Advances in embedding techniques of anthocyanins: Improving stability, bioactivity and bioavailability

The health benefits of anthocyanins have attracted extensive research interest. However, anthocyanins are sensitive to certain environmental and gastrointestinal conditions and have low oral bioavailability. It has been reported that delivery systems made in different ways could improve the stability, bioavailability and bioactivity of anthocyanins. This present review summarizes the factors affecting the stability of anthocyanins and the reasons for poor bioavailability, and various technologies for encapsulation of anthocyanins including microcapsules, nanoemulsions, microemulsions, Pickering emulsions, nanoliposomes, nanoparticles, hydrogels and co-assembly with amphiphilic peptides were discussed. In particular, the effects of these encapsulation technologies on the stability, bioavailability and bioactivities of anthocyanins in vitro and in vivo experiments are reviewed in detail, which provided scientific insights for anthocyanins encapsulation methods. However, the application of anthocyanins in food industry as well as the biological fate and functional pathways in vivo still need to be further explored.

The First Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Model for an Oral Vaccine Using Alpha-Tocopherol as an Adjuvant

Oral vaccines represent many advantages compared to standard vaccines. They hold a simple method of administration and manufacturing process. In addition to these, the way they can induce immune responses makes these a promising technology for the pharmaceutical industry and represents a new hope to society. Physiologically based pharmacokinetics (PBPK) has been used in support of drug development to predict the pharmacokinetics of the compound, considering the patient's physiology. Despite PBPK studies now being widely used, there are very few models in the literature that support vaccine development. Therefore, the goal of this article was to determine how PBPK could support vaccine development. The first PBPK model for an oral vaccine using alpha-tocopherol as a vaccine adjuvant was built. LogP is the parameter that influences the delivery of alpha-tocopherol into the tissues more. Having a high LogP means it accumulates in adipose tissue and is slowly metabolized. The ideal formulation to include alpha-tocopherol in an oral vaccine would incorporate nanoparticles in a capsule, and the dosage of the compound would be 150 mg in a volume of 200 mL. This article aims to determine if alpha-tocopherol, as a well-known adjuvant for intramuscular injection vaccines, could be used as an adjuvant to oral vaccines. This model was built considering the conditions and requirements needed for designing an oral vaccine. This implies making sure the antigen and adjuvants reach the main target by overcoming the challenges of the gastrointestinal tract. The main parameters that would need to be included in a formulation using alpha-tocopherol as an adjuvant were determined.

Impact of nanotechnology on the oral delivery of phyto-bioactive compounds

Nanotechnology is an advanced field that has remarkable nutraceutical and food applications. Phyto-bioactive compounds (PBCs) play critical roles in promoting health and disease treatment. However, PBCs generally encounter several limitations that delay their widespread application. For example, most PBCs have low aqueous solubility, poor biostability, poor bioavailability, and a lack of target specificity. Moreover, the high concentrations of effective PBC doses also limit their application. As a result, encapsulating PBCs into an appropriate nanocarrier may increase their solubility and biostability and protect them from premature degradation. Moreover, nanoencapsulation could improve absorption and prolong circulation with a high opportunity for targeted delivery that may decrease unwanted toxicity. This review addresses the main parameters, variables, and barriers that control and affect oral PBC delivery. Moreover, this review discusses the potential role of biocompatible and biodegradable nanocarriers in improving the water solubility, chemical stability, bioavailability, and specificity/selectivity of PBCs.

Three-Dimensional Bioprinting of Organoid-Based Scaffolds (OBST) for Long-Term Nanoparticle Toxicology Investigation

The toxicity of nanoparticles absorbed through contact or inhalation is one of the major concerns for public health. It is mandatory to continually evaluate the toxicity of nanomaterials. In vitro nanotoxicological studies are conventionally limited by the two dimensions. Although 3D bioprinting has been recently adopted for three-dimensional culture in the context of drug release and tissue regeneration, little is known regarding its use for nanotoxicology investigation. Therefore, aiming to simulate the exposure of lung cells to nanoparticles, we developed organoid-based scaffolds for long-term studies in immortalized cell lines. We printed the viscous cell-laden material via a customized 3D bioprinter and subsequently exposed the scaffold to either 40 nm latex-fluorescent or 11–14 nm silver nanoparticles. The number of cells significantly increased on the 14th day in the 3D environment, from 5 × 105 to 1.27 × 106, showing a 91% lipid peroxidation reduction over time and minimal cell death observed throughout 21 days. Administered fluorescent nanoparticles can diffuse throughout the 3D-printed scaffolds while this was not the case for the unprinted ones. A significant increment in cell viability from 3D vs. 2D cultures exposed to silver nanoparticles has been demonstrated. This shows toxicology responses that recapitulate in vivo experiments, such as inhaled silver nanoparticles. The results open a new perspective in 3D protocols for nanotoxicology investigation supporting 3Rs.

Analytical and toxicological aspects of nanomaterials in different product groups: Challenges and opportunities

The widespread integration of engineered nanomaterials into consumer and industrial products creates new challenges and requires innovative approaches in terms of design, testing, reliability, and safety of nanotechnology. The aim of this review article is to give an overview of different product groups in which nanomaterials are present and outline their safety aspects for consumers. Here, release of nanomaterials and related analytical challenges and solutions as well as toxicological considerations, such as dose-metrics, are discussed. Additionally, the utilization of engineered nanomaterials as pharmaceuticals or nutraceuticals to deliver and release cargo molecules is covered. Furthermore, critical pathways for human exposure to nanomaterials, namely inhalation and ingestion, are discussed in the context of risk assessment. Analysis of NMs in food, innovative medicine or food contact materials is discussed. Specific focus is on the presence and release of nanomaterials, including whether nanomaterials can migrate from polymer nanocomposites used in food contact materials. With regard to the toxicology and toxicokinetics of nanomaterials, aspects of dose metrics of inhalation toxicity as well as ingestion toxicology and comparison between in vitro and in vivo conclusions are considered. The definition of dose descriptors to be applied in toxicological testing is emphasized. In relation to potential exposure from different products, opportunities arising from the use of advanced analytical techniques in more unique scenarios such as release of nanomaterials from medical devices such as orthopedic implants are addressed. Alongside higher product performance and complexity, further challenges regarding material characterization and safety, as well as acceptance by the general public are expected.

Application of Nanomicelles in Enhancing Bioavailability and Biological Efficacy of Bioactive Nutrients

Nutraceuticals provide many biological benefits besides their basic nutritional value. However, their biological efficacies are often limited by poor absorption and low bioavailability. Nanomaterials have received much attention as potential delivery systems of nutrients and phytonutrients for multiple applications. Nanomicelles are nanosized colloidal structures with a hydrophobic core and hydrophilic shell. Due to their unique characteristics, they have shown great perspectives in food and nutraceutical science. In this review, we discussed the unique properties of nanomicelles. We also emphasized the latest advances on the design of different nanomicelles for efficient delivery and improved bioavailability of various nutrients. The role of nanomicelles in the efficacy improvement of bioactive components from nutraceutical and health foods has been included. Importantly, the safety concerns on nano-processed food products were highlighted.

Tea polyphenols-loaded nanocarriers: preparation technology and biological function

Tea polyphenols (TP) have various biological functions including anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and bioengineered repair properties. However, TP exhibit poor stability and bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract. Nanoencapsulation techniques can be used to protect TP and to uphold their original characteristics during processing, storage and digestion, improve their physiochemical properties and enhance their health promoting effects. Nano-embedded TP show higher antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer properties than TP, allowing TP to play a better role in bioengineering restoration after embedding. In this review, recent advances in nanoencapsulation of TP with biopolymeric nanocarriers (polysaccharides and proteins), lipid-based nanocarriers and innovative developments in preparation strategies were mainly discussed. Additionally, the strengthening biological functions of stability and bioavailability, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer activities and bioengineering repair properties activities after the nano-embedding of TP have been considered. Finally, further studies could be conducted for exploring the application of nanoencapsulated systems in food for industrial applications.

Nanoparticle Food Applications and Their Toxicity: Current Trends and Needs in Risk Assessment Strategies

ABSTRACT

Nanotechnology has developed into one of the most groundbreaking scientific fields in the last few decades because it exploits the enhanced reactivity of materials at the atomic scale. The current classification of nanoparticles (NPs) used in foods is outlined in relation to the production and physicochemical characteristics. This review aims to concisely present the most popular and widely used inorganic and organic NPs in food industries. Considering that the toxicity of NPs is often associated with chemical reactivity, a series of in vitro toxicity studies are also summarized, integrating information on the type of NP studies and reported specifications, type of cells used, exposure conditions, and assessed end points. The important role of the digestive system in the absorption and distribution of nanoformulated foods within the body and how this affects the resultant cytotoxicity. Examples of how NPs and their accumulation within different organs are presented in relation to the consumption of specific foods. Finally, the role of developing human health risk assessments to characterize both the potential impact of the hazard and the likelihood or level of human exposure is outlined. Uncertainties exist around risk and exposure assessments of NPs due to limited information on several aspects, including toxicity, behavior, and bioaccumulation. Overall, this review presents current trends and needs for future assessments in toxicity evaluation to ensure the safe application of NPs in the food industry.

HIGHLIGHTS

Recent Advancement in Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles for Improved Oral Bioavailability and Bioactivity of Phytochemicals: Challenges and Perspectives

The excellent therapeutic potential of a variety of phytochemicals in different diseases has been proven by extensive studies throughout history. However, most phytochemicals are characterized by a high molecular weight, poor aqueous solubility, limited gastrointestinal permeability, extensive pre-systemic metabolism, and poor stability in the harsh gastrointestinal milieu. Therefore, loading of these phytochemicals in biodegradable and biocompatible nanoparticles (NPs) might be an effective approach to improve their bioactivity. Different nanocarrier systems have been developed in recent decades to deliver phytochemicals. Among them, NPs based on chitosan (CS) (CS-NPs), a mucoadhesive, non-toxic, and biodegradable polysaccharide, are considered the best nanoplatform for the oral delivery of phytochemicals. This review highlights the oral delivery of natural products, i.e., phytochemicals, encapsulated in NPs prepared from a natural polymer, i.e., CS, for improved bioavailability and bioactivity. The unique properties of CS for oral delivery such as its mucoadhesiveness, non-toxicity, excellent stability in the harsh environment of the GIT, good solubility in slightly acidic and alkaline conditions, and ability to enhance intestinal permeability are discussed first, and then the outcomes of various phytochemical-loaded CS-NPs after oral administration are discussed in detail. Furthermore, different challenges associated with the oral delivery of phytochemicals with CS-NPs and future directions are also discussed.

Simultaneous Refolding of Wheat Proteins and Soy Proteins Forming Novel Antibiotic Superstructures by Carrying Eugenol

Essential oils (EOs) are natural antibiotic chemicals for food preservation; however, their use is challenging due to low solubility and high volatility. In this study, hybrid protein particles with hydrophobic interiors and colloidal stability were designed to carry hydrophobic eugenol with enhanced storage and thermal stability. Stable self-emulsified delivery systems (SEDSs) were facilitated by simply mixing eugenol with wheat proteins (WPs) and soy proteins (SPs) at pH 12 prior to neutralization. This strategy enabled protein co-folding that permitted the entrapment of eugenol with a high entrapment capacity of ca. 500 mg/g protein. Control over the SP/WP ratios contributed to tunable microstructural conformations, which in turn modulated the stability of SEDSs with prominent bacteriostatic properties against fungi when applied to rice cakes during long-term storage. These results underline the feasibility of properly utilizing EOs by binary protein structures, where the antibacterial properties of EOs could be manipulated coherently.

Influence of food matrix and food processing on the chemical interaction and bioaccessibility of dietary phytochemicals: A review

Consumption of phytochemicals-rich foods shows the health effect on some chronic diseases. However, the bioaccessibility of these phytochemicals is extremely low, and they are often consumed in the diet along with the food matrix. The food matrix can be described as a complex assembly of various physical and chemical interactions that take place between the compounds present in the food. Some studies indicated that the physiological response and the health benefits of phytochemicals are resultant in these interactions. Some food substrates inhibit the absorption of phytochemicals via this interaction. Moreover, processing technologies have been developed to facilitate the release and/or to increase the accessibility of phytochemicals in plants or breakdown of the food matrix. Food processing processes may disrupt the activity of phytochemicals or reduce bioaccessibility. Enhancement of functional and sensorial attributes of phytochemicals in the daily diet may be achieved by modifying the food matrix and food processing in appropriate ways. Therefore, this review concisely elaborated on the mechanism and the influence of food matrix in different parts of the digestive tract in the human body, the chemical interaction between phytochemicals and other compounds in a food matrix, and the various food processing technologies on the bioaccessibility and chemical interaction of dietary phytochemicals. Moreover, the enhancing of phytochemical bioaccessibility through food matrix design and the positive/negative of food processing for dietary phytochemicals was also discussed in this study.

Phytochemical delivery through nanocarriers: a review

In recent times, phytochemicals encapsulated or conjugated with nanocarriers for delivery to the specific sites have gained considerable research interest. Phytochemicals are mostly plant secondary metabolites which reported to be beneficial for human health and in disease theraphy. However, these compound are large size and polar nature of these compounds, make it difficult to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), endothelial lining of blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract and mucosa. Moreover, they are enzymatically degraded in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, encapsulation or conjugation of these compounds with nanocrriers could be an alternate way to enhance their bioefficacy by influencing their gastrointestinal stability, rate of absorption and dispersion. This review presents an overview of nanocarriers alternatives which improves therapeutic value and avoid toxicity, by releasing bioactive compounds specifically at target tissues with enhanced stability and bioavailability. Future investigations may emphasize on deciphering the structural changes in nanocarriers during digestion and absorption, the difference between in-vitro and in-vivo digestion simulations, and impact of nanocarriers on the metabolism of phytochemicals.

Importance of micronutrients in bone health of monogastric animals and techniques to improve the bioavailability of micronutrient supplements - A review

Vitamins and minerals categorized as micronutrients are the essential components of animal feed for maintaining health and improving immunity. Micronutrients are important bioactive molecules and cofactors of enzymes as well. Besides being cofactors for enzymes, some vitamins such as the fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin A and D have been shown to exhibit hormone-like functions. Although they are required in small amount, they play an influential role in the proper functioning of a number of enzymes which are involved in many metabolic, biochemical and physiological processes that contribute to growth, production and health. Micronutrients can potentially have a positive impact on bone health, preventing bone loss and fractures, decreasing bone resorption and increasing bone formation. Thus, micronutrients must be provided to livestock in optimal concentrations and according to requirements that change during the rapid growth and development of the animal and the production cycle. The supply of nutrients to the animal body not only depends on the amount of the nutrient in a food, but also on its bioavailability. The bioavailability of these micronutrients is affected by several factors. Therefore, several technologies such as nanoparticle, encapsulation, and chelation have been developed to improve the bioavailability of micronutrients associated with bone health. The intention of this review is to provide an updated overview of the importance of micronutrients on bone health and methods applied to improve their bioavailability.

Fabrication of Delivery Gels with Micellar Casein Concentrates (MCC) Using Microfiltration Embedding Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG (LGG): Effect of Temperature on Structure, Rheological Behavior, and Texture

To obtain natural protein gels as delivery systems loading with probiotics and protect the probiotics from heat treatment, we fabricated casein-based gels using micellar casein concentrates (MCC) via microfiltration and then embedded with Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG (LGG). Rheological analysis indicated that MCC with a protein concentration of 12% would form gels greatly. The results of SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the contents of macromolecule in the gels increased as the heat treatment time is prolonged. After heat treatment, a fibrillated structure and a more stable structure were obtained in MCC-LGG gels by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The different changes of rheological behavior and texture of the gels were evaluated using a rheometer and texture analyzer, respectively. Similarly, centrifugation could reduce the property modified by heat inducing and contribute to LGG embedding completely. Importantly, LGG with a survival rate of 7.12% was in the gels after heat treatment at 75 °C for 10 min. Results showed that MCC could offer a protecting circumstance for living LGG cells from heat treatment. Therefore, MCC-LGG gels would be a potential healthy food for improving intestinal microflora in the dairy industry.

Nanostructured Lipid-Based Delivery Systems as a Strategy to Increase Functionality of Bioactive Compounds

Acquisition of a healthy lifestyle through diet has driven the food manufacturing industry to produce new food products with high nutritional quality. In this sense, consumption of bioactive compounds has been associated with a decreased risk of suffering chronic diseases. Nonetheless, due to their low solubility in aqueous matrices, high instability in food products during processing and preparation as well as poor bioavailability, the use of such compounds is sometimes limited. Recent advancements in encapsulation and protection of bioactive compounds has opened new possibilities for the development of novel food products. In this direction, the present review is attempting to describe encapsulation achievements, with special attention to nanostructured lipid-based delivery systems, i.e., nanoemulsions, multi-layer emulsions and liposomes. Functionality of bioactive compounds is directly associated with their bioavailability, which in turn is governed by several complex processes, including the passage through the gastrointestinal tract and transport to epithelial cells. Therefore, an overview of recent research on the properties of these nanostructured lipid-based delivery systems with a strong impact on the functionality of bioactive compounds will be also provided. Nanostructured lipid-based delivery systems might be used as a potential option to enhance the solubility, stability, absorption and, ultimately, functionality of bioactive compounds. Several studies have been performed in this line, modifying the composition of the nanostructures, such as the lipid-type or surfactants. Overall, influencing factors and strategies to improve the efficacy of encapsulated bioactive compounds within nanostructures have been successfully identified. This knowledge can be used to design effective targeted nanostructured lipid-based delivery systems for bioactive compounds. However, there is still a lack of information on food interactions, toxicity and long-term consumption of such nanostructures.

An Overview of the Applications of Nanomaterials and Nanodevices in the Food Industry

The efficient progress in nanotechnology has transformed many aspects of food science and the food industry with enhanced investment and market share. Recent advances in nanomaterials and nanodevices such as nanosensors, nano-emulsions, nanopesticides or nanocapsules are intended to bring about innovative applications in the food industry. In this review, the current applications of nanotechnology for packaging, processing, and the enhancement of the nutritional value and shelf life of foods are targeted. In addition, the functionality and applicability of food-related nanotechnologies are also highlighted and critically discussed in order to provide an insight into the development and evaluation of the safety of nanotechnology in the food industry.

Advantage of Dairy for Improving Aging Muscle

The risk of sarcopenia increases with aging. Malnutrition in the elderly population is an important risk factor for sarcopenia. Calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), vitamin D and protein are key nutrients for the human body and affect muscle mass and quality. Dairy products are rich in these nutrients, which implicates that dairy products might be ideal for elderly population. This systematic review highlights the effects of dairy products on muscle mass, muscle strength and body performance in the elderly population in the perspective of Ca, P, vitamin D and protein.

Multicompartment emulsion droplets for programmed release of hydrophobic cargoes

Delivery systems with multicompartmental structures that allow simultaneous delivery of several cargos are of great interest in both fundamental research and industrial applications. Here, we report a facile and easily scalable approach to fabricate multi-compartmentalized microdroplets for achieving programmed release of hydrophobic cargoes. Well-dispersed nanodroplets stabilized by natural Quillaja saponin served as an effective colloid stabilizer for fabricating microscale emulsion droplets with multicompartment architectures comprising many nanoscale droplets as a shell and single microscale core. Control of the number of nanodroplets allows accurate manipulation of the interface permeability for flexible and controllable release of volatile compounds (e.g., 2,3-butanedione, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, ethyl butyrate, d-limonene). More interestingly, the multicompartment microdroplets exhibited a higher flexibility for programmed release of different volatile compounds, as well as curcumin, during in vitro digestion by introducing cargos into the shell subcompartments or core microcompartment. The promising results highlight the power of this multi-compartmentalized system toward accessing a powerful platform for functional cargo delivery strategies.

In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Low-Crystallinity Phytosterol Nanoparticles Generated Using Nanoporous Starch Bioaerogels

Phytosterols are natural health-promoting bioactive compounds; however, phytosterols have very limited bioavailability due to their crystalline lipophilic structure. With the aim of improving bioaccessibility, low-crystallinity phytosterol nanoparticles were generated by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂ ) impregnation of phytosterols into nanoporous starch aerogels (NSAs). The in vitro bioaccessibility of the phytosterol nanoparticles (35%) was significantly higher than that of the crude phytosterols (3%) after sequential oral, gastric, and intestinal digestion. The percentages of starch hydrolysis were not different among the various NSA preparations and reached to 64% after sequential digestion. The zeta potential of the phytosterol nanoparticles was higher compared to that of crude phytosterols in the micellar phase; indicating higher stability. The findings of this study support the use of NSA to produce nanoparticles of reduced crystallinity to improve the bioaccessibility of the lipophilic bioactive compounds. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This novel process can decrease the size and crystallinity of phytosterols and thus improve phytosterols' bioavailability. It is a blueprint to apply to other water insoluble food bioactives. This novel approach may (i) improve the health benefits of water-insoluble bioactives; (ii) enable food manufacturers to add water-insoluble bioactives into low- and high-fat foods to produce health-promoting foods; and (iii) enhance the cost-benefit ratio of water insoluble bioactives.

Nanoaggregates of silica with kaolinite and montmorillonite: Sedimentation and transport

Due to a wide range of applications in industrial fields, engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have a high potential to enter the soil. The soil's major component of clay likely dictates the fate and transport of ENMs in the subsurface. Currently, few studies are available on the fate and transport of nanoparticle silica (nSiO₂) in the presence of clay particles. Therefore, the sedimentation and transport of nSiO₂ with two representative clays (montmorillonite (M) and kaolin (K)) in porous media were investigated in monovalent (Na⁺) and divalent (Ca²⁺) ion solutions with multiple characterizations including SEM/TEM-EDX, zeta potentials, particle sizes and colloid transport modeling. It was shown that nSiO₂-nSiO₂ homoaggregates and nSiO₂-K (or M) heteroaggregates dominated in the nSiO₂-clay nanoaggregate suspension. A distinct decrease in the stability and transport of nSiO₂-M (or K) in NaCl solution and an increase in CaCl₂ occurred when M or K was added to the nSiO₂ suspension at pH 6.0. This was attributed to the faster settlement of the individual M or K in NaCl vs. the better stability in CaCl₂ (compared to nSiO₂ alone). Particularly, more negative individual M platelets occurred in the high NaCl solution until extensive flocculated structures built up, which contributed to the faster deposition of nSiO₂-M compared to nSiO₂-K, even though the nSiO₂-M was more negatively charged. Comparably, the effect of M and K on the fate and transport of nSiO₂ almost disappeared at pH 9.0. The values of the first-order attachment/detachment rate coefficients (k₁/k_1d) and first-order straining coefficient (k₂) obtained from two-site kinetic attachment model fitting are responsible for the deposition of nSiO₂-clay nanoaggregates in sand. This study suggests potential groundwater contamination due to the clay-facilitated transport of ENMs in calcareous soil.

Potential of Nanomaterial Applications in Dietary Supplements and Foods for Special Medical Purposes

Dietary supplements and foods for special medical purposes are special medical products classified according to the legal basis. They are regulated, for example, by the European Food Safety Authority and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as well as by various national regulations issued most frequently by the Ministry of Health and/or the Ministry of Agriculture of particular countries around the world. They constitute a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants or other compounds with a nutritional or physiological effect contained in the food/feed, alone or in combination, intended for direct consumption in small measured amounts. As nanotechnology provides "a new dimension" accompanied with new or modified properties conferred to many current materials, it is widely used for the production of a new generation of drug formulations, and it is also used in the food industry and even in various types of nutritional supplements. These nanoformulations of supplements are being prepared especially with the purpose to improve bioavailability, protect active ingredients against degradation, or reduce side effects. This contribution comprehensively summarizes the current state of the research focused on nanoformulated human and veterinary dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, and functional foods for special medical purposes, their particular applications in various food products and drinks as well as the most important related guidelines, regulations and directives.

Incorporation of Tannic Acid in Food-Grade Guar Gum Fibrous Mats by Electrospinning Technique

The use of polysaccharides to produce functional micro- or nanoscale fibrous mats has attracted growing interest for their food-grade applications. In this study, the characterization and electro-spinnability of guar gum (GG) solutions loaded with tannic acid (TA) was demonstrated. Food-grade antioxidant materials were successfully produced by electrospinning while incorporating different loads of TA into GG fibers. Bead-free GG-TA fibers could be fabricated from GG solution (2 wt %) with 10 wt % TA. Increasing the amount of TA led to fibers with defects and larger diameter sizes. Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction of neat GG and TA loaded GG fibrous mats suggested that inclusion of TA interrupted the hydrogen bonding and that a higher density of the ordered junction zones formed with the increased TA. The high TA incorporation efficiency and retained antioxidant activity of the fibrous mats afford a potential application in active edible film or drug delivery system.

Curcumin: Recent Advances in the Development of Strategies to Improve Oral Bioavailability

Substantial human and preclinical studies have shown that curcumin, a dietary compound from turmeric, has a variety of health-promoting effects including but not limited to antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer actions. However, curcumin has poor bioavailability, and high doses of curcumin are usually needed to exert its health-promoting effects in vivo, limiting its applications for disease prevention. Here, we discuss the health-promoting effects of curcumin, factors limiting its bioavailability, and strategies to improve its oral bioavailability.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle as a Novel Class of Antifungal Agents: Current Advances and Future Perspectives

Certain types of nanoparticles, especially zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), are widely reported to be capable of the inhibition of harmful bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi. The unique physicochemical and biological properties of ZnONPs also make them attractive to the food industry for use as a promising antifungal agent. This Review thoroughly introduces the preparation methods and antifungal properties of ZnONPs and analyzes their possible antifungal mechanisms. The applicability of ZnONPs in food packaging and nutritional supplements and as an antimicrobial additive is also documented. Moreover, evaluations for biological safety of ZnONPs are objectively reviewed in this paper. The discussions addressed in this Review not only have theoretical significance but also are conducive to the development of food safety, nutrition, and human health. The summarized knowledge and future perspectives outlined here are expected to promote and guide new research toward developing and optimizing the application of ZnONPs as a novel class of antifungal agents to help improve food quality as well as food safety in the near future.

Multicombination Approach Suppresses Listeria monocytogenes-Induced Septicemia-Associated Acute Hepatic Failure: The Role of iRhom2 Signaling

The mortality rate of acute liver failure significantly increases due to fatal septicemia. Inactive rhomboid protein 2 (iRhom2) is an essential regulator of shedding TNF-α by trafficking with TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE). Fisetin, a flavonoid present in various fruits and plants, possesses anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory activities. Here, multi-combination nanoparticles Fe@Au conjugated with fisetin, iRhom2 small interfering RNA (siRNA), and TNF-α inhibitor (FN) are prepared to examine their effects on fatal septicemia-associated hepatic failure induced by Listeria monocytogenes (LM) in mice and to reveal the underlying mechanisms. After LM infection, upregulation of glutamic-oxalacetic transaminease, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, TNF-α, malondialdehyde, H₂ O₂ , and O₂^- is observedcompared to FN-treated mice. The iRhom2/TACE/TNF-α signals are enhanced in vivo and in vitro, resulting in oxidative stress, which is especially associated with the activation of kupffer cells and other macrophages. Decrease in Nrf2 activation and increase of inflammation-associated regulators are also noted in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, overexpression of TNF-α derived from macrophages aggravates hepatic failure. Inversely, the processes above are restored by FN nanoparticles through the regulation of the iRhom2/TACE/TNF-α axis and Nrf2 activation. These findings suggest that FN may be a potential approach to protect against bacterial septicemia-related diseases by targeting iRhom2.

Aggregates of octenylsuccinate oat β-glucan as novel capsules to stabilize curcumin over food processing, storage and digestive fluids and to enhance its bioavailability

Self-aggregates of octenylsuccinate oat β-glucan (A_OSG) have been verified as nanocapsules to load curcumin, a representative of hydrophobic phytochemicals. This study primarily investigated the stability of curcumin-loaded A_OSGs over food processing, storage and digestive fluids. Curcumin in A_OSGs showed better stability over storage and thermal treatment than its free form. Curcumin loaded in A_OSGs stored at 4 °C in the dark exhibited higher stability than that at higher temperatures or exposed to light. Approximately 18% of curcumin was lost after five freeze-thaw cycles. Curcumin in A_OSG was more stable than its free form in mimetic intestinal fluids, attesting to the effective protection of A_OSG for curcumin over digestive environments. When curcumin-loaded A_OSG travelled across mimetic gastric and intestinal fluids, curcumin was tightly accommodated in the capsule, while it rapidly escaped as the capsule reached the colon. Interestingly, the curcumin loaded in A_OSG generated higher values of C_max and area under the curve than did its free counterpart. These observations showed that A_OSG is a powerful vehicle for stabilizing hydrophobic phytochemicals in food processing and storage, facilitating their colon-targeted delivery and enhancing their bioavailability.

Nanoparticles and Controlled Delivery for Bioactive Compounds: Outlining Challenges for New "Smart-Foods" for Health

Nanotechnology is a field of research that has been stressed as a very valuable approach for the prevention and treatment of different human health disorders. This has been stressed as a delivery system for the therapeutic fight against an array of pathophysiological situations. Actually, industry has applied this technology in the search for new oral delivery alternatives obtained upon the modification of the solubility properties of bioactive compounds. Significant works have been made in the last years for testing the input that nanomaterials and nanoparticles provide for an array of pathophysiological situations. In this frame, this review addresses general questions concerning the extent to which nanoparticles offer alternatives that improve therapeutic value, while avoid toxicity, by releasing bioactive compounds specifically to target tissues affected by specific chemical and pathophysiological settings. In this regard, to date, the contribution of nanoparticles to protect encapsulated bioactive compounds from degradation as a result of gastrointestinal digestion and cellular metabolism, to enable their release in a controlled manner, enhancing biodistribution of bioactive compounds, and to allow them to target those tissues affected by biological disturbances has been demonstrated.

Multifunctional Nanotube-Mucoadhesive Poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic acid)@Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate Composite for Site-Specific Oral Drug Delivery

An advanced oral drug delivery system that can effectively deliver drugs with poor oral bioavailability is strongly desirable. Herein, a multifunctional nano-in-micro structured composite is developed by encapsulation of the mucoadhesive poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic acid) modified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with the pH-responsive hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate by the microfluidics to control the drug release, increase cell-particle interaction, and improve drug absorption. The microparticles show spherical shape, homogeneous particle size distribution (58 ± 1 µm), and pH-responsive dissolution behavior at pH > 6, and they prevent the premature release of curcumin in simulated pH conditions of the stomach and immediately release the curcumin in simulated pH conditions of the small intestine. The surface modification of HNT with mucoadhesive poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic acid) significantly enhances its interactions with the intestinal Caco-2/HT29-MTX cells and the mouse small intestines, and increases the permeability of curcumin across the co-cultured Caco-2/HT29-MTX cell monolayers by about 13 times compared to the free curcumin. Therefore, the developed multifunctional nanotube-mucoadhesive poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic acid)@hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate composite is a promising oral drug delivery system for drugs with poor oral bioavailability.

Edible Nanoencapsulation Vehicles for Oral Delivery of Phytochemicals: A Perspective Paper

Edible nanoencapsulation vehicles (ENVs) designed for the delivery of phytochemicals have gained increasing research interest. The major driving force for this trend is the potential bioavailability enhancement effect for phytochemicals when delivered via ENVs. ENVs affect the bioefficacy of phytochemicals by influencing their dispersion and gastrointestinal stability, rate and site of release, transportation efficiency across the endothelial layer, systemic circulation and biodistribution, and regulation of gut microflora. Enhanced bioefficacy can be achieved by rational design of the size, surface property, matrix materials, and compartment structure of ENVs according to properties of phytochemicals. Future investigations may lay particular emphasis on examining the relevance between results gained by in vitro digestion simulations and those obtained via in vivo digestion simulations, structural evolutions of ENVs during digestion and absorption, impacts of ENVs on the metabolism of phytochemicals, and using ENVs for deciphering the reciprocal interactions between phytochemicals and gut microbiota.