Characterization of pomegranate peel extract loaded nanophytosomes and the enhancement of bio-accessibility and storage stability.

Nano-phytosomes are lipid-based nano-carriers and rapidly growing technology for products containing phytochemicals. In this study, pomegranate peel extract (PPE) loaded nanophytosomes (NP) were prepared with phosphatidylcholine (PC) based on thin layer hydration method. The characterization of NP such as entrapment efficiency (EE), particle size, poly-dispersity index (PDI), ζ-potential and microstructural properties was studied and in vitro bioaccessibility and storage stability of bioactive properties were investigated. The highest EE was determined as 94.99 %, indicating a unique ability as nano-carrier. PPE-loaded NPs showed good characteristics, such as lower PDI values (<0.5), lower particle size (166.70-144.40 nm), and spherical shape of microstructure. All NP complexes showed significant bioaccessibility with TPC, CUPRAC, and ABTS values >50 % in the intestinal medium. The lowest TPC and color difference (ΔE) during 28 days of storage were found at 4 °C, although all NP samples showed better stability at all storage temperatures up to 21 days.

Production and characterization of biodegradable bi-layer films from poly(lactic) acid and zein.

Recently, packaging industry has turned to biodegradable packaging, and poly(lactic acid) has become the most remarkable polymer. However, the high oxygen permeability of PLA films significantly limits their use. Therefore, this study, it was aimed to improve the oxygen barrier properties of PLA films without adversely affecting the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties. Biodegradable PLA-Zein bi-layer films were produced by changing PLA and zein thickness. Transparent and UV barrier bi-layer films were obtained. Mechanical properties of PLA films were improved by the production of bi-layer films. Water vapor permeability of bi-layer films increased whereas the permeance decreased with zein coating of PLA. Multi-criteria decision hierarchy was used to select the best bi-layer films based on mechanical, permeance, and opacity results. Oxygen barrier properties of PLA film significantly improved by zein coating, and hydrophobicity of PLA film was not affected by zein coating. The crystallization and melting temperatures of films decreased when compared to PLA films, supporting the mechanical results. Homogeneous, non-porous, and smooth film surface was obtained and zein layer was in good compatibility with PLA layer. These results suggest that zein coatings could be used to decrease oxygen permeability of PLA films without negatively affecting other properties.