Modifications in stability and structure of whey protein-coated o/w emulsions by interacting chitosan and gum arabic mixed dispersions

Synthesis and characterization of innovative GA@Ag-CuO nanocomposite with potent antimicrobial and anticancer properties

Cancer and microbial infections place a significant burden on the world's health systems and can increase the rate of disease and mortality. In the current study, a novel nanocomposite based on Gum Arabic, silver and copper oxide nanoparticles (GA@Ag-CuO nanocomposite) was synthesized to overcome the problem of microbial infection and in cancer treatment. Characterization using UV-Vis. spectrophotometer reveals that, the observed peak in the spectrum was formed by the observed O.D. at 0.755, and confirmed that the produced GA@Ag-CuO nanocomposite was small and discernible at 360 nm. The particles' diameters varied from 9.5 nm to 49.5 nm, with a mean diameter of 25.53 ± 1.4 nm. The created Gum Arabic filtrate was rich in active functional groups, and the provided polydisperse NPs were intended to reduce, stabilize, and the produced filtrate act as capping agents. Based on the XRD data, the synthesized GA@Ag-CuO nanocomposite was crystallized and had a face-centered (fcc) crystal structure. Biosafety of GA@Ag-CuO nanocomposite was assessed toward Wi 38 normal cell line, where it showed safety toward the tested cell line where IC50 was 154.2 µg/mL. Antimicrobial results confirmed that, GA@Ag-CuO nanocomposite has antibacterial activity with MICs 15.6, 125, 31.25 and 125 µg/mL against S. epidermis, S. aureus, L. plantrum, and S. typhimurium, respectively. Likewise, it showed antifungal activity toward C. albicans and C. neoformans with MICs 62.5 and 15.62 µg/ml, respectively. Moreover, GA@Ag-CuO nanocomposite displayed promising anticancer activity with IC50 26.11 and 59.5 µg/ml toward MCF-7 and Hep-G2, respectively. In conclusion, the novel GA@Ag-CuO nanocomposite demonstrated promising antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities.

Recyclable bactericidal packaging films for emperor banana preservation

Food safety issues and food waste have always been hot topics of concern. This study aimed to develop a recyclable bactericidal packaging film that combines polylactic acid (PLA), graphitic carbon nitride (CN) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) to extend food shelf life. This film exhibited compactness and thermostability, as observed by scanning electron microscope and differential scanning calorimeter. The temperature of P/CN/CNT film could still reach 54 ± 4 °C after being used for 3 times. The film still has bactericidal activity on the 5th cycle use except for L. monocytogenes revealed by morphological characterization on bacteria. This film effectively extended the shelf life of banana to 7 days, as confirmed by measurements of hardness, pH value and total bacterial count of banana. This study provides a packaging film with recyclable bactericidal ability.

Green Synthesis of Zein-Based Nanoparticles Encapsulating Lupulone: Antibacterial and Antiphotoaging Agents

Prolonged skin exposure to UV radiation may result in sunburn, with possible inflammatory and oxidative stress to the skin, skin photoaging, photocarcinogenesis, even DNA damage, and apoptosis if sunscreen protection is not used. Due to the advantages that they offer, high encapsulation capability, increased stability of encapsulated bioactive agents, and release control, nanoparticulate materials have been used in sunscreens despite the hazard that they present: their capacity to penetrate the skin causing toxic side effects (especially the chemical sunscreens). The present study reports the preparation of nanoparticulate composites containing only GRAS substances and using an eco-friendly, inexpensive procedure. The ingredients used have properties that are beneficial to the skin. Zein (Z), a prolamin-rich protein from corn, is biodegradable and biocompatible, is a moisture attractor, and shows effective absorption by cells. Lupulone (L), extracted from hops, is an antibacterial and antioxidant agent that has a stimulating effect on the collagen production in the body due to its content of phytohormones. Gum arabic (GA) is a natural glycoprotein used in beverages and cosmetics as an emulsifier/stabilizer. Composite matrices containing Z/GA/L were prepared using a simple method (antisolvent), which replaces the flammable solvent ethanol with aqueous propylene glycol. The nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, composition, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity for L, size, zeta potential, and morphology (SEM). Their biological activity was investigated as well. The zein-based nanoparticles showed antioxidant and antimicrobial effects (even some synergistic, unexpected behavior) and modulatory activity on the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-1. Due to their properties, the nanoparticles discussed herein show potential for use in formulations for the skin, especially for mature skin, replacing chemical substances with potential side effects used typically in topical delivery systems.

Preparation of polysaccharide-based nanoparticles by chitosan and flaxseed gum polyelectrolyte complexation as carriers for bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) peptide delivery

Polysaccharide-based nanoparticles formed by the polyelectrolyte complexation between chitosan (CS) and flaxseed gum (FG) was developed in this work, and it was further used as a carrier for bighead carp peptide (BCP) delivery. The CS molecular weight (MW) of 50 kDa and CS/FG mass ratio of 1:2 at pH 3.5 were optimal conditions for the NP preparation, with the minimum particle size (∼155.1 nm) and the maximum BCP encapsulation efficiency (60.3 %). The BCP-loaded CS/FG NPs exhibited the smallest particle size (175.8 nm). Both CS/FG NPs and CS/FG-BCP NPs exhibited roughly uniform spherical shape. FT-IR spectra confirmed the existence of hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions in the nanoparticles. The BCP-loaded NPs displayed a higher thermal stability than BCP. Moreover, the release of BCP was controllable and dose-dependent, following a first-order kinetics model. These findings suggested that our CS/FG NPs are a promising carrier for bioactive peptide delivery.

Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Chitosan/Natural Acacia Gum Biopolymers: Effects of pH and Salt Concentrations

In this study, chitosan (CT) and naturally occurring acacia gum (AG) blends were employed as emulsifiers to form a series of emulsions developed from diesel and water. Effects of pH level (3, 5, 10, and 12) and various NaCl salt concentrations (0.25-1%) on the stability, viscosity, and interfacial properties of CT-(1%)/AG-(4%) stabilized Pickering emulsions were evaluated. Bottle test experiment results showed that the stability indexes of the CT/AG emulsions were similar under acidic (3 and 5) and alkaline (10 and 12) pH media. On the other hand, the effects of various NaCl concentrations on the stability of CT-(1%)/AG-(4%) emulsion demonstrated analogous behavior throughout. From all the NaCl concentrations and pH levels examined, viscosities of this emulsion decreased drastically with the increasing shear rate, indicating pseudoplastic fluid with shear thinning characteristics of these emulsions. The viscosity of CT-(1%)/AG-(4%) emulsion increased at a low shear rate and decreased with an increasing shear rate. The presence of NaCl salt and pH change in CT/AG solutions induced a transformation in the interfacial tension (IFT) at the diesel/water interface. Accordingly, the IFT values of diesel/water in the absence of NaCl/CT/AG (without emulsifier and salt) remained fairly constant for a period of 500 s, and its average IFT value was 26.16 mN/m. In the absence of salt, the addition of an emulsifier (CT-(1%)/AG-(4%)) reduced the IFT to 16.69 mN/m. When the salt was added, the IFT values were further reduced to 12.04 mN/m. At low pH, the IFT was higher (17.1 mN/M) compared to the value of the IFT (10.8 mN/M) at high pH. The results obtained will help understand the preparation and performance of such emulsions under different conditions especially relevant to oil field applications.

Cefotaxime incorporated bimetallic silver-selenium nanoparticles: promising antimicrobial synergism, antibiofilm activity, and bacterial membrane leakage reaction mechanism

In this research, we reported for the first time the simple incorporation of antibiotic cefotaxime (CFM) with the synthesized Ag NPs, Se NPs, and bimetallic Ag-Se NPs by gamma rays, as a promising cost-effective, and eco-friendly method. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by UV-Vis. spectroscopy, XRD, EDX, HR-TEM, SEM/mapping, and EDX studies. The antimicrobial synergistic potential was investigated after CFM drug incorporation. Antibiofilm activity, growth curve assay, and effect of UV illumination were examined against some pathogenic microbes. The antibacterial reaction mechanism was evaluated by protein leakage assay and SEM imaging. HRTEM imaging confirmed the spherical shape and an average diameter of 10.95, 20.54, and 12.69 nm for Ag NPs, Se NPs, and Ag-Se NPs, respectively. Ag NPs-CFM, Se NPs-CFM, and Ag-Se NPs-CFM possessed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (40, 42, and 43 mm ZOI, respectively), Escherichia coli (33, 35, and 34 mm ZOI, respectively) and Candida albicans (25, 22, and 23 mm ZOI, respectively). CFM-incorporated Ag-Se NPs were able to inhibit biofilm formation of S. aureus (96.09%), E. coli (98.32%), and C. albicans (95.93%). Based on the promising results, the synthesized nanocomposites showed superior antimicrobial potential at low concentrations and continued-phase durability; they may find use in pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications.

Microencapsulation of Plant Phenolic Extracts Using Complex Coacervation Incorporated in Ultrafiltered Cheese Against AlCl3-Induced Neuroinflammation in Rats

Plant-derived phenolic compounds have numerous biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. However, their application is limited because they are degraded under environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to microencapsulate plant phenolic extracts using a complex coacervation method to mitigate this problem. Red beet (RB), broccoli (BR), and spinach leaf (SL) phenolic extracts were encapsulated by complex coacervation. The characteristics of complex coacervates [zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE), FTIR, and morphology] were evaluated. The RB, BR, and SL complex coacervates were incorporated into an ultrafiltered (UF) cheese system. The chemical properties, pH, texture profile, microstructure, and sensory properties of UF cheese with coacervates were determined. In total, 54 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used, among which 48 rats were administered an oral dose of AlCl3 (100 mg/kg body weight/d). Nutritional and biochemical parameters, including malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, nitric oxide, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, were assessed. The RB, BR, and SL phenolic extracts were successfully encapsulated. The RB, BR, and SL complex coacervates had no impact on the chemical composition of UF cheese. The structure of the RB, BR, and SL complex coacervates in UF cheese was the most stable. The hardness of UF cheese was progressively enhanced by using the RB, BR, and SL complex coacervates. The sensory characteristics of the UF cheese samples achieved good scores and were viable for inclusion in food systems. Additionally, these microcapsules improved metabolic strategies and neurobehavioral systems and enhanced the protein biosynthesis of rat brains. Both forms failed to induce any severe side effects in any experimental group. It can be concluded that the microencapsulation of plant phenolic extracts using a complex coacervation technique protected rats against AlCl3-induced neuroinflammation. This finding might be of interest to food producers and researchers aiming to deliver natural bioactive compounds in the most acceptable manner (i.e., food).

Optimization of Saffron Essential Oil Nanoparticles Using Chitosan-Arabic Gum Complex Nanocarrier with Ionic Gelation Method

This study is aimed at optimizing the Saffron essential oil (SEO) nanoparticles using the ionic gelation method. Response surface methodology (RSM) with Box-Behnken design (BBD) was applied to investigate the optimum conditions and the effects of three independent variables: LWCS concentration (0.1-0.3%), Arabic gum concentration (9.6-9.8%), and ratio (core: wall material) (1 : 5, 1 : 7.5, 1 : 10) on the responses of z-average, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. The results showed that the quadratic model developed from the RSM was statistically significant (p value < 0.05). The quadratic model can be used to describe well the relationship between the variables on the response observed. The lack of fit was nonsignificant (p value > 0.05) relative to pure error for all response variables, indicating that the model fitted well. The model equation obtained for the process through RSM was adequate. The LWCS concentration and Arabic gum concentration had a significant effect on z-average and PDI. The ratio (oil: Arabic gum/LWCS) has a significant effect on zeta potential. The optimum condition was the LWCS concentration of 0.1% and Arabic gum concentration of 9.6%, and the ratio (oil: Arabic gum/LWCS) 1 : 5 produced the optimum SEO nanoparticles with a z-average value of 16.24, PDI of 0.495, and zeta potential of 15.76. The verification values were close to the predictive value given by the Design Expert® 12 program with p value > 0.05 at the 95% confidence level. Therefore, the application of the RSM with Box-Behnken was suitable for optimizing the saffron oil nanoparticles with desirable responses.

Fabrication and characterization of β-carotene emulsions stabilized by soy oleosin and lecithin mixtures with a composition mimicking natural soy oleosomes

Natural soy oleosomes are known to have a remarkable stability, given the advantage of their sophisticated membrane. The aim of the present study is to examine the concept of fabricating a β-carotene emulsion stabilized by soy oleosin (OLE) and lecithin (LEC) mixtures mimicking the membrane composition of soy oleosomes while providing preferable stability and bioaccessibility. For this, the fabricated emulsion was characterized in terms of droplet size distribution, and emulsion structure, stability and digestion (release and absorption of lipophilic β-carotene). Compared to SPI/LEC (10 : 1) stabilized emulsions, the OLE/LEC (10 : 1) mixture stabilized emulsion exhibited the highest emulsifying activity index (EAI) and emulsifying stability index (ESI) values, and higher encapsulation efficiency. Results show that the β-carotene emulsion stabilized by OLE and LEC mixtures at the ratio of 10 : 1 (w/w) has the most uniform droplet distribution and highest stability. The in vitro gastrointestinal digestion test revealed that the β-carotene emulsion stabilized by OLE and LEC mixtures was digested more rapidly than the emulsion stabilized by soy protein isolate (SPI) and LEC mixtures. In turn, the bioaccessibility and cellular uptake of β-carotene were enhanced, resulting in a higher absorption, a desirable feature of nutrition delivery systems. Our results demonstrated a promising way to fabricate emulsions mimicking natural soy oleosomes.

A visual bi-layer indicator based on roselle anthocyanins with high hydrophobic property for monitoring griskin freshness

This study designed a new type indicator with hydrophobic Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) film as a moisture prevent-layer. And the sensor layer was provided based on polyvinyl alcohol/Sodium alginate (PS) and Roselle anthocyanins (RAs). Physical properties, microstructure, and color stability of the bi-layer indicator have been investigated. The Water contact angle (WCA) of PS/RAs/ PVDF film (PSRF) was 108.85°, which can be considered as an excellent hydrophobic surface. The lowest Water Vapor Permeability (WVP) value of PSRF exhibited a good barrier property for moisture. Therefore, PSRF film was used to monitor the griskin freshness. The Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) level was increased to 18.02 mg/100 g at 72 h, and the color of the indicator presented visible color changes. The acquired results revealed a good correlation between TVB-N, pH and color change of the indicator. The research indicated that PSRF indicator has increasing potential application on food intelligent packaging.

Influence of chitosan on the emulsifying properties of egg yolk hydrolysates: study on creaming, thermal and oxidative stability

BACKGROUND

Egg yolk, as a natural emulsifier, is widely used in high-oil-phase food systems, such as mayonnaise and salad. However, the application of egg yolk in an oil-in-water system is still limited due to poor emulsifying stability. To improve the emulsifying capacity of egg yolk, the effect of chitosan addition sequence and concentration on emulsifying properties (creaming stability, thermal tolerance and oxidation resistance) of egg yolk hydrolysates were investigated.

RESULTS

Stacking sequence of multilayer materials has an influence on properties of composite emulsions. The composite emulsions with egg yolk hydrolysis dominate at the interface (functioning on reducing interfacial tension), and chitosan layered on the surface (providing steric hindrance) displayed better stability. Little chitosan addition (0.5 g × kg^-1 , w/w) was unhelpful for the dispersion of emulsion droplets as a result of bridging flocculation. At a chitosan concentration of 2 g kg^-1 (w/w), the composite emulsion possesses the best stability. When chitosan concentration was higher than 2 g kg^-1 (w/w), depletion flocculation would occur. Hydrolyzed egg yolk prepared composite emulsions possessed better thermal resistance, but with poorer oxidative stability as compared to natural egg yolk. In combination with chitosan it also displayed a negative effect on the oxidative stability of the emulsion system.

CONCLUSION

The research revealed the effect of chitosan addition on the physical and chemical stability of emulsions prepared with egg yolk hydrolysates. The results could provide guidance on expanding the application of egg yolk as an emulsifier in water-abundant food systems such as beverages. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Formulation, Characterization, and In Vitro Mineral Absorption of Ficus Palmata Fruit Extract Nanoemulsion

OBJECTIVE

Loss of vital bioactive components of Ficus palmata fruit extract during food processing is a major issue. Therefore, to retain the antioxidant potential and to increase the mineral bioavailability, gum arabic stabilized nanoemulsion of Fig fruit extract was prepared.

METHOD

. Nanoemulsion was formulated using three different levels (1, 3, and 5%) of fig extract, however, to optimize the fig extract concentration, the amount of gum arabic and linoleic acid was kept constant.

RESULTS

The average droplet size of nanoemulsion was observed in the range of 22.88-37.87 nm, whereas the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups in the emulsion system. Also, increased ionic concentration significantly (p < 0.05) increased the average droplet size and zeta potential of nanoemulsion during storage. Increased shear rate and temperature unveiled a slight decrease in apparent viscosity of the nanoemulsion. Non-significant (p < 0.05) difference in TBA value confirmed the oxidative stability of the emulsion. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher mineral bioavailability for calcium was observed as compared to iron and zinc.

CONCLUSION

Our results manifested improved anti-oxidant activity, mineral bioavailability, and oxidative stability of Fig extract nanoemulsion, suggesting its potential use as a therapeutic alternative.

Biodegradable nanoparticles from prosopisylated cellulose as a platform for enhanced oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs

Bio-inspired nanotechnology-based strategies are potential platforms for enhanced dissolution and oral biovailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. In this study, a recently patented green biopolymer (Prosopis africana gum, PG) was compatibilized with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a conventional polysaccharide, via thermo-regulated coacervation to obtain PG-MCC (1:0, 1:1, 1:2, 2:1, and 0:1) rational blends and the nanoparticles developed with optimized (1:1) biocomposites (termed "prosopisylated cellulose") by combined homogenization-nanoprecipitation technique was engineered as a high circulating system for improved oral bioavailability of griseofulvin (GF), a model Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) Class-II drug. The effects of biopolymer interaction on morphological and microstructural properties of drug-free biocomposites obtained were investigated by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffractometry, while the physicochemical properties and in-vivo pharmacokinetics of GF-loaded nanoparticles were also ascertained. Optimized biocomposites revealed inter-molecular and intra-molecular hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl group of MCC and polar components of PG, as well as reduction in crystallinity of MCC. Griseofulvin-loaded nanoparticles were stable, displayed particles with relatively smooth surfaces and average size of 26.18 ± 0.94 . nm, with zeta potential and polydispersity index of 32.1 ± 0.57 mV and 0.173 ± 0.06, respectively. Additionally, the nanoparticles showed good entrapment efficiency (86.51 ± 0.93 %), and marked improvement in griseofulvin dissolution when compared to free drug, with significantly (p < 0.05) higher GF release in basic than acidic PEG-reinforced simulated bio-microenvironments. Besides, x-ray diffractogram of GF-loaded nanoparticles showed amorphization with few characteristic peaks of GF while infra-red spectrum indicated broader principal peaks of GF and components compatibility. Furthermore, GF-loaded nanoparticles showed low plasma clearance with three-fold increase in systemic bioavailability of griseofulvin compared with free drug. These results showed that prosopisylated cellulose nanoparticles would be a facile approach to improve oral bioavailability of BCS class-II drugs and can be pursued as a new versatile drug delivery platform.

Microencapsulation of Vanilla Oleoresin (V. planifolia Andrews) by Complex Coacervation and Spray Drying: Physicochemical and Microstructural Characterization

Vanilla is one of the most popular species in the world. Its main compound, vanillin, is responsible for its characteristic aroma and flavor and its antioxidant and biological properties. Vanillin is very unstable in the presence of oxygen, light, and humidity, which complicates its use and preservation. Therefore, to solve this problem, this study aimed to develop vanilla oleoresin microcapsules. Vanilla oleoresin was obtained with supercritical carbon dioxide and microencapsulated by complex coacervation and subsequent spray drying (100 °C/60 °C inlet/outlet temperature). The optimal conditions for the complex coacervation process were 0.34% chitosan, 1.7% gum Arabic, 5.29 pH, and an oleoresin:wall material ratio of 1:2.5. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis of the coacervates before and after spray drying revealed the presence of the functional group C=N (associated with carbonyl groups of vanillin and amino groups of chitosan), indicating that microencapsulation by complex coacervation-spray drying was successful. The retention and encapsulation efficiencies were 84.89 ± 1.94% and 69.20 ± 1.79%. The microcapsules obtained from vanilla oleoresin had high vanillin concentration and the presence of other volatile compounds and essential fatty acids. All this improves the aroma and flavor of the product, increasing its consumption and application in various food matrices.

Gum Arabic polymer-stabilized and Gamma rays-assisted synthesis of bimetallic silver-gold nanoparticles: Powerful antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against pathogenic microbes isolated from diabetic foot patients

In this research, irradiation by gamma rays was employed as an eco-friendly route for the construction of bimetallic silver-gold nanoparticles (Ag-Au NPs), while Gum Arabic polymer was used as a capping agent. Ag-Au NPs were characterized through UV-Vis., XRD, EDX, HR-TEM, FTIR, SEM/mapping and EDX analysis. Antibiofilm and antimicrobial activities were examined against some bacteria and Candida sp. isolates from diabetic foot patients. Our results revealed that the synthesis of Ag-Au NPs depended on the concentrations of tetra-chloroauric acid and silver nitrate. HR-TEM analysis confirmed the spherical nature and an average diameter of 18.58 nm. FTIR results assured many functional groups in Gum Arabic which assisted in increasing the susceptibility of incorporation with Ag-Au NPs. Our results showed that, Ag-Au NPs exhibited the highest antimicrobial performance against B. subtilis (14.30 mm ZOI) followed by E. coli (12.50 mm ZOI) and C. tropicalis (11.90 mm ZOI). In addition, Ag-Au NPs were able to inhibit the biofilm formation by 99.64%, 94.15%, and 90.79% against B. subtilis, E. coli, and C. tropicalis, respectively. Consequently, based on the promising properties, they showed superior antimicrobial potential at low concentration and continued-phase durability, they can be extensively-used in many pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.

Effect of Chitosan/BSA Addition on the Physical Stability of Sunflower Oil Emulsions

Proteins and polysaccharides are important ingredients and additives in food field. The aim of this study was to study the effect of chitosan and bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution on the physical stability of sunflower oil emulsions at different pH values, temperatures, and BSA/chitosan ratios during 20-day storage in terms of their storage stability, zeta potential, particle size, and microstructure. The results showed that pH, protein/polysaccharide ratio, and temperature significantly influenced the physical stability of emulsions at lower pH. The emulsion stability decreased as the test temperatures increased, and the storage stability of BSA/chitosan coated oil emulsions was obtained when the ratio was from 8 : 1 to 1 : 1 under 4°C for 20-day storage when pH values were 3.0 and 4.0. Droplet flocculation happened with the increase of chitosan addition and pH value.

Thermodynamic compatibility and interactions between Speckled Sugar bean protein and xanthan gum for production of multilayer O/W emulsion

Thermodynamic compatibility and probable interactions between Speckled Sugar been protein (SSBP) and xanthan gum for production of multilayer O/W emulsion (30% oil) were investigated. Different interactions were observed between SSBP and xanthan at different pH (3-7) including electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding. These interactions were predominant at pH 3. When low xanthan gum concentration (0.1%) was used, phase separation and complex coacervation observed at this pH (negative effect of interactions). However, at pH 5, only 0.1% xanthan was enough to drastically reduce non-dissolved protein and its precipitation which normally occurs at this pH. In addition, incompatibility or segregative phase behavior which normally occurs when protein and polysaccharide have same charges was not observed (positive effects of interactions). Protein-gum interactions influenced emulsion properties (zeta potential, particle size, PDI, rheology, emulsion capacity, heat stability and creaming rate). Interactions had considerable influence on emulsion shelf life and produced completely stable emulsions at all pH values. Results confirmed that SSBP-xanthan gum mixture has a high potential for production of multilayer emulsions.

A Bioinspired Alginate-Gum Arabic Hydrogel with Micro-/Nanoscale Structures for Controlled Drug Release in Chronic Wound Healing

Biopolymeric hydrogels have drawn increasing research interest in biomaterials due to their tunable physical and chemical properties for both creating bioactive cellular microenvironment and serving as sustainable therapeutic reagents. Inspired by a naturally occurring hydrogel secreted from the carnivorous Sundew plant for trapping insects, here we have developed a bioinspired hydrogel to deliver mitsugumin 53 (MG53), an important protein in cell membrane repair, for chronic wound healing. Both chemical compositions and micro-/nanomorphological properties inherent from the natural Sundew hydrogel were mimicked using sodium alginate and gum arabic with calcium ion-mediated cross-linking. On the basis of atomic force microscopy (AFM) force measurements, an optimal sticky hydrogel scaffold was obtained through orthogonal experimental design. Imaging and mechanical analysis showed the distinct correlation between structural morphology, adhesion characteristics, and mechanical properties of the Sundew-inspired hydrogel. Combined characterization and biochemistry techniques were utilized to uncover the underlying molecular composition involved in the interactions between hydrogel and protein. In vitro drug release experiments confirmed that the Sundew-inspired hydrogel had a biphasic-kinetics release, which can facilitate both fast delivery of MG53 for improving the reepithelization process of the wounds and sustained release of the protein for treating chronic wounds. In vivo experiments showed that the Sundew-inspired hydrogel encapsulating with rhMG53 could facilitate dermal wound healing in mouse model. Together, these studies confirmed that the Sundew-inspired hydrogel has both tunable micro-/nanostructures and physicochemical properties, which enable it as a delivery vehicle for chronic wounding healing. The research may provide a new way to develop biocompatible and tunable biomaterials for sustainable drug release to meet the needs of biological activities.