Preparation of nanoemulsions containing unsaturated fatty acid concentrate–chitosan capsules

Emulsification and stabilisation technologies used for the inclusion of lipophilic functional ingredients in food systems

Food industry is increasingly using functional ingredients to improve the food product quality. Lipid-containing functional ingredients are important sources of nutrients. This review examines the current state of emulsification and stabilisation technologies for incorporating lipophilic functional ingredients into food systems. Lipophilic functional ingredients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, and fat-soluble vitamins, offer numerous health benefits but present challenges due to their limited solubility in water-based food matrices. Emulsification techniques enable the dispersion of these ingredients in aqueous environments, facilitating their inclusion in a variety of food products. This review highlights recent advances in food emulsion formulation, emulsification methods and stabilisation techniques which, together, improve the stability and bioavailability of lipophilic compounds. The role of various emulsifiers, stabilizers, and encapsulation materials in enhancing the functionality of these ingredients is also explored. Furthermore, the review discusses different stabilisation techniques which can yield in emulsion in a solid or liquid state. By providing a comprehensive overview of current technologies, this review aims to guide future research and application in the development of functional foods enriched with lipophilic ingredients.

Chitosan-based nanocapsules by emulsification containing PUFA concentrates from tuna oil

Chitosan nanocapsules containing polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrates from tuna oil, with EPA + DHA contents around 57% (w/w), were developed by emulsification process, using different chitosan concentration (1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, w/v) and stirring speed (10,000, 15,000, 20,000 rpm). The effects of these parameters on particle size and zeta potential were evaluated. The physical and oxidative stabilities were used to measure the product quality during storage. Chitosan concentration, stirring speed and its interaction significantly affected (p < 0.05) the particle size. In addition, chitosan concentration significantly affected (p < 0.05) the zeta potential of nanocapsules emulsion. Based on the results of physical and oxidative stabilities, the nanocapsules were stable for 30 days under refrigeration temperature (7 °C), and with 1.5-2% chitosan resulted in improved protection against oil oxidation. The nanocapsules produced with 2% chitosan and 10,000 rpm showed the lowest variations of polydispersity index and nanocapsules size after 30 days of storage (221.8 ± 3.0 nm). These conditions can be considered the most suitable to produce nanocapsules of PUFA concentrates from tuna oil using chitosan as wall material. These nanocapsules showed physical characteristics and oxidative stability, which could enable their application in the food industry, representing an important source of EPA and DHA fatty acids.

Advances in encapsulation systems of Antarctic krill oil: From extraction to encapsulation, and future direction

Antarctic krill oil (AKO) is highly sought after by consumers and the food industry due to its richness in a variety of nutrients and physiological activities. However, current extraction methods are not sufficient to better extract AKO and its nutrients, and AKO is susceptible to lipid oxidation during processing and storage, leading to nutrient loss and the formation of off-flavors and toxic compounds. The development of various extraction methods and encapsulation systems for AKO to improve oil yield, nutritional value, antioxidant capacity, and bioavailability has become a research hotspot. This review summarizes the research progress of AKO from extraction to encapsulation system construction. The AKO extraction mechanism, technical parameters, oil yield and composition of solvent extraction, aqueous enzymatic extraction, supercritical/subcritical extraction, and three-liquid-phase salting-out extraction system are described in detail. The principles, choice of emulsifier/wall materials, preparation methods, advantages and disadvantages of four common encapsulation systems for AKO, namely micro/nanoemulsions, microcapsules, liposomes and nanostructured lipid carriers, are summarized. These four encapsulation systems are characterized by high encapsulation efficiency, low production cost, high bioavailability and high antioxidant capacity. Depending on the unique advantages and conditions of different encapsulation methods, as well as consumer demand for health and nutrition, different products can be developed. However, existing AKO encapsulation systems lack relevant studies on digestive absorption and targeted release, and the single product category of commercially available products limits consumer choice. In conjunction with clinical studies of AKO encapsulation systems, the development of encapsulation systems for special populations should be a future research direction.

Optimized Green Extraction of Polyphenols from Cassia javanica L. Petals for Their Application in Sunflower Oil: Anticancer and Antioxidant Properties

The total phenolic content (TPC) from Cassia javanica L. petals were extracted using ethanolic solvent extraction at concentrations ranging from 0 to 90% and an SCF-CO2 co-solvent at various pressures. Ultrasound-assisted extraction parameters were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Antioxidant and anticancer properties of total phenols were assessed. An SCF-CO2 co-solvent extract was nano-encapsulated and applied to sunflower oil without the addition of an antioxidant. The results indicated that the best treatment for retaining TPC and total flavonoids content (TFC) was SCF-CO2 co-solvent followed by the ultrasound and ethanolic extraction procedures. Additionally, the best antioxidant activity by β-carotene/linoleic acid and DPPH free radical-scavenging test systems was observed by SCF-CO2 co-solvent then ultrasound and ethanolic extraction methods. SCF-CO2 co-solvent recorded the highest inhibition % for PC3 (76.20%) and MCF7 (98.70%) and the lowest IC50 value for PC3 (145 µ/mL) and MCF7 (96 µ/mL). It was discovered that fortifying sunflower oil with SCF-CO2 co-solvent nanoparticles had a beneficial effect on free fatty acids and peroxide levels. The SCF-CO2 method was finally found to be superior and could be used in large-scale processing.

Cytotoxic Plant Extracts towards Insect Cells: Bioactivity and Nanoencapsulation Studies for Application as Biopesticides

The potential of plant extracts as bioinsecticides has been described as a promising field of agricultural development. In this work, the extracts of Punica granatum (pomegranate), Phytolacca americana (American pokeweed), Glandora prostrata (shrubby gromwell), Ulex europaeus (gorce), Tagetes patula (French marigold), Camellia japonica red (camellia), Ruta graveolens (rue or herb-of-grace) were obtained, purified, and their activity against Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells was investigated. From the pool of over twenty extracts obtained, comprising different polarities and vegetable materials, less polar samples were shown to be more toxic towards the insect cell line Sf9. Among these, a dichloromethane extract of R. graveolens was capable of causing a loss of viability of over 50%, exceeding the effect of the commercial insecticide chlorpyrifos. This extract elicited chromatin condensation and the fragmentation in treated cells. Nanoencapsulation assays of the cytotoxic plant extracts in soybean liposomes and chitosan nanostructures were carried out. The nanosystems exhibited sizes lower or around 200 nm, low polydispersity, and generally high encapsulation efficiencies. Release assays showed that chitosan nanoemulsions provide a fast and total extract release, while liposome-based systems are suitable for a more delayed release. These results represent a proof-of-concept for the future development of bioinsecticide nanoformulations based on the cytotoxic plant extracts.

Lactoferrin-based nanoemulsions to improve the physical and chemical stability of omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids are highly susceptible to oxidation and have an intense odour and poor water solubility, which make their direct applications in foods extremely difficult.

Omega-3 fatty acids as adjunctive therapeutics: prospective of nanoparticles in its formulation development

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3-PUFAs) are dietary components that have been extensively recognized for their therapeutic value and have shown diverse therapeutic effects including anti-inflammatory, antiarrhythmic, antithrombotic, immunomodulatory and antineoplastic activities. Most of the ω-3-PUFAs are obtained through diet or supplements because the body does not synthesize them. The high instability of ω-3-PUFAs to oxidative deterioration, lower bioavailability at the target tissues and reduced bioactivity of ω-3-PUFAs is an impediment for achieving their therapeutic potential. The present review provides an overview of potential therapeutic activities of ω-3-PUFAs and different novel technical approaches based on nanotechnology, which have been emphasized to overcome instability problems as well as enhance the bioactivity of ω-3-PUFAs. Future prospects related to this area of research are also provided.

Recent progress in biomedical applications of chitosan and its nanocomposites in aquaculture: A review

Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) are the nanostructures of chitosan biopolymer which is derived from chitin polysaccharide, the main component of crustacean shells. Chitosan is a biocompatible, nontoxic and biodegradable polymer soluble in acidic solutions and easily excreted from kidneys. It is widely used in medical and pharmaceutical applications including artificial matrices for tissue engineering, drug transport, targeted drug delivery and protein or gene delivery. The antimicrobial activities of chitosan and CSNPS against different bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens made them valuable for several biological applications including food preservation purposes. In addition, they have immunomodulatory effects on fish and crustaceans providing direct positive impact on aquaculture and fish farming industry. Sustained release of some bioactive ingredients such as hormones, vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants has improved the biological activities of fish. Furthermore, CSNPs have recently been employed to diagnose fish diseases. In this review, we present the medical and biological applications of chitosan and CSNPs on aquatics to provide an update on recent advances and the potential for further advanced applications for aquaculture in the future.

A systematic review on nanoencapsulation of food bioactive ingredients and nutraceuticals by various nanocarriers

Today, there is an ever-growing interest on natural food ingredients both by consumers and producers in the food industry. In fact, people are looking for those products in the market which are free from artificial and synthetic additives and can promote their health. These food bioactive ingredients should be formulated in such a way that protects them against harsh process and environmental conditions and safely could be delivered to the target organs and cells. Nanoencapsulation is a perfect strategy for this situation and there have been many studies in recent years for nanoencapsulation of food components and nutraceuticals by different technologies. In this review paper, our main goal is firstly to have an overview of nanoencapsulation techniques applicable to food ingredients in a systematic classification, i.e., lipid-based nanocarriers, nature-inspired nanocarriers, special-equipment-based nanocarriers, biopolymer nanocarriers, and other miscellaneous nanocarriers. Then, application of these cutting-edge nanocarriers for different nutraceuticals including phenolic compounds and antioxidants, natural food colorants, antimicrobial agents and essential oils, vitamins, minerals, flavors, fish oils and essential fatty acids will be discussed along with presenting some examples in each field.

Amisulpride-CD-Loaded Liposomes: Optimization and In Vivo Evaluation

Amisulpride (AMS) is an atypical antipsychotic agent used for the treatment of schizophrenia. The effect of different variables, i.e., the type of cyclodextrins (CDs), ratio of drug/CDs, and type of loading on the prepared AMS-CD liposomes (single and double loaded) was studied by applying 2³ full factorial design. Double-loaded liposomes are loaded with AMS-hydroxyl propyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) in the aqueous phase and free drug in the lipophilic bilayer, while single-loaded liposomes are loaded only with AMS-HP-β-CD in the aqueous phase. Entrapment efficiency, particle size, polydespersibility, and zeta potential were selected as dependent variables. Design Expert® software was used to obtain an optimized formulation with high entrapment efficiency (64.55 ± 1.27%), average particle size of 40.1 ± 2.77 nm, polydespersibility of 0.44 ± 0.37, and zeta potential of - 48.8 ± 0.28. Optimized formula was evaluated for in vitro release, surface morphology and stability study was also conducted. AMS-HP-β-CD in double-loaded liposomes exhibited higher drug release than those in the conventional liposomes and in the single-loaded liposomes. The maximum plasma concentration (C_max) of AMS in optimized AMS-HP-β-CD double-loaded liposomal formulation increased by 1.55- and 1.29-fold, as compared to the commercial tablets and conventional liposomes, respectively. However, the relative bioavailability of AMS double-loaded liposomes was 1.94- and 1.28-folds of commercial tablet and conventional liposomes, respectively.

Optimization of encapsulation efficiency and average particle size of Hohenbuehelia serotina polysaccharides nanoemulsions using response surface methodology

The aim of this research was to develop novel W1/O/W2 nanoemulsions for encapsulating Hohenbuehelia serotina polysaccharides to resolve the low soluble and unstable problems. The prepared parameters (PVA content, polysaccharides concentration, stirring speed and stirring time) of H. serotina polysaccharides nanoemulsions were optimized based on the response surface methodology. Through systematic analysis of the model, the optimal conditions were chosen as PVA content of 0.60%, polysaccharides concentration of 9.7μg/mL, stirring speed of 11,000rpm, and stirring time of 2.4min. Under the optimal prepared conditions, the encapsulation efficiency and particle size were respectively 75.42±0.69% and 410.1±2.3nm, which were well consistent with the predicted values. The optimized nanoemulsions possessed the spherical multilayer structure with the zeta potential value of -52.34±5.62mV, and they could be stably stored at 25°C for 6days. Moreover, the nanoemulsions had the excellent sustained-release characteristics in the simulated gastric fluid. This study may provide a valuable contribution for the application of nanoemulsions in the functional food field.

Terbinafine Hydrochloride Trans-ungual Delivery via Nanovesicular Systems: In Vitro Characterization and Ex Vivo Evaluation

Treating a nail infection like onychomycosis is challenging as the human nail plate acts as a formidable barrier against all drug permeation. Available oral and topical treatments have several setbacks. Terbinafine hydrochloride (TBH), belonging to the allylamine class, is mainly used for treatment of onychomycosis. This study aims to formulate TBH in a nanobased spanlastic vesicular carrier that enables and enhances the drug delivery through the nail. The nanovesicles were formulated by ethanol injection method, using either Span® 60 or Span® 65, together with Tween 80 or sodium deoxycholate as an edge activator. A full factorial design was implemented to study the effect of different formulation and process variables on the prepared TBH-loaded spanlastic nanovesicles. TBH entrapment efficiency percentages, particle size diameter, percentage drug released after 2 h and 8 h were selected as dependent variables. Optimization was performed using Design-Expert® software to obtain an optimized formulation with high entrapment efficiency (62.35 ± 8.91%), average particle size of 438.45 ± 70.5 nm, and 29.57 ± 0.93 and 59.53 ± 1.73% TBH released after 2 and 8 h, respectively. The optimized formula was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction and was also morphologically examined using transmission electron microscopy. An ex vivo study was conducted to determine the permeation and retainment of the optimized formulation in a human cadaver nail plate, and confocal laser scanning microscope was used to show the extent of formulation permeation. In conclusion, the results confirmed that spanlastics exhibit promising results for the trans-ungual delivery of TBH.