Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Preparation and Characterization of Nanoliposomes for the Entrapment of Bioactive Hydrophilic Globular Proteins
Published on: August 31, 2019
Electrospraying as a suitable method for nanoencapsulation of the hydrophilic bioactive dihydrochalcone, aspalathin
Chantelle Human1, Dalene De Beer1, Marieta Van Der Rijst2
1Plant Bioactives Group, Post-Harvest and Agro-Processing Technologies, Agricultural Research Council (Infruitec-Nietvoorbij), Private Bag X5026, Stellenbosch 7599, South Africa; Department of Food Science, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland (Stellenbosch) 7600, South Africa.
Abstract:
The bioactive hydrophilic dihydrochalcone, aspalathin, has poor stability and bioavailability hampering its use in functional food ingredients with standardised aspalathin content. The aim of the study was to produce nanoparticles with controlled release to overcome these obstacles. Nanoencapsulation was investigated using both natural (chitosan and lecithin) and synthetic (poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and Eudragit S100® (ES100)) polymers by suitable conventional methods and electrospraying for all polymers. All polymer-method combinations produced particles smaller than 1.1 µm. Electrospraying produced more favourable results than conventional methods for the synthetic polymers, resulting in spherical particles with higher (p < 0.05) encapsulation efficiencies (>50%) and loading capacities (>10%). Opposite trends were observed for natural polymers. An in vitro release study revealed biphasic aspalathin release profiles at pH 7.4 with ES100 electrosprayed nanoparticles having the slowest (p < 0.05) release rate (1.67 h-1). Overall, ES100 electrosprayed nanoparticles showed the most favourable combination of parameters.
Related Concept Videos
Electrospray Ionization (ESI) Mass Spectrometry
ESI utilizes electrical energy to transfer ions from the liquid phase of the sample into the...
Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
The Scientific Method
The Scientific Method
Generally, predictions are tested using carefully-designed experiments. Based on the outcome of these...
Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
Newton’s Method

