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Conformation-Driven Bilayer Nanocarriers for Anthocyanins Using Shell Polysaccharides: Stabilization Mechanisms and
Chunting Zhu1,2, Jing Xu1,2, Yunmei Ma1,2
1School of Life Science, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130032, China.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Plant-based nanocarriers enhance blueberry anthocyanin (BA) stability and bioavailability. Carrageenan (CGN) coating demonstrated superior protection against digestion and light, boosting BA
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Nutraceutical Development
Background:
- Blueberry anthocyanins (BAs) possess significant antioxidant and lipid-regulating properties.
- Chemical instability and poor oral bioavailability of BAs limit their therapeutic potential.
- Novel delivery systems are needed to improve BA stability and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize plant-based bilayer nanocarriers for blueberry anthocyanins.
- To evaluate the protective effects of gum arabic (GA) and carrageenan (CGN) shells against degradation.
- To assess the impact of nanocarriers on BA bioavailability and lipid-lowering effects in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of soybean lecithin-based nanocarriers with GA or CGN shells.
- Encapsulation efficiency determination and structural analysis (non-covalent interactions, amorphous state).
- Assessment of stability against thermal stress, light, metal ions, ascorbic acid, and simulated gastrointestinal digestion (INFOGEST).
- Evaluation of lipid-lowering effects in an oleic-acid-induced HepG2 cell model.
Main Results:
- High encapsulation efficiencies achieved for both GA (79.7%) and CGN (81.9%) systems.
- CGN coating provided superior protection against light, metal ions, ascorbic acid, and simulated intestinal digestion compared to GA.
- Anthocyanin retention in the intestinal phase was 47% (GA) and 51% (CGN), with better antioxidant activity preservation.
- CGN-coated nanocarriers significantly enhanced the lipid-lowering effect of BAs in HepG2 cells.
Conclusions:
- Plant-based nanocarriers effectively stabilize blueberry anthocyanins.
- Carrageenan (CGN) coating offers superior protection and enhances the bioavailability and biological efficacy of anthocyanins.
- CGN nanocarriers show promise for developing functional foods and nutraceuticals with improved lipid-lowering benefits.
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