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Updated: Aug 30, 2025
10:16
Targeted Plasma Membrane Delivery of a Hydrophobic Cargo Encapsulated in a Liquid Crystal Nanoparticle Carrier
Published on: February 8, 2017
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NaCl Crystals as Carriers for Micronutrient Delivery
Simon E G Lepinay1, Raymond Nijveld2, Krassimir P Velikov1,3,4
1Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute (WZI), Institute of Physics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, Netherlands.
ACS Omega
|August 29, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel method for fortifying table salt with bioavailable iron using microscopic inclusions within NaCl crystals. This approach enhances iron stability and bioavailability, offering a new strategy for combating global iron deficiency anemia.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Materials Science
- Crystallography
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia is a major global health issue.
- Food fortification is a key strategy to increase iron intake.
- Current methods face challenges with iron stability and bioavailability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for iron fortification using sodium chloride (NaCl) crystals.
- To investigate the encapsulation of iron salts within microscopic liquid inclusions in NaCl.
- To enhance the stability and bioavailability of iron for nutritional purposes.
Main Methods:
- Encapsulation of dissolved iron salt within microscopic inclusions in NaCl crystals.
- Crystallization under varying relative humidity conditions.
- Analysis of inclusion morphology and density using Raman confocal microspectroscopy.
- Enhancement of crystal stability by growing a pure NaCl shell.
Main Results:
- Iron salts were successfully encapsulated in liquid inclusions within NaCl crystals, ensuring solubility and bioavailability.
- Inclusion density increased with lower relative humidity during crystallization.
- Inclusions evolved to a plate-like morphology with increasing size.
- Composite crystals with an outer NaCl shell showed enhanced stability.
Conclusions:
- NaCl crystals can serve as effective carriers for iron fortification through microscopic inclusions.
- This method offers a stable and bioavailable form of iron delivery.
- The approach holds potential for fortifying table salt with other essential micronutrients.
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