β-Lactoglobulin–naringenin complexes: Nano-vehicles for the delivery of a hydrophobic nutraceutical

Citrus flavonoids-loaded chitosan derivatives-route nanofilm as drug delivery systems for cutaneous wound healing

This study focuses on creating new forms of biomimetic nanofiber composites by combining copolymerizing and electrospinning approaches in the field of nanomedicine. The process involved utilizing the melt polymerization of proline (Pr) and hydroxyl proline (Hyp) to synthesize polymers based on Pr (PPE) and Hyp (PHPE). These polymers were then used in a grafting copolymerization process with chitosan (CS) to produce PHPC (1560 ± 81.08 KDa). A novel electrospun nanofiber scaffold was then produced using PHPC and/or CS, hyaluronic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, and naringenin (NR) as a loading drug. Finally, Mouse Dermal Fibroblast (MDF) cells were introduced to the wound dressing and assessed their therapeutic potential for wound healing in rats. The scaffolds were characterized by FTIR, NMR, DSC, and SEM analysis, which confirmed the amino acid grafting, loading drug, and porous and nanofibrous structures (>225 nm). The results showed that the PHPC-based scaffolds were more effective for swelling/absorption of wound secretions, had more elasticity/elongation, faster drug release, more MDF-cytocompatibility, and antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant S. aureus compared to CS-based scaffolds. The in vivo studies showed that NR in combination with MDF can accelerate cell migration/proliferation, and remodeling phases of wound healing in both PHPC/CS-based scaffolds. Moreover, PHPC-based scaffolds promote collagen content, and better wound contraction, epithelialization, and neovascularization than CS-based, showing potential as wound-dressing.

Effect of naringenin based nanocomposites and pure naringenin on cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) under drought stress

Key message

Naringenin based nanocomposite alleviate the harmful effects of drought stress in Cuminum cyminum and enhance carefully the plant tolerance against drought condition with different mechanisms.

Abstract

In the recent years, drought stress is considered as one of the most important stressful conditions for agricultural plants. Reducing the effects of drought on plants is a crucial need nowadays, which calls for innovative methods. Naringenin is one of the most known plant flavonoids with antioxidant properties. In the present work, a naringenin based nanocomposite containing carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as carrier (CMC-Nar) with an average size of 65 nm were synthesized by coacervation method. In order to investigate the effect of CMC nanocomposites containing naringenin (CMC-Nar) and pure naringenin in modulating the effects of drought stress, cultivation of Cuminum cyminum (varieties: Isfahan and Kashan) was carried out in greenhouse conditions. Drought stress was imposed as 30% of the field capacity. Various physiological, biochemical, and phytochemical assays were performed after treating the plants in drought conditions (30%). The results indicated that treatment of nanocomposites (CMC-Nar) and pure naringenin at drought conditions increased growth and photosynthetic parameters such as germination, shoot and root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, and chlorophyll content of the Cumin. Stress markers such as malondialdehyde, H2O2, and electrolyte leakage decreased under the treatment of narinjenin and especially nanocomposites (CMC-Nar) under drought conditions. Moreover, under same condition and treatments, some biochemical parameters including soluble sugar and total protein increased but the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the level of free amino acids has gone down. Compatible Solutes (Proline and glycine betaine) also increased. There was an increase in phytochemical parameters such as total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanin, and tannins under naringenin and nanocomposites (CMC-Nar) treatment in drought conditions. In general, nanocomposites and pure naringenin reduced the harmful effects of drought stress, and the ameliorating impacts of nanocomposites (CMC-Nar) are more than pure naringenin. According to the results: In most cases, the impact of drought stress was modulated to a greater extent by (CMC-Nar) nanocomposites in the Isfahan variety compared to the Kashan variety. This research tries to propose a new method to reduce the effects of drought stress on Cuminum cyminum.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01460-7.

Assessment of Various Food Proteins as Structural Materials for Delivery of Hydrophobic Polyphenols Using a Novel Co-Precipitation Method

In this study, sodium caseinate (NaCas), soy protein isolate (SPI), and whey protein isolate (WPI) were used as structural materials for the delivery of rutin, naringenin, curcumin, hesperidin, and catechin. For each polyphenol, the protein solution was brought to alkaline pH, and then the polyphenol and trehalose (as a cryo-protectant) were added. The mixtures were later acidified, and the co-precipitated products were lyophilized. Regardless of the type of protein used, the co-precipitation method exhibited relatively high entrapment efficiency and loading capacity for all five polyphenols. Several structural changes were seen in the scanning electron micrographs of all polyphenol-protein co-precipitates. This included a significant decrease in the crystallinity of the polyphenols, which was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, where amorphous structures of rutin, naringenin, curcumin, hesperidin, and catechin were revealed after the treatment. Both the dispersibility and solubility of the lyophilized powders in water were improved dramatically (in some cases, >10-fold) after the treatment, with further improvements observed in these properties for the powders containing trehalose. Depending on the chemical structure and hydrophobicity of the tested polyphenols, there were differences observed in the degree and extent of the effect of the protein on different properties of the polyphenols. Overall, the findings of this study demonstrated that NaCas, WPI, and SPI can be used for the development of an efficient delivery system for hydrophobic polyphenols, which in turn can be incorporated into various functional foods or used as supplements in the nutraceutical industry.

Study on the Interaction Mechanism of Theaflavin with Whey Protein: Multi-Spectroscopy Analysis and Molecular Docking

The interaction mechanism of whey proteins with theaflavin (TF1) in black tea was analyzed using multi-spectroscopy analysis and molecular docking simulations. The influence of TF1 on the structure of bovine serum albumin (BSA), β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg), and α-lactoalbumin (α-La) was examined in this work using the interaction of TF1 with these proteins. Fluorescence and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy revealed that TF1 could interact with BSA, β-Lg and α-La through a static quenching mechanism. Furthermore, circular dichroism (CD) experiments revealed that TF1 altered the secondary structure of BSA, β-Lg and α-La. Molecular docking demonstrated that the interaction of TF1 with BSA/β-Lg/α-La was dominated by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. The binding energies were -10.1 kcal mol^-1, -8.4 kcal mol^-1 and -10.4 kcal mol^-1, respectively. The results provide a theoretical basis for investigating the mechanism of interaction between tea pigments and protein. Moreover, the findings offered technical support for the future development of functional foods that combine tea active ingredients with milk protein. Future research will focus on the effects of food processing methods and different food systems on the interaction between TF1 and whey protein, as well as the physicochemical stability, functional characteristics, and bioavailability of the complexes in vitro or in vivo.

Recent developments in citrus bioflavonoid encapsulation to reinforce controlled antioxidant delivery and generate therapeutic uses: Review

Citrus fruits contain numerous antioxidative biomolecules including phenolic acids, flavonols, flavanones, polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), and their derivatives. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies thoroughly investigated the antioxidant and therapeutic potential of bioflavonoids extracted from different citrus varieties and fruit fractions. Major bioflavonoids such as hesperidin, naringin, naringenin, and PMFs, had restricted their incorporation into food and health products due to their poor solubility, chemical stability and bioavailability. Considering these limitations, modern encapsulation methodologies such as hydrogelation, liposomal interactions, emulsifications, and nanoparticles have been designed to shield bioflavonoids with improved target distribution for therapeutic enhancements. The size, durability, and binding efficiency of bioflavonoid-loaded encapsulates were acquired by the optimized chemical and instrumental parameters such as solubility, gelation, dispersion, extrusion, and drying. Bioflavonoid-enriched encapsulates have been also proven to be effective against cancer, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and various other illnesses. However, in the future, newer natural binding agents with higher binding capacity might accelerate the encapsulating potential, controlled release, and enhanced bioavailability of citrus bioflavonoids. Overall, these modern encapsulation systems are currently leading to a new era of diet-based medicine, as demand for citrus fruit-based nutritional supplements and edibles grows.

A Scoping Review of the Skeletal Effects of Naringenin

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is caused by the deterioration of bone density and microstructure, resulting in increased fracture risk. It transpires due to an imbalanced skeletal remodelling process favouring bone resorption. Various natural compounds can positively influence the skeletal remodelling process, of which naringenin is a candidate. Naringenin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound found in citrus fruits and grapefruit. This systematic review aims to present an overview of the available evidence on the skeletal protective effects of naringenin.

METHOD

A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Scopus databases in August 2022. Original research articles using cells, animals, or humans to investigate the bone protective effects of naringenin were included.

RESULTS

Sixteen eligible articles were included in this review. The existing evidence suggested that naringenin enhanced osteoblastogenesis and bone formation through BMP-2/p38MAPK/Runx2/Osx, SDF-1/CXCR4, and PI3K/Akt/c-Fos/c-Jun/AP-1 signalling pathways. Naringenin also inhibited osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption by inhibiting inflammation and the RANKL pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Naringenin enhances bone formation while suppressing bone resorption, thus achieving its skeletal protective effects. It could be incorporated into the diet through fruit intake or supplements to prevent bone loss.

UV Fingerprinting Approaches for Quality Control Analyses of Food and Functional Food Coupled to Chemometrics: A Comprehensive Analysis of Novel Trends and Applications

(1) Background: Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy is a common analytical tool to detect chromophore in compounds by monitoring absorbance spectral wavelengths. Further, it could provide spectral information about complex conjugated systems in mixtures aided by chemometric tools to visualize large UV-Vis datasets as typical in food samples. This review provides novel insight on UV-Vis applications in the last 20 years, as an advanced analytical tool in the quality control of food and dietary supplements, as well as several other applications, including chemotaxonomy, authentication, fingerprinting, and stability studies. (2) Conclusions: A critical assessment of the value of UV application and its novel trends in the quality control (QC) of nutraceuticals reveals the advantages and limitations, focusing on areas where future advancements are in need. Although simple, UV and its novel trends present potential analytical tools with an acceptable error for QC applications from a non-targeted perspective compared to other expensive spectral tools.

Hesperetin (citrus peel flavonoid aglycone) encapsulation using pea protein-high methoxyl pectin electrostatic complexes: complex optimization and biological activity

BACKGROUND

Orange pomace polyphenols have potential for use as nutraceutical ingredients in functional foods and beverages. However, owing to their low water solubility and bioaccessibility, they are not being utilized to their full potential. The goal of this research is to assess the impact of encapsulation on hesperetin (HT - a model orange polyphenol) water solubility, antioxidant activity, and in vitro bioaccessibility.

RESULTS

In this study, a citrus flavonoid aglycone, HT, was encapsulated within water-dispersible colloidal complexes (d = 350 ± 8 nm) formed by electrostatic attraction of pea protein isolate and high-methoxyl pectin at a mixing ratio of 1:1 (v/v) and pH 4. The maximum amount of HT that could be dispersed in water was much higher for the encapsulated form (99 ± 7 μg mL^-1 ) than the non-encapsulated form (<10 μg mL^-1 ). The radical scavenging activity of the encapsulated HT (>90%, pH 4) was much higher than the non-encapsulated form (<15% at pH 4 or 7). The in vitro bioaccessibility of encapsulated HT (27 ± 7%) was also much higher than the non-encapsulated form (<7%).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that a well-designed, biopolymer-based delivery system may improve the effective incorporation of HT, and potentially other orange pomace polyphenols, into food and beverage products. This could provide an additional high-value use for orange juicing by-products while introducing a new nutraceutical product to the food and beverage industry. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Potential uses of milk proteins as encapsulation walls for bioactive compounds: A review

Milk proteins have received much awareness due to their bioactivity. However, their encapsulation functions have not attracted enough attention. Milk proteins as encapsulation walls can increase the bioavailability of bioactive compounds. As the benefits of bioactive compounds are critically determined by bioavailability, the effect of interactions between milk proteins and active substances is a critical topic. In the present review, we summarize the effects of milk proteins as encapsulation walls on the bioavailability of active substances with a special focus. The methods and mechanisms of interactions between milk proteins and active substances are also discussed. The evidence collected in the present review suggests that when active substances are encapsulated by milk proteins, the bioavailability of active substances can be significantly affected. This review also provides valuable guidelines for the use of milk protein-based microcarriers.

Analysis of the binding selectivity and inhibiting mechanism of chlorogenic acid isomers and their interaction with grass carp endogenous lipase using multi-spectroscopic, inhibition kinetics and modeling methods

Polyphenols are inhibitors for lipase, but the binding selectivity and mechanism of polyphenol isomers and how they interact with lipase are not clear. Here, chlorogenic acid (CGA) isomers, neochlorogenic acid (NCGA) and cryptochlorogenic acid (CCGA) were used to explore the binding selectivity and mechanism of lipase. An inhibition assay indicated that both CGA isomers had dose-dependent inhibitory effects on lipase; however, the inhibitory effect of NCGA was better (IC₅₀: 0.647 mg/mL) than that of CCGA (IC₅₀: 0.677 mg/mL). NCGA and CCGA formed complexes with lipase at a molar ratio of 1:1, and the electrostatic interaction force plays a major role in the lipase-CCGA system. Molecular dynamics studies demonstrated that NCGA had a greater impact on the structure of lipase. The multi-spectroscopic and modeling results explained the effects of micro-structural changes on the binding site, the interaction force and the inhibition rate of the isomers when they combined with lipase.

Investigating Polyphenol Nanoformulations for Therapeutic Targets against Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a fatal metabolic disorder, and its prevalence has escalated in recent decades to a greater extent. Since the incidence and severity of the disease are constantly increasing, plenty of therapeutic approaches are being considered as a promising solution. Many dietary polyphenols have been reported to be effective against diabetes along with its accompanying vascular consequences by targeting multiple therapeutic targets. Additionally, the biocompatibility of these polyphenols raises questions about their use as pharmacological mediators. Nevertheless, the pharmacokinetic and biopharmaceutical properties of these polyphenols limit their clinical benefit as therapeutics. Pharmaceutical industries have attempted to improve compliance and therapeutic effects. However, nanotechnological approaches to overcome the pharmacokinetic and biopharmaceutical barriers associated with polyphenols as antidiabetic medications have been shown to be effective to improve clinical compliance and efficacy. Therefore, this review highlighted a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of polyphenol nanoformulations in the treatment of diabetes and vascular consequences.

The non-covalent interactions between whey protein and various food functional ingredients

In daily diet, Whey protein (WP) is often coexisted with various Food functional ingredients (FFI) such as proteins, polyphenols, polysaccharides and vitamins, which inevitably affect or interact with each other. Generally speaking, they may be interact by two different mechanisms: non-covalent and covalent interactions, of which the former is more common. We reviewed the non-covalent interactions between WP and various FFI, explained the effect of each WP-FFI interaction, and provided possible applications of WP-FFI complex in the food industry. The biological activity, physical and chemical stability of FFI, and the structure and functionalities of WP were enhanced through the non-covalent interactions. The development of non-covalent interactions between WP and FFI provides opportunities for the design of new ingredients and biopolymer complex, which can be applied in different fields. Future research will further focus on the influence of external or environmental factors in the food system and processing methods on interactions.

Interactions of potato-derived and human recombinant 5-lipoxygenase with sec-O-glucosylhamaudol by multi-spectroscopy and molecular docking

5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) was a key enzyme involved in many inflammatory diseases. Sec-O-glucosylhamaudol (SOG) was a chromone found in Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk (S. divaricate). The potato-derived 5-LOX (p-5-LOX) and human recombinant 5-LOX (h-5-LOX) were selected as model protein due to their simple usability and high stability in this study. Thus, the binding interactions of p-5-LOX and h-5-LOX with SOG were investigated by multi-spectroscopy and molecular docking. As a result, the fluorescence intensities of the two 5-LOX were quenched statically by SOG. However, the binding ability of SOG to h-5-LOX was higher than that of p-5-LOX at the same temperature. The results of multi-spectroscopy revealed that the conformation and micro-environment of the two 5-LOX proteins were changed after binding with SOG. Fluorescence assay and molecular docking indicated that hydrogen bond and electrostatic gravitation were the main forces between the two 5-LOX and SOG. Our results here suggested that SOG may exert anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting 5-LOX activity.

Compendium of naringenin: potential sources, analytical aspects, chemistry, nutraceutical potentials and pharmacological profile

Naringenin is flavorless, water insoluble active principle belonging to flavanone subclass. It exhibits a diverse pharmacological profile as well as divine nutraceutical values. Although several researchers have explored this phytoconstituent to evaluate its promising properties, still it has not gained recognition at therapeutic levels and more clinical investigations are still required. Also the neutraceutical potential has limited marketed formulations. This compilation includes the description of reported therapeutic potentials of naringenin in variety of pathological conditions alongwith the underlying mechanisms. Details of various analytical investigations carried on this molecule have been provided along with brief description of chemistry and structural activity relationship. In the end, various patents filed and clinical trial data has been provided. Naringenin has revealed promising pharmacological activities including cardiovascular diseases, neuroprotection, anti-diabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet activity. It has been marketed in the form of nanoformulations, co-crystals, solid dispersions, tablets, capsules and inclusion complexes. It is also available in various herbal formulations as nutraceutical supplement. There are some pharmacokinetic issue with naringenin like poor absorption and low dissolution rate. Although these issues have been sorted out upto certain extent still further research to investigate the bioavailability of naringenin from herbal supplements and its clinical efficacy is essential.

Spectroscopic and docking studies of the interaction mechanisms of xylitol with α-casein and κ-casein

The molecular interactions of xylitol (XY) with α-casein (α-CN) and κ-casein (κ-CN) at pH 7.4 as a function of temperature (298, 308, and 318 K) were characterized by multispectral techniques and molecular docking. The fluorescence results showed that XY strongly quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of α- and κ-CN by static quenching, as well as the presence of a single binding site for XY on both proteins with a binding constant value of ∼10⁵ L/mol. The binding affinity of both proteins for XY decreased with increasing temperature, and Van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding and protonation were the key forces in the interactions. The addition of XY altered the polarity of the microenvironment of proteins and changed their secondary structure from ordered to disordered. The molecular docking results showed that XY had different binding sites to α- and κ-CN, with several amino acids involved in the binding processes.

Assembled milk protein nano-architectures as potential nanovehicles for nutraceuticals

Nanoencapsulation of hydrophobic nutraceuticals with food ingredients has become one of topical research subjects in food science and pharmaceutical fields. To fabricate food protein-based nano-architectures as nanovehicles is one of effective strategies or approaches to improve water solubility, stability, bioavailability and bioactivities of poorly soluble or hydrophobic nutraceuticals. Milk proteins or their components exhibit a great potential to assemble or co-assemble with other components into a variety of nano-architectures (e.g., nano-micelles, nanocomplexes, nanogels, or nanoparticles) as potential nanovehicles for encapsulation and delivery of nutraceuticals. This article provides a comprehensive review about the state-of-art knowledge in utilizing milk proteins to assemble or co-assemble into a variety of nano-architectures as promising encapsulation and delivery nano-systems for hydrophobic nutraceuticals. First, a brief summary about composition, structure and physicochemical properties of milk proteins, especially caseins (or casein micelles) and whey proteins, is presented. Then, the disassembly and reassembly behavior of caseins or whey proteins into nano-architectures is critically reviewed. For caseins, casein micelles can be dissociated and further re-associated into novel micelles, through pH- or high hydrostatic pressure-mediated disassembly and reassembly strategy, or can be directly formed from caseinates through a reassembly process. In contrast, the assembly of whey protein into nano-architectures usually needs a structural unfolding and subsequent aggregation process, which can be induced by heating, enzymatic hydrolysis, high hydrostatic pressure and ethanol treatments. Third, the co-assembly of milk proteins with other components into nano-architectures is also summarized. Last, the potential and effectiveness of assembled milk protein nano-architectures, including reassembled casein micelles, thermally induced whey protein nano-aggregates, α-lactalbumin nanotubes or nanospheres, co-assembled milk protein-polysaccharide nanocomplexes or nanoparticles, as nanovehicles for nutraceuticals (especially those hydrophobic) are comprehensively reviewed. Due to the fact that milk proteins are an important part of diets for human nutrition and health, the review is of crucial importance not only for the development of novel milk protein-based functional foods enriched with hydrophobic nutraceuticals, but also for providing the newest knowledge in the utilization of food protein assembly behavior in the nanoencapsulation of nutraceuticals.

Encapsulation and delivery of bioactive citrus pomace polyphenols: a review

Citrus pomace consists of the peel, pulp, and membrane tissues remaining after juice expression. Globally, around one million tons of citrus pomace are generated annually, which contains a variety of bioactive constituents that could be used as value-added functional ingredients in foods. However, the polyphenols in citrus pomace are not currently being utilized to their full potential, even though they can be used as nutraceuticals in functional foods and beverages. Citrus phenolics face significant roadblocks to their successful incorporation into these products. In particular, they have poor water solubility, chemical stability, and bioavailability. This review describes the diverse range of colloidal systems that have been developed to encapsulate and deliver citrus phenolics. Examples of the application of these systems for the encapsulation, protection, and delivery of polyphenols from citrus pomace are given. The use of colloidal delivery systems has been shown to improve the stability, dispersibility, and bioaccessibility of encapsulated polyphenols from citrus pomace. The selection of an appropriate delivery system determines the handling, storage, shelf life, encapsulation efficiency, dispersibility, and gastrointestinal fate of the citrus polyphenols. Furthermore, the purity, solubility, and chemical structure of the polyphenols are key factors in delivery system selection.

Encapsulation of Hydrophobic and Low-Soluble Polyphenols into Nanoliposomes by pH-Driven Method: Naringenin and Naringin as Model Compounds

Naringenin and naringin are a class of hydrophobic polyphenol compounds and both have several biological activities containing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Nevertheless, they have low water solubility and bioavailability, which limits their biological activity. In this study, an easy pH-driven method was applied to load naringenin or naringin into nanoliposomes based on the gradual reduction in their water solubility after the pH changed to acidity. Thus, the naringenin or naringin can be embedded into the hydrophobic region within nanoliposomes from the aqueous phase. A series of naringenin/naringin-loaded nanoliposomes with different pH values, lecithin contents and feeding naringenin/naringin concentrations were prepared by microfluidization and a pH-driven method. The naringin-loaded nanoliposome contained some free naringin due to its higher water solubility at lower pH values and had a relatively low encapsulation efficiency. However, the naringenin-loaded nanoliposomes were predominantly nanometric (44.95–104.4 nm), negatively charged (−14.1 to −19.3 mV) and exhibited relatively high encapsulation efficiency (EE = 95.34% for 0.75 mg/mL naringenin within 1% w/v lecithin). Additionally, the naringenin-loaded nanoliposomes still maintained good stability during 31 days of storage at 4 °C. This study may help to develop novel food-grade colloidal delivery systems and apply them to introducing naringenin or other lipophilic polyphenols into foods, supplements or drugs.

Characterization, techno-functional properties, and encapsulation efficiency of self-assembled β-lactoglobulin nanostructures

Whey is a cheese co-product with high protein content used in the food industry due to its techno-functional properties and nutritive value. This study aims to optimize the production of β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) nanostructures, to characterize their techno-functional properties and stability, and to apply them as a carrier of bioactive molecules. Box-Behnken planning was applied to determine the best conditions to obtain the β-lg nanostructure, which consists in treatment at 100 °C in NaCl 50 mmol·L^-1 for 60 min. TEM analysis showed a fibril structure in the observed nanostructures. The nanostructured systems formed foam and emulsion with higher stability than the systems composed of the native protein. The results for encapsulation efficiency of bioactive compounds were 96.50%, 89.04%, 67.78%, and 36.39% for quercetin, rutin, naringin, and vitamin B_2, respectively. Thus, β-lg nanostructure's great capacity to encapsulate hydrophobic molecules was verified.

Naringenin Nano-Delivery Systems and Their Therapeutic Applications

Naringenin (NRG) is a polyphenolic phytochemical belonging to the class of flavanones and is widely distributed in citrus fruits and some other fruits such as bergamot, tomatoes, cocoa, and cherries. NRG presents several interesting pharmacological properties, such as anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the therapeutic potential of NRG is hampered due to its hydrophobic nature, which leads to poor bioavailability. Here, we review a wide range of nanocarriers that have been used as delivery systems for NRG, including polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), nanosuspensions, and nanoemulsions. These nanomedicine formulations of NRG have been applied as a potential treatment for several diseases, using a wide range of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models and different routes of administration. From this review, it can be concluded that NRG is a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, liver diseases, ocular disorders, inflammatory diseases, skin diseases, and diabetes when formulated in the appropriate nanocarriers.

Bovine alpha-lactalbumin assemblies with capsaicin: Formation, interactions, loading and physiochemical characterization

Numerous human conditions can benefit from diets rich in proteins and bioactives, such as capsaicin (CAP), yet their effective delivery is a sensorial, scientific and technological challenge. This study hypothesized that CAP can form various complexes with native bovine alpha-lactalbumin (holo-ALA) and decalcified-ALA (apo-ALA). Calorimetric and spectroscopic techniques reveals ALA-CAP molecular complexation is spontaneous, exothermic and accompanied by various conformational changes. ITC shows the interaction stoichiometry (n) and binding constant (K_b) for holo-ALA to be 0.87 ± 0.03, 1.54 ± 0.23 × 10⁵ M^-1 and for apo-ALA to be 0.64 ± 0.09, 9.41 ± 2.16 × 10⁴ M^-1. Molecular docking further elucidates that hydrogen bonds govern CAP binding to holo-ALA while hydrophobic interactions dominate binding to apo-ALA in a structural cleft. Finally, this work shows these interactions along with controlled aggregation can be utilized to form CAP-loaded colloids with encapsulation efficiency of 47.1 ± 1.0%. Thus, this study shows great promise in the prospective use of ALA as an edible delivery vehicle for CAP.

Interaction among protein, daidzein and surfactants in the WPI-based daidzein self-microemulsifying delivery system

The self-microemulsifying delivery system was fabricated by whey protein isolate (WPI), daidzein (Dai) and surfactants, the interaction of WPI, Dai and D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) was hereby studied in the absence or presence of Tween 20. The increase of surfactant concentration led to the decrease of the modulus and changes of protein interfacial conformation, which allowed the formation of a strong intermolecular network. The environment and structure of WPI and daidzein could be changed by TPGS, and the addition of Tween 20 could further enhance the interaction between the components by changing TPGS structure. With the increase of surfactants and oil phase, Ksv and Ka values of WPI-Dai increased first and then decreased. Therefore, the interaction between the components was also dependent on the WPI-surfactant ration. These findings provide a potential strategy for designing microemulsion food system based on the understanding of the interactions among individual composition of microemulsions.

Characterization, spectroscopic and crystallographic analyses of β-lactoglobulin and docosahexaenoic acid nanocomplexes

In this work, we investigated the interaction of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) using spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. The fluorescence results showed that DHA formed complexes with β-Lg with a binding constant of 4.13 × 10⁴ M^-1. The secondary structure of β-Lg was not significantly (p > 0.05) changed after binding with DHA. Dynamic light scattering showed the particle size of β-Lg-DHA complexes was about 5 nm, the same as that of β-Lg alone. The turbidity of DHA in aqueous solution decreased after binding with β-Lg. The crystallographic results showed that DHA was bound at one site in the calyx of β-Lg and that the aliphatic chain was hidden inside the hydrophobic β-barrel while the carboxyl group was located at the calyx entrance. These findings indicate that β-Lg can act as an effective nanocarrier for DHA.

Naringenin improves the sunscreen performance of vegetable nanocarriers

Naringenin enhances the UV protection, photostability and cell viability of lipid based vegetable nanocarriers.

Binding behaviors and structural characteristics of ternary complexes of β-lactoglobulin, curcumin, and fatty acids

This study clarified the interaction mechanism and structural characteristics of ternary complexes of β-lactoglobulin, curcumin, and fatty acids.