Optimizing prodigiosin nanoencapsulation in different wall materials by freeze drying: Characterization and release...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Food Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Prodigiosin, a microbial pigment from Serratia marcescens, requires stabilization for practical applications.
• Encapsulation techniques are crucial for improving the stability and bioavailability of natural pigments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To encapsulate prodigiosin using different wall materials: beta-cyclodextrin (BCD), maltodextrin (MD), gum Arabic (GA), and soy protein isolate (SPI).
• To evaluate the impact of these wall materials on prodigiosin stability, bioavailability, and release characteristics.
• To identify the most effective wall material for enhancing prodigiosin properties.

Main Methods:

• Prodigiosin was produced by Serratia marcescens and encapsulated using emulsion followed by ultrasonication, homogenization, and freeze-drying.
• Various wall materials (BCD, MD, GA, SPI) were tested for nanoparticle formation.
• Encapsulation efficiency, particle size, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and in vitro release studies were performed.

Main Results:

• High encapsulation efficiencies were achieved, with gum Arabic (PGAN) showing 89.15%.
• Particle sizes ranged from 115.63 to 181.42 nm, with PGAN being the largest.
• FTIR confirmed successful encapsulation, and DSC indicated enhanced thermal stability, especially for GA-based nanoparticles.
• In vitro release studies demonstrated controlled release, with PGAN showing the slowest release under gastric conditions.

Conclusions:

• Gum Arabic (GA) is the most effective wall material for enhancing prodigiosin stability and achieving controlled release.
• The developed prodigiosin nanoparticles show potential for use in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.