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Nano- and microdelivery systems for marine bioactive lipids
David M Pereira1, Patrícia Valentão2, Paula B Andrade3
1REQUIMTE/Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal. dpereira@ff.up.pt.
Marine Drugs
|December 19, 2014
Summary
Marine lipids, like omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, offer health benefits but degrade easily. Micro/nanoparticles can protect these lipids, improving their absorption and bioavailability for better health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Biotechnology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Marine lipids, particularly omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), are recognized for significant human health benefits, including improved lipid profiles and cardioprotective effects.
- These beneficial compounds face challenges due to their inherent instability towards oxidative degradation and hydrophobicity, which negatively impact their pharmacokinetics and bioavailability.
- Consequently, marine lipids may not reach target sites at effective concentrations, limiting their therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the application of micro/nanodelivery systems for enhancing the stability and bioavailability of marine lipids.
- To review current micro/nanoparticle-based strategies for protecting marine lipids from degradation and improving their uptake.
- To discuss various bottom-up approaches for fabricating these delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on micro/nanodelivery systems for marine lipids.
- Emphasis on micro/nanoparticles, including micro/nanocapsules and emulsions.
- Discussion of bottom-up fabrication methods utilizing materials like casein, chitosan, and cyclodextrins.
Main Results:
- Micro/nanoparticles offer a promising strategy to overcome the instability and hydrophobicity of marine lipids.
- These systems can effectively prevent oxidative degradation and enhance the absorption, uptake, and bioavailability of omega-3 PUFAs.
- Various materials and fabrication techniques are available for developing effective micro/nanodelivery systems.
Conclusions:
- Micro/nanodelivery systems are crucial for maximizing the health benefits of marine lipids by improving their stability and bioavailability.
- The development of advanced micro/nanoparticles presents a viable solution to the pharmacokinetic challenges associated with marine lipid supplementation.
- Further research into bottom-up approaches can lead to optimized delivery systems for marine-derived nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.
