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17 pages, 43956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Neuropeptide Y and Cell-Penetrating Peptide MAP Adsorbed onto Lipid Nanoparticle Surface

by Sara Silva, Joana Marto, Lídia M. Gonçalves, Henrique S. Fernandes, Sérgio F. Sousa, António J. Almeida and Nuno Vale

Molecules 2022, 27(9), 2734; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27092734 - 24 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2532

Abstract

Functionalization of nanoparticles surfaces have been widely used to improve diagnostic and therapeutic biological outcome. Several methods can be applied to modify nanoparticle surface; however, in this article we focus toward a simple and less time-consuming method. We applied an adsorption method on [...] Read more.

Functionalization of nanoparticles surfaces have been widely used to improve diagnostic and therapeutic biological outcome. Several methods can be applied to modify nanoparticle surface; however, in this article we focus toward a simple and less time-consuming method. We applied an adsorption method on already formulated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) to functionalize these nanoparticles with three distinct peptides sequences. We selected a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), a lysine modified model amphipathic peptide (Lys(N₃)-MAP), CPP/drug complex, and the neuropeptide Y. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of several parameters such as peptide concentration, different types of NLC, different types of peptides, and incubation medium on the physicochemical proprieties of NLC and determine if adsorption occurs. The preliminary results from zeta potential analysis indicate some evidence that this method was successful in adsorbing three types of peptides onto NLC. Several non-covalent interactions appear to be involved in peptide adsorption with the possibility of three adsorption peptide hypothesis that may occur with NLC in solution. Moreover, and for the first time, in silico docking analysis demonstrated strong interaction between CPP MAP and NPY Y1 receptor with high score values when compared to standard antagonist and NPY. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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16 pages, 2131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibacterial and Wound-Healing Activities of Statistically Optimized Nitrofurazone- and Lidocaine-Loaded Silica Microspheres by the Box–Behnken Design

by Hafeez Ullah Khan, Fahmeed Nasir, Safirah Maheen, Syed Salman Shafqat, Shahid Shah, Ahmed Khames, Mohammed M. Ghoneim, Ghulam Abbas, Saleha Shabbir, Mohamed A. Abdelgawad, Mohammad A. S. Abourehab, Amna Irfan and Amani M. El Sisi

Molecules 2022, 27(8), 2532; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27082532 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2194

Abstract

In the current study, nitrofurazone- (NFZ) and lidocaine-loaded (LD) silica microspheres were fabricated to address pathological indications of skin infections. The microspheres were prepared by the sol–gel method applying the Box–Behnken design and evaluated for size distribution, morphology, zeta potential, physico-chemical compatibility, XRD, [...] Read more.

In the current study, nitrofurazone- (NFZ) and lidocaine-loaded (LD) silica microspheres were fabricated to address pathological indications of skin infections. The microspheres were prepared by the sol–gel method applying the Box–Behnken design and evaluated for size distribution, morphology, zeta potential, physico-chemical compatibility, XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, antibacterial and cytotoxicity activities. The comparative in vitro drug release study of microspheres revealed a 30% release of NFZ and 33% of LD after 8 h. The microspheres showed 81% percentage yield (PY) and 71.9% entrapment efficiency. XRD patterns confirmed the entrapment of NFZ–LD in silica microspheres with a significant reduction in crystallinity of the drugs. Thermal and FTIR studies proved the absence of any profound interactions of the formulation ingredients. The smooth spherical microspheres had a −28 mV zeta potential and a 10–100 µm size distribution. In vitro antibacterial activities of the NFZ–LD microspheres showed an increased zone of inhibition compared to pure drug suspensions. The in vivo efficacy tested on rabbits showed a comparatively rapid wound healing with complete lack of skin irritation impact. The cytotoxicity studies revealed more acceptability of silica microspheres with negligible harm to cells. The study suggests that the NFZ- and LD-loaded silica microspheres would be an ideal system for accelerating and promoting rapid healing of various acute and chronic wounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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11 pages, 2225 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

An Optimization Procedure for Preparing Aqueous CAR/HP-CD Aggregate Dispersions

by Enrika Celitan, Ruta Gruskiene and Jolanta Sereikaite

Molecules 2021, 26(24), 7562; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26247562 - 13 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1997

Abstract

β-Carotene is a very important molecule for human health. It finds a large application in the food industry, especially for the development of functional foods and dietary supplements. However, β-carotene is an unstable compound and is sensitive to light, temperature, and oxygen. To [...] Read more.

β-Carotene is a very important molecule for human health. It finds a large application in the food industry, especially for the development of functional foods and dietary supplements. However, β-carotene is an unstable compound and is sensitive to light, temperature, and oxygen. To overcome those limitations, various delivery systems were developed. The inclusion of β-carotene by cyclodextrin aggregates is attractive due to non-toxicity, low hygroscopicity, stability, and the inexpensiveness of cyclodextrins. In this study, β-carotene/2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin aggregates were prepared based on the procedure of the addition of β-carotene in an organic solvent to the hot water dispersion of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and the following instant evaporation of the organic solvent. The best conditions for the aggregate preparation were found to be as follows: 25% concentration of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in water, 65 °C temperature, and acetone for β-carotene dissolution. The efficiency of entrapping was equal to 88%. The procedure is attractive due to the short time of the aggregate preparation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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14 pages, 2634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microencapsulated and Lyophilized Propolis Co-Product Extract as Antioxidant Synthetic Replacer on Traditional Brazilian Starch Biscuit

by Rodrigo Rodrigues, Denise Bilibio, Manuel S. V. Plata-Oviedo, Edimir A. Pereira, Marina L. Mitterer-Daltoé, Ellen C. Perin and Solange T. Carpes

Molecules 2021, 26(21), 6400; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216400 - 22 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2141

Abstract

The residue from commercial propolis extraction may have significant antioxidant power in food technology. However, among the challenges for using the propolis co-product as an inhibitor of lipid oxidation (LO) in baked goods is maintaining its bioactive compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to [...] Read more.

The residue from commercial propolis extraction may have significant antioxidant power in food technology. However, among the challenges for using the propolis co-product as an inhibitor of lipid oxidation (LO) in baked goods is maintaining its bioactive compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the propolis co-product extracts’ capability to reduce LO in starch biscuit formulated with canola oil and stored for 45 days at 25 °C. Two co-product extracts were prepared: microencapsulated propolis co-product (MECP) (with maltodextrin) and lyophilized propolis co-product (LFCP), which were subjected to analysis of their total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (AA). Relevant antioxidant activity was observed using the methods of analysis employed. The spray-drying microencapsulation process showed an efficiency of 63%. The LO in the biscuits was determined by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) test and fatty acid composition by gas chromatography analysis. Palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoelaidic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids were found in biscuits at constant concentrations throughout the storage period. In addition, there was a reduction in malondialdehyde values with the addition of both propolis co-product extracts. Therefore, the propolis co-product extracts could be utilized as a natural antioxidant to reduce lipid oxidation in fatty starch biscuit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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15 pages, 2483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Glycerosome of Melissa officinalis L. Essential Oil for Effective Anti-HSV Type 1

by Giulia Vanti, Sotirios G. Ntallis, Christos A. Panagiotidis, Virginia Dourdouni, Christina Patsoura, Maria Camilla Bergonzi, Diamanto Lazari and Anna Rita Bilia

Molecules 2020, 25(14), 3111; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25143111 - 8 Jul 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4550

Abstract

Essential oils are complex mixtures of strongly active compounds, very volatile and sensitive to light, oxygen, moisture and temperature. Loading inside nanocarriers can be a strategy to increase their stability and successfully use them in therapy. In the present study, a commercial Melissa [...] Read more.

Essential oils are complex mixtures of strongly active compounds, very volatile and sensitive to light, oxygen, moisture and temperature. Loading inside nanocarriers can be a strategy to increase their stability and successfully use them in therapy. In the present study, a commercial Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) essential oil (MEO) was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, loaded inside glycerosomes (MEO-GS) and evaluated for its anti-herpetic activity against HSV type 1. MEO-GS analyses were prepared by the thin layer evaporation method and they were characterized by light scattering techniques, determining average diameter, polydispersity index and ζ-potential. By transmission electron microscopy, MEO-GS appeared as small nano-sized vesicles with a spherical shape. MEO encapsulation efficiency inside glycerosomes, in terms of citral and β-caryophyllene, was found to be ca. 63% and 76% respectively, and MEO release from glycerosomes, performed by dialysis bag method, resulted in less than 10% within 24h. In addition, MEO-GS had high chemical and physical stability during 4 months of storage. Finally, MEO-GS were very active in inhibiting HSV type 1 infection of mammalian cells in vitro, without producing cytotoxic effects. Thus, MEO-GS could be a promising tool in order to provide a suitable anti-herpetic formulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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19 pages, 3508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-Linked Microencapsulation of CO₂ Supercritical Extracted Oleoresins from Sea Buckthorn: Evidence of Targeted Functionality and Stability

by Corina Neagu, Liliana Mihalcea, Elena Enachi, Vasilica Barbu, Daniela Borda, Gabriela Elena Bahrim and Nicoleta Stănciuc

Molecules 2020, 25(10), 2442; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25102442 - 23 May 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3163

Abstract

Oleoresin supercritical extracts from sea buckthorn were microencapsulated in whey proteins isolate and casein, in two states: native (N) and cross-linked mediated by transglutaminase (TG). The encapsulation efficiency showed values higher than 92% for total carotenoids and lycopene. Phytochemicals content was 352.90 ± [...] Read more.

Oleoresin supercritical extracts from sea buckthorn were microencapsulated in whey proteins isolate and casein, in two states: native (N) and cross-linked mediated by transglutaminase (TG). The encapsulation efficiency showed values higher than 92% for total carotenoids and lycopene. Phytochemicals content was 352.90 ± 1.02 mg/g dry weight (DW) for total carotenoids in TG and 302.98 ± 2.30 mg/g DW in N, with antioxidant activity of 703.13 ± 23.60 mMol Trolox/g DW and 608.74 ± 7.12 mMol Trolox/g DW, respectively. Both powders had an inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase, of about 40% for N and 35% for TG. The presence of spherosomes was highlighted, with sizes ranging between 15.23–73.41 µm and an agglutination tendency in N, and lower sizes, up to 35 µm in TG. The in vitro digestibility revealed a prolonged release in an intestinal environment, up to 65% for TG. Moisture sorption isotherms were studied at 20 °C and the shape of curves corresponds to sigmoidal type II model. The presence of cross-linked mediated aggregates in TG powders improved stability and flowability. Our results can be used as evidence that cross-linked aggregates mediated by transglutaminase applied for microencapsulation of oleoresins have the potential to become new delivery systems, for carotenoids and lycopene, being valuable in terms of their attractive color and biological and bioaccessibility properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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12 pages, 1151 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Co-Microencapsulation of Anthocyanins from Black Currant Extract and Lactic Acid Bacteria in Biopolymeric Matrices

by Iuliana Maria Enache, Aida Mihaela Vasile, Elena Enachi, Vasilica Barbu, Nicoleta Stănciuc and Camelia Vizireanu

Molecules 2020, 25(7), 1700; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25071700 - 8 Apr 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3681

Abstract

Anthocyanins from black currant extract and lactic acid bacteria were co-microencapsulated using a gastro-intestinal-resistant biocomposite of whey protein isolate, inulin, and chitosan, with an encapsulation efficiency of 95.46% ± 1.30% and 87.38% ± 0.48%, respectively. The applied freeze-drying allowed a dark purple stable [...] Read more.

Anthocyanins from black currant extract and lactic acid bacteria were co-microencapsulated using a gastro-intestinal-resistant biocomposite of whey protein isolate, inulin, and chitosan, with an encapsulation efficiency of 95.46% ± 1.30% and 87.38% ± 0.48%, respectively. The applied freeze-drying allowed a dark purple stable powder to be obtained, with a satisfactory content of phytochemicals and 11 log colony forming units (CFU)/g dry weight of powder (DW). Confocal laser microscopy displayed a complex system, with several large formations and smaller aggregates inside, consisting of biologically active compounds, lactic acid bacteria cells, and biopolymers. The powder showed good storage stability, with no significant changes in phytochemicals and viable cells over 3 months. An antioxidant activity of 63.64 ± 0.75 mMol Trolox/g DW and an inhibitory effect on α-amylase and α-glucosidase of 87.10% ± 2.08% and 36.96% ± 3.98%, respectively, highlighted the potential biological activities of the co-microencapsulated powder. Significantly, the in vitro digestibility profile showed remarkable protection in the gastric environment, with controlled release in the intestinal simulated environment. The powder was tested by addition into a complex food matrix (yogurt), and the results showed satisfactory stability of biologically active compounds when stored for 21 d at 4 °C. The obtained results confirm the important role of microencapsulation in ensuring a high degree of protection, thus allowing new approaches in developing food ingredients and nutraceuticals, with enhanced functionalities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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19 pages, 3556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Development of Spray-Dried Microsystems to Improve Technological and Functional Properties of Bioactive Compounds from Hazelnut Shells

by Tiziana Esposito, Teresa Mencherini, Pasquale Del Gaudio, Giulia Auriemma, Silvia Franceschelli, Patrizia Picerno, Rita P. Aquino and Francesca Sansone

Molecules 2020, 25(6), 1273; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25061273 - 11 Mar 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2891

Abstract

An extract obtained from hazelnut shells by-products (HSE) has antioxidant and chemopreventive effects on human melanoma and cervical cancer cell lines, inducing apoptosis by caspase-3 activation. A clinical translation is limited by poor water solubility and low bioavailability. Dried plant extracts often show [...] Read more.

An extract obtained from hazelnut shells by-products (HSE) has antioxidant and chemopreventive effects on human melanoma and cervical cancer cell lines, inducing apoptosis by caspase-3 activation. A clinical translation is limited by poor water solubility and low bioavailability. Dried plant extracts often show critical characteristics such as sticky/gummy appearance, unpleasant smell, and instability involving practical difficulties in processing for industrial use. A spray drying method has been applied to transform raw HSE in a microparticulate powder. The biopolymeric matrix was based on l-proline as loading carrier, hydroxyethylcellulose in combination with pectin as coating polymers; lecithin and ethanol were used as solubility enhancers. A Hot-Cold-Hot method was selected to prepare the liquid feed. The thus prepared powder showed good technological properties (solid-state, particle dimensions, morphology, and water dissolution rate), stability, and unchanged chemopreventive effects with respect to the unprocessed HSE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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12 pages, 1185 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Encapsulation of β-Carotene by Emulsion Electrospraying Using Deep Eutectic Solvents

by Ahmet Ozan Basar, Cristina Prieto, Erwann Durand, Pierre Villeneuve, Hilal Turkoglu Sasmazel and Jose Lagaron

Molecules 2020, 25(4), 981; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25040981 - 22 Feb 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4772

Abstract

The encapsulation β-carotene in whey protein concentrate (WPC) capsules through the emulsion electrospraying technique was studied, using deep eutectic solvents (DES) as solvents. These novel solvents are characterized by negligible volatility, a liquid state far below 0 °C, a broad range of polarity, [...] Read more.

The encapsulation β-carotene in whey protein concentrate (WPC) capsules through the emulsion electrospraying technique was studied, using deep eutectic solvents (DES) as solvents. These novel solvents are characterized by negligible volatility, a liquid state far below 0 °C, a broad range of polarity, high solubilization power strength for a wide range of compounds, especially poorly water-soluble compounds, high extraction ability, and high stabilization ability for some natural products. Four DES formulations were used, based on mixtures of choline chloride with water, propanediol, glucose, glycerol, or butanediol. β-Carotene was successfully encapsulated in a solubilized form within WPC capsules; as a DES formulation with choline chloride and butanediol, the formulation produced capsules with the highest carotenoid loading capacity. SEM micrographs demonstrated that round and smooth capsules with sizes around 2 µm were obtained. ATR-FTIR results showed the presence of DES in the WPC capsules, which indirectly anticipated the presence of β-carotene in the WPC capsules. Stability against photo-oxidation studies confirmed the expected presence of the bioactive and revealed that solubilized β-carotene loaded WPC capsules presented excellent photo-oxidation stability compared with free β-carotene. The capsules developed here clearly show the significant potential of the combination of DES and electrospraying for the encapsulation and stabilization of highly insoluble bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 3328 KiB

Open AccessReview

Host-Guest Inclusion Complexes of Natural Products and Nanosystems: Applications in the Development of Repellents

by Gueive Astur Pena, Anna Sylmara da Costa Lopes, Sylvano Heleno Salgado de Morais, Lidiane Diniz do Nascimento, Fábio Rogério Rodrigues dos Santos, Kauê Santana da Costa, Cláudio Nahum Alves and Jerônimo Lameira

Molecules 2022, 27(8), 2519; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27082519 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2611

Abstract

Repellents are compounds that prevent direct contact between the hosts and the arthropods that are vectors of diseases. Several studies have described the repellent activities of natural compounds obtained from essential oils. In addition, these chemical constituents have been pointed out as alternatives [...] Read more.

Repellents are compounds that prevent direct contact between the hosts and the arthropods that are vectors of diseases. Several studies have described the repellent activities of natural compounds obtained from essential oils. In addition, these chemical constituents have been pointed out as alternatives to conventional synthetic repellents due to their interesting residual protection and low toxicity to the environment. However, these compounds have been reported with short shelf life, in part, due to their volatile nature. Nanoencapsulation provides protection, stability, conservation, and controlled release for several compounds. Here, we review the most commonly used polymeric/lipid nanosystems applied in the encapsulation of small organic molecules obtained from essential oils that possess repellent activity, and we also explore the theoretical aspects related to the intermolecular interactions, thermal stability, and controlled release of the nanoencapsulated bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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20 pages, 882 KiB

Open AccessReview

Microencapsulation of Bioactive Ingredients for Their Delivery into Fermented Milk Products: A Review

by Ruta Gruskiene, Alma Bockuviene and Jolanta Sereikaite

Molecules 2021, 26(15), 4601; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154601 - 29 Jul 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4887

Abstract

The popularity and consumption of fermented milk products are growing. On the other hand, consumers are interested in health-promoting and functional foods. Fermented milk products are an excellent matrix for the incorporation of bioactive ingredients, making them functional foods. To overcome the instability [...] Read more.

The popularity and consumption of fermented milk products are growing. On the other hand, consumers are interested in health-promoting and functional foods. Fermented milk products are an excellent matrix for the incorporation of bioactive ingredients, making them functional foods. To overcome the instability or low solubility of many bioactive ingredients under various environmental conditions, the encapsulation approach was developed. This review analyzes the fortification of three fermented milk products, i.e., yogurt, cheese, and kefir with bioactive ingredients. The encapsulation methods and techniques alongside the encapsulant materials for carotenoids, phenolic compounds, omega-3, probiotics, and other micronutrients are discussed. The effect of encapsulation on the properties of bioactive ingredients themselves and on textural and sensory properties of fermented milk products is also presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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19 pages, 546 KiB

Open AccessReview

Enhancement of Biological and Pharmacological Properties of an Encapsulated Polyphenol: Curcumin

by Bwalya Angel Witika, Pedzisai Anotida Makoni, Scott Kaba Matafwali, Larry Lawrence Mweetwa, Ginnethon Chaamba Shandele and Roderick Bryan Walker

Molecules 2021, 26(14), 4244; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26144244 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6240

Abstract

There is a dearth of natural remedies available for the treatment of an increasing number of diseases facing mankind. Natural products may provide an opportunity to produce formulations and therapeutic solutions to address this shortage. Curcumin (CUR), diferuloylmethane; I,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione is the major pigment [...] Read more.

There is a dearth of natural remedies available for the treatment of an increasing number of diseases facing mankind. Natural products may provide an opportunity to produce formulations and therapeutic solutions to address this shortage. Curcumin (CUR), diferuloylmethane; I,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione is the major pigment in turmeric powder which has been reported to exhibit a number of health benefits including, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. In this review, the authors attempt to highlight the biological and pharmacological properties of CUR in addition to emphasizing aspects relating to the biosynthesis, encapsulation and therapeutic effects of the compound. The information contained in this review was generated by considering published information in which evidence of enhanced biological and pharmacological properties of nano-encapsulated CUR was reported. CUR has contributed to a significant improvement in melanoma, breast, lung, gastro-intestinal, and genito-urinary cancer therapy. We highlight the impact of nano-encapsulated CUR for efficient inhibition of cell proliferation, even at low concentrations compared to the free CUR when considering anti-proliferation. Furthermore nano-encapsulated CUR exhibited bioactive properties, exerted cytotoxic and anti-oxidant effects by acting on endogenous and cholinergic anti-oxidant systems. CUR was reported to block Hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry into hepatic cells, inhibit MRSA proliferation, enhance wound healing and reduce bacterial load. Nano-encapsulated CUR has also shown bioactive properties when acting on antioxidant systems (endogenous and cholinergic). Future research is necessary and must focus on investigation of encapsulated CUR nano-particles in different models of human pathology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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22 pages, 1692 KiB

Open AccessReview

Lipid-Based Nanostructures for the Delivery of Natural Antimicrobials

by Cristian Mauricio Barreto Pinilla, Nathalie Almeida Lopes and Adriano Brandelli

Molecules 2021, 26(12), 3587; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26123587 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 4168

Abstract

Encapsulation can be a suitable strategy to protect natural antimicrobial substances against some harsh conditions of processing and storage and to provide efficient formulations for antimicrobial delivery. Lipid-based nanostructures, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid nanocarriers (NLCs), are valuable systems [...] Read more.

Encapsulation can be a suitable strategy to protect natural antimicrobial substances against some harsh conditions of processing and storage and to provide efficient formulations for antimicrobial delivery. Lipid-based nanostructures, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid nanocarriers (NLCs), are valuable systems for the delivery and controlled release of natural antimicrobial substances. These nanostructures have been used as carriers for bacteriocins and other antimicrobial peptides, antimicrobial enzymes, essential oils, and antimicrobial phytochemicals. Most studies are conducted with liposomes, although the potential of SLNs and NLCs as antimicrobial nanocarriers is not yet fully established. Some studies reveal that lipid-based formulations can be used for co-encapsulation of natural antimicrobials, improving their potential to control microbial pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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20 pages, 3908 KiB

Open AccessReview

Yeast Cells in Microencapsulation. General Features and Controlling Factors of the Encapsulation Process

by Giulia Coradello and Nicola Tirelli

Molecules 2021, 26(11), 3123; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113123 - 24 May 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 11925

Abstract

Besides their best-known uses in the food and fermentation industry, yeasts have also found application as microcapsules. In the encapsulation process, exogenous and most typically hydrophobic compounds diffuse and end up being passively entrapped in the cell body, and can be released upon [...] Read more.

Besides their best-known uses in the food and fermentation industry, yeasts have also found application as microcapsules. In the encapsulation process, exogenous and most typically hydrophobic compounds diffuse and end up being passively entrapped in the cell body, and can be released upon application of appropriate stimuli. Yeast cells can be employed either living or dead, intact, permeabilized, or even emptied of all their original cytoplasmic contents. The main selling points of this set of encapsulation technologies, which to date has predominantly targeted food and—to a lesser extent—pharmaceutical applications, are the low cost, biodegradability and biocompatibility of the capsules, coupled to their sustainable origin (e.g., spent yeast from brewing). This review aims to provide a broad overview of the different kinds of yeast-based microcapsules and of the main physico-chemical characteristics that control the encapsulation process and its efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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26 pages, 1765 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Recent Advances in Encapsulation, Protection, and Oral Delivery of Bioactive Proteins and Peptides using Colloidal Systems

by Sarah L. Perry and David Julian McClements

Molecules 2020, 25(5), 1161; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25051161 - 5 Mar 2020

Cited by 80 | Viewed by 8510

Abstract

There are many areas in medicine and industry where it would be advantageous to orally deliver bioactive proteins and peptides (BPPs), including ACE inhibitors, antimicrobials, antioxidants, hormones, enzymes, and vaccines. A major challenge in this area is that many BPPs degrade during storage [...] Read more.

There are many areas in medicine and industry where it would be advantageous to orally deliver bioactive proteins and peptides (BPPs), including ACE inhibitors, antimicrobials, antioxidants, hormones, enzymes, and vaccines. A major challenge in this area is that many BPPs degrade during storage of the product or during passage through the human gut, thereby losing their activity. Moreover, many BPPs have undesirable taste profiles (such as bitterness or astringency), which makes them unpleasant to consume. These challenges can often be overcome by encapsulating them within colloidal particles that protect them from any adverse conditions in their environment, but then release them at the desired site-of-action, which may be inside the gut or body. This article begins with a discussion of BPP characteristics and the hurdles involved in their delivery. It then highlights the characteristics of colloidal particles that can be manipulated to create effective BPP-delivery systems, including particle composition, size, and interfacial properties. The factors impacting the functional performance of colloidal delivery systems are then highlighted, including their loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency, protective properties, retention/release properties, and stability. Different kinds of colloidal delivery systems suitable for encapsulation of BPPs are then reviewed, such as microemulsions, emulsions, solid lipid particles, liposomes, and microgels. Finally, some examples of the use of colloidal delivery systems for delivery of specific BPPs are given, including hormones, enzymes, vaccines, antimicrobials, and ACE inhibitors. An emphasis is on the development of food-grade colloidal delivery systems, which could be used in functional or medical food applications. The knowledge presented should facilitate the design of more effective vehicles for the oral delivery of bioactive proteins and peptides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro- and Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds)

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