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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
09:47
Facile Preparation of Internally Self-assembled Lipid Particles Stabilized by Carbon Nanotubes
Published on: February 19, 2016
Lipid/particle assemblies based on maltodextrin-gum arabic core as bio-carriers
Joana F P S Gomes1, Sandra Rocha, Maria do Carmo Pereira
1LEPAE, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal. joana.gomes@fe.up.pt
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|January 12, 2010
Summary
Researchers developed a novel nanoparticle system using maltodextrin and gum arabic, coated with lipids, to protect and deliver epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This system shows high EGCG retention efficiency at physiological pH for potential use in controlled release applications.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant found in green tea, is known for its health benefits but suffers from poor stability and bioavailability.
- Developing effective delivery systems is crucial to harness the full potential of EGCG in functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel nanoparticle system for the encapsulation and controlled release of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
- To evaluate the stability and protective capabilities of the developed system for EGCG under physiological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a polysaccharide core (maltodextrin/gum arabic) using homogenization and spray-drying.
- Lipid coating of the polysaccharide core with egg-yolk l-alpha-phosphatidylcholine (Egg-PC)/stearylamine (SA) bilayers via lipid film hydration.
- Characterization using zeta potential measurements, cryogenic-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Main Results:
- Successful formation of lipid-coated polysaccharide nanoparticles with altered surface charge (negative to positive).
- Electron microscopy confirmed the presence of lipid bilayers, and DLS indicated an increase in particle size post-coating.
- AFM demonstrated the mechanical robustness of the polysaccharide core.
- High retention efficiency of EGCG was observed at physiological pH, indicating effective encapsulation and protection.
Conclusions:
- The developed lipid/polysaccharide nanoparticle system effectively encapsulates and protects epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
- The system exhibits high EGCG retention efficiency at physiological pH, suggesting suitability for oral delivery.
- This novel system holds promise for the controlled release of EGCG and other tea catechins in food and pharmaceutical applications.
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