant by visible and NMR spectrophotometry. For this purpose, we determined the CMC of the surfactant in pure water and in the presence of DPC conductometrically. Lower specific conductance values of the surfactant in the presence of DPC indicate the interaction between TTAB and DPC both below and above the CMC. The CMC of the surfactant was found to increase with increasing the concentration of DPC, indicating that hydrophobic interaction between the alkyl chains of the surfactant becomes unfavourable in the presence of DPC. The interaction of Zn(II) with DPC is strongly influenced by the concentration of the surfactant as well as the solubilisation site of DPC in the micelle. The absorbance of the Zn(II)-DPC complex increases initially, attains maximum near the CMC and then decreases with further increase in the concentration of the surfactant. Visible spectra together with NMR data of the Zn(II)-DPC complex in surfactant systems under different conditions provided information about the possible location of the DPC in the micelles.

Unravelling the Interactions Prevailing in Mixed Micellar System of Surface-Active Ionic Liquid and Cationic Surfactant

The investigation of mixed micellar behavior of surface-active ionic liquid (SAIL) i.e. 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexadecyl sulfate [C4mim][HS] with cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) has been done to explore the type of interactions prevailing in SAIL/Surfactant mixed system. Thus, the conductometric measurements are performed at (298.15, 308.15 and 318.15) K for various mole fractions of [C4mim][HS]. Different theoretical models like Clint, Rubingh, Motomura and Rodenas have been applied to understand mixed micellar behavior of SAIL/Surfactant mixed system. The value of critical micelle concentrations (cmc), micellar mole fraction based upon various models, ideal critical micelle concentrations (cmc*), interaction parameter (β) and thermodynamic parameters have been evaluated for the mixed systems. The variations of various parameters with respect to temperature and mole fractions give insight to sort of interactions present in studied system.

Design and fabrication of chitosan-based AIE active micelles for bioimaging and intelligent delivery of paclitaxel

In this study, cetyl 4-formylbenzoate alkyl and 4-(2-hydroxyethoxy) benzophenonesalicylaldazide modified biotinylated chitosan (CS-BT-HBS-CB) featured with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristic, active tumor-targeting ability and pH-responsive drug release property was designed and synthesized. The polymer was fabricated by introducing hydrophobic segment, tumor targeting ligand, acid-sensitive bond and AIE fluorophore to the backbone of chitosan. Due to its amphiphilicity, the polymer could self-assemble into micelles and encapsulate paclitaxel (PTX) to form PTX-loaded CS-BT-HBS-CB micelles. The mean size of the micelles was 167 nm, which was beneficial to the EPR effect. Moreover, with the help of above functional groups, the micelles exhibited excellent AIE effect, triggered drug release behavior by acidic condition, selective internalization by MCF-7 cells and excellent cellular imaging capability. In vivo studies revealed that the PTX-loaded CS-BT-HBS-CB micelles could enhance the antitumor efficacy with low systemic toxicity. This micellar system would be a potential candidate for cancer therapy and bioimaging.

The First Century of Successful Applications of Pinacyanol: Some Noteworthy Results

The most important results obtained during the first century of pinacyanol (PIN) application in fundamental and applied research are summarized. The main usages of PIN during the century are described. The structural, protolytic, and thermodynamic properties of the dye in different systems (aqueous and aqueous–organic solutions, premicellar and micellar surfactant systems, and salt-containing solutions) have been analyzed. Quantitative characteristics of intermolecular interactions are considered. Self-association and dissimilar association of PIN with the participation of other dyes, organic ions and molecules, and metal complex compounds under 5 × 10−7–8 × 10−5 mol/L concentrations of PIN are discussed. The analyzed data indicate that at present, as before, the scientific interest in this dye is very high.

Interaction of bisdemethoxycurcumin with sodium dodecyl sarcosine + Tween 20/Tween 60 mixed surfactants: Insights from multispectral analysis and solubilization effect

The low aqueous solubility of curcuminoids, including bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), severely limits their applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This improvement is expected to be achieved by encapsulating them with mixed surfactant micellar systems. In this study, the interaction of BDMC with sodium dodecyl sarcosine (SDDS) + Tween 20/Tween 60 mixed micelles was studied at the molecular level. The molar ratio of Tween 20/Tween 60 to SDDS in the mixed micelles was optimized using response surface methodology. The binding parameters of BDMC to the mixed micelles were determined by fluorescence and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the hydrophobic interaction was dominant in the binding process. The longer hydrophobic chain of Tween 60 was responsible for the stronger interaction of BDMC with SDDS + Tween 60. The binding site of BDMC in the hydrophobic alkyl chains of the mixed micelles was analyzed by copper ion fluorescence quenching analysis, fluorescence polarization analysis, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The solubility of BDMC in the mixed micelles was enhanced and SDDS + Tween 60 had more significant solubilization capacity. Therefore, the mixed micellar systems may provide a feasible solution for the application of BDMC in functional food and medicine fields.

Functionalization of mesoporous silica nanoparticles through one-pot co-condensation in w/o emulsion

In this work, three different functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were synthesized through the co-condensation synthesis in oil/water emulsion. Hexadecyltrimethoxysilane, triethoxy-3-(2-imidazolin-1-yl)propylsilane and (3-mercaptopropyl)triethoxysilane were used as organo-substituted silica precursors with variable molar ratio with respect to tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS, 1:4, 1:9, 1:19). The occurred functionalization was investigated by Infrared Spectroscopy and FT-Raman and 29 Si { 1 H} CP-MAS-NMR spectroscopy. Results show that the three materials were successfully functionalized. The influence of the different pendant groups and their concentration on the mesostructured pore organization of the obtained nanoparticles respect to the non-functionalized mesoporous silica was evaluated by means of Transmission Electron Microscopy and N 2 sorption measurements. Bulky aliphatic C16 chains, especially in higher concentration, causes severe changes in mesoporous structure, leading to a more heterogeneous material. The imidazoline groups, instead, change the mesostructured morphology of the pores to an irregular but more interconnected one, while the presence of mercaptopropyl groups does not bring significant modifications. The different structural modifications in pore morphology observed between the samples is due to the different interactions between derivatized silica precursors and the components of the emulsion. • Long aliphatic alkyl chains (C16) tend to disrupt micellar systems preventing homogeneous condensation. • Mercaptopropyl groups do not influence pore structure, allowing high functionalization of the material. • Imidazoline groups rearrange mesostructured porosity, maintaining high surface area e pore volume.

THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL TYPE AND CONCENTRATION ON THE PHASE BEHAVIOR AND INTERFACIAL TENSION IN OIL-SURFACTANTCOSURFACTANT-BRINE MIXTURE SYSTEM

The number of mechanism is limited for reducing the entrapment of oil in the pore space of reservoir rock and for mobilizing that residual which remains entrapped, thereby improving the microscopic displacement efficiency of a petroleum recovery process. After primary recovery by flow powered by the energy stored in the compressed fluids of reservoir, and secondary recovery by injection-pump driven water flooding, residual oil is trapped by the capillary pressure developed by interfacial tension in curved menisci between oil and water in the pore space. Figure 1.1 illustrates the interplay of capillary and viscous forces in the water flooding process. Shown in the figure is water displacing oil. The important point is that residual oil is trapped in the pore space by interfacial tension. To improve micros- copic displacement efficiency is to reduce interfacial tension between oil and water. Surfactant is surface active agent chemical that has two types of properties; lypofob (like water) and hydrofob (like oil). The value of interfacial tension between oil and water is high, when surfactant is dissolved into water and contacts with oil, so that surfactant is not only soluble in the water, but also it is soluble in the oil. By addition of surfactant into the water and contact with oil can result in interfacial tension between oil and water from high (more less 20 - 30 dyne/cm) to lower interfacial tension (10-2 dyne/cm). To change the lower interfacial tension to the lowest interfacial tension conditions (10-4dyne/cm), cosurfactant in oil-surfactant-brine mixture is used. Alcohols are widely used in micellar surfactant systems for enhanced petroleum recovery and are variously called cosurfactant or cosolvent. In general, alcohols modify the physico- chemical properties in ways that are important to the design of surfactant-based process for improving petroleum recovery. This research is focused on alcohol effects on oil-surfactant-brine phase behavior and interfacial tension of oil-surfactant-brine system.

CTAB Reverse Micelles as Catalysts for the Oxidation of Ascorbic Acid by K3[Fe(CN)6

The oxidation of ascorbic acid by K3[Fe(CN)6] was studied in reverse micellar systems composed of CTAB (Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide), and it was found the observed first order (k1(aq) = 5.2×10−5 s−1, k1(rev) = 61.4×10−4 s−1) rate constant in reverse micellar medium is around forty times higher compared to aqueous medium under identical conditions. The rate enhancement (k2(aq) = 0.9×10−5 mole−1.dm3.sec−1, k2(rev) = 1.75×10−3 mole−1.dm3.sec−1) is attributed to the large concentration effect and lower dielectric constant in the reverse micelles. The rate of the reaction increases with increase in W = {[H2O]/[surfactant]} which is explained in terms of ionic strength of the water pool. The effect of surfactant concentration on rate was explained on the basis of Berezin pseudo phase model. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Myricetin Loaded Nano-micelles Delivery System Reduces Bone Loss Induced by Ovariectomy in Rats Through Inhibition of Osteoclast Formation

In recent years, much attention has been paid to the therapeutic effects of phytochemicals on osteoporosis. Other studies have shown that myricetin (MY) could promote osteogenic activity and inhibit osteoclastic effect, albeit little is known about effect of MY micellar system on osteoporosis. Therefore, we sought to discuss the therapeutic effect and mechanism of MY-loaded bone-targeting micelles on osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy (OVA) in rats. The AL-P(LLA-CL)-PEG-P(LLA-CL)-MY micelles were prepared via ethanol injection method, while in vitro release study, bone targeting, pharmacokinetic studies, and the effect on proliferation of osteoblasts were investigated. Further, the therapeutic effect on osteoporosis was studied through ovariectomized rats. Compared with free MY, oral bioavailability of AL-P(LLA-CL)-PEG-P(LLA-CL)-MY micelles in rats was increased by 3.54 times. The AL-P(LLA-CL)-PEG-P(LLA-CL)-MY micelles exhibited bone targeting potential, and could significantly increase the activity of alkaline phosphatase and promote the proliferation of osteoblasts. Importantly, AL-P(LLA-CL)-PEG-P(LLA-CL)-MY micelles mainly regulated bone metabolism by inhibiting bone resorption, thereby improving the symptoms of osteoporosis in OVA rats. The AL-P(LLA-CL)-PEG-P(LLA-CL)-MY micelles substantially enhanced the oral bioavailability of MY and demonstrated good bone targeting capability, thereby suggesting its prospect as carrier for osteoporotic improvement in OVA rats.

A review on reverse micellar approach for natural fiber dyeing

AbstractThis study reviews the need and importance of non‐aqueous dyeing systems in the chemical processing industry, especially using the reverse micellar system in the dyeing of natural fibres. When it comes to conventional dyeing systems, which use large quantities of water, chemical, and energy, cause a lot of effluent load to the environment. Again the effluent water has to be treated well to eliminate all the harmful substances in it. To overcome the issues, a lot of research has been carried out in this area to minimise the use of water and chemicals in the dyeing process. Like use of low material to liquor ratio (M:L) in dyeing, dyes with high fixation at lower temperatures, low/salt less dyeing in case of reactive dyeing with cotton, cottonseed oil dyeing, microwave‐assisted dyeing, and use of supercritical carbon dioxide in case of polyester dyeing and many more. All the above said methods are aqueous‐based and, after the completion of dyeing, results in wastewater generation, which requires further treatment to reduce the harmful chemicals. Therefore, to further minimise the use of water and chemicals in the dyeing of natural fibres reverse micellar system has been introduced with the help of surfactants of both Ionic and nonionic in nature. As of today, a lot of work has been carried out in the dyeing of natural fibres with this system by employing ionic, nonionic, and mixed surfactants. Fascinating results were obtained in the dyeing with good levelness, high exhaustion, and fixation values, and results were compared with conventional dyeing. Computer colour matching studies were also done better to understand the applicability of these systems in the industry and found nearer results.

Binary micellar schemes of cationic gemini and conventional surfactants: chain length effect

Binary micellar schemes have been appropriated to ascertain the effect of chain length on micellization and interfacial properties. Mixed micellar systems of cationic gemini surfactant, bis-N,N-tetradecyldimethyl-m-phenylenediammonium dibromide (14-m-ɸ-14), and conventional cationic surfactants, viz., dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C12TAB), tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C14TAB) and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C16TAB), in aqueous media were investigated by conductometric, tensiometric, fluorimetric and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques at 25 °C. The behavior of the binary mixtures under regular solution theory have been explained in light of Clint’s and Rubingh’s models. A non-ideal behavior was indicated. This was further confirmed by interaction parameter (β) values and activity coefficients. The synergism, an attractive interaction, between the surfactant molecules was ascertained. The average aggregation number () was evaluated by steady-state fluorescence quenching method. The increased with increase in mole fraction of CnTAB (n = 12, 14, 16). The size of the aggregates varied with length of conventional surfactants as exhibited by DLS. The zeta potential values of the mixed micelles increase with increase in mole fractions of CnTAB.

Current State-of-the-Art and New Trends in Self-Assembled Nanocarriers as Drug Delivery Systems

Self-assembled nanocarrier drug delivery has received profuse attention in the field of diagnosis and treatment of diseases. These carriers have proved that serious life-threatening diseases can be eliminated evidently by virtue of their characteristic design and features. This review is aimed at systematically presenting the research and advances in the field of self-assembled nanocarriers such as polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, liposomes, inorganic nanocarriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymerosomes, micellar systems, niosomes, and some other nanoparticles. The self-assembled delivery of nanocarriers has been developed in recent years for targeting diseases. Some of the innovative attempts with regard to prolonging drug action, improving bioavailability, avoiding drug resistance, enhancing cellular uptake, and so on have been discussed. The discussion about various delivery systems included the investigation conducted at the preliminary stage, i.e., preclinical trials and assessment of safety. The clinical studies of some of the recently developed self-assembled products are currently at the clinical trial phase or FDA approved.

New trans-[Ru(NO)(NO2)(dppb)(o-bdqi)]+ complex as NO donor encapsulated Pluronic F-127 micelles

Ruthenium complexes that act as nitric oxide (NO) donors show potential cytotoxicity in tumor models. In this work, we proposed the synthesis of the new nitrosyl ruthenium complex trans-[Ru(NO2)(NO)(dppb)(o-bdqi)]Cl2, containing a non-innocent ligand of the o-phenylenediamine type (o-bdqi). The 31P{1H} NMR spectra confirmed that the trans-[Ru(NO2)(NO)(dppb)(o-bqdi)] is the isomer formed. The complex was characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, UV–vis and infrared spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Natural transition orbitals (NTOs) for trans-[RuCl2(dppb)(o-bdqi)] and trans-[Ru(NO2)(NO)(dppb)(o-bdqi)]Cl2 complex were obtained with TD-DFT/B3LYP methodology to contribute to the assignment of electronic transition. A micellar system (F-127/Ru) produced with Pluronic F-127 copolymer was used as a drug delivery system, due to the hydrophobicity of the complex. The F-127/Ru system showed NO release in aqueous media. The free complex showed higher cytotoxicity than the F-127/Ru system in the studied tumor cells. However, the F-127/Ru system showed a higher selectivity index for lung cells. This shows that the Pluronic F-127 carrier can be a good alternative in the use of hydrophobic nitrosyl ruthenium compounds in the treatment of some types of cancer.

An inimitable and ecological pleasant technique for the assessment of trace amount of copper (II) in tangible samples with new complexing reagent

A simple and rapid spectrophotometric technique has been designed for the trace copper analysis employing 1-(2-Thiazolylazo)-2-naphthol (TAN) reagent in aqueous micellar solution of cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a surfactant. Copper complexed with 1-(2-Thiazolylazo)-2-naphthol to form bis[1-(2-Thiazolylazo)-2-naphthol]copper. The present spectrophotometric technique was very important since the micellar system was used in place of the toxic, high cost and time-consuming solvent extraction steps. The technique showed an enhanced detection efficiency, specificity, and molar absorptivity. It was found that the molar absorption coefficient and sensitivity of Sandel were ε 2.45 × 104 L mol−1cm−1 and 2.6 ngcm−2 at λmax 578.4 nm. A linear calibration plot in the range 0.12–5.0 μg mL−1 was obtained; a stoichiometric metal ligand ratio [M:L] of 1:2 was found for the formation of Cu-[TAN]2. The complex was formed at pH 9.5 and was stable up to 24 h. The proposed technique has been employed to study copper from different alloys, biological, environmental and pharmaceutical samples.

Contrasting impacts of mixed nonionic surfactant micelles on plant growth in the delivery of fungicide and herbicide

HypothesisNonionic alkyl ethoxylate surfactants are widely used in agrochemicals to facilitate the permeation of systemic herbicides and fungicides across the plant waxy film. Industrial grade surfactants are often highly mixed and how the mixing affects their interactions with pesticides and wax films remains largely unexplored. A better understanding could enable design of mixed nonionic surfactants for herbicides and fungicides to maximize their efficiency and reduce wastage whilst controlling their impact on plant wax films. ExperimentIn this study, nonionic surfactants with general structure n-oxyethylene glycol monododecyl ether (C12En) were used to form surfactant mixtures with the same average ethoxylate numbers but different hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) values. Their mixed micellar systems were then used to solubilize a herbicide diuron (DN) and a fungicide cyprodinil (CP), followed by plant wax solubilization upon contact with wax films. These processes were monitored by 1H NMR and SANS. FindingPesticide solubilization made surfactant micelles effectively more hydrophobic but subsequent wax dissolution caused pesticide release and the restoration of the micellar amphiphilicity. Nonionic surfactants with lower HLBs form larger nanoaggregates, show enhanced wettability, and have better ability to solubilize and permeate pesticides across the wax film, but may cause significant damage to plant growth. These observations help explain why herbicides applied on weeds would benefit from surfactants with lower HLB values while fungicides require surfactants with HLBs to balance between delivery efficiency and potential phytotoxicity risks.

Preparation of Bioderived and Biodegradable Surfactants Based on an Intrinsically Disordered Protein Sequence.

Surfactants, block copolymers, and other types of micellar systems are used in a wide variety of biomedical and industrial processes. However, most commonly used surfactants are synthetically derived and pose environmental and toxicological concerns throughout their product life cycle. Because of this, bioderived and biodegradable surfactants are promising alternatives. For biosurfactants to be implemented industrially, they need to be produced on a large scale and also have tailorable properties that match those afforded by the polymerization of synthetic surfactants. In this paper, a scalable and versatile production method for biosurfactants based on a hydrophilic intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) sequence with a genetically engineered hydrophobic domain is used to study variables that impact their physicochemical and self-assembling properties. These amphiphilic sequences were found to self-assemble into micelles over a broad range of temperatures, pH values, and ionic strengths. To investigate the role of the IDP hydrophilic domain on self-assembly, variants with increased overall charges and systematically decreased IDP domain lengths were produced and examined for their sizes, morphologies, and critical micelle concentrations (CMCs). The results of these studies indicate that decreasing the length of the IDP domain and consequently the molecular weight and hydrophilic fraction leads to smaller micelles. In addition, significantly increasing the amount of charged residues in the hydrophilic IDP domain results in micelles of similar sizes but with higher CMC values. This represents an initial step in developing a quantitative model for the future engineering of biosurfactants based on this IDP sequence.

The in-vitro study of novel phospholipid micelles loaded with amphotericin B on plasmodium falciparum protozoan

Malaria is one of the most challenging parasitic infectious diseases in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world. The increasing drug resistance of plasmodium falciparum even makes the treatment procedure of malaria challenging and more problematic. Therefore, it is essential to develop new antimalarial drugs for effective treatments. In this study, the encapsulated amphotericin B (Constantinides et al.) in DSPC/DSPE-PEG2000 micelles was investigated as an antimalarial drug against P. falciparum 3D7 strain. The mean particle size, morphological and microstructural properties of drug-free and drug-loaded micelles prepared with amphotericin B were determined through DLS, FESEM, and TEM analysis. The synthesized phospholipid micelles containing AmB drug with a mean diameter of 115 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.331. The TEM and SEM studies indicate the uniform and homogeneous morphology of the micelles. Drug encapsulation efficiency is 88.3%. The slow release of the micellar system shows the maximum drug release of 75.67% within 24 h. This in vitro study was conducted on P. falciparum 3D7 to investigate the interactions between AmB micelles and P. falciparum parasites using different drug ratios. According to the findings, the IC50 of free AmB is 4.834 µg/ml, while the nano-diameter AmB has a significantly lower IC50 of 2.394 µg/ml. The results of this study suggest that the drug-loaded phospholipid micelles have significantly higher bioactivity and greater plasmodial properties compared to the direct application of AmB against P. falciparum. Moreover, according to the results of this study, the encapsulated AmB drugs are promising nanostructures for malaria treatment. Therefore the nanoencapsulation AmB showed promising application for malaria treatment.

A novel method based on saponification coupled to micelle-extraction for recovering valuable bioactive compounds from soybean oil deodorizer distillate

The feasibility of using saponification coupled to extraction with mixed micellar systems to recover bioactive compounds from soybean oil deodorizer distillate, was evaluated for the first time. Under the selected conditions, saponification with KOH 0.6 M and aqueous micellar system prepared with Tergitol 15-S-7 9% w/w, rhamnolipids 0.25 %w/w and sodium citrate 100 mM pH 5.00, at 65 °C, allow the recovery of almost 100% of α- and δ- tocopherols, and 90% of γ-tocopherols. LC-MS measurements demonstrated that the final extract also contained phytosterols and squalene. Additionally, the obtained extract preserved about 100% of the total antioxidant activity. This result was attributable to the fact that 93% of the tocopherols recovered in the micellar phases resulted to be associated with surfactant micelles, environment that is known to improve their antioxidant capacity. These results open perspectives to the use of this methodology to extract these valuable compounds from complex oily sources.