Influence of lipid content and dilution on properties and stability of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) prepared from rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) kernel fat and evaluation of their β-carotene loading capacity

Abstract

The effects of lipid content and dilution on the properties and stability of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) prepared from rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) kernel fat were investigated. The β-carotene-loading capacity of the NLCs was also evaluated. NLCs containing various lipid phase concentrations (5, 10, and 15?wt%) were prepared using Tween 80 as the emulsifier with a lipid to emulsifier weight ratio of 1:0.2. The results showed that an increase in the lipid content up to 15?wt% had no effect on the zeta-potential, particle size and polydispersity index but resulted in a higher particle density. All samples showed no phase separation during storage at 25?°C for 28?days; however, the relative recrystallization index (RRI) increased. Dilution of concentrated NLC (15?wt%) to a lower lipid content (5 and 10?wt%) produced no differences in the particle characteristics and stability during storage. NLCs loaded with β-carotene at different concentrations (0, 0.5, and 1?wt% of the lipid phase) exhibited desirable characteristics and had high encapsulation efficiency (～97%) over 28?days of storage. These results demonstrated that NLC prepared from rambutan kernel fat can be used to entrap lipophilic bioactive components which could be used as ingredients in functional food products.     

A new pyrone derivative from the endophytic fungus Penicillium paxilli PSU-A71

One new pyrone derivative, named penicillone (1), together with paxilline, pyrenocines A (2) and B (3) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Penicillium paxilli PSU-A71. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Pyrenocine B (3) mildly inhibited the growth of Microsporum gypseum SH-MU-4 with a MIC value of 32 microg/ml.     

Gallic acid‐loaded electrospun cellulose acetate nanofibers as potential wound dressing materials

Gallic acid (GA)–loaded cellulose acetate (CA) nanofiber mats with 10 to 40 wt.% GA contents (based on the weight of CA) were fabricated by electrospinning. The effects of GA contents and applied potential on the morphology and the average diameters of fibers were studied. The electrospun fiber mats containing 20 and 40 wt.% GA were investigated for their potential use as carrier of GA in wound dressing application. The GA‐loaded CA films were prepared by solvent casting technique for use in comparative studies. Determination of the release characteristics of GA from the GA‐loaded fiber mats and films was carried out by the total immersion and the transdermal diffusion through a pig skin method in acetate buffer solution (pH 5.5) or normal saline (pH 7.0) at either 32 or 37°C, respectively. In the total immersion method, the maximum amounts of the GA released from the fiber mats containing 20 and 40 wt.% GA in the acetate buffer were approximately 97% and 71% (based on the weight of initial GA), while those of the GA released into the normal saline were approximately 96% and 81%, respectively. Lower values were observed in the experiments of the transdermal diffusion through a pig skin method. The corresponding GA‐loaded CA films showed the lower amounts of GA released into media. The as‐loaded and the as‐released GA remained its antioxidant activity as investigated by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Lastly, the GA‐loaded CA fiber mats exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, which showed the potential for use as wound dressing materials.