Effects of microencapsulation on the gastrointestinal transit and tissue distribution of a bioactive mixture of fish oil, tributyrin and resveratrol

Butyric acid and prospects for creation of new medicines based on its derivatives: a literature review

The widespread use of antimicrobials causes antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The use of butyric acid and its derivatives is an alternative tactic. This review summarizes the literature on the role of butyric acid in the body and provides further prospects for the clinical use of its derivatives and delivery methods to the animal body. Thus far, there is evidence confirming the vital role of butyric acid in the body and the effectiveness of its derivatives when used as animal medicines and growth stimulants. Butyric acid salts stimulate immunomodulatory activity by reducing microbial colonization of the intestine and suppressing inflammation. Extraintestinal effects occur against the background of hemoglobinopathy, hypercholesterolemia, insulin resistance, and cerebral ischemia. Butyric acid derivatives inhibit histone deacetylase. Aberrant histone deacetylase activity is associated with the development of certain types of cancer in humans. Feed additives containing butyric acid salts or tributyrin are used widely in animal husbandry. They improve the functional status of the intestine and accelerate animal growth and development. On the other hand, high concentrations of butyric acid stimulate the apoptosis of epithelial cells and disrupt the intestinal barrier function. This review highlights the biological activity and the mechanism of action of butyric acid, its salts, and esters, revealing their role in the treatment of various animal and human diseases. This paper also discussed the possibility of using butyric acid and its derivatives as surface modifiers of enterosorbents to obtain new drugs with bifunctional action.

Effects of antimicrobial peptide and tributyrin on fecal microflora and blood indices of female calves

This study evaluated the effects of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and tributyrin (TB) on dairy calves in terms of growth performance, immunity, oxidative stress, and intestinal microflora. A total of 40 female calves were divided into four treatment groups (n = 10): basal diet +0.015% essential oil, basal diet +0.03% AMP, basal diet +0.15% TB, and basal diet +0.03% AMP + 0.15% TB. AMP and TB supplementation increased the average daily gain (ADG) and weaning weight, while reducing diarrhea occurrence. Additionally, AMP and TB supplementation reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malonaldehyde (MDA), while increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels. However, the combined use of AMP and TB did not significantly affect the average daily feed intake, ADG, weaning weight, or diarrhea incidence but decreased ROS levels, while increasing SOD levels as well as MDA and IgM levels. Moreover, AMP and TG supplementation increased the relative abundance of several beneficial fiber- and mucin-degrading bacteria in the gut, in contrast to combined AMP and TB supplementation. The 16S rRNA results showed that AMP supplementation significantly increased the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 and [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes group (p < .01), and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group (p < .01). The TB supplementation significantly increased the abundances of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 (p < .01), and significantly decreased the relative abundances of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes group and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group (p < .01). The combined use of AMP and TB significantly increased the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Bacteroides (p < .01), and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes group and Christensenellaceae_R-7_group (p < .01). In summary, diets supplemented with either AMP or TB improved the intestinal microflora, growth performance, and health of weaned calves, but combined use was detrimental to calf performance.

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

Maternal tributyrin supplementation in late pregnancy and lactation improves offspring immunity, gut microbiota, and diarrhea rate in a sow model

Introduction

Several studies have evaluated the effects of tributyrin on sow reproductive performance; however, none of these studies have investigated the effects of tributyrin on sow gut microbiota and its potential interactions with immune systems and milk composition. Therefore, we speculated that tributyrin, the combination of butyrate and mono-butyrin without odor, would reach the hindgut and affect the intestinal microbiota composition and play a better role in regulating sow reproductive performance, gut flora, and health.

Methods

Thirty sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (CON) and the tributyrin group (TB), which received basal diet supplemented with 0.05% tributyrin. The experimental period lasted for 35 days from late pregnancy to lactation.

Results

The results showed that TB supplementation significantly shortened the total parturition time and reduced the diarrhea rate in suckling piglets. On day 20 of lactation, the milk fat and protein levels increased by 9 and 4%, respectively. TB supplementation significantly improved the digestibility of dry material, gross energy, and crude fat in the sow diet, but had no significant effect on crude protein digestibility. Furthermore, TB supplementation increased the levels of IL-10, IL-6, and IgA in the blood of weaned piglets, but had no effect on maternal immunity. Analysis of the fecal microbial composition revealed that the addition of TB during late gestation and lactation increased the microbiota diversity in sows and piglets. At the phylum level, sows in the TB group had a slight increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Spirochaetota and a decrease in Firmicutes. At the order level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillales was increased in piglets and sows, and the TB group showed increased relative abundance of Enterobacterales and significantly decreased relative abundance of Oscillospirales in piglets. At family level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae, Oscillospiraceae, and Christensenellaceae increased in sows, and the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae increased in piglets. At genus level, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus increased in sows and piglets, but the relative abundance of Subdoligranulum and Eubacterium_fissicatena_group decreased in piglets in the TB group.

Discussion

In conclusion, tributyrin supplementation shortened the farrowing duration and reduced the diarrhea rate of piglets by improving the inflammatory response and composition of gut microbiota in piglets and sows.

Oral gamma-cyclodextrin-encapsulated tributyrin supplementation in young pigs with experimentally induced colitis

Disruption of intestinal integrity and barrier function due to tissue inflammation has negative implications on overall growth and well-being in young pigs. In this study, we investigated the effects of oral gamma-cyclodextrin-encapsulated tributyrin (TBCD) in young pigs experiencing dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Pigs (n = 32 boars) were weaned from the sow at postnatal day (PND) 2, allotted to treatment based on the litter of origin and body weight (BW), and reared artificially over a 26-d feeding period. Treatment groups included: 1) nutritionally adequate (control) milk replacer, no DSS (Control n = 8), 2) control milk replacer plus oral DSS (DSS, n = 7), and 3) control diet supplemented with 8.3 g of TBCD per kg of reconstituted milk replacer plus oral DSS (TBCD + DSS, n = 8). Colitis was induced by administering DSS at 1.25 g of DSS/kg BW daily in a reconstituted milk replacer from PND 14-18. Milk replacer and water were provided ad libitum throughout the 26-d study. All the data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Control and DSS pigs had similar BW throughout the study, while TBCD + DSS pigs exhibited decreased (P < 0.05) BW starting at approximately PND 15. Additionally, average daily gain (ADG) before and after initiation of DSS dosing, along with over the total study duration, was decreased (P < 0.05) in pigs receiving TBCD + DSS compared with the Control. Milk disappearance was decreased (P < 0.05) in TBCD + DSS pigs when compared with Control and DSS groups. Both the concentration and molar ratio of cecal butyrate concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) in TBCD + DSS pigs compared with the Control group. The DSS and TBCD + DSS treatments also increased (P < 0.05) butyrate concentrations in the luminal contents with the proximal colon compared with Control. TBCD + DSS and DSS pigs had increased (P < 0.05) mucosal width in the distal colon compared with Control, thereby indicating heightened intestinal inflammation. Overall, oral supplementation of encapsulated tributyrin increased the concentration of butyrate in the colon, but was unable to mitigate the negative effects of DSS-induced colitis.

Role of Drug Delivery System in Improving the Bioavailability of Resveratrol

Abstract:

Resveratrol (RSV) is known as a natural polyphenolic compound that is known for its therapeutic activities but has limited bioavailability. The aim of our study was to explore various drug-delivering methods that are being employed to achieve target-oriented delivery and therapeutic performance of RSV. To improve the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties of RSV, efforts are being made by producing efficient formulations accompanying efficient drug delivery strategies. Several clinical trial studies have been conducted on RSV isomers, and the majority of studies indicated that trans-RSV had better clinical potential and therapeutic effectiveness in various types of complications such as colorectal cancer, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, hepatic disease, cardiac disorders, and breast cancer. However, multiple research studies enable us to understand various strategies that can enhance the systemic availability and efficacy of topical RSV formulations. In this article, we emphasize the hurdles of RSV delivery processes. We summarized that for delivering liquid and solid microparticles of RSV, the micro-particulate system works efficiently. Another technique in which particles are enclosed by a coating is called microencapsulation. This technique reduces the degradation of pharmaceutical compounds. Similarly, the cyclodextrin system is mainly used for poorly soluble drugs. On the other hand, the vesicular system is another micro-particulate system that can encapsulate hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. However, the RSV nanosponge formulations have advanced nanodrug delivery systems also make it possible to use RSV for its antioxidant potential.

Repurposing of Marine Raw Materials in the Formulation of Innovative Plant Protection Products

Over the years, the growth of the world population has caused a huge agricultural production to support the population's needs. Since plant protection products are essential to preserve agricultural crops and to optimize vital plant processes, it is crucial to use more sustainable, biodegradable, and biocompatible raw materials, without harming the environment and human health. Although the development of new plant protection products is a costly process, the environmental benefits should be considered. In this context, marine raw materials obtained as byproducts of fishing industries, possessing a wide variety of physicochemical and biological properties, can serve as a promising source of such materials. They have a high potential for developing alternative and safe formulations for agricultural applications, not only as biocompatible excipients but also as effective and selective, or even both. It is also possible to promote a synergistic effect between an active substance and the biological activity of the marine polymer used in the formulation, enabling plant protection products with lower concentrations of the active substances. Thus, this review addresses the repurposing of marine raw materials for the development of innovative plant protection products, focusing on micro- and nanoparticulate formulations, to protect the environment through more ecological and sustainable strategies.

Trans-ε-Viniferin Encapsulation in Multi-Lamellar Liposomes: Consequences on Pharmacokinetic Parameters, Biodistribution and Glucuronide Formation in Rats

Trans-ε-viniferin (εVin) is a resveratrol dimer exhibiting promising biological activities for human health. Its bioavailability being low, the development of encapsulation methods would be used to overcome this issue. The aim of this study was to measure the consequences of the encapsulation of εVin in multilamellar liposomes on its pharmacokinetic parameters, metabolism and tissue distribution in rats. After oral administration of εVin (20 mg/kg body weight), either as free or encapsulated forms, plasmas were sequentially collected (from 0 to 4 h) as well as liver, kidneys and adipose tissues (4 h after administration) and analyzed by LC-HRMS. The glucuronide metabolites (εVG) were also produced by hemisynthesis for their quantification in plasma and tissues. The encapsulation process did not significantly modify the pharmacokinetic parameters of εVin itself. However, a significant increase of the T1/2 was noticed for εVG after administration of the encapsulated form as compared to the free form. An accumulation of εVin and εVG in adipose tissues was noticed, and interestingly a significant increase of the latter in the mesenteric one after administration of the encapsulated form was highlighted. Since adipose tissues could represent storage depots, and encapsulation allows for prolonging the exposure time of glucuronide metabolites in the organism, this could be of interest to promote their potential biological activities.

Effect of nanoemulsion particle size on the bioavailability and bioactivity of perilla oil in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the bioavailability and bioactivity of perilla (Perilla frutescens) oil nanoemulsions prepared at different homogenization pressures by measuring the weight, fatty acid profile, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in rats. The high-pressure homogenization significantly reduced the particle size of perilla oil nanoemulsions and enhanced their stability, and the minimum particle size was 293.87 ± 6.55 nm at 120 MPa. There was an increase in the weight and fatty acid levels in the plasma and liver of test group rats. The highest glutathione (GSH) and the lowest malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of 18.76 ± 10.51 mg GSH/g prot and 20.27 ± 2.46 nmol/mg prot, respectively, were recorded in rats administrated perilla oil nanoemulsions prepared at 120 MPa. However, there was no significant difference in superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) between the groups. The interferon-gamma (IL-γ), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6 (interleukin-6), and IL-8 (interleukin-8) levels in the test groups were lower than those in the blank and control groups at 8 hr after lipopolysaccharide injection. The IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels were 49.52 ± 14.06, 90.13 ± 6.04, and 419.71 ± 32.03 ng/L, respectively, in rats treated with perilla oil nanoemulsions prepared at 120 MPa. Both perilla oil and its nanoemulsions decreased estradiol levels and damaged the ovaries. Overall, our findings show that the test nanoemulsions enhanced the bioavailability of perilla oil, which resulted in enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses; thus, we provide a new approach to deliver perilla oil. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Nanoemulsions can be used to deliver drugs and bioactive compounds, and perilla oil nanoemulsions can be used in healthcare products and beverage industries.

Effects of Lipid-Based Encapsulation on the Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability of Phenolic Compounds

Phenolic compounds (quercetin, rutin, cyanidin, tangeretin, hesperetin, curcumin, resveratrol, etc.) are known to have health-promoting effects and they are accepted as one of the main proposed nutraceutical group. However, their application is limited owing to the problems related with their stability and water solubility as well as their low bioaccessibility and bioavailability. These limitations can be overcome by encapsulating phenolic compounds by physical, physicochemical and chemical encapsulation techniques. This review focuses on the effects of encapsulation, especially lipid-based techniques (emulsion/nanoemulsion, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes/nanoliposomes, etc.), on the digestibility characteristics of phenolic compounds in terms of bioaccessibility and bioavailability.

Effects of monobutyrin and tributyrin on liver lipid profile, caecal microbiota composition and SCFA in high-fat diet-fed rats

Butyric acid has been shown to have suppressive effects on inflammation and diseases related to the intestinal tract. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether supplementation of two glycerol esters, monobutyrin (MB) and tributyrin (TB), would reach the hindgut of rats, thus having an effect on the caecal profile of SCFA, microbiota composition and some risk markers associated with chronic inflammation. For this purpose, rats were fed high-fat diets after adding MB (1 and 5 g/kg) and TB (5 g/kg) to a diet without any supplementation (high-fat control; HFC). A low-fat (LF) diet was also included. In the liver, total cholesterol concentrations, LDL-cholesterol concentrations, LDL:HDL ratio, and succinic acid concentrations were reduced in rats given the MB and TB (5 g/kg) diets, compared with the group fed the HFC diet. These effects were more pronounced in MB than TB groups as also expressed by down-regulation of the gene Cyp8b1. The composition of the caecal microbiota in rats fed MB and TB was separated from the group fed the HFC diet, and also the LF diet, as evidenced by the absence of the phylum TM7 and reduced abundance of the genera Dorea (similar to LF-fed rats) and rc4-4. Notably, the caecal abundance of Mucispirillum was markedly increased in the MB group compared with the HFC group. The results suggest that dietary supplementation of MB and TB can be used to counteract disturbances associated with a HFC diet, by altering the gut microbiota, and decreasing liver lipids and succinic acid concentrations.

In vitro evaluation of α-lipoic acid-loaded lipid nanocapsules for topical delivery

This study aimed at in vitro evaluation of α-lipoic acid-loaded lipid nanocapsules for topical delivery, which was prepared by hot high-pressure homogenisation. Stable particles could be formed and particle size was 148.54 ± 2.31 nm with polydispersity index below 0.15. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of α-lipoic acid were 95.23 ± 0.45% and 2.81 ± 0.37%. Antioxidant study showed α-lipoic acid could be protected by lipid nanocapsules without loss of antioxidant activity. Sustained release of α-lipoic acid from lipid nanocapsules was obtained and cumulative release was 62.18 ± 1.51%. In vitro percutaneous study showed the amount of α-lipoic acid distributed in skin was 1.7-fold than permeated. Cytotoxicity assay and antioxidant activity on L929 cells indicated this formulation had low cytotoxicity and ability of protecting cells from oxidative damage within specific concentration. These studies suggested α-lipoic acid-loaded lipid nanocapsules could be potential formulation for topical delivery.

Nanoscale Delivery of Resveratrol towards Enhancement of Supplements and Nutraceuticals

Resveratrol was investigated in terms of its stability, biocompatibility and intestinal permeability across Caco-2 cell monolayers in its free form or encapsulated in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). SLNs and NLCs presented a mean diameter between 160 and 190 nm, high negative zeta potential of -30 mV and resveratrol entrapment efficiency of 80%, suggesting they are suitable for resveratrol oral delivery. Nanoencapsulation effectively protected resveratrol from photodegradation, and MTT assays demonstrated that neither resveratrol nor lipid nanoparticles adversely affected cell viability and integrity of Caco-2 cell monolayers. The in vitro intestinal permeability of resveratrol was significantly increased by NLCs, and SLNs did not impair the absorption of resveratrol. Resveratrol oral absorption can be enhanced during meals, since the intestinal permeability was increased in the presence of fed-state intestinal juices. SLNs and NLCs constitute carrier systems for resveratrol oral administration, for further use as supplements or nutraceuticals.

Improved Antioxidant Capacity of Optimization of a Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System for Resveratrol

The use of nano-encapsulated resveratrol (RSV) in self-micro-emulsified drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) formulations was investigated. Self-emulsifying grading tests were used to establish the optimal ratio of oil, surfactant, and co-surfactant. The optimized system was further investigated for the droplet size and zeta potential at the different medium pH values by a Malvern Zetasizer and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity of the formulation were detected by DCFH-DA and a CCK-8 assays. The results showed that the nano-emulsion based on ethyl oleate, Tween-80, and PEG-400 (35:40:25, w/w/w) was the most stable formulation due to the small droplet size (approximately 50 nm) and high zeta potential in a neutral environment. Furthermore, this formulation also exhibited a greater antioxidant capacity with less toxicity than free RSV. Taken together, considering these results and the simple fabrication process, this formulation could be used to deliver nutritional food supplements in a stable, efficient, and safe manner.

The effect of partial-fat substitutions with encapsulated and unencapsulated fish oils on the technological and eating quality of beef burgers over storage

The effects of fat substitution (≤ 15%) with commercial encapsulated and unencapsulated fish oils on the technological and eating quality of beef burgers over storage [modified atmosphere packs (80% O2:20% CO2); constantly illuminated retail display at 4 °C; for 15 days] were studied using design of experiment (DOE). Burger formulations comprised beef shin (59.5%), salt (0.5%), vitamin E (0.015%) combined with varying levels of beef-fat/fish oils depending on the treatment. Increasing amounts of encapsulated and unencapsulated fish oils in burgers increased polyunsaturated fatty acid content (P < 0.001). Storage decreased (P < 0.001) a* values, which was in agreement with oxymyoglobin data. Vitamin E inclusion in burgers resulted in higher (P < 0.01) oxymyoglobin values. TBARS values increased (P < 0.001) over storage as expected. Fat substitution with unencapsulated oils increased cook loss (P < 0.001) and decreased hardness (P < 0.05) compared to other treatments. Optimisation predicted a burger formulation with 7.8% substitution in beef-fat with encapsulated fish oil. Panellists scored the optimised burger formulation (P < 0.05) lower than controls for overall acceptability.

Bioequivalence of n-3 fatty acids from microencapsulated fish oil formulations in human subjects

Fish oil n-3 fatty acids (FA) have known health benefits. Microencapsulation stabilises and protects fish oil from oxidation, enabling its incorporation into foods. The aim of the present study was to compare the bioavailability of n-3 FA delivered as two microencapsulated fish oil-formulated powders or fish oil gel capsules (FOGC) taken with a flavoured milk in healthy participants. Formulation 1 (F1) composed of a heated mixture of milk protein-sugar as an encapsulant, and formulation 2 (F2) comprised a heated mixture of milk protein-sugar-resistant starch as an encapsulant. Participants consumed 4 g fish oil (approximately 1·0 g EPA and DHA equivalent per dose). Bioavailability was assessed acutely after ingestion of a single dose by measuring total plasma FA composition over a period of 48 h (n 14) using a randomised cross-over design, and over the short term for a period of 4 weeks using an unblinded parallel design (after daily supplementation) by measuring total plasma and erythrocyte FA composition at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks (n 47). In the acute study, F1 greatly increased (% Δ) plasma EPA and total n-3 FA levels at 2 and 4 h and DHA levels at 4 h compared with FOGC. The time to reach maximal plasma values (T(max)) was shorter for F1 than for FOGC or F2. In the short-term study, increases in plasma and erythrocyte n-3 FA values were similar for all treatments and achieved an omega-3 index in the range of 5·8-6·3 % after 4 weeks. Overall, the results demonstrated human bioequivalence for microencapsulated fish oil powder compared with FOGC.

Microencapsulation of bioactives for food applications

The potential of microencapsulation to protect bioactive compounds ensuring bioavailability maintenance is proved but requires further studies on its applicability and incentives by regulatory agencies.

Emulsification of algal oil with soy lecithin improved DHA bioaccessibility but did not change overall in vitro digestibility

Oil emulsification facilitates digestive lipolysis and subsequent lipid bioaccessibility. This study aimed to understand the effects of emulsification on DHA-rich algal oil digestion and bioaccessibility. An oil/water emulsion (50 : 44 : 6 oil-water-soy lecithin) was subjected to an in vitro digestion model with gastric pH 1.6 or 4.0 and particle size distributions, duodenal stage lipolysis and DHA bioaccessibility were determined. The emulsion was destabilized at gastric pH 1.6, with subsequent slow duodenal lipolysis. With gastric pH 4.0, the emulsion structure remained intact, initial lipolysis proceeded rapidly and DHA bioaccessibility was higher than for bulk oil, a mixture of oil, water and soy lecithin, and the gastric pH 1.6 destabilized emulsion (p < 0.05). However, the extent of lipolysis was not affected by emulsification or gastric pH. Therefore, the presence of an intact emulsion at the start of duodenal digestion, while not impacting the extent of lipolysis, did impact the initial lipolysis and DHA bioaccessibility.

Enhanced oxidative stability of fish oil by encapsulating in culled banana resistant starch-soy protein isolate based microcapsules in functional bakery products

Oil in water emulsions were produced by the mixture of culled banana resistant starch (CBRS) & soy protein isolate (SPI), mixture of Hylon VII & SPI and SPI with 7.5 and 5 % (w/w) Menhaden fish oil. The emulsions were further freeze- dried obtaining 33 and 50 % oil load microcapsules. The range of particles diameter was 4.11 to 7.25 μm and viscosity was 34.6 to 146.48 cP of the emulsions. Compressibility index (CI), Hasner ratio (HR) and angle of repose (AR) was significantly (p < 0.01) lower of the microcapsules made with starch and protein (CBRS & SPI and Hylon VII & SPI) than that made with protein (SPI) only. Microcapsules composed of CBRS & SPI with 33 % oil load had maximum microencapsulation efficiency (82.49 %) and highest oxidative stability. Muffin made with emulsions containing mixture of CBRS & SPI exhibited less fishy flavour than that containing mixture of Hylon VII & SPI.

Nano- and micro-encapsulated systems for enhancing the delivery of resveratrol

There has been interest in the use of trans-resveratrol as a natural preventative agent for improving health and alleviating a range of diseases. However, resveratrol has low bioavailability, and this has been associated with its poor water solubility, its low stability against environmental stress, and its inability to reach a target site in the body to exert the desired health effect. Encapsulation offers a potential approach for enhancing the solubility of resveratrol, stabilizing it against trans-to-cis isomerization, and improving its bioavailability. A range of encapsulant materials, formulations, and technologies have been examined for enhancing the delivery of resveratrol. Research on the efficacy of encapsulated resveratrol formulations and relevant doses for specific applications is required before recommendations may be made for the use of these formulations for human health outcomes.

Effect of green tea extract microencapsulation on hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular tissues in high fructose-fed rats

The application of polyphenols has attracted great interest in the field of functional foods and nutraceuticals due to their potential health benefits in humans. However, the effectiveness of polyphenols depends on their bioactivity and bioavailability. In the present study, the bioactive component from green tea extract (GTE) was administrated orally (50 mg/kg body weight/day) as free or in a microencapsulated form with maltodextrin in rats fed a high fructose diet. High fructose diet induced features of metabolic syndrome including hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, increased serum total cholesterol, and retroperitoneal obesity. In addition, myocardial fibrosis was increased. In rats receiving high fructose diet, the lowering of blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, non esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and uric acid, as well as the reduction in final body weight and retroperitoneal fat weight associated with the administration of GTE, led to a reversal of the features of metabolic syndrome (P < 0.05). In particular, the administration of microencapsulated GTE decreased myocardial fibrosis and increased liver catalase activity consistent with a further alleviation of serum NEFA, and hyperuricemia compared to administration of GTE. Taken together, our results suggest that microencapsulation of the bioactive components of GTE might have a protective effect on cardiovasucular system by attenuating the adverse features of myocardial fibrosis, decreasing uric acid levels and increasing hepatic catalase activity effectively by protecting their bioactivities.

Synthesis of structured lipid enriched with omega fatty acids and sn-2 palmitic acid by enzymatic esterification and its incorporation in powdered infant formula

Structured lipid (SL) enriched with arachidonic (ARA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids was produced from tripalmitin using Lipozyme TL IM. The effects of acyl donors, that is, free fatty acids vs fatty acid ethyl esters, on the reactions were compared. The highest total incorporation of ARA and DHA was obtained when the reaction continued for 24 h, at a substrate mole ratio of 9, using free fatty acids as acyl donors (acidolysis). The SL prepared by a large-scale acidolysis reaction contained 17.69 ± 0.09% total ARA, 10.75 ± 0.15% total DHA, and 48.53 ± 1.40% sn-2 palmitic acid. SL thermograms exhibited multiple peaks indicating complexity of the triacylglycerol (TAG) distribution. RP-HPLC analysis of SL revealed nine of 26 TAG molecular species that were similar to those of human milk fat. Powdered infant formulas containing the SL were prepared by wet-mixing/spray-drying and dry-blending methods. Formula prepared with microencapsulated SL and the dry-blending method had better oxidative stability and color quality.

Crystals and crystallization in oil-in-water emulsions: implications for emulsion-based delivery systems

Many bioactive components intended for oral ingestion (pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals) are hydrophobic molecules with low water-solubilities and high melting points, which poses considerable challenges to the formulation of oral delivery systems. Oil-in-water emulsions are often suitable vehicles for the encapsulation and delivery of this type of bioactive component. The bioactive component is usually dissolved in a carrier lipid phase by either dilution and/or heating prior to homogenization, and then the carrier lipid and water phases are homogenized to form an emulsion consisting of small oil droplets dispersed in water. The successful development of this kind of emulsion-based delivery system depends on a good understanding of the influence of crystals on the formation, stability, and properties of emulsions. This review article addresses the physicochemical phenomena associated with the encapsulation, retention, crystallization, release, and absorption of hydrophobic bioactive components within emulsions. This knowledge will be useful for the rational formulation of effective emulsion-based delivery systems for oral delivery of crystalline hydrophobic bioactive components in the food, health care, and pharmaceutical industries.

Evaluation of the stability and antioxidant activity of nanoencapsulated resveratrol during in vitro digestion

Resveratrol was encapsulated in oil-in-water food-grade nanoemulsions of subcellular size, produced by high-pressure homogenization. Physicochemical stability was evaluated under accelerated aging (high temperature and UV light exposure), as well as during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Antioxidant activity was assessed at different stages of digestion by chemical assays and by an improved cellular assay, to measure exclusively the residual activity of resveratrol that penetrated inside Caco-2 cells. Results showed that the nanoemulsions based on soy lecithin/sugar esters and Tween 20/glycerol monooleate were the most physically and chemically stable, in terms of mean droplet size (always <180 nm) and resveratrol loading, during both accelerated aging and gastrointestinal digestion. These formulations also exhibited the highest chemical and cellular antioxidant activities, which was comparable to unencapsulated resveratrol dissolved in DMSO, suggesting that nanoencapsulated resveratrol, not being metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract, can be potentially absorbed through the intestinal wall in active form.