Vitamin D3 ‐loaded nanophytosomes for enrichment purposes: Formulation, structure optimization, and controlled release

Optimizing ultrasonic parameters for development of vitamin D3-loaded gum arabic nanoemulsions - An approach for vitamin D3 fortification

Vitamin D encapsulation can significantly improve its bioavailability, stability, and solubility. Various biopolymers viz. whey protein isolate, carboxymethyl cellulose, alginate and gum arabic were studied for their potential to be used as wall material and gum arabic was selected for encapsulating vitamin D3 as it possesses lesser particle size, apparent viscosity and better stability in terms of zeta potential. Box Behnken design was employed for optimizing the process conditions for developing vitamin D3 nanoemulsion. Box Behnken design was constructed using ultrasonic amplitude, sonication time and vitamin D3/wall material percent as independent factors. The optimum conditions obtained were ultrasonic amplitude (80 %), sonication time (12 min) and vitamin D3/wall material percent (5). The designed nanoemulsion showed a particle size of 20.04 nm, zeta potential of -28.2 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 71.9 %. Chemical interactions were observed in the developed nanoemulsion as demonstrated by Differential scanning calorimeter thermograms and Fourier transform infrared spectra of the nanoemulsion. The Korsmeyer-Peppas model was the most suitable for describing the release of vitamin D3 from the nanoemulsion. Fabricated nanoemulsion has the potential to be used in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Unveiling the Potential of Vitamin D3 Orodispersible Films: A Comprehensive FTIR and UV-Vis Spectroscopic Study

Vitamin D3 is a crucial fat-soluble pro-hormone essential for bolstering bone health and fortifying immune responses within the human body. Orodispersible films (ODFs) serve as a noteworthy formulation strategically designed to enhance the rapid dissolution of vitamin D, thereby facilitating efficient absorption in patients. This innovative approach not only streamlines the assimilation process but also plays a pivotal role in optimizing patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. The judicious utilization of such advancements underscores a paradigm shift in clinical strategies aimed at harnessing the full potential of vitamin D for improved patient well-being. This study aims to examine the vitamin D3 ODF structure using spectroscopic techniques to analyze interactions with excipients like mannitol. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy were utilized to assess molecular composition, intermolecular bonding, and vitamin D3 stability. Understanding these interactions is essential for optimizing ODF formulation, ensuring stability, enhancing bioavailability, and facilitating efficient production. Furthermore, this study involves a translational approach to interpreting chemical properties to develop an administration protocol for ODFs, aiming to maximize absorption and minimize waste. In conclusion, understanding the characterized chemical properties is pivotal for translating them into effective self-administration modalities for Vitamin D films.

Hydrolysis and Transport Characteristics of Phospholipid Complex of Alkyl Gallates: Potential Sustained Release of Alkyl Gallate and Gallic Acid

Phospholipid complexes of alkyl gallates (A-GAs) including ethyl gallate (EG), propyl gallate (PG), and butyl gallate (BG) were successfully prepared by the thin film dispersion method. HPLC-UV analysis in an everted rat gut sac model indicated that A-GAs can be liberated from phospholipid complexes, which were further hydrolyzed by intestinal lipase to generate free gallic acid (GA). Both A-GAs and GA are able to cross the membrane, and the hydrolysis rate of A-GAs and the transport rate of GA are positively correlated with the alkyl chain length. Especially, compared with the corresponding physical mixtures, the phospholipid complexes exhibit slower sustained-release of A-GAs and GA. Therefore, the formation of phospholipid complexes is an effective approach to prolong the residence time in vivo and additionally enhance the bioactivities of A-GAs and GA. More importantly, through regulating the carbon skeleton lengths, controlled-release of alkyl gallates and gallic acid from phospholipid complexes will be achieved.

Development, stabilization, and characterization of nanoemulsion of vitamin D3-enriched canola oil

In this study, the oil-in-water nanoemulsion (NE) was prepared and loaded with vitamin D3 in food-grade (edible) canola oil and stabilized by Tween 80 and Span 80 by using a water titration technique with droplet sizes of 20 to 200 nm. A phase diagram was established for the influence of water, oil, and S-Mix concentration. The outcomes revealed that the particle size of blank canola oil nanoemulsion (NE) ranged from 60.12 to 62.27 (d.nm) and vitamin D3 NE ranged from 93.92 to 185.5 (d.nm). Droplet size and polydispersity index (PDI) of both blank and vitamin D3-loaded NE results were less than 1, and zeta potential results for blank and vitamin D3 loaded NE ranged from -9.71 to -15.32 mV and -7.29 to -13.56 mV, respectively. Furthermore, the pH and electrical conductivity of blank NE were 6.0 to 6.2 and 20 to 100 (μs/cm), respectively, whereas vitamin D3-loaded NE results were 6.0 to 6.2 and 30 to 100 (μs/cm), respectively. The viscosity results of blank NE ranged from 0.544 to 0.789 (mPa.s), while that of vitamin D3-loaded NE ranged from 0.613 to 0.793 (mPa.s). In this study, the long-term stability (3 months) of canola oil NE containing vitamin D3 at room temperature (25 C) and high temperature (40 C) was observed.

Synthesis, characterization and hepatoprotective effect of silymarin phytosome nanoparticles on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Introduction

Silymarin proved to be a beneficial herbal medicine against many hepatic disorders such as alcoholic liver disease (ALD). However, its application is restricted due to its low bioavailability and consequently decreased efficacy. We herein used a nano-based approach known as "phytosome", to improve silymarin bioavailability and increase its efficacy.

Methods

Phytosome nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using thin film hydration method. NPs size, electrical charge, morphology, stability, molecular interaction, entrapment efficiency (EE %) and loading capacity (LC %) were determined. Moreover, in vitro toxicity of NPs was investigated on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) viability using MTT assay. In vivo experiments were performed using 24 adult rats that were divided into four groups including control, ethanol (EtOH) treatment, silymarin/EtOH treatment and silymarin phytosome/EtOH, with 6 mice in each group. Experimental groups were given 40% EtOH, silymarin (50 mg/kg) and silymarin phytosome (200 mg/kg) through the gastric gavage once a day for 3 weeks. Biochemical parameters, containing ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, GPx and MDA were measured before and after experiment to investigate the protective effect of silymarin and its phytosomal form. And histopathological examination was done to evaluate pathological changes.

Results

Silymarin phytosome NPs with the mean size of 100 nm were produced and were well tolerated in cell culture. These NPs showed a considerable protective effect against ALD through inverting the biochemical parameters (ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, GPx) and histopathological alterations.

Conclusion

Silymarin phytosomal NPs can be used as an efficient treatment for ALD.

Developing New Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges Complexes to Improve Vitamin D Absorption in an In Vitro Study

Vitamin D plays an important role in numerous cellular functions due to the ability to bind the Vitamin D receptor (VDR), which is present in different tissues. Several human diseases depend on low vitamin D3 (human isoform) serum level, and supplementation is necessary. However, vitamin D3 has poor bioavailability, and several strategies are tested to increase its absorption. In this work, the complexation of vitamin D3 in Cyclodextrin-based nanosponge (CD-NS, in particular, βNS-CDI 1:4) was carried out to study the possible enhancement of bioactivity. The βNS-CDI 1:4 was synthesized by mechanochemistry, and the complex was confirmed using FTIR-ATR and TGA. TGA demonstrated higher thermostability of the complexed form. Subsequently, in vitro experiments were performed to evaluate the biological activity of Vitamin D3 complexed in the nanosponges on intestinal cells and assess its bioavailability without cytotoxic effect. The Vitamin D3 complexes enhance cellular activity at the intestinal level and improve its bioavailability. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time the ability of CD-NS complexes to improve the chemical and biological function of Vitamin D3.

The incorporated hydrogel of chitosan-oligoconjugated linoleic acid vesicles and the protective sustained release for curcumin in the gel

Assemblies of as called "chitosan hydrogel-liposome" are expected for overcoming the burst effect in drug release from chitosan (CS) hydrogels. Herein, a hydrogel delivery system made of chitosan incorporated fatty acid vesicles was constructed for protective sustained release of curcumin (Cur). The curcumin was encapsulated in the prepared oligo-conjugated linoleic acid vesicles (OCLAVs), and then the drug-embedded vesicles were constructed to Cur-OCLAVs-CS hydrogels with CS solution. The fabricated Cur-OCLAVs-CS hydrogel was fluidic at room temperature and could be rapidly gelled at 37 °C. Morphology study proves that the OCLAVs stayed as nano-vesicles in the gel. The Cur-OCLAVs-CS hydrogels effectively declined the burst effect with enhanced antioxidant activity. The Cur (400 μM)-OCLAVs-CS gel presented a cumulative release rate of 51.23 % of curcumin in 96 h, comparing to 93.37 % of that from the Cur-CS gel. Moreover, the corporation of OCLAVs and CS made the gel exhibited strong synergistic effect on the antioxidant activity, with an enhancement of up to 148.1 % on the ferric reducing power. Therefore, the hydrogel carrier made of incorporated fatty acid vesicles-chitosan can be served as an injectable or 3D printable drug delivery system, which may provide a hint to overcome the burst effect that existed in chitosan and other polysaccharide-based gels.

Nano-delivery systems for encapsulation of phenolic compounds from pomegranate peel

Pomegranate fruit is getting more attention due to its positive health effects, and pomegranate peel (PP) is its main byproduct. PP has the potential to be converted from environmentally polluting waste to wealth due to its rich phenolic compounds such as ellagitannins, proanthocyanidins, and flavonoids with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and health effects. These phenolics are susceptible to environmental conditions such as heat, light, and pH as well as in vivo conditions of gastrointestinal secretions. Some phenolics of PP, e.g., ellagitannins could interfere with food ingredients and thus reduce their beneficial effects. Also, ellagitannins could form complexes with salivary glycoproteins, then a feeling of astringency taste. In this article, nano-delivery systems such as nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and vesicular nanocarriers, designed and fabricated for PP bioactive compounds in recent years have been reviewed. Among them, lipid-based nano carriers i.e., solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and vesicular nanocarriers have low toxicity, large-scale production feasibility, easy synthesis, and high biocompatibility. So, it seems that the extraction and purification of bioactives from pomegranate wastes and nanoencapsulating them with cost effective and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) materials can be a bright prospect in enhancing the quality, safety, shelf life and health benefits of pomegranate products.