Stability and release properties of curcumin encapsulated in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, β-cyclodextrin and modified starch

Sonoprocessing enhances the stabilization of fisetin by encapsulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells

The objective of this study was to investigate for the first time the role of S. cerevisiae natural barriers and endogenous cytoplasmatic bodies on the stabilization of fisetin encapsulated via sonoprocessing coupled to freeze-drying (FD) or spray drying (SD). Both protocols of encapsulation improved the resistance of fisetin against thermal treatments (between 60 and 150 °C) and photochemical-induced deterioration (light exposition for 60 days) compared to non-encapsulated fisetin (antioxidant activity retention of approximately 55% and 90%, respectively). When stored under constant relative humidity (from 32.8 to 90%) for 60 days, yeast carriers improved the half-life time of fisetin by up to 4-fold. Spray dried particles were smaller (4.9 μm) and showed higher fisetin release after simulated gastrointestinal digestion (55.7%) when compared to FD. Freeze-dried particles, in turn, tended to agglomerate more than SD (zeta potential -19.7 mV), resulting in reduced loading features (6.3 mg/g) and less efficient protection of fisetin to heat, photo, and moisture-induced deterioration. Overall, spray-dried sonoprocessed fisetin capsules are an efficient way to preserve fisetin against harsh conditions. Altogether, this report shows that sonoprocessing coupled to drying is an efficient, creative, and straightforward route to protect and deliver lipophilic fisetin using yeast capsules for food applications.

Application of Pistacia atlantica Pickering emulsion-filled chitosan gel for targeted delivery of curcumin

Emulsion-filled hydrogels are a growing system in the food industry for delivering bioactive compounds. In this study, Baneh gum (BG) particles were prepared as a Pickering emulsion stabilizer for curcumin delivery. Then, BG Pickering emulsion was added to the chitosan solution (1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5% w/w) in different Pickering emulsion (PE):hydrogel (HYD) ratios (1:3, 1:5, and 1:7) to create an emulsion-filled gel. The highest amount of Cur stability after the 3rd week of storage was observed in the sample containing 2.0% CS and a 1:7 PE:HYD ratio (97.36%). Pickering emulsion and emulsion-filled gel significantly protected the antioxidant activity of curcumin against the thermal process (p < .05). Curcumin loading in the emulsion-filled gel provided better protection against the gastric condition compared to the emulsion system. The chitosan hydrogel swells in an acidic environment, but its combination with the anionic structure of the emulsion causes a lower release of curcumin in the stomach environment, which can help the stability of curcumin in the digestive system and have a controlled release in the gastrointestinal tract.

Encapsulation of carvacrol and thymol with yeast cell wall and its repellent activity against Amblyomma sculptum and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Sensu Lato)

The main way to avoid contact with ticks and consequently tick-borne disease is the use of synthetic repellents. The search of new repellent compounds to increase the possibilities of use in strategies controls are necessary. The present study evaluated the repellent activity of two natural terpenes carvacrol and thymol in each one two different formulation (encapsulated and nonencapsulated with yeast cell wall) against the ticks Amblyomma sculptum and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato nymphs. Nymphs of A. sculptum and R. sanguineus s.l. of a single generation were used. The vertical filter paper repellency assay were performed with different concentration of both terpenes encapsulated and nonencapsulated in yeast cell wall. The repellent concentration 50% (RC50) were calculated to each compound formulation. Both carvacrol and thymol (encapsulated and nonencapsulated), had a repellent activity against A. sculptum and R. sanguineus s.l nymphs. Amblyomma sculptum was more sensitive to nonencapsulated carvacrol (RC50 values: 0.0032 to 0.0082 mg/cm2 after 1 and 15 min) (P < 0.05), while R. sanguineus s.l. was more sensitive to encapsulated carvacrol (RC50 values: 0.00008 to 0.0035 mg/cm2 after 1 and 15 min) (P < 0.05). Among tick species, R. sanguineus s.l. was more sensitive for most compounds than A. sculptum (P < 0.05). Although with distinct repellent activities, carvacrol and thymol encapsulated can be a promising alternative to synthetic repellents against A. sculptum and R. sanguineus s.l.

Filamentous fungal pellets as a novel and sustainable encapsulation matrix for exogenous bioactive compounds

Edible filamentous fungi (FF) are considered sustainable food materials given their rich nutrient profile and low carbon and water footprints during production. The current study evaluated FF biomass as a natural encapsulation system for exogenous bioactive compounds and as a model system to investigate the complex food matrix-micronutrient interactions during in vitro digestion. Our objective was to compare the fungal pellet, as a multicellular encapsulation system, with single yeast cell-based carriers in terms of loading and release of curcumin, a model compound. The results suggest that the curcumin encapsulation efficiency was similar in single yeast cells and fungal hyphal cells. A vacuum treatment used to facilitate the infusion of curcumin into yeast or fungal cells also enabled rapid internalization of yeast cells into the fungal pellet matrix. Compared to the single-cell encapsulation system, the multicellular systems modified the release kinetics of curcumin during in vitro digestion by eliminating the initial rapid release and reducing the overall release rate of curcumin in the small intestinal phase. These results provide a deeper understanding of the effect of natural edible structures on the bioaccessibility of micronutrients, and demonstrate the potential of using FF biomass as functional food materials.

Dual-Drug-Loaded Core-Shell Electrospun Nanofiber Dressing for Deep Burns

The epidermis of a deep burn wound is entirely absent and the dermal tissue sustains significant damage, accompanied by a substantial amount of tissue exudate. Due to the excessively humid environment, the formation of a scab on the wound becomes challenging, leaving it highly vulnerable to external bacterial invasion. In this work, a core-shell dual-drug-loaded nanofiber dressing was prepared by electrospinning technology for the synergistic treatment of a deep burn. The shell layer consists of polycaprolactone and chitosan encapsulating asiaticoside, with the core layer comprising the clathrate of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and curcumin. Upon application to the wound, the dual-drug-loaded nanofiber dressing exhibited rapid release of asiaticoside, stimulating collagen deposition and promoting tissue repair. The core-shell structure and clathrate configuration ensured sustained release of curcumin, providing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory functions for the wound. The mechanical strength, broad-spectrum antibacterial ability, cell proliferation, and adhesion ability of the nanofiber dressing showed its potential as a medical dressing. This dressing also exhibited excellent wound healing promoting effects in the SD rat burn model. This paper provides a strategy for burn wound healing.

Host-Guest Interactions of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester with β-Cyclodextrins: Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity

The aim of this study is to improve the solubility, chemical stability, and in vitro biological activity of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) by forming inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (Hβ-CD) using the solvent evaporation method. The CAPE contents of the produced complexes were determined, and the complexes with the highest CAPE contents were selected for further characterization. Detailed characterization of inclusion complexes was performed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). pH and thermal stability studies showed that both selected inclusion complexes exhibited better stability compared to free CAPE. Moreover, their antimicrobial activities were evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) for the first time. According to the broth dilution assay, complexes with the highest CAPE content (10C/β-CD and 10C/Hβ-CD) exhibited considerable growth inhibition effects against both bacteria, 31.25 μg/mL and 62.5 μg/mL, respectively; contrarily, this value for free CAPE was 500 μg/mL. Furthermore, it was determined that the in vitro antioxidant activity of the complexes increased by about two times compared to free CAPE.

A Quantitative Re-Assessment of Microencapsulation in (Pre-Treated) Yeast

Most hydrophobes easily diffuse into yeast cells, where they experience reduced evaporation and protection from oxidation, thus allowing inherently biocompatible encapsulation processes. Despite a long-standing industrial interest, the effect of parameters such as how is yeast pre-treated (extraction with ethanol, plasmolysis with hypertonic NaCl, depletion to cell walls), the polarity of the hydrophobes and the process conditions are still not fully understood. Here, we have developed thorough analytical protocols to assess how the effects of the above on S. cerevisiae's morphology, permeability, and encapsulation efficiency, using three differently polar hydrophobes (linalool, 1,6-dihydrocarvone, limonene) and three separate processes (hydrophobes as pure 'oils', water dispersions, or acetone solutions). The harsher the pre-treatment (depleted > plasmolyzed/extracted > untreated cells), the easier the diffusion into yeast became, and the lower both encapsulation efficiency and protection from evaporation, possibly due to denaturation/removal of lipid-associated (membrane) proteins. More hydrophobic terpenes performed worst in encapsulation as pure 'oils' or in water dispersion, but much less of a difference existed in acetone. This indicates the specific advantage of solvents/dispersants for 'difficult' compounds, which was confirmed by principal component analysis; furthering this concept, we have used combinations of hydrophobes (e.g., linalool and α-tocopherol), with one acting as solvent/enhancer for the other. Our results thus indicate advantages in using untreated yeast and-if necessary-processes based on solvents/secondary hydrophobes.

Preparation of trans-Crocetin with High Solubility, Stability, and Oral Bioavailability by Incorporation into Three Types of Cyclodextrins

Crocetin (CRT), an active compound isolated from saffron, exhibits several pharmacological activities, including anti-tumor and immune-regulatory activities, and is effective against myocardial ischemia and coronary heart disease; however, its low stability and solubility limit its clinical application. Therefore, we investigated CRT inclusion complexes (ICs) with three cyclodextrins-α-CD, HP-β-CD, and γ-CD-suitable for oral administration prepared using an ultrasonic method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction indicated that the crystalline state of CRT in ICs disappeared, and intermolecular interactions were observed between CRT and CDs. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and phase solubility studies confirmed CRT encapsulation in the CD cavity and the formation of ICs. In addition, we observed the morphology of ICs using scanning electron microscopy. All ICs showed a high drug encapsulation efficiency (approximately 90%) with 6500-10,000 times better solubilities than those of the pure drug. CRT showed rapid dissolution, whereas pure CRT was water-insoluble. The formation of ICs significantly improved the storage stability of CRT under heat, light, and moisture conditions. Further, the peak time of CRT in rats significantly decreased, and the relative bioavailability increased by approximately 3-4 times. In addition, the oral bioavailability of CRT IC was evaluated. Notably, the absorption rate and degree of the drug in rats were improved. This study illustrated the potential applications of CRT/CD ICs in the food, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries, owing to their favorable dissolution, solubility, stability, and oral bioavailability.

Utilizing protein nanofibrils as a scaffold for enhancing nutritional value in toned milk

Toned milk is a lower-fat, healthier alternative to whole milk that still contains all essential nutrients. A number of methods have been developed to improve the functionality of toned milk and make it more appealing to the consumers. However, these methods often involve extensive processing techniques and can be expensive. Therefore, alternative methods are needed. Proteins are well known for their ability to form well-defined nanofibril materials that can be used as a scaffold for various applications. In this article, a straightforward self-assembly process was used to load inulin into protein nanofibrils, creating unique composite nanofibrils. Characterization using AFM and SEM revealed well-defined composite nanofibrils with an average diameter of 4-6 nm and lengths ranging from 0.25 μm up to 10 μm. FT-IR and in-vitro release assays show that inulin was successfully attached to prepared protein nanofibrils. The composite nanofibrils were tested on toned milk to enhance the physico/chemical properties and nutritional values. The findings can be applied to the food industry to create a number of novel functional food products cost-effectively.

Optimization and antifungal efficacy against brown rot fungi of combined Salvia rosmarinus and Cedrus atlantica essential oils encapsulated in Gum Arabic

The stability, sensitivity, and volatility of essential oils are some of their most serious limitations, and nanoencapsulation has been considered one of the most effective techniques for solving these problems. This research aimed to investigate the incorporation of Salvia rosmarinus Speen and Cedrus atlantica Manetti (MEO) essential oil mixture in Gum Arabic (GA) and to evaluate nanoencapsulation's ability to promote antifungal activity against two brown rot fungi responsible for wood decay Gloeophyllum trabeum and Poria placenta. The optimization of encapsulation efficiency was performed using response surface methodology (RSM) with two parameters: solid-to-solid (MEO/GA ratio) and solid-to-liquid (MEO/ethanol). The recovered powder characterization was followed by various techniques using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The optimal nanoencapsulating conditions obtained from RSM were ratios of MEO/GA of 1:10 (w/w) and MEO/ethanol of 10% (v/v), which provided the greatest encapsulation efficiency (87%). The results of SEM, XRD, DLS, FTIR, and TGA showed that the encapsulation of MEO using GA modified particle form and molecular structure and increased thermal stability. An antifungal activity assay indicated that an effective concentration of MEO had an inhibitory effect on brown rot fungi. It had 50% of the maximal effect (EC50) value of 5.15 ± 0.88 µg/mL and 12.63 ± 0.65 µg/mL for G. trabeum and P. placenta, respectively. Therefore, this product has a great potential as a natural wood preservative for sustainable construction and green building.

A Novel Oral Drugs Delivery System for Borneol Based on HiCap®100 and Maltodextrin: Preparation, Characterization, and the Investigation as an Intestinal Absorption Enhancer

The objective of this study was to create a new method for delivering oral borneol (BN) drug that would improve stability. This was accomplished through microencapsulation using HiCap®100 and maltodextrin (MD), resulting in HiCap®100/MD/BN microcapsules (MCs). The HiCap®100/MD/BN MCs were evaluated in terms of encapsulation efficiency (EE%), drug loading (DL%), morphological observations, particle size distribution, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis, drug degradation rate studies, and in vitro release behavior. The effect of MCs on intestinal permeability in a rat model was assessed using the model drug "florfenicol" (FF) in single-pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) study. The relationship between MCs and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was further investigated in comparison with verapamil (Ver). The irritation of MCs was assessed by histological analysis. The MCs in a spherical structure with micron-scale dimensions were obtained. The EE% and DL% were (86.71 ± 0.96)% and (6.03 ± 0.32)%, respectively. MCs played a significantly protective role in drug degradation rate studies. In vitro release studies indicated that the release behavior of MCs was significantly better than BN at the three-release media, and the cumulative release rate exceeded 90% in 15 min. The SPIP studies showed that MCs significantly enhanced the absorption of FF in rats. Compared with Ver, MCs were not promoted by a single inhibition of P-gp. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)-stained images showed that MCs had no obvious irritation and toxic effects on the intestines of rats. Thus, the preparation of HiCap®100/MD/BN MCs improves the stability of BN, which has certain scientific value for the development and application of BN, and provides unique perspectives for future BN-related researches.

Antibiofilm Effect of Curcumin on Saccharomyces boulardii during Beer Fermentation and Bottle Aging

In a prior study, we elucidated the biofilm formation of Saccharomyces boulardii on glass surfaces during beer bottle aging. Here, we supplemented brewing wort with curcumin at 25 μg/mL concentration to mitigate S. boulardii biofilm and enhance beer's functional and sensory attributes. An assessment encompassing biofilm growth and development, fermentation performance, FLO gene expression, yeast ultrastructure, bioactive content, and consumer acceptance of the beer was conducted throughout fermentation and aging. Crystal violet (CV) and XTT reduction assays unveiled a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in biofilm formation and development. Fluorescent staining (FITC-conA) and imaging with confocal laser scanning microscopy provided visual evidence regarding reduced exopolysaccharide content and biofilm thickness. Transcriptional analyses showed that key adhesins (FLO1, FLO5, FLO9, and FLO10) were downregulated, whereas FLO11 expression remained relatively stable. Although there were initial variations in terms of yeast population and fermentation performance, by day 6, the number of S. boulardii in the test group had almost reached the level of the control group (8.3 log CFU/mL) and remained stable thereafter. The supplementation of brewing wort with curcumin led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the beer's total phenolic and flavonoid content. In conclusion, curcumin shows promising potential for use as an additive in beer, offering potential antibiofilm and health benefits without compromising the beer's overall characteristics.

Potential Application of Yeast Cell Wall Biopolymers as Probiotic Encapsulants

Biopolymers of yeast cell walls, such as β-glucan, mannoprotein, and chitin, may serve as viable encapsulants for probiotics. Due to its thermal stability, β-glucan is a suitable cryoprotectant for probiotic microorganisms during freeze-drying. Mannoprotein has been shown to increase the adhesion of probiotic microorganisms to intestinal epithelial cells. Typically, chitin is utilized in the form of its derivatives, particularly chitosan, which is derived via deacetylation. Brewery waste has shown potential as a source of β-glucan that can be optimally extracted through thermolysis and sonication to yield up to 14% β-glucan, which can then be processed with protease and spray drying to achieve utmost purity. While laminarinase and sodium deodecyle sulfate were used to isolate and extract mannoproteins and glucanase was used to purify them, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide precipitation was used to improve the amount of purified mannoproteins to 7.25 percent. The maximum chitin yield of 2.4% was attained by continuing the acid-alkali reaction procedure, which was then followed by dialysis and lyophilization. Separation and purification of yeast cell wall biopolymers via diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) anion exchange chromatography can be used to increase the purity of β-glucan, whose purity in turn can also be increased using concanavalin-A chromatography based on the glucan/mannan ratio. In the meantime, mannoproteins can be purified via affinity chromatography that can be combined with zymolase treatment. Then, dialysis can be continued to obtain chitin with high purity. β-glucans, mannoproteins, and chitosan-derived yeast cell walls have been shown to promote the survival of probiotic microorganisms in the digestive tract. In addition, the prebiotic activity of β-glucans and mannoproteins can combine with microorganisms to form synbiotics.

Geotrichum candidum arthrospore cell wall particles as a novel carrier for curcumin encapsulation

We report for the first time that curcumin is successfully encapsulated into a new natural pre-formed carrier, which was derived from arthrospore cell wall particles (APs) of probiotic Geotrichum candidum LG-8 and mainly composed of beta-1,4-glucan. Vacuum infusion process was used for efficient encapsulation of curcumin. The results showed that the encapsulation efficiency and yield of APs were 36.5 ± 0.9 % and 730.6 ± 26.5 μg/g (wet basis), respectively. Compared with the other probiotic carriers such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, it could more effectively maintain the antioxidant property and storage capacity of curcumin under high temperature conditions. Simulated digestion was conducted to study in vitro release of curcumin encapsulated in APs, and showed a maximum bioaccessibility of 65.6 ± 3.8 %. In view of low-cost culture method, simple encapsulation process and high encapsulation capacity, G. candidum arthrospores as new natural encapsulation carriers have potential superiority in the practical application in food industry.

Starches in the encapsulation of plant active ingredients: state of the art and research trends

As a natural polymer, starches and their derivatives have received widespread attention in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, particularly for their use as a coating material. In this sense, as an encapsulating agent, starches stand out, considering the number of compounds that they can trap. Additionally, they provide a nutritional contribution and may improve acceptance by patients. As such, this type of material may serve as an alternative to overcome gaps such as loss of activity of the active principles, low assimilation, or deterioration under environmental and physiological conditions. In this paper, we aim to present the state of the art and research trends on the use of starch as a wall material for the encapsulation of active principles of plant origin. It was found that the most-encapsulated active principles are essential oils and polyphenols; native or modified starches are typically used, either as the sole wall material or in combination with other polymers; and the most widely used methodology is spray drying. The reviewed studies indicate the potential of starches for their use in active ingredient encapsulation processes, improving their viability and expanding their range of applications in different industries, as well as showing a clearly increasing publication trend over the last 10 years.

Graphical abstract

Dietary powder and molecular imprinted polymer nanoencapsulated sodium propionate to enhance growth performance, digestive enzymes activity, antioxidant defense, and mucosal immune response in African cichlid (Labidochromis lividus) fingerlings

This study was conducted to examine the effects of powder sodium propionate (P-SP) and SP-loaded molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles (MIP-SP NPs) on the growth, skin mucosal immune parameters, and digestive and liver enzymes activities of African cichlid (Labidochromis lividus) fingerlings. Fish with an average weight of 500±2 mg were stocked into 12 experimental units and fed on experimental diets prepared by supplementing the basal diet (control) with MIP NPs, P-SP (5 g SP Kg-1 of dry diet), and MIP-SP NPs for 8 weeks. The findings demonstrated that growth indices improved in the MIP-SP NPs followed by the P-SP dietary group compared to the control groups (P<0.05). The activity of digestive enzymes of lipase, trypsin, protease, and alkaline phosphatase was higher in the fish fed SP-supplemented diets than in the controls (P<0.05). The protease and lipase activities in the MIP-SP NPs dietary group increased by 29.33% and 48.81% compared to the control, respectively (P<0.05). In addition, the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels of liver tissue decreased in the SP dietary groups, while the catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels increased compared to the control groups (P<0.05). The highest SOD and ALP levels were observed in the fish fed on the MIP-SP NPs-supplemented diet (P<0.05). Furthermore, the skin mucosal immune indices including, alternative haemolytic complement activity (ACH50), lysozyme, and total immunoglobulin (Ig) levels increased in the MIP-SP NPs and P-SP dietary groups compared to the controls (P<0.05). The findings indicated that sodium propionate encapsulated in molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles could enhance the efficiency of dietary SP in African cichlid fish.

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 24 h. The treatments WPC + Y. lipo, WPC + SE + Y. lipo, WPC + TPP + Y. lipo, and MD + SE + Y. lipo remained stable for up to 105 days 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.

Optimal conditions for anthocyanin extract microencapsulation in taro starch: Physicochemical characterization and bioaccessibility in gastrointestinal conditions

This research aims to find the optimal conditions for the encapsulation of anthocyanin extract using taro starch to increase the retention of active compounds (RAC), drying yield (DY), antioxidant activity, stability, and bioaccessibility. The microencapsulation is carried out in a spray dryer, and the process is optimized using response surface method (RSM), applying starch concentration and inlet air temperature as independent parameters. Optimized microcapsules (OM) are obtained with solids concentration of 20.9 % and inlet temperature of 125 °C as optimal conditions. Drying yield (70.1 %), moisture content (5.2 %), water activity (0.211), phenolic compound content (797.8 mg GAE/g), anthocyanins (469.4 mg CE3G/g), ABTS (116.2 mg AAE/g) and DPPH (104.4 mg AAE/g) are analyzed through RSM. Retention percentage in OM show values of 60 % in bioactive compounds up to four weeks of storage under accelerated storage conditions. Bioaccessibility of OM is 10 % higher than that observed in the extract without encapsulation during gastrointestinal digestion. The results in this study show that OM made with taro starch and obtained with RSM effectively protect through digestion and ensure bioactive compound stability during storage.

Improved Hypericin solubility via β-cyclodextrin complexation: Photochemical and theoretical study for PDT applications

Hypericin (HY) is a lipophilic photosensitizer (PS) extensively employed for photodynamic therapy (PDT), presenting high absorption in the visible region, chemical and photostability, as well as a good triplet quantum yield. Supramolecular complexation of photosensitizers into cyclodextrins (CD) is promising to improve their poor solubility, compromising their bioavailability and upcoming applications in PDT. This research produced an inclusion complex between HY and β-CD through the co-solvent method. HY became soluble after inclusion into β-CD cavities, besides retaining its fluorescent and singlet oxygen quantum yields (ϕ_f =0.115 and ϕ_Δ= 0.23, respectively), which are essential parameters for PDT uses and are not reported in the literature. By the theoretical analysis, since ΔG < 0, it was easy to conclude that HY inclusion into β-CD is a spontaneous process. Additionally, the complexes presented no changes in excited states after complexation. β-CDHY was 27% more phototoxic than free HY when tested in MCF7 cells using 3 J cm^-2 of irradiation, indicating a better cell uptake of HY. These outcomes suggest that the inclusion complex of HY into β-CD has the potential for use in PDT.

Inclusion of curcumin in b-cyclodextrin: a promising prospective as food ingredient

In the present work, the inclusion complexes between curcumin (CC) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were obtained through co-precipitation at different times of magnetic stirring and simple mixing. The stoichiometric ratio between CC and β-CD was ascertained to be 1:2. The samples prepared by co-precipitation (24 h magnetic stirring and 24 h cold static precipitation) and by simple mixing, showed the best performance in terms of powder recovery (72 and 97%, respectively), encapsulation efficiency (72 and 95%, respectively) and tinting power, while no significant differences were revealed in terms of loading capacity (about 14%). Using either inclusion method, the complexation of CC into β-CD make the colorant 20-fold more water soluble than pure CC. The pigment stability was also enhanced under different storage conditions (high temperature and light exposure), either when applied in liquid or gel state. However, after 30 days under natural light exposure, an appreciable colour change from yellow to orange was revealed to an extent probably perceptible by an inexperienced observer.

Effect of β-cyclodextrin deodorization on the volatile chemicals and functional properties of three types of gelatins

The exploration of deodorization is important for the application of gelatin in food industry. In this work, the effect of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) deodorization on the volatile chemicals and functional properties of three types of gelatins (commercial porcine skin gelatin, cold water fish skin gelatin, and Chinese longsnout catfish skin gelatin) were studied. The results suggested the odors of commercial gelatins were significantly less than home-extracted gelatins. The β-CD deodorization efficiency was dependent on both β-CD concentration and volatile chemical. (E)-2-Octenal (C8H14O), 1-octen-3-ol (C8H16O), 2-pentyl-furan (C9H14O), and hentriacontane (C17H36) could be deodorized at low β-CD concentration (even at 2 mg/mL). The best β-CD deodorization concentration for 66.7 mg/mL of Chinese longsnout catfish skin gelatin was 30 mg/mL. β-CD addition could not change the gel forming ability and emulsion activity of gelatins, whereas it had different and concentration-dependent effects on the emulsion stability of gelatins. β-CD addition had no obvious effects on the droplet sizes, droplet coalescence and liquid-gel transition behaviors, but had different effects on the creaming of the emulsions stabilized by three types of gelatins. The encapsulation of β-carotene did not significantly change the droplet trimodal size distribution and liquid-gel transition of fish oil-loaded emulsions. However, β-carotene might delay the droplet coalescence. The creaming stability of β-carotene/fish oil-loaded gelatin/β-CD-stabilized emulsions was dependent on the gelatins, β-CD, and β-carotene. Finally, the β-carotene retention in the emulsions was dependent not on β-CD addition but on the nature of the gelatins. These results provided useful information to understand the molecular deodorization behaviors and explore the deodorization of emulsifiers for food emulsions.

Application of γ-cyclodextrin-lysozyme as host materials for encapsulation of curcumin: characterization, stability, and controlled release properties

BACKGROUND

In this study, a safe and relatively stable γ-cyclodextrin-lysozyme (γ-CD-Lys) was synthesized using epichlorohydrin as the cross-linking agent, and curcumin was successfully encapsulated in γ-CD-Lys.

RESULTS

The successful Lys grafting onto γ-CD can be demonstrated by a high grafting ratio (79.02%) and was further confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) band shifts and the new signal obtained at δ 2.75 in proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The encapsulation efficiency value of γ-CD-Lys was 76.74%, and the successful encapsulation of curcumin into γ-CD-Lys was confirmed by crystal structure change, increased melting point, and FTIR band shifts. The intermolecular bonds results suggested that associative forces between curcumin and γ-CD-Lys were electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonds interaction, and hydrophobic interaction. The designed nanoparticles had excellent stability at low pH and low salt concentration. The release rate of these nanoparticles was inhibited in simulated gastric conditions, whereas it increased significantly in intestinal media. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion experiments further confirmed that nanoparticles showed higher bioaccessibility (86.05%) compared with curcumin (58.82%).

CONCLUSION

Overall, our study showed that the nanoparticles were highly promising for delivering curcumin because of their enhanced functional attributes and stabilization in acid or low salt environments. Also, it was an excellent wall material for targeting hydrophobic bioactive compounds in the intestinal tract via oral administration. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Curcumin-Based Nanoformulations: A Promising Adjuvant towards Cancer Treatment

Throughout the United States, cancer remains the second leading cause of death. Traditional treatments induce significant medical toxic effects and unpleasant adverse reactions, making them inappropriate for long-term use. Consequently, anticancer-drug resistance and relapse are frequent in certain situations. Thus, there is an urgent necessity to find effective antitumor medications that are specific and have few adverse consequences. Curcumin is a polyphenol derivative found in the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa L.), and provides chemopreventive, antitumor, chemo-, and radio-sensitizing properties. In this paper, we summarize the new nano-based formulations of polyphenolic curcumin because of the growing interest in its application against cancers and tumors. According to recent studies, the use of nanoparticles can overcome the hydrophobic nature of curcumin, as well as improving its stability and cellular bioavailability in vitro and in vivo. Several strategies for nanocurcumin production have been developed, each with its own set of advantages and unique features. Because the majority of the curcumin-based nanoformulation evidence is still in the conceptual stage, there are still numerous issues impeding the provision of nanocurcumin as a possible therapeutic option. To support the science, further work is necessary to develop curcumin as a viable anti-cancer adjuvant. In this review, we cover the various curcumin nanoformulations and nanocurcumin implications for therapeutic uses for cancer, as well as the current state of clinical studies and patents. We further address the knowledge gaps and future research orientations required to develop curcumin as a feasible treatment candidate.

Engineering cell-based microstructures to study the effect of structural complexity on in vitro bioaccessibility of a lipophilic bioactive compound

A fundamental understanding of the influence of food microstructures on the bioaccessibility of micronutrients is vital for the design of functionally efficient foods. This study investigated the effect of microstructural features of model foods on the bioaccessibility of a bioactive compound - curcumin, using a unique bottom-up approach. In this approach, individual yeast cells with infused curcumin were coated with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes: first in poly(diallyl-dimethylammonium chloride), then in dextran sulfate or alginate, and assembled electrostatically to generate two types of cell clusters. These cell clusters were embedded in an alginate film to form a tissue-like structure. The influence of cell clustering and extracellular matrix on the release of encapsulated curcumin from cell-based microcarriers during simulated digestion was evaluated. Cell clusters that maintained their integrity during in vitro simulated digestion retained up to twice as much curcumin upon addition of the simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) compared to single cells during the first hour of intestinal digestion. Despite significant differences in the release profile, no spatial heterogeneity of curcumin release across a cell cluster was observed with the imaging measurements. Embedding single cells or cell clusters in calcium-crosslinked alginate films resulted in another 20-30% increase in curcumin retention and a prolonged barrier effect for more than 2 hours compared to microstructures without the films. This bottom-up approach of engineering cell-based tissue-like structures proves to be an effective method for investigating the contributions of microstructural properties of food matrices to influencing bioaccessibility of bioactives and guides future development of functional food materials.

Fabrication and characterization of octenyl succinic anhydride modified pullulan micelles for encapsulating curcumin

BACKGROUND

Curcumin has become increasingly popular in functional foods and beverages field as a result of its high biological activity. Nevertheless, the application of curcumin is usually limited by its poor water solubility, low absorption, rapid metabolism and instability. Accordingly, the development of an appropriate wall material is crucial for its effective use. In the present study, curcumin-octenyl succinic anhydride modified pullulan (Cur-OSAP) micelles were successfully prepared by an anti-solvent co-precipitation method.

RESULTS

Octenyl succinic anhydride modified pullulan (OSAP) micelles exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (57.31%) and loading capacity (5.73%) of curcumin when the mass ratio of OSAP to curcumin was 10:1 and the degree of substitution of OSAP was 0.0469, at which point Cur-OSAP micelles formed via hydrogen binding and hydrophobic interactions, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and fluorescence techniques. The transmission electron microscopy results showed that the Cur-OSAP micelles were roughly spherical in shape with diameters in the approximate range 30-60 nm.

CONCLUSION

The encapsulation of OSAP greatly improved photostability and sustained release properties of curcumin in Cur-OSAP micelles. These findings suggest that OSAP can be used as a carrier to encapsulate and protect hydrophobic food ingredients. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synergistic Antioxidant Activity and Enhanced Stability of Curcumin Encapsulated in Vegetal Oil-Based Microemulsion and Gel Microemulsions

Curcumin, due to its antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral activity, has attracted huge attention in applications in many fields such as pharmacy, medicine, nutrition, cosmetics, and biotechnology. The stability of curcumin-based products and preservation of antioxidant properties are still challenges in practical applications. Stability and antioxidant properties were studied for curcumin encapsulated in O/W microemulsion systems and three related gel microemulsions. Only biodegradable and biocompatible ingredients were used for carriers: grape seed oil as oily phase, Tween 80, and Plurol^® Diisostearique CG as a surfactant mix, and ethanol as a co-solvent. For the gel microemulsions, water-soluble polymers, namely Carbopol^® 980 NF, chitosan, and sodium hyaluronate were used. The influence of UVC irradiation and heat treatment on the degradation kinetics of curcumin in the formulations was studied. Because of the antioxidant character of the microemulsion oily phase, the possibility of a synergistic effect between grape seed oil and curcumin was explored. In this study, the high efficiency of the studied drug delivery systems to ensure protection from external degradative factors was confirmed. Also, the influence of the encapsulation in microemulsion and derived gel microemulsion systems on the antioxidant capacity curcumin was studied, and a synergistic effect with vegetal oil was demonstrated.

Investigation of brewer’s spent yeast as a bio-vehicle for encapsulation of natural colorants from pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) peels

Brewer’s spent yeast (BSY) Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been currently explored as a bio-vehicle for encapsulation of bioactive compounds and as a delivery system. The main objectives of this work were...

Persistence Enhancement of a Promising Tick Repellent, Benzyl Isothiocyanate, by Yeast Microcarriers

Phenethyl isothiocyanate isolated from Armoracia rusticana root oil and its derivatives were tested at different doses in a bioassay designed to evaluate repellency against individual Haemaphysalis longicornis nymphs. Among the tested compounds, benzyl isothiocyanate exhibited repellency against H. longicornis nymphs at the lowest dose of 0.00625 mg/cm², followed by phenethyl isothiocyanate (0.0125 mg/cm²) and phenyl isothiocyanate (0.025 mg/cm²). The behavioral responses of H. longicornis nymphs exposed to benzyl isothiocyanate and phenethyl isothiocyanate indicated that the mode of action of these compounds can be mainly attributed to the vapor phase. Encapsulated benzyl isothiocyanate showed repellency up to 120 min post-application at 0.1 mg/cm², whereas pure benzyl isothiocyanate showed repellency up to 60 min post-application at 0.1 mg/cm². The present study suggests that benzyl isothiocyanate is a potential repellent for protection against H. longicornis nymphs, and encapsulation in yeast cells may enhance the repellency effect.

Monocarbonyl Analogs of Curcumin Based on the Pseudopelletierine Scaffold: Synthesis and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and other biological properties. However, its application as an effective drug is problematic due to its poor oral bioavailability, solubility in water, and poor absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this work is to synthesize monocarbonyl analogs of CUR based on the 9-methyl-9-azabicyclo[3.2.1]nonan-3-one (pseudopelletierine, granatanone) scaffold to improve its bioavailability. Granatane is a homologue of tropane, whose structure is present in numerous naturally occurring alkaloids, e.g., l-cocaine and l-scopolamine. In this study, ten new pseudopelletierine-derived monocarbonyl analogs of CUR were successfully synthesized and characterized by spectral methods and X-ray crystallography. Additionally, in vitro test of the cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory properties of the synthesized compounds were performed.

Novel 2,3-Dialdehyde Cellulose-Based Films with Photodynamic Inactivation Potency by Incorporating the β-Cyclodextrin/Curcumin Inclusion Complex

Antibacterial packaging film mediated by photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a new concept in food industry. The objective of this study was to fabricate a green 2,3-dialdehyde cellulose (DAC)-based antimicrobial film with PDI potency by incorporating the β-cyclodextrin/curcumin (β-CD/Cur) complex as a photosensitizer. The PDI-mediated films were characterized by evaluating the surface morphology, chemical structure, light transmittance, mechanical properties, photochemical and thermal stability, and water solubility. The results showed that the DAC-CD/Cur films were soluble in water and mechanically strong with a tensile strength of 63.87 MPa and an elongation break of 1.32%, which was attributed to the formation of hydrogen bonds between DAC and β-CD/Cur molecules. Meanwhile, the composite films possessed a good light transmittance but impeded the penetration of ultraviolet light and efficiently delayed the degradation of curcumin. More importantly, the PDI-mediated films exhibited a broad-spectrum ability to kill Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Shewanella putrefaciens in pure culture. Notably, they also potently inactivated these harmful bacteria on ready-to-eat salmon with a maximum of ∼4 Log CFU/g (99.99%) reduction after 60 min irradiation (13.68 J/cm²). Therefore, the PDI-mediated DAC-CD/Cur films are novel and promising antimicrobial food packaging films in food industry.

Yeast Cells in Microencapsulation. General Features and Controlling Factors of the Encapsulation Process

Besides their best-known uses in the food and fermentation industry, yeasts have also found application as microcapsules. In the encapsulation process, exogenous and most typically hydrophobic compounds diffuse and end up being passively entrapped in the cell body, and can be released upon application of appropriate stimuli. Yeast cells can be employed either living or dead, intact, permeabilized, or even emptied of all their original cytoplasmic contents. The main selling points of this set of encapsulation technologies, which to date has predominantly targeted food and-to a lesser extent-pharmaceutical applications, are the low cost, biodegradability and biocompatibility of the capsules, coupled to their sustainable origin (e.g., spent yeast from brewing). This review aims to provide a broad overview of the different kinds of yeast-based microcapsules and of the main physico-chemical characteristics that control the encapsulation process and its efficiency.

Application of starch nanoparticles as host materials for encapsulation of curcumin: Effect of citric acid modification

To encapsulate curcumin, absolute ethanolic curcumin solution with various content (300-1200 μg) was added to aqueous dispersion of citric acid-modified starch nanoparticles (M.SNPs) with various contents (0.5-2.5%), and then ethanol of the mixture was evaporated by nitrogen gas purge for 40 min (ethanol content decreased to 1%). SNPs (100 mg) could encapsulate 75.7 μg of curcumin in matrices of the composite, while 100 mg of M.SNPs could encapsulate 144.9 μg of curcumin. The XRD results revealed that curcumin was amorphously encapsulated in the composite, and hydrogen bond formation between M.SNPs and curcumin was one of the major driving forces for encapsulation as suggested by FT-IR. The composites had a spherical shape and mean particle size of the composites was increased from 136.3 to 255.3 nm with higher curcumin content in the matrices of composites. UV, pH, and thermal stability of curcumin significantly enhanced by the encapsulation, which was further increased when using M.SNPs and/or higher content of host materials. For the release of curcumin in simulated intestinal fluid digestion, release mechanism explained by Korsmeyer-Peppas model. For M.SNPs, k value was decreased from 13.097 to 2.938 as addition level of host material increased from 0.5 to 2.5%.

Yeast cells for encapsulation of bioactive compounds in food products: A review

Nowadays bioactive compounds have gained great attention in food and drug industries owing to their health aspects as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant attributes. Nevertheless, their bioavailability, bioactivity, and stability can be affected in different conditions and during storage. In addition, some bioactive compounds have undesirable flavor that restrict their application especially at high dosage in food products. Therefore, food industry needs to find novel techniques to overcome these problems. Microencapsulation is a technique, which can fulfill the mentioned requirements. Also, there are many wall materials for use in encapsulation procedure such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and various kinds of polymers. The utilization of food-grade and safe carriers have attracted great interest for encapsulation of food ingredients. Yeast cells are known as a novel carrier for microencapsulation of bioactive compounds with benefits such as controlled release, protection of core substances without a significant effect on sensory properties of food products. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was abundantly used as a suitable carrier for food ingredients. Whole cells as well as cell particles like cell wall and plasma membrane can act as a wall material in encapsulation process. Compared to other wall materials, yeast cells are biodegradable, have better protection for bioactive compounds and the process of microencapsulation by them is relatively simple. The encapsulation efficiency can be improved by applying some pretreatments of yeast cells. In this article, the potential application of yeast cells as an encapsulating material for encapsulation of bioactive compounds is reviewed.