A novel solid self-emulsifying delivery system (SEDS) for the encapsulation of linseed oil and quercetin: Preparation and evaluation

Preparation and characterization of astaxanthin-loaded microcapsules stabilized by lecithin-chitosan-alginate interfaces with layer-by-layer assembly method

Astaxanthin is a kind of keto-carotenes with various health benefits. However, its solubility and chemical stability are poor, which leads to low bio-availability. Microcapsules have been reported to improve the solubility, chemical stability, and bio-availability of lipophilic bioactives. Freeze-dried astaxanthin-loaded microcapsules were prepared by layer-by-layer assembly of tertiary emulsions with maltodextrin as the filling matrix. Tertiary emulsions were fabricated by performing chitosan and sodium alginate electrostatic deposition onto soybean lecithin stabilized emulsions. 0.9 wt% of chitosan solution, 0.3 wt% of sodium alginate solution and 20 wt% of maltodextrin were optimized as the suitable concentrations. The prepared microcapsules were powders with irregular blocky structures. The astaxanthin loading was 0.56 ± 0.05 % and the encapsulation efficiency was >90 %. A slow release of astaxanthin could be observed in microcapsules promoted by the modulating of chitosan, alginate and maltodextrin. In vitro simulated digestion displayed that the microcapsules increased the bio-accessibility of astaxanthin to 69 ± 1 %. Chitosan, alginate and maltodextrin can control the digestion of microcapsules. The coating of chitosan and sodium alginate, and the filling of maltodextrin in microcapsules improved the chemical stability of astaxanthin. The constructed microcapsules were valuable to enrich scientific knowledge about improving the application of functional ingredients.

Hyaluronic Acid Poly(glyceryl)10-Stearate Derivatives: Novel Emulsifiers for Improving the Gastrointestinal Stability and Bioaccessibility of Coenzyme Q10 Nanoemulsions

Fish oils are a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which are reported to exhibit therapeutic effects in a variety of human diseases. However, these oils are highly susceptible to degradation due to oxidation, leading to rancidity and the formation of potentially toxic reaction products. The aim of this study was to synthesize a novel emulsifier (HA-PG10-C18) by esterifying hyaluronic acid with poly(glyceryl)₁₀-stearate (PG10-C18). This emulsifier was then used to formulate nanoemulsion-based delivery systems to co-deliver fish oil and coenzyme Q10 (Q10). Q10-loaded fish oil-in-water nanoemulsions were fabricated, and then their physicochemical properties, digestibility, and bioaccessibility were measured. The results indicated that the environmental stability and antioxidant activity of oil droplets coated with HA-PG10-C18 surpassed those coated with PG10-C18 due to the formation of a denser interfacial layer that blocked metal ions, oxygen, and lipase. Meanwhile, the lipid digestibility and Q10 bioaccessibility of nanoemulsions formulated with HA-PG10-C18 (94.9 and 69.2%) were higher than those formulated with PG10-C18 (86.2 and 57.8%), respectively. These results demonstrated that the novel emulsifier synthesized in this study could be used to protect chemically labile fat-soluble substances from oxidative damage, while still retaining their nutritional value.

Stability of Purple Corn Anthocyanin Encapsulated by Maltodextrin, and Its Combinations with Gum Arabic and Whey Protein Isolate

Purple corn anthocyanins are important natural colourants with cheap prices and rich bioactivities. However, their stability is limited. Microencapsulation is an effective way to improve anthocyanin stability and the influence of the type of wall material on the stability of encapsulated anthocyanin is very important. In this study, maltodextrin (MD) and its combination with whey protein isolate (WPI) or gum arabic (GA) were utilised as wall materials to obtain encapsulated purple corn anthocyanins (PCAs) (MD-PCA, MD-WPI-PCA, MD-GA-PCA) using spray drying. The effect of the amount of the wall material was determined by encapsulation efficiency, anthocyanin content, and colour. On this basis, the effects of the types of wall materials on the physicochemical characteristics, storage, and digestion stabilities of encapsulated PCA, as well as their stabilities in chewing tablets, were investigated. The highest encapsulation efficiency, suitable colour, and anthocyanin content were obtained with the mass ratios 1:1 PCA to MD, 2:3 PCA to MD-GA, and 1:1 PCA to MD-WPI. Microencapsulation increased PCA storage and digestion stabilities. All three types of PCA microcapsules had low water content and hygroscopicity and good water solubility. MD-PCA had the strongest stability when stored at 25 °C; MD-GA-PCA-when stored at 40 °C, or in the presence of 5000 Lux light illumination; MD-WPI-PCA-when stored in 75% relative humidity or during gastric-intestinal digestion, but its resistance to 40 °C temperature and light illumination was lower than those for the two others. When used in chewing tablets, MD encapsulation was most stable in the presence of Ca²⁺, V_C, or Fe²⁺ and improved PCA digestion stability. In conclusion, MD is a good choice for PCA encapsulation in regular conditions. MD-GA and MD-WPI can be used when considering high storage temperature (or light illumination) and high humidity (or for high digestion stability), respectively. The results of this study provide a reference for the storage and application of PCA.

Development of iron-vitamin multilayer encapsulates using 3 fluid nozzle spray drying

Considering the growing concern of iron and folic acid deficiency, encapsulation of these nutrients and fortification into foods is emerging as an effective counter-strategy. The present work focuses on a scalable approach for the production of iron, ascorbic acid, and folic acid core-shell encapsulates using novel 3-fluid nozzle (3FN) spray drying with whey protein as core and either pectin or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as shell polymers. The effect of shell formation was observed by comparing core-shell encapsulates with conventional 2-fluid nozzle (2FN) encapsulates. Also, the effect of pH of whey protein on the color of encapsulates is noteworthy; reducing the pH to 4.0 significantly improved the lightness value (52.91 ± 0.13) when compared with the encapsulates with native pH (38.91 ± 0.58). Furthermore, sample with pectin as shell polymer exhibited fair flowability with lowest values of Hausner ratio (1.25 ± 0.04) and Carr's index (20.06 ± 2.71) and highest encapsulation efficiency for folic acid (86.07 ± 5.24%). Whereas, encapsulates having HPMC as shell polymer showed highest lightness value (60.80 ± 0.32) and highest encapsulation efficiency for iron (87.28 ± 4.15%). The formation of core-shell structure was confirmed by evaluation of the surface composition which showed reduced amine bonds and increased aliphatic and carbonyl bonds in the encapsulates prepared by 3FN spray drying. The encapsulates prepared without adjusting whey protein pH showed the least release (∼51 % in 24 h) and bioaccessibility (∼56%) of iron indicating the iron-whey protein complex formation. Based on appearance, smooth surface morphology, flowability, and release behavior, a combination of whey protein and pectin is recommended for co-encapsulation of iron, folic acid and ascorbic acid.

A self-emulsifying omega-3 fatty acids delivery system for enhanced gastro-intestinal absorption in rats

Omega-3 fatty acids have many health benefits as they help to prevent and treat coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. Omega-3 fatty acids miscible in lecithin were found to spontaneously form microemulsions in water. The particle sizes of emulsions ranged from 300 to 800 nm and their morphologies were observed by optical microscopy. In vitro testing showed that the amounts of omega-3 fatty acids released by self-emulsifying delivery (SED) formulations containing lecithin, were higher than that released by a commercial formulation without lecithin. The Cmax values of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were approximately 1.38-1.40-fold for the optimized SED formulation than for the control group (P < 0.01). Similarly, the mean AUC0 - 48 values of DHA or EPA in the SED group were 1.27-1.29-fold higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). Phospholipids and lecithin were found to have considerable potentials as bioavailability enhancing excipients for SED systems.

Nanoencapsulation of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Peel Extract in Electrospun Gelatin Nanofiber: Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Release

This study describes the preparation and characterization of eggplant peel extract-loaded electrospun gelatin nanofiber and study of its in vitro release. Results obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) micrograph revealed that eggplant peel extract-loaded electrospun gelatin nanofiber is in nanometric range with an average diameter 606.7 ± 184.5 and 643.6 ± 186.7 nm for 20 and 33.3 mg mL⁻¹ of extract addition, respectively. Moreover, the incorporation of extract improved morphology by being smooth, homogeneous, and without account formation compared to nanofibers without extract (control). Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectra indicated that interaction exists between electrospun gelatin nanofiber and eggplant peel extract by hydrogen bond interactions, mainly. Electrospun gelatin nanofibers showed encapsulation efficiency greater than 90% of extract and a maximum release of 95 and 80% for the medium at pH 1.5 and 7.5, respectively. Therefore, the electrospinning technique is a good alternative for the conservation of bioactive compounds present in the eggplant peel through electrospun gelatin nanofiber.

Self-Emulsifying Systems for Delivery of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Origin

Nature has been used as therapeutic resources in the treatment of diseases for many years. However, some natural compounds have poor water solubility. Therefore, physicochemical strategies and technologies are necessary for development of systems for carrying these substances. The self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) have been used as carriers of hydrophobic compounds in order to increase the solubility and absorption, improving their bioavailability. SEDDS are constituted with a mixture of oils and surfactants which, when come into contact with an aqueous medium under mild agitation, can form emulsions. In the last years, a wide variety of self-emulsifying formulations containing bioactive compounds from natural origin has been developed. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main excipients and natural bioactive compounds composing SEDDS. In addition, applications, new technologies and innovation are reviewed as well. Examples of self-emulsifying formulations administered in different sites are also considered for a better understanding of the use of this strategy to modify the delivery of compounds from natural origin.

Nanostructured lipid carriers for the encapsulation of phloretin: preparation and in vitro characterization studies

Phloretin is a powerful antioxidant with many effects, such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, promoting cell renewal, delaying aging and so on. However, the application of phloretin was limited by its low water solubility, low absorption in vivo and unstable properties. A phloretin-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier was designed with a high-pressure homogenization technique. The mean particle size of phloretin NLC was 137.40 ± 3.27 nm, and the Polydispersity index (PdI) value was 0.237 ± 0.005. The encapsulation efficiency was 96.68% ± 0.06%. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that the phloretin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers were spherical. Phloretin in NLC showed a sustained release pattern in vitro. The results showed that phloretin NLC is more suitable for absorption than phloretin ethanol solution, and NLC can be a promising carrier for phloretin in the food industry.

Supercritical fluid (SCF)-assisted fabrication of carrier-free drugs: An eco-friendly welcome to active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)

Despite the success in developing various pharmaceutical formulations, most of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)/drugs, according to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS), often suffer from various intrinsic limitations of solubility and permeability, substantially hindering their bioavailability in vivo. Regardless of the fact that the availability of different particle fabrication approaches (top-down and bottom-up) towards pharmaceutical manufacturing, the supercritical fluid (SCF) technology has emerged as one of the highly effective substitutes due to the environmentally benign nature and processing convenience, as well as the economically promising character of SCFs. The exceptional features of SCFs have endowed the fabrication of various APIs either solely or in combination with the compatible supramolecular species towards achieving improved drug delivery. Operating such APIs in high-pressure conditions often results in arbitrary-sized particulate forms, ranging from micron-sized to sub-micron/nano-sized particles. Comparatively, these SCF-processed particles offer enhanced tailorable physicochemical and morphological properties (size, shape, and surface), as well as improved performance efficacy (bioavailability and therapy) over the unprocessed APIs. Although the "carrier-based" delivery is practical among diverse delivery systems, the direct fabrication of APIs into suitable particulate forms, referred to as "carrier-free" delivery, has increased attention towards improving the bioavailability and conveying a high payload of the APIs. This review gives a comprehensive emphasis on the SCF-assisted fabrication of diverse APIs towards exploring their great potential in drug delivery. Initially, we discuss various challenges of drug delivery and particle fabrication approaches. Further, different supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂)-based fabrication approaches depending on the character of SCFs are explicitly described, highlighting their advantages and suitability in processing diverse APIs. Then, we provide detailed insights on various processing factors affecting the properties and morphology of SCF-processed APIs and their pharmaceutical applications, emphasizing their performance efficacy when administered through multiple routes of administration. Finally, we summarize this compilation with exciting perspectives based on the lessons learned so far and moving forward in terms of challenges and opportunities in the scale-up and clinical translation of these drugs using this innovative technology.

Solid self emulsifying drug delivery system: Superior mode for oral delivery of hydrophobic cargos

A significant proportion of recently approved drug molecules possess poor aqueous solubility which further restrains their desired bioavailability. Poor aqueous solubility of these drugs poses significant hurdles in development of novel drug delivery systems and achieving target response. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) emerged as an insightful approach for delivering highly hydrophobic entities to enhance their bioavailability. Conventional SEDDS were developed in a liquid form which owned numerous shortcomings like low stability and drug loading efficiency, fewer choices of dosage forms and irreversible precipitation of drug or excipients. To address these curbs solid-SEDDS (S-SEDDS) was introduced as an efficient strategy that combined advantages of solid dosage forms such as increased stability, portability and patient compliance along with substantial improvement in the bioavailability. S-SEDDS are isotropic mixtures of oil, surfactant, solvent and co-solvents generated by solidification of liquid or semisolid self-emulsifying ingredients onto powders. The present review highlights components of S-SEDDS, their peculiarities to be considered while designing solid dosage forms and various methods of fabrication. Lastly, key challenges faced during development, applications and future directions for the research in this area are thoroughly summarized.

Improved stabilization of coix seed oil in a nanocage-coating framework based on gliadin-carboxymethyl chitosan-Ca2

Coix seed oil (CSO) is easily suffered functional-loss by oxidation and hydrothermal-treatment. The environmental stable nanocage-coating-CSO particles (OGC-Ca) by the frameworks consist of gliadins, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and Ca²⁺ were investigated. Results showed Ca²⁺ was the key controller for fabricating this nanocage-coating-frameworks, bridging macromolecule-chains with electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonds, detected by FTIR, CD, DSC and XRD. SEM displayed new-formed velvet-like twigs after cross-linking CMCS to gliadins. Ca²⁺ assisted the nanocage-coating by significant down-sizing conversion OGC to OGC-Ca with consumption of twigs. OGC-Ca displayed a good stability towards heat (60-80 °C, 0-80 min), pH (3-8), NaCl (0-0.5 mM), storage (4/25 °C, 12 days), and a reduce of the pre-oxidation value of CSO in water and the improved controlled release of CSO in simulated GI tract. It illustrated GC-Ca frameworks would be a suitable delivery carrier for the CSO like pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals for the food or medical use.

Evaluation of Bio-Mechanistic Behavior of Liquid Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System in Biorelevant Media

The aim of the study is to mechanistically investigate the drug loci, structural integrity, chemical interactions, and absorption behavior of the liquid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS). The loci of drug molecules in self-forming microemulsions in biorelevant media (fasted state simulated gastric fluid and fed state simulated intestinal fluid) were investigated by ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Chemical interactions were observed through attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (ATR). The structural integrity of self-forming microemulsions in biorelevant media was determined by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Morphological features of self-forming microemulsion were determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. In vitro, lipid digestion behavior was evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, free fatty acids (FFA), and drug released through standard protocols. In-house characterizations were determined through standard methodologies. ¹H and ¹³C NMR revealed that drug loci were found in a majority in the oily core region in the self-forming microemulsion. The ATR signifies that no inherent chemical was observed in the liquid SMEDDS and drug-loaded self-microemulsions in the biorelevant media. Structural integrity was well maintained during the dispersive and digestive phases in the gastrointestinal lumen during lipolysis in biorelevant conditions, as revealed by SAXS and FRET. An in vitro digestion study in biorelevant conditions depicts no fluctuations in size and zeta potential with a predominant release of FFA and drug, and was to be revealed physiologically acceptable for clinical applications.

Development, Characterization, and in-vivo Pharmacokinetic Study of Lamotrigine Solid Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System

Purpose

This study aimed to prepare solid self-nanoemulsified drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) of lamotrigine (LMG) for enhancing its dissolution and oral bioavailability (BA).

Methods

Nineteen liquid SNEDDS were prepared (R1-R19) using D-optimal design with different ratios of oil, surfactant (S), and cosurfactant (Cos). The formulations were characterized regarding robustness to dilution, droplet size, thermodynamic stability testing, self-emulsification time, in-vitro release in 0.1 N HCl and phosphate buffer (PB; pH 6.8). Design Expert^® 11 software was used to select the optimum formulations. Eight S-SNEDDS were prepared (S1-S8) using 2³ factorial design, and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimum formulation was chosen regarding in-vitro drug released in 0.1 N HCl and PB, compared to pure LMG and commercial tablet (Lamictal^®). The BA of LMG from the optimized S-SNEDDS formulation was evaluated in rabbits compared to pure LMG and Lamictal^®.

Results

The optimized S-SNEDDS was S2, consisting of R9 adsorbed on Aeroperl^® 300 in a ratio of 1:1, with the best results regarding in-vitro drug released in 0.1 N HCl at 15 min (100%) compared to pure LMG (73.40%) and Lamictal^® (79.43%), and in-vitro drug released in PB at 45 min (100%) compared to pure LMG (30.46%) and Lamictal^® (92.08%). DSC, PXRD, and SEM indicated that LMG was molecularly dispersed within the solid nano-system. The BA of S2 was increased 2.03 and 1.605 folds compared to pure LMG, and Lamictal^®, respectively.

Conclusion

S2 is a promising S-SNEDDS formulation. It can be a potential carrier for improving dissolution, and BA of LMG.

Carboxymethyl chitosan-decorated proliposomes as carriers for improved stability and sustained release of flaxseed oil

A flaxseed oil carboxymethyl chitosan-decorated proliposome system was fabricated in this research. The physicochemical characteristics, stability, and in vitro release behaviors of flaxseed oil were studied and compared with that of flaxseed oil-loaded liposomes. The results of dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and oxidation stability indicated that the storage stability of proliposomes was better. After 28 days of storage, the peroxide value of flaxseed oil-loaded liposomes (20.1 meq/kg) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of flaxseed oil-loaded proliposomes (9.0 meq/kg); the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the former (0.53 mmol/kg) was also higher than that in the latter (0.27 mmol/kg). The in vitro release behavior of flaxseed oil indicated the proliposomes were more stable in the simulated gastrointestinal fluids. Therefore, the flaxseed oil-loaded proliposome system could be a promising vehicle for delivery flaxseed oil in food industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: A flaxseed oil-loaded proliposome delivery system was fabricated in this research. Their physical and oxidation stability of flaxseed oil were improved, and the in vitro cumulative release of flaxseed oil was delayed compared with flaxseed oil liposomes. This system may provide an effective strategy for the flaxseed oil encapsulation in the food industry.

Strategies for reducing Ostwald ripening phenomenon in nanoemulsions based on thyme essential oil

BACKGROUND

White thyme essential oil, which can be incorporated in clean-label and food emulsion-based products, is a natural antimicrobial agent. However, emulsions containing essential oils commonly undergo Ostwald ripening as the main destabilization process. The main objective of this work was to evaluate various strategies for the inhibition of Ostwald ripening so as to develop stable nanoemulsions containing white thyme essential oil as food preservative and Kolliphor EL as surfactant.

RESULTS

In a first approach, the influence of the surfactant/dispersed phase ratio and the number of cycles through a microfluidizer on droplet size distribution was evaluated. Unfortunately, these emulsions underwent Ostwald ripening, which was demonstrated by the application of the Lifshitz-Slyozov-Wagner theory. In order to reduce this destabilization mechanism, two different techniques based on the modification of the formulation (addition of rosin gum or Aerosil COK84) were analysed using laser diffraction and multiple light scattering techniques. The addition of rosin gum inhibited the Ostwald ripening mechanism, but only partially. Conversely, the incorporation of Aerosil COK84 to the continuous phase led to a gel-like rheological behaviour which seemed to practically avoid Ostwald ripening.

CONCLUSIONS

Aerosil particles cover the droplets and form a three-dimensional network suggesting a Pickering stabilization, which was confirmed using transmission electronic microscopy. The results confirmed the role of Aerosil COK84, not only as a thickener or gelling agent, but also as an Ostwald ripening inhibitor. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhancing the potential preclinical and clinical benefits of quercetin through novel drug delivery systems

Quercetin is reported to have numerous pharmacological actions, including antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. The main mechanism responsible for its pharmacological activities is its ability to quench reactive oxygen species (ROS) and, hence, decrease the oxidative stress responsible for the development of various diseases. Despite its proven therapeutic potential, the clinical use of quercetin remains limited because of its low aqueous solubility, bioavailability, and substantial first-pass metabolism. To overcome this, several novel formulations have been reported. In this review, we focus on the applications of quercetin extract as well as its novel formulations for treating different disorders. We also examine its proposed mechanism of action of quercetin.

Preparation and Characterization of Quercetin-Loaded Zein Nanoparticles by Electrospraying and Study of In Vitro Bioavailability

Quercetin is a hydrophobic flavonoid with high antioxidant activity. However, for biological applications, the bioavailability of quercetin is low due to physiological barriers. For this reason, an alternative is the protection of quercetin in matrices of biopolymers as zein. The objective of this work was to prepare and characterize quercetin-loaded zein nanoparticles by electrospraying and its study of in vitro bioavailability. The physicochemical parameters such as viscosity, density, and electrical conductivity of zein solutions showed a dependence of the ethanol concentration. In addition, rheological parameters demonstrated that solutions of zein in aqueous ethanol present Newtonian behavior, rebounding in the formation of nanoparticles by electrospraying, providing spherical, homogeneous, and compact morphologies, mainly at a concentration of 80% (v/v) of ethanol and of 5% (w/v) of zein. The size and shape of quercetin-loaded zein nanoparticles were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), observing that it was entrapped, distributed throughout the nanoparticle of zein. Analysis by Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) of zein nanoparticles loaded with quercetin revealed interactions via hydrogen bonds. The efficacy of zein nanoparticles to entrap quercetin was particularly high for all quercetin concentration evaluated in this work (87.9 ± 1.5% to 93.0 ± 2.6%). The in vitro gastrointestinal release of trapped quercetin after 240 min was 79.1%, while that for free quercetin was 99.2%. The in vitro bioavailability was higher for trapped quercetin (5.9%) compared to free quercetin (1.9%), than of gastrointestinal digestion. It is concluded, that the electrospraying technique made possible the obtention of quercitin-loaded zein nanoparticles increasing their bioavailability. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This type of nanosystems can be used in the food and pharmaceutical industry. Quercetin-loaded zein nanoparticles for its improvement compared to free quercetin can be used to decrease the prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases by increasing of the bioavailability of quercetin in the bloodstream. Other application can be as an antioxidant system in functional foods or oils to increase shelf life.

Quercetin conjugated with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles improves learning and memory better than free quercetin via interacting with proteins involved in LTP

Biomedical application of quercetin (QT) as an effective flavonoid has limitations due to its low bioavailability. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) is a novel drug delivery system that enhances the bioavailability of quercetin. The effect of short time usage of quercetin on learning and memory function and its signaling pathways in the healthy rat is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of free quercetin and in conjugation with SPION on learning and memory in healthy rats and to find quercetin target proteins involved in learning and memory using Morris water maze (MWM) and computational methods respectively. Results of MWM show an improvement in learning and memory of rats treated with either quercetin or QT-SPION. Better learning and memory functions using QT-SPION reveal increased bioavailability of quercetin. Comparative molecular docking studies show the better binding affinity of quercetin to RSK2, MSK1, CytC, Cdc42, Apaf1, FADD, CRK proteins. Quercetin in comparison to specific inhibitors of each protein also demonstrates a better QT binding affinity. This suggests that quercetin binds to proteins leading to prevent neural cell apoptosis and improves learning and memory. Therefore, SPIONs could increase the bioavailability of quercetin and by this way improve learning and memory.

Solid Self-Emulsifying Delivery System (S-SEDS) of Dihydromyricetin: A New Way for Preparing Functional Food

The present study was aimed at formulating and evaluating a novel solid self-emulsifying delivery system (S-SEDS) for the application in functional foods of dihydromyricetin (DMY). First, solubility study and pseudo-ternary phase diagram analysis were adopted to optimize the formulation of liquid self-emulsifying delivery system (L-SEDS). And the thermodynamic stable L-SEDS with 5% content of DMY was fabricated and further developed into a solid form via vacuum rotary evaporation with Aerosil 300 as the solid adsorbent. Solid state characterization of the S-SEDS was performed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction. Furthermore, studies proved that the antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility of DMY were improved after incorporated into S-SEDS formulation compared to pure DMY. The S-SEDS showed good resistance against various storage conditions investigated for 10 weeks. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Solid self-emulsifying delivery system (S-SEDS) combined the advantages of liquid self-emulsifying delivery system with those of a solid dosage form to overcome the disadvantages associated with liquid formulations is more convenient for storage and transportation in practical application. Furthermore, the technology of producing S-SEDS is simple and can be realized in industrial production. Hence, S-SEDS could be a promising strategy to overcome the poor water solubility and short biological half-life of dihydromyricetin for further application in functional foods and beverage industry.