Highly efficient microencapsulation of phytonutrients by fractioned cellulose using biopolymer complexation...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Bioactive compounds often suffer from poor water solubility and low bioavailability.
• Nanocellulose offers a promising platform for encapsulating and delivering various molecules.
• Zetalife® is a nutritional ingredient composed of microencapsulated bioactive complexes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a nanocellulose-based polymeric network for encapsulating polar and non-polar bioactive complexes.
• To enhance the bioavailability of Zetalife® using an interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) with nanocellulose and phospholipids.
• To characterize the morphology, size, stability, and in vitro release kinetics of the encapsulated bioactive complexes.

Main Methods:

• Microencapsulation of ascorbic acid, resveratrol, holy basil extract, pomegranate extract, and niacin.
• Fabrication of an interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) incorporating nanocellulose and phospholipids.
• Morphological analysis using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM).
• Determination of average microbead size.
• Microbial content assessment for stability over storage.
• In vitro release studies to determine kinetic models.

Main Results:

• The nanocellulose-based IPN successfully encapsulated a range of bioactive complexes.
• Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) confirmed the morphology of the encapsulated molecules.
• The average microbead size was determined to be 244.2 nm.
• The formulation demonstrated good stability with measured microbial content over monthly storage intervals.
• In vitro release kinetics followed a first-order model with a high coefficient of determination (R²).

Conclusions:

• The developed nanocellulose-based IPN system effectively encapsulates bioactive compounds, enhancing bioavailability.
• The formulation exhibits favorable stability and controlled release characteristics.
• This technology holds potential for improving the efficacy of nutritional ingredients like Zetalife®.