Development of Encapsulation Strategies and Composite Edible Films to Maintain Lactoferrin Bioactivity: A Review

Lactoferrin (LF) is a whey protein with various and valuable biological activities. For this reason, LF has been used as a supplement in formula milk and functional products. However, it must be considered that the properties of LF can be affected by technological treatments and gastrointestinal conditions. In this article, we have revised the literature published on the research done during the last decades on the development of various technologies, such as encapsulation or composite materials, to protect LF and avoid its degradation. Multiple compounds can be used to conduct this protective function, such as proteins, including those from milk, or polysaccharides, like alginate or chitosan. Furthermore, LF can be used as a component in complexes, nanoparticles, hydrogels and emulsions, to encapsulate, protect and deliver other bioactive compounds, such as essential oils or probiotics. Additionally, LF can be part of systems to deliver drugs or to apply certain therapies to target cells expressing LF receptors. These systems also allow improving the detection of gliomas and have also been used for treating some pathologies, such as different types of tumours. Finally, the application of LF in edible and active films can be effective against some contaminants and limit the increase of the natural microbiota present in meat, for example, becoming one of the most interesting research topics in food technology.

Chitosan guar nanoparticle preparation and its in vitro antimicrobial activity towards phytopathogens of rice

The aim of the present study was to prepare chitosan guar nanoparticle (CGNP) with high antimicrobial activity to use as a bioprotectant against rice phytopathogens. Nanoparticles were prepared using sodium tripolyphosphate by the ionic gelation method. The physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles were characterized through DLS, FTIR, TEM, SEM, AFM and XRD. The application of CGNP to rice seeds stimulated seed germination and seedling growth. CGNP showed growth inhibition towards rice pathogens P. grisea and X. oryzae under in-vitro condition. Excised rice leaves treated with CGNP and challenged with P. grisea showed no blast disease symptom whereas control leaves showed very high blast disease symptom. The results of this study indicate that CGNP can be used as an antimicrobial agent to control blast, blight disease of rice.