Encapsulation of bioactives within electrosprayed κ-carrageenan nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Bioactive agents like d-limonene (DL) are often sensitive to environmental factors, limiting their application.
• Developing effective encapsulation strategies is crucial for preserving the integrity and efficacy of sensitive compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and characterize d-limonene (DL) loaded κ-carrageenan (κC) nanoparticles (NPs) using electrospray synthesis.
• To evaluate the encapsulation efficiency, pH-dependent release, and stability of DL within the κC NPs.

Main Methods:

• Electrospray synthesis was employed to create DL-κC NPs from a solution of DL and κC.
• Nanoparticle morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release kinetics were analyzed.
• Photostability and thermostability of encapsulated DL were assessed under UV light and elevated temperatures.

Main Results:

• Spherical DL-κC NPs were successfully synthesized with a maximum encapsulation efficiency of approximately 97%.
• The nanoparticles exhibited pH-dependent drug release in vitro.
• κC concentration positively correlated with enhanced photostability and thermostability of DL, preserving >85% DL after 120 min UV exposure at 0.5% κC.

Conclusions:

• Electrosprayed κ-carrageenan nanoparticles are effective for high-loading encapsulation of sensitive bioactive agents like d-limonene.
• The developed NPs offer pH-sensitive release and improved stability, showing promise for various applications.