Programmed Sequential Release Behavior and Bioavailability of Curcumin and Fucoxanthin Co-Encapsulated in...

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Simultaneous delivery of multiple bioactive compounds is crucial for enhanced bioavailability.
• Programmed sequential release systems can target specific sites within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
• Food-grade delivery systems are essential for safe and effective nutrient encapsulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct food-grade solid-in-oil-in-water multilayer emulsions (S/O/W-E) for co-delivery.
• To achieve programmed sequential release of curcumin (Cur) and fucoxanthin (FUC) in the GIT.
• To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo performance of the S/O/W-E system.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of S/O/W-E using carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan-coated gliadin nanoparticles, coconut oil, and carboxymethyl starch/propylene glycol alginate complexes.
• In vitro digestion models simulating gastric, intestinal, and colonic environments.
• In vivo bioavailability studies and fluorescence imaging in animal models.

Main Results:

• Minimal release (<16.5%) of both Cur and FUC in simulated gastric fluid.
• High release of Cur (67.3%) in simulated intestinal fluid via erosion.
• Significant release of FUC (60.3%) in simulated colonic fluid, mediated by β-mannanase and erosion.
• In vivo studies showed a 6.4-fold increase in Cur bioavailability and targeted FUC delivery to the colon.

Conclusions:

• The developed S/O/W-E system effectively co-encapsulates Cur and FUC with programmed sequential release.
• The system enhances Cur bioavailability by targeting the small intestine and delivers FUC to the colon.
• This technology offers a promising approach for expanding the application of multilayer emulsions in co-delivery systems.