Enhancing Oral Bioavailability of Simvastatin Using Uncoated and Polymer-Coated Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Deciphering the importance of nanoencapsulation to improve the availability of bioactive molecules in food sources to the human body

Various bodily functions are maintained, and health benefits are provided by food-derived bioactive components. Fruits and vegetables contain numerous beneficial components, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, and phytonutrients. However, the body's ability to absorb these substances at a given rate and degree frequently limits their bioavailability. If food-derived bio actives are used as therapeutic or dietary interventions, this limitation can result in low efficacy and suboptimal results. Recently, nanotechnology has been a useful method for increasing the bioavailability of bioactive compounds produced from food. Active ingredients can be delivered and absorbed more efficiently with the help of nanotechnology. By altering their size or surface properties, bioactive components can be made more soluble, permeable, and bioavailable through nanotechnology. The present review will provide an overview of the various bioactive components, the application of nanotechnology to improve the availability of bioactive molecules to humans and animals, and the challenges and safety concerns associated with nanotechnology in the production of food-derived bioactive molecules.

Innovative Approaches to Fucoxanthin Delivery: Characterization and Bioavailability of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles with Eco-Friendly Ingredients and Enteric Coating

Fucoxanthin (FN), a carotenoid derived from brown seaweed and algae, offers significant health benefits. However, its unique structure leads to challenges in stability and bioavailability. To overcome these issues, we successfully encapsulated fucoxanthin in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) utilizing health-safe materials, achieving remarkable results. SLNs exhibited a nanoscale size of 248.98 ± 4.0 nm, along with an impressive encapsulation efficiency of 98.30% ± 0.26% and a loading capacity of 5.48% ± 0.82% in lipid. The polydispersity index (PDI) was measured at 0.161 ± 0.03, indicating a narrow size distribution, while the high negative zeta potential of -32.93 ± 1.2 mV suggests excellent stability. Pharmacokinetic studies conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats revealed an exceptional oral bioavailability of 2723.16% compared to fucoxanthin crystals, likely attributed to the enhanced stability and improved cellular uptake of the SLNs. To further improve bioavailability, we creatively applied enteric coatings to the freeze-dried SLNs, effectively protecting fucoxanthin from gastric degradation, which is supported by in vitro digestion results. These findings underscore the potential of SLNs as a superior delivery system for fucoxanthin, significantly enhancing its therapeutic efficacy and broadening its application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.