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

Emulsion-Based Delivery Systems to Enhance the Functionality of Bioactive Compounds: Towards the Use of Ingredients from Natural, Sustainable Sources

In recent years, the trend in the population towards consuming more natural and sustainable foods has increased significantly. This claim has led to the search for new sources of bioactive compounds and extraction methods that have less impact on the environment. Moreover, the formulation of systems to protect these compounds is also focusing on the use of ingredients of natural origin. This article reviews novel, natural alternative sources of bioactive compounds with a positive impact on sustainability. In addition, it also contains information on the most recent studies based on the use of natural (especially from plants) emulsifiers in the design of emulsion-based delivery systems to protect bioactive compounds. The properties of these natural-based emulsion-delivery systems, as well as their functionality, including in vitro and in vivo studies, are also discussed. This review provides relevant information on the latest advances in the development of emulsion delivery systems based on ingredients from sustainable natural sources.

Phytocannabinoids: Chromatographic Screening of Cannabinoids and Loading into Lipid Nanoparticles

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) are receiving increasing interest as an approach to encapsulate natural extracts to increase the physicochemical stability of bioactives. Cannabis extract-derived cannabidiol (CBD) has potent therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. In this work, physicochemical characterization was carried out after producing Compritol-based nanoparticles (cSLN or cNLC) loaded with CBD. Then, the determination of the encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC), particle size (Z-Ave), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were performed. Additionally, the viscoelastic profiles and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) patterns were recorded. As a result, CBD-loaded SLN showed a mean particle size of 217.2 ± 6.5 nm, PDI of 0.273 ± 0.023, and EE of about 74%, while CBD-loaded NLC showed Z-Ave of 158.3 ± 6.6 nm, PDI of 0.325 ± 0.016, and EE of about 70%. The rheological analysis showed that the loss modulus for both lipid nanoparticle formulations was higher than the storage modulus over the applied frequency range of 10 Hz, demonstrating that they are more elastic than viscous. The crystallinity profiles of both CBD-cSLN (90.41%) and CBD-cNLC (40.18%) were determined. It may justify the obtained encapsulation parameters while corroborating the liquid-like character demonstrated in the rheological analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study confirmed the morphology and shape of the developed nanoparticles. The work has proven that the solid nature and morphology of cSLN/cNLC strengthen these particles' potential to modify the CBD delivery profile for several biomedical applications.

Improving the biological activities of astaxanthin using targeted delivery systems

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of astaxanthin (AST) enable it to protect against oxidative stress-related and inflammatory diseases with a range of biological effects. These activities provide the potential to develop healthier food products. Therefore, it would be beneficial to design delivery systems for AST to overcome its low stability, control its release, and/or improve its bioavailability. This review discusses the basis for AST's various biological activities and the factors limiting these activities, including stability, solubility, and bioavailability. It also discusses the different systems available for the targeted delivery of AST and their applications in enhancing the biological activity of AST. These include systems that are candidates for preventive and therapeutic effects, which include nerves, liver, and skin, particularly for possible cancer reduction. Targeted delivery of AST to specific regions of the gastrointestinal tract, or more selectively to target tissues and cells, can be achieved using targeted delivery systems to increase the biological activities of AST.

Storage stability and in vitro digestion of apigenin encapsulated in Pickering emulsions stabilized by whey protein isolate–chitosan complexes

Few studies have investigated the encapsulation of apigenin in solid particle-stabilized emulsions. In this work, Pickering emulsions containing apigenin and stabilized by whey protein isolate-chitosan (WPI-CS) complexes were created to enhance the bioavailability of apigenin. Different lipids including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), ethyl oleate (EO), and corn oil (CO) were selected to fabricate lipid-based delivery systems. The microstructure of the Pickering emulsions, as revealed by optical and cryo-scanning electron microscopies, showed that the oil droplets were dispersed evenly and trapped by a three-dimensional network formed by the WPI-CS complexes, which was further confirmed by rheology properties. After 30 days of storage, Pickering emulsions with MCTs achieved the highest apigenin retention rate, exhibiting 95.05 ± 1.45% retention when stored under 4°C. In vitro gastrointestinal tract experiments indicated that the lipid types of the emulsions also affected the lipid digestion and release rate of apigenin. Pickering emulsions with MCTs achieved a higher bioaccessibility compared to that of the other two emulsions (p < 0.01). These results indicate that the delivery system of Pickering emulsions with MCTs stabilized by WPI-CS complexes offers good storage stability and improved bioaccessibility of apigenin.

Contribution of Nanoscience Research in Antioxidants Delivery Used in Nutricosmetic Sector

Nanoscience applications in the food and cosmetic industry offer many potential benefits for consumers and society. Nanotechnologies permit the manipulation of matter at the nanoscale level, resulting in new properties and characteristics useful in food and cosmetic production, processing, packaging, and storage. Nanotechnology protects sensitive bioactive compounds, improves their bioavailability and water solubility, guarantees their release at a site of action, avoids contact with other constituents, and masks unpleasant taste. Biopolymeric nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanoemulsions, nanocapsules, and colloids are delivery systems used to produce food supplements and cosmetics. There are no barriers to nanoscience applications in food supplements and cosmetic industries, although the toxicity of nano-sized delivery systems is not clear. The physicochemical and toxicological characterization of nanoscale delivery systems used by the nutricosmeceutic industry is reviewed in this work.

Solidification of Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems as a Novel Approach to the Management of Uncomplicated Malaria

Malaria affects millions of people annually, especially in third-world countries. The mainstay of treatment is oral anti-malarial drugs and vaccination. An increase in resistant strains of malaria parasites to most of the current anti-malarial drugs adds to the global burden. Moreover, existing and new anti-malarial drugs are hampered by significantly poor aqueous solubility and low permeability, resulting in low oral bioavailability and patient noncompliance. Lipid formulations are commonly used to increase solubility and efficacy and decrease toxicity. The present review discusses the findings from studies focusing on specialised oral lipophilic drug delivery systems, including self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs). SEDDSs facilitate the spontaneous formation of liquid emulsions that effectively solubilise the incorporated drugs into the gastrointestinal tract and thereby improve the absorption of poorly-soluble anti-malaria drugs. However, traditional SEDDSs are normally in liquid dosage forms, which are delivered orally to the site of absorption, and are hampered by poor stability. This paper discusses novel solidification techniques that can easily and economically be up-scaled due to already existing industrial equipment that could be utilised. This method could, furthermore, improve product stability and patient compliance. The possible impact that solid oral SEDDSs can play in the fight against malaria is highlighted.

Chitosan-Based Anti-Oxidation Delivery Nano-Platform: Applications in the Encapsulation of DHA-Enriched Fish Oil

Refined cobia liver oil is a nutritional supplement (CBLO) that is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as DHA and EPA; however, PUFAs are prone to oxidation. In this study, the fabrication of chitosan-TPP-encapsulated CBLO nanoparticles (CS@CBLO NPs) was achieved by a two-step method, including emulsification and the ionic gelation of chitosan with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). The obtained nanoparticles were inspected by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and showed a positively charged surface with a z-average diameter of between 174 and 456 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed the three-stage weight loss trends contributing to the water evaporation, chitosan decomposition, and CBLO decomposition. The loading capacity (LC) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the CBLO loading in CS@CBLO NPs were 17.77-33.43% and 25.93-50.27%, respectively. The successful encapsulation of CBLO in CS@CBLO NPs was also confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The oxidative stability of CBLO and CS@CBLO NPs was monitored by FTIR. As compared to CBLO, CS@CBLO NPs showed less oxidation with a lower generation of hydroperoxides and secondary oxidation products after four weeks of storage. CS@CBLO NPs are composed of two ingredients that are beneficial for health, chitosan and fish oil in a nano powdered fish oil form, with an excellent oxidative stability that will enhance its usage in the functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

Bioavailability of a Capsaicin Lipid Multi-particulate Formulation in Rats

Background and Objective

Because of the stomach-burning sensation it induces, capsaicin has been used at relatively low doses as a nutritional supplement, which has limited its bioavailability. The objective of this study was to investigate the serum bioavailability of capsaicin supplementation with or without a lipid multi-particulate (LMP) formulation.

Methods

Thirty-five rats were divided into five groups and administered capsaicin at either 0.2 or 1 mg/kg with or without the LMP formulation. Capsaicin bioavailability was assessed based on the area under the concentation–time curve (AUC), the time to peak concentration (T_max), and the peak serum concentration (C_max).

Results

For each formulation, the capsaicin C_max was reached at 90 min and decreased thereafter. Serum capsaicin concentrations were greater in rats administered the higher dose of capsaicin (1 mg/kg) in the LMP formulation at all measurement times (P  ≤ 0.05). The AUC showed a significant increase, about 20%, when capsaicin was administered in the LMP formulation at the high dose (P  = 0.002). The T_max for oral capsaicin was similar whether or not administration was via the LMP formulation (P  = 0.163). However, the C_max of capsaicin increased in a dose-dependent manner (P  < 0.05). Although the LMP formulation of the high dose of capsaicin resulted in a numerically higher C_max, it was not statistically significantly higher (P  = 0.068).

Conclusions

The present work demonstrated that administration of capsaicin via the LMP formulation significantly impacted the pharmacokinetic parameters and the serum bioavailability of orally administered 1 mg/kg capsaicin in rats. The bioavailability of capsaicin in humans may also be increased by using the LMP formulation.

Advances of plant-based structured food delivery systems on the in vitro digestibility of bioactive compounds

Food researchers are currently showing a growing interest in in vitro digestibility studies due to their importance for obtaining food products with health benefits and ensuring a balanced nutrient intake. Various bioactive food compounds are sensitive to the digestion process, which results in a lower bioavailability in the gut. The main objective of structured food delivery systems is to promote the controlled release of these compounds at the desired time/place, in addition to protecting them during digestion processes. This review provides an overview of the influence of structured delivery systems on the in vitro digestive behavior. The main delivery systems are summarized, the pros and cons of different structures are outlined, and examples of several studies that optimized the use of these structured systems are provided. In addition, we have reviewed the use of plant-based systems, which have been of interest to food researchers and the food industry because of their health benefits, improved sustainability as well as being an alternative for vegetarian, vegan and consumers suffering from food allergies. In this context, the review provides new insights and comprehensive knowledge regarding the influence of plant-based structured systems on the digestibility of encapsulated compounds and proteins/polysaccharides used in the encapsulation process.

Fate of β-Carotene within Loaded Delivery Systems in Food: State of Knowledge

Nanotechnology has opened new opportunities for delivering bioactive agents. Their physiochemical characteristics, i.e., small size, high surface area, unique composition, biocompatibility and biodegradability, make these nanomaterials an attractive tool for β-carotene delivery. Delivering β-carotene through nanoparticles does not only improve its bioavailability/bioaccumulation in target tissues, but also lessens its sensitivity against environmental factors during processing. Regardless of these benefits, nanocarriers have some limitations, such as variations in sensory quality, modification of the food matrix, increasing costs, as well as limited consumer acceptance and regulatory challenges. This research area has rapidly evolved, with a plethora of innovative nanoengineered materials now being in use, including micelles, nano/microemulsions, liposomes, niosomes, solidlipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipids and nanostructured carriers. These nanodelivery systems make conventional delivery systems appear archaic and promise better solubilization, protection during processing, improved shelf-life, higher bioavailability as well as controlled and targeted release. This review provides information on the state of knowledge on β-carotene nanodelivery systems adopted for developing functional foods, depicting their classifications, compositions, preparation methods, challenges, release and absorption of β-carotene in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and possible risks and future prospects.

Heat stability of emulsions using functionalized milk protein concentrate generated by supercritical fluid extrusion

In this study, thermostable oil-in-water emulsions containing high protein contents were developed using milk protein concentrate (MPC) that was functionalized by supercritical fluid extrusion (SCFX) processing at low temperature and shear. Functionalized MPC (f-MPC) emulsions (3% protein-80% oil and 10% protein-50% oil) were compared with emulsions stabilized by commercial MPC (c-MPC), sodium caseinate (NaCas), and a commercial mayonnaise for their emulsifying properties and heat stability at 70 and 90 °C for 30 min, and 121 °C for 15 min. Zeta-potentials and interfacial protein concentrations of f-MPC emulsions were higher than that of c-MPC emulsions. f-MPC emulsions remained stable against creaming for at least 8 weeks at room temperature (23 °C), while their c-MPC counterparts showed significant creaming at the same conditions. Even after heating at 121 °C for 15 min, f-MPC emulsions retained their structural integrity as observed from their confocal images, droplet size distributions, and viscosities. In contrast, c-MPC emulsions and mayonnaise disintegrated upon heating at 121 °C for 15 min, and oil droplets of mayonnaise partially coalesced during heating at 90 °C for 30 min. f-MPC emulsions revealed higher viscosities compared to c-MPC emulsions, providing them improved stability. Viscosities of f-MPC emulsions were not significantly affected by heating at 90 °C for 30 min, while other emulsions exhibited a substantial increase in their viscosities due to protein denaturation and aggregation. Thus, f-MPC emulsions can be utilized in the development of protein-enriched functional foods (e.g., spreads) that are stable against high heat treatments.

New insights into the role of nanotechnology in microbial food safety

Today, the role of nanotechnology in human life is undeniable as a broad range of industries, particularly food and medicine sectors, have been dramatically influenced. Nanomaterials can contribute to food safety by forming new nano-sized ingredients with modified physicochemical characteristics. Nanotechnologies can inhibit the growth of food spoilage microorganisms by recruiting novel and unique agents that are involved in removal of microbes from foods or prevent adhesion of microbial cells to food surfaces. Hence, nanotechnology could be considered as a high-potential tool in food packaging, safety, and preservation. Moreover, the prevention of biofilm formation by disturbing the attachment of bacteria to the food surface is another useful nanotechnological approach. Recently, nanoparticle-based biosensors have been designed and developed to detect the food-borne pathogens and hazardous substances through complicated mechanisms. During the past half-century, many methods such as freeze-drying and spray drying have been employed for increasing the viability in food industries; however, the other novel approaches such as encapsulation methods have also been developed. Admittedly, some beneficial bacteria such as probiotics bring diverse benefits for human health if only they are in a sufficient number and viability in the food products and gastrointestinal tract (GI). Encapsulation of these valuable microbial strains by nanoparticles improves the survival of probiotics under harsh conditions such as extreme levels of temperature, pH, and salinity during the processing of food products and within the GIT tract. The survival and effectiveness of encapsulated microorganisms depends on different factors including function of cell wall components in bacteria and type of coating materials. This review aims to broadly explore the potential of different aspects of nanotechnology in food industry, especially for packaging, preservation, safety, and viability.

Effect of Hesperidin on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: The Role of Intestinal Microbiota on Hesperidin Bioavailability

Recently, hesperidin, a flavonone mainly present in citrus fruits, has emerged as a new potential therapeutic agent able to modulate several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk factors. Animal and in vitro studies demonstrate beneficial effects of hesperidin and its derived compounds on CVD risk factors. Thus, hesperidin has shown glucose-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties in diabetic models, dyslipidemia-, atherosclerosis-, and obesity-preventing effects in CVDs and obese models, and antihypertensive and antioxidant effects in hypertensive models. However, there is still controversy about whether hesperidin could contribute to ameliorate glucose homeostasis, lipid profile, adiposity, and blood pressure in humans, as evidenced by several clinical trials reporting no effects of treatments with this flavanone or with orange juice on these cardiovascular parameters. In this review, we focus on hesperidin's beneficial effects on CVD risk factors, paying special attention to the high interindividual variability in response to hesperidin-based acute and chronic interventions, which can be partly attributed to differences in gut microbiota. Based on the current evidence, we suggest that some of hesperidin's contradictory effects in human trials are partly due to the interindividual hesperidin variability in its bioavailability, which in turn is highly dependent on the α-rhamnosidase activity and gut microbiota composition.