Simulated Gastrointestinal Environment Research Articles

Adsorption Capacity of Activated Carbon-Encapsulated Hollow-Type Spherical Bacterial Cellulose Gels for Uremic Toxins in a Simulated Human Gastrointestinal Environment.

To reduce the risk of the adsorption of granular activated carbon in the gastrointestinal tract, we successfully produced a hollow-type spherical bacterial cellulose (HSBC) gel containing activated carbon with a particle size of 6 μm. In this study, the aim of which was to develop an effective formulation, we evaluated the stability of activated-carbon-encapsulating HSBC gels under various pH conditions. Activated-carbon-encapsulating HSBC gels (ACEGs) retained the activated carbon without leaking when subjected to agitation in acidic or basic environments. The saturated adsorption amount, calculated using the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, was affected by the target adsorbate and pH conditions. These results indicate that ACEGs can adsorb uremic toxins and their precursors similarly to conventional uremic toxin adsorbents while preventing direct contact between the encapsulated activated carbon and the gastrointestinal tract. Compared to powdered activated carbon, the ACEG is less likely to be adsorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the proposed ACEG is a promising new formulation that will contribute to the treatment of renal failure and improve patients' compliance with medication.

Polymorphic strategies for encapsulating polyindole@nido-carborane fluorescent polymeric nanocapsules: Their release, imaging, and biological evaluation in the gastrointestinal microenvironment

In this experiment, by combining water-soluble nido-carborane with indole dyes, and used non-toxic and non-irritating sodium alginate and acrylic resin as coating materials to obtain four fluorescent complexes, indol-nido-carborane-sodium alginate- Polymer-A (INS-A) 、indol-nido-carborane-sodium alginate-Polymer-B (INS-B)、indol-nido-carborane-sodium alginate-Polymer-C (INS-C) and indol-nido-carborane-sodium alginate-Polymer-D (INS-D).The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed that the four complexes have different morphologies, with INS-A showing irregular clusters, INS-B being uniformly spherical, INS-C demonstrating a cashew-nut shape and INS-D manifesting a semi-encapsulated state. The spectroscopic properties and in vitro release experiments of the four complexes were performed in different simulated gastrointestinal environments. The results indicated that INS-A and INS-C had excellent photophysical properties and high cumulative release, so INS-A and INS-C were selected for subsequent experiments. Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) test manifested that the surfaces of INS-A and INS-C were relatively smooth. Imaging of HeLa cells with different channels was performed, the Pearson correlation coefficients of both INS-A and INS-C could be calculated to be distributed between 0.21 and 0.60, indicating that the complexes exhibited good imaging performance and could enter the cell and distribute around the nucleus. The results of cell proliferation toxicity (CCK8) experiments showed that at the concentration of 125 μg/mL, the inhibition rates of INS-A and INS-C on HCT-116 and HeLa cells were 47.15 %, 36.70 % and 42.81 %, 35.52 %, respectively, demonstrating that the complexes had an inhibitory effect on cancer cells. In summary, the fluorescent complexes prepared in this paper have good imaging ability and tumor targeting, and are potential fluorescent anticancer reagent.

Formulation of pH-responsive double-network hydrocolloid-based hydrogel matrix for encapsulation of bioactive polyphenols obtained from fruit juice industry byproducts

The peel of Citrus limon is a colossal organic byproduct of the juice industry containing a significant quantity of bioactive polyphenols with diverse therapeutic potentials. As they are often underutilized the present investigation aims to valorize and promote the utilization of these polyphenols through encapsulation in a hydrocolloid-based hydrogel matrix for prolonged shelf-life and sustainable delivery. The hydrogels were prepared by blending sodium alginate and pectin through ionotropic gelation which achieved ∼86.72 % polyphenol encapsulation efficiency. The polyphenol-encapsulated hydrogels had maintained the shelf life and effectively preserved >95 % of polyphenols at 30 °C with no discernible variation for >30 days. Multiple physicochemical investigations were performed on the prepared formulation. Additionally, the release kinetics of polyphenols from beads were examined in a simulated gastrointestinal environment. The result showed that ∼87.54 % of entrapped polyphenol was released after 9 h and the pattern was found controlled release type and pH-responsive. The degree of fluctuation of a few specific polyphenolic compounds was noted and evaluated using principal component analysis. Furthermore, the encapsulating procedure protected a considerable amount of antioxidant activity (>60 %) while demonstrating good hemocompatibility. Therefore, the produced formulation may be used by the juice industries to create a valorization step using the byproduct.

Digestion and absorption characteristics of iron-chelating silver carp scale collagen peptide and insights into their chelation mechanism

Iron deficiency is widespread throughout the world, supplementing sufficient iron or improving the bioavailability of iron is the fundamental strategy to solve the problem of iron scarcity. Herein, we explored a new form of iron supplement, iron chelates of silver carp scales (SCSCP-Fe) were prepared from collagen peptide of silver carp scales (SCSCP) and FeCl2·4H2O, the effects of external environment and simulated gastrointestinal digestive environment on the stability of SCSCP-Fe and the structural changes of peptide iron chelates during digestion were investigated. The results of in vitro iron absorption promotion showed that the iron bioavailability of SCSCP-Fe was higher than that of FeSO4. Two potential high iron chelating peptides DTSGGYDEY (DY) and LQGSNEIEIR (LR) were screened and synthesized from the SCSCP sequence by molecular dynamics and LC-MS/MS techniques. The FTIR results displayed that the binding sites of DY and LR for Fe2+ were the carboxyl group, the amino group, and the nitrogen atom on the amide group on the peptide. ITC results indicated that the chelation reactions of DY and LR with Fe2+ were mainly dominated by electrostatic interactions, forming chelates in stoichiometric ratios of 1:2 and 1:1, respectively. Both DY and LR had a certain ability to promote iron absorption. The transport of DY-Fe chelate may be a combination of the three pathways: PepT1 vector pathway, cell bypass, and endocytosis, while LR-Fe chelate was dominated by bivalent metal ion transporters. This study is expected to provide theoretical reference and technical support for the high-value utilization of silver carp scales and the development of novel iron supplements.

2-Monoacylglycerol Mimetic Liposomes to Promote Intestinal Lymphatic Transport for Improving Oral Bioavailability of Dihydroartemisinin.

Reducing the first-pass hepatic effect via intestinal lymphatic transport is an effective way to increase the oral absorption of drugs. 2-Monoacylglycerol (2-MAG) as a primary digestive product of dietary lipids triglyceride, can be assembled in chylomicrons and then transported from the intestine into the lymphatic system. Herein, we propose a biomimetic strategy and report a 2-MAG mimetic nanocarrier to target the intestinal lymphatic system via the lipid absorption pathway and improve oral bioavailability. The 2-MAG mimetic liposomes were designed by covalently bonding serinol (SER) on the surface of liposomes named SER-LPs to simulate the structure of 2-MAG. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) was chosen as the model drug because of its disadvantages such as poor solubility and high first-pass effect. The endocytosis and exocytosis mechanisms were investigated in Caco-2 cells and Caco-2 cell monolayers. The capacity of intestinal lymphatic transport was evaluated by ex vivo biodistribution and in vivo pharmacokinetic experiments. DHA loaded SER-LPs (SER-LPs-DHA) had a particle size of 70 nm and a desirable entrapment efficiency of 93%. SER-LPs showed sustained release for DHA in the simulated gastrointestinal environment. In vitro cell studies demonstrated that the cellular uptake of SER-LPs primarily relied on the caveolae- rather than clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathway and preferred to integrate into the chylomicron assembly process through the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi apparatus route. After oral administration, SER-LPs efficiently promoted drug accumulation in mesenteric lymphatic nodes. The oral bioavailability of DHA from SER-LPs was 10.40-fold and 1.17-fold larger than that of free DHA and unmodified liposomes at the same dose, respectively. SER-LPs improved oral bioavailability through efficient intestinal lymphatic transport. These findings of the current study provide a good alternative strategy for oral delivery of drugs with high first-pass hepatic metabolism.

Probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici Strains Exert Anti-inflammatory Effects by Regulating Intracellular Signaling Pathways in LPS-Induced RAW 264.7 Cells.

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Pediococcus acidilactici strains isolated from fermented vegetables on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. In addition, the probiotic characteristics and safety were evaluated. Our results show that Ped. acidilactici strains possess high survivability in simulated gastrointestinal environments and strong attachment to HT-29 cells. All Ped. acidilactici strains exhibited γ-hemolysis and resistance to gentamicin, kanamycin, and streptomycin, a characteristic commonly observed in lactic acid bacteria. Treatment with Ped. acidilactici inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, leading to a subsequent reduction in nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production. Furthermore, the strains downregulated interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 mRNA levels, ultimately suppressing their production. We demonstrated that Ped. acidilactici strains could modulate the activation of nuclear factor-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and activator protein-1, which are known to regulate inflammatory responses. Consequently, the anti-inflammatory properties of Ped. acidilactici strains in this study support their potential application as therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases, providing molecular insights into next-generation functional probiotic products.

Radiographic identification of challenging gastrointestinal tract foreign bodies: a descriptive study of how appearance varies in air versus water to aid interpretation.

To provide veterinarians with updated radiographic descriptions of select radiolucent foreign material in a simulated gastrointestinal environment. 368 veterinarian respondents from the US. An online survey was administered between June 18, 2023, and July 2, 2023, through a private veterinarian-based social media group. Representative commonly ingested foreign bodies were radiographed surrounded by air and water to simulate being within the gastrointestinal tract. Two examiners evaluated and qualified the opacity of the objects for each environment. The private social media group had a total of 3,900 members including veterinarians from all disciplines. A total of 362 small animal veterinarians (9.3% of the group) responded to the study reporting a total of 123 foreign objects that were not causing mechanical obstruction at the time of initial presentation. Sixty-eight foreign bodies were reported greater than or equal to 5 times and grouped as balls (n = 4), food (9), fabric (14), wood (3), soft plastic (14), hard plastic (18), or other (6). Most (98.5% [67/68]) objects were easily identifiable in air. In water, 23.5% (16/68) of the objects were obscured, and 39.7% (27/68) had inversion of the major opacity when compared to the opacity in air. The opacity of some ingested radiolucent material can invert relative to air or fluid, which may reflect substantial differences in detection following repositioning. When known dietary indiscretion occurs, radiographing a sample of the material in air and water will improve the accuracy of assessment.

Based on Eudragit® encapsulated ionic polymer IR775@nido-carborane strategy: release, bioactivity and tumor cell imaging studies in simulated gastrointestinal environment

Based on Eudragit® encapsulated ionic polymer IR775@nido-carborane strategy: release, bioactivity and tumor cell imaging studies in simulated gastrointestinal environment

Fabrication and physicochemical investigation of pH-responsive alginate/pectin hybrid network hydrogel for improved stability and controlled release of diallyl thiosulfinate

The present investigation explores the formulation and fabrication of alginate-pectin (with varying degree of methoxylation) hybrid network hydrogel beads through ionotropic gelation process as a biocompatible carrier material for encapsulating diallyl thiosulfinate (allicin). The primary aspiration of this research is to overcome allicin's inherent instability which restricts its use in functional food fortification and medicinal products as a bioactive compound with several intriguing health-promoting characteristics. Fabrication of the beads were done through structured parameter optimization. Chemical interaction between allicin and biopolymer matrix was assessed by FTIR-ATR. The ARGE entrapped hydrogel beads had a near spherical shape with sphericity factor ∼1.0 with an average diameter of ∼3.5 mm in the hydrated state (density ∼1.06 g/cm3). The beads showed encapsulation efficiency of ∼70.8 %. The beads efficaciously reduced degradation (<5 %) and stabilized ampule amount of allicin for a prolonged time. Various physicochemical characterizations of the produced beads were done. Further, in vitro release kinetics of allicin from beads were observed in simulated gastrointestinal environment and it showed a sustained release pattern. The release behavior of allicin exhibited a higher release at intestinal pH (∼88 %) than stomach pH (∼35 %). The formulation expressed commendable antimicrobial activity against gram positive and negative bacteria in both solid and liquid media. Moreover, the encapsulation process retained significant antioxidant potential (>60 %). Anti-inflammatory and hemolysis assay expressed admirable biocompatibility. Hence, the results suggest that the fabricated formulation is suitable for being a drug carrier material for allicin while accentuating its aptitude for upholding hemocompatibility, allicin’s concentration, sustained release and bioactivity.

Study on the Potential Probiotics Isolated from Marine Aquaculture System and Evaluation for Aquaculture Application

In recent years, more attention has been paid to the application of host‐associated microorganisms as an appropriate source of probiotics in aquaculture. These probiotics promoted effective colonization and application and provided better benefits than other sources. A total of 32 isolates were collected from the water, shrimp, and sediment of the cultured pond of Litopenaeus vannamei. Probiotic effects were comprehensively evaluated by extracellular enzyme activity, virulence genes detection, bacteriostatic activity, drug susceptibility test, tolerance to adverse environment, and challenge experiment. Six of these isolates exhibited bacteriostatic activity against pathogens, such as Vibrio cholerae, V. owensii, V. fluvialis, V. campbellii, V. rotiferianus, Photobacterium damselae, V. vulnificus, and V. parahaemolyticus. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis, isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis (P8, P29, and P30), B. velezensis (P12), Prestia flexa (P21), and Cytobacillus firmus (P23). They were tolerant to high temperature, low acid (pH 2.0), bile salt (2%), and the simulated gastrointestinal environment, secreting phospholipase, amylase, protease, gelatinase, and lipase. They were sensitive to only two or fewer drugs among 27 antibacterial drugs and did not carry any of the tested virulence genes. Biosafety in vivo evaluations showed that they were safe for Ctenopharyngodon idella (P12 ＞ P23 ＝ P29 ＞ P8 ＞ P30 ＝ P21). The results suggest that P8, P12, P23, P21, P29, and P30 have high probiotic potential and can be used as good probiotics in aquaculture and the development of ecological preparations.

Complexes of glycated casein and carboxymethyl cellulose enhance stability and control release of anthocyanins

To improve the stability and sustained-release property of anthocyanins (ACNs), casein (CA) - dextran (DEX) glycated conjugates (UGCA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were used to prepare ACNs-loaded binary and ternary complexes. The ACNs-loaded binary complexes (ACNs-UGCA) and ternary complexes (ACNs-UGCA-CMC) achieved by 8 min’ ultrasonic treatment with 40 % amplitude. The binary and ternary complexes showed spherical structure and good dispersibility, with the average size of 121.2 nm and 132.4 nm respectively. The anthocyanins encapsulation efficiency of ACNs-UGCA-CMC increased almost 20 % than ACNs-UGCA. ACNs-UGCA-CMC had better colloidal stabilities than ACNs-UGCA, such as thermal stability and dilution stability. Simultaneously, both of the binary and ternary complexes significantly prevented anthocyanins from being degraded by heat treatment, ascorbic acid, sucrose and simulated gastrointestinal environment. The protective effect of ACNs-UGCA-CMC was more significant. Furthermore, ACNs-UGCA-CMC showed slower anthocyanins release in simulated releasing environment in vitro and a long retention time in vivo. Our current study provides a potential delivery for improving the stability and controlling release of anthocyanins.

Preparation and characterization of zein-based core-shell nanoparticles for encapsulation and delivery of hydrophobic nutrient molecules: Enhancing environmental stress resistance and antioxidant activity

A simple reverse solvent co-precipitation method was designed to prepare zein/debranched oxidized starch core-shell composite nanoparticles. Studies have shown that the composite nanoparticles have good stability and the ability to protect resveratrol from chemical degradation during long-term storage, pasteurization, and ultraviolet irradiation. The encapsulation rate of resveratrol in composite nanoparticles (81.15%) was significantly higher than that of pure protein nanoparticles (47.15%). The results of FT-IR (fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), circular dichroism, and fluorescence spectra show that hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction, and electrostatic interaction exist in the composite nanoparticles. Under pasteurization conditions, ultraviolet radiation, and two weeks of room-temperature storage, the composite nanoparticles can better maintain the biological activity of nutrient molecules. Moreover, the particles can maintain stability in different pH and ionic strength environments and gradually degrade and release active molecules in the intestinal tract in vitro in the simulated gastrointestinal environment. These results show that zein/debranched oxidized starch nanoparticles (ZDNPs) have great potential for application in the fields of functional drinks, food, and biomedicine-related delivery.

Enhanced viability of probiotics in composite hydrogel beads

Composite hydrogel is common way to protect probiotics from harsh environment. The study designed and optimized double-saccharide composite hydrogel beads for the encapsulation of Companilactobacillus crustorum MN047 (C. crustorum MN047) by adjusting the combination ratios of low methoxyl pectin (LMP) and sodium alginate (SAG) and the concentrations of calcium chloride (CaCl2). Encapsulation efficiency of hydrogel beads ranged from 87.69% to 99.98%. Hydrogel beads significantly increased the viability of C. crustorum MN047 in the simulated gastrointestinal (the number of viable probiotics was more than 7 log CFU/g at simulated SIF for 4 h) and storage environments (the number of viable probiotics was more than 7 log CFU/g at 25 °C at day30). Rheological tests proved pectin-based hydrogel possessed stronger crosslinking degree than alginate-based hydrogel. FT-IR and SEM indicated C. crustorum MN047 was encapsulated successfully, and polyelectrolyte polymers along with Ca-crosslinking play an important role in the formation mechanism. These results are attributed to the design of probiotic encapsulation systems and the promotion of the exploitation of probiotic functional products.

Thiolated modified pectin for the efficient encapsulation of Companilactobacillus crustorum MN047

Thiolated polymers were synthesized and applied for the encapsulation of probiotics. Thiolated modified pectins (LMP-SH1, LMP-SH2, and LMP-SH3) were synthesized with different additions of l-cysteine (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 M) to low methoxyl pectin (LMP) according to the determination of the free thiol group. FT-IR, NMR, XRD, and SEM were used to characterize and verify the successful modification of thiolated modified pectins. The molecular weight of thiolated modified pectin were reduced with the additions of l-cysteine, demonstrating the more homogeneous conformation of LMP-SH polysaccharide formation compared with LMP. Rheological analysis demonstrated that LMP and LMP-SH1 were viscoelastic fluid like properties, and LMP-SH2 and LMP-SH3 were solid-like gel properties. With a high addition of l-cysteine (LMP-SH3), the LMP-SH hydrogel was rapidly formed at a concentration of 5% (w/v), and its resistance to external strains was limited. Thermal stability was demonstrated for LMP-SH2 and LMP-SH3 at concentrations of 4% and 5% (w/v) over a temperature range of 25–80 °C. LMP-SH2 and LMP-SH3 hydrogels were applied to encapsulate the probiotic with high encapsulation efficiency (95.67 ± 1.22 to 99.54 ± 0.45%) and desirable protective ability (more than 80% of the survival rate of hydrogel) in the simulated gastrointestinal environment. These results demonstrated LMP-SH could be a good candidate for polysaccharide modification strategy, and the LMP-SH hydrogel could be a good design for probiotic encapsulation system.

Corrosion of food grinding discs in gastro-intestinal environment

The need for food size reduction before consumption has led to the use of motorized grinding machine which operates on energized rubbing of two grooved cast-iron discs, and this unintentionally results in tribological degradation and corrosion of grinding discs into the ground food. The objective of this study was to carry out an assessment of corrosion susceptibility of grinding discs from different manufacturing methods in simulated gastro-intestinal environment. Six grinding discs from three states in Nigeria were selected for this study, based on manufacturing methods namely: rotary, cupola, and pit furnaces. Experimental techniques used for the study included: X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscope for determination of chemical composition and X-Ray Diffractometer was used for phase identification. Corrosion susceptibility of grinding discs on interaction with pseudo-body fluid was studied using potentiodynamic polarization scan and product analysis (gasometric) methods in simulated gastro-intestinal environment, typical of human stomach, as electrolyte. The electrolyte contained 2 g/L NaCl acidified to pH of 1.7 with HCl and regulated at 37 °C. Optical microscopy of the electrochemical samples was done for corrosion damage assessment. The key finding from the study was that all the grinding discs contain iron and silicon as dominant alloy elements, which existed predominantly as iron carbide and ferrosilicon phases. Corrosion of the discs in simulated gastric solution was well profound irrespective of the manufacturing method, though, with varying degree among the discs. The outcome of this study is applicable to food industries where cognitive measures may have to be taken on materials selection to minimise the risk of food contamination from materials corrosion.

A potential threat from biodegradable microplastics: mechanism of cadmium adsorption and desorption in the simulated gastrointestinal environment

A potential threat from biodegradable microplastics: mechanism of cadmium adsorption and desorption in the simulated gastrointestinal environment

Analysis of Physiochemical and Functional Properties of Oat-Based Synbiotic Beverage Enriched with Phytonutrients

Synbiotic food and beverages incorporate a synergistic combination of probiotics and prebiotics to foster enhanced health benefits compared to their individual counterparts. The present study analyzed the physiochemical and functional properties of a synbiotic beverage prepared with a combination of Lactobacillus casei as probiotic and oats as the prebiotic substrate versus L. casei (5 %) in the dairy matrix as control (C). This low-fat and hypo-caloric product was enriched with whey proteins and natural colors to enhance its favorable effects. Sensory analysis depicted variation 2 (V2) to manifest increased acceptance (8.0±0.2) and the highest count of viable probiotics (8.5×1011±82) versus the other variants. V2 exhibited a significant content of proximate components, dietary fiber (TDF), and polyphenols along with an optimum organic acid production (88±0.3), titratable acidity (1.6±0.3), pH (4.3±0.2), and enhanced antioxidant capacity portrayed by reducing power (25 ± 0.9 mg/mL) and H2O2 scavenging abilities (157.5±6.1 µg/mL) as well as improved survival in the in vitro simulated gastrointestinal environment compared to the control. Additionally, V2 revealed a shelf life of 28 days at refrigerated storage (4-6 °C) with suitable retention of organoleptic characteristics, acidity, and viability. Hence, the developed synbiotic and polyphenol-enriched beverage may impart beneficial health effects through its nutritional and functional properties.

Encapsulation of probiotic bacteria using polyelectrolytes stabilized nanoliposomes for improved viability under hostile conditions.

Probiotics viability and stability is a core challenge for the food processing industry. To prolong the viability of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus), gelatin (GE)-chitosan (CH) polyelectrolytes-coated nanoliposomes were developed and characterized. The average particle size of the nanoliposomes was in the range of 131.7-431.6nm. The mean zeta potential value of the nanoliposomes differed significantly from -42.2 to -9.1mV. Scanning electron micrographs indicated that the nanoliposomes were well distributed and had a spherical shape with a smooth surface. The Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that the GE-CH polyelectrolyte coating has been effectively applied on the surface of nanoliposomes and L. acidophilus cells were successfully encapsulated in the lipid-based nanocarriers. X-ray diffraction results indicated that nanoliposomes are semicrystalline and GE-CH polyelectrolyte coating had an influence on the crystalline nature of nanoliposomes. Moreover, the coating of L. acidophilus-loaded nanoliposomes with GE-CH polyelectrolytes significantly improved its viability when exposed to simulated gastrointestinal environments. The findings of the current study indicated that polyelectrolyte-coated nanoliposomes could be used as an effective carrier for the delivery of probiotics and their application to food matrix for manufacturing functional foods.

Coordinated encapsulation by β-cyclodextrin and chitosan derivatives improves the stability of anthocyanins

To improve the stability of anthocyanins (ACNs), ACNs were loaded into dual-encapsulated nanocomposite particles by self-assembly using β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and two different water-soluble chitosan derivatives, namely, chitosan hydrochloride (CHC) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC). The ACN-loaded β-CD-CHC/CMC nanocomplexes with small diameters (333.86 nm) and had a desirable zeta potential (+45.97 mV). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the ACN-loaded β-CD-CHC/CMC nanocomplexes had a spherical structure. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that the ACNs in the dual nanocomplexes were encapsulated in the cavity of the β-CD and that the CHC/CMC covered the outer layer of β-CD through noncovalent hydrogen bonding. The ACNs from the dual-encapsulated nanocomplexes improved stability of ACNs under adverse environmental conditions or in a simulated gastrointestinal environment. Further, the nanocomplexes exhibited good storage stability and thermal stability over a wide pH range when added into simulated electrolyte drinks (pH = 3.5) and milk tea (pH = 6.8). This study provides a new option for the preparation of stable ACNs nanocomplexes and expands the applications for ACNs in functional foods.

PH-Shifting combined with ultrasound treatment of emulsion-filled β-conglycinin gels as β-carotene carriers: Effect of emulsion concentration on gel properties

In this work, emulsion-filled gels were prepared from natural and pH-shifting combined with ultrasound β-conglycinin (7S) as emulsifiers. The emulsifier modification and emulsion concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20 wt%) were evaluated on the structural and β-carotene release properties of the gels. Compared to the 7S hydrogel, the emulsion-filled gels exhibited better water-holding and textural properties. The 7S modification and the increase in emulsion concentration resulted in altered water distribution and improved microstructure and rheological properties of the emulsion-filled gels. The dense and homogeneous gel network was formed at an emulsion content of 15 wt%. The gels were regulated by different release kinetics in a simulated gastrointestinal environment. M−15 showed the highest bioaccessibility and chemical stability (72.25% and 89.87%) with good slow-release properties of β-carotene. These results will guide the development of encapsulated delivery systems for gel food products.