Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) treatment improved in-package shelf-life of strawberry fruit.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) treatment on the microbial inactivation, physicochemical properties, and shelf-life of strawberry fruit with its extended in-package storage at room (25 °C) and refrigerated (4 °C) temperature. ACP treatment of 10, 15 and 30 min was studied on strawberry fruit using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) at 60 kV with an input voltage of 260 V at 50 Hz. The shelf-life of ACP treated strawberry was extended to 5 days at 25 °C and 9 days at 4 °C in sealed ACP package. However, non-treated packaged strawberry was degraded in 2 days. ACP treatment of 15 min resulted in 2 log reduction of microbial load and enhanced the concentration of chlorogenic acid, hyprin, phloretin, vanillin, gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and rutin during in-package storage of 5 day (~ 120 h) at 25 °C with respect to control (p < 0.05). In addition, ACP treatment of 15 min at 60 kV was also found to increase the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. However, total soluble solids, pH and moisture were not affected with ACP treatment (p > 0.05). Therefore, ACP treatment of 15 min with in-package storage of 5 days (~ 120 h) was found to be advantageous for increasing the shelf-life and functional quality of strawberry fruit.

Beta-carotene-Encapsulated Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (BC-SLNs) as Promising Vehicle for Cancer: an Investigative Assessment.

Beta-carotene (BC), a red-colored pigment found in plants and animals, is one of the most extensively investigated carotenoids due to its provitamin-A, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The anticancer activity of BC through oral administration is severely affected due to its low bioavailability and oxidative degradation. The present study aimed to formulate and characterize solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of BC for enhanced bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Beta-carotene-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (BC-SLNs) were prepared employing different combinations of glyceryl monostearate and gelucire. The characterization studies were performed for particle size, morphology, release behavior, and stability. BC-SLNs were also studied for in vitro cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) and pharmacokinetic studies in Wistar rats. The cytotoxicity studies confirmed that encapsulation of BC within the lipid bilayers of nanoparticles did not affect its anticancer efficacy. An improved anticancer activity was observed in BC-SLNs as compared to the free BC. BC-SLNs enhanced the bioavailability of BC on oral administration by sustaining its release from the lipid core and prolongation of circulation time in the body. Similarly, area under the curve (AUCtotal) enhanced 1.92-times more when BC was incorporated into SLNs as compared to free BC. In conclusion, solid lipid nanoparticles could be an effective and promising strategy to improve the biopharmaceutical properties of carotenoids for anticancer effects.

Lycopene loaded whey protein isolate nanoparticles: An innovative endeavor for enhanced bioavailability of lycopene and anti-cancer activity.

The work entails a novel strategy of formulating the lycopene loaded whey protein isolate nanoparticles (LYC-WPI-NPs) solely using the rational blend of biomacromolecule without using equipment-intensive techniques. The LYC-WPI-NPs were fabricated as a substantial drug delivery platform, with maximum entrapment, spatial and controlled release manners, exceptional plasma concentration, and perspective for discrepancy delivery of therapeutics. Prepared nano-formulations were measured in ultra-fine size (100-350 nm) with sphere-shaped. The percent lycopene entrapment of prepared LYC-WPI-NPs was estimated in the range to 50 and 65%. In vitro percent cumulative release study demonstrated deaden and extended release i.e. approximately 75% following 16th h. The in vitro percent cell survival (cytotoxicity study) of prepared nanoparticles was evaluated against MCF-7 breast cancer cells by MTT based colorimetric assay. Sub-cellular localization of lycopene when delivered by LYC-WPI-NPs was assessed by HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography). The WPI-NPs enhance the oral bioavailability of lycopene by controlling its release from nano-formulation and facilitating its absorption through lymphatic pathways. Prophylactic anticancer efficacy of LYC-WPI-NPs was evaluated thereafter on experimentally induced breast cancer animal model. Conclusively, it may quite reasonable that lycopene loaded protein nanoparticles are competent to improve the biopharmaceutical attributes of lycopene and demonstrated prophylactic anticancer activity, decrease tumor proliferation and increase the survival rate of treated animals, thus signifying their feasible usefulness in cancer therapeutic and intervention.

Beta carotene-loaded zein nanoparticles to improve the biopharmaceutical attributes and to abolish the toxicity of methotrexate: a preclinical study for breast cancer.

Beta carotene (ßC) loaded nanoparticles of zein (ßC-NPs) were developed using modified phase separation technique. ßC-NPs were prepared using different zein concentration and optimized formulation was selected on the basis of micromeritics properties and entrapment efficiency. Further, ßC-NPs were evaluated for in vitro release, in vitro cell-survival, cellular localization and apoptosis induced in MCF-7 cells. The combined effect of the ßC and its nanoparticulate counterpart with MTX was evaluated thereafter for cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity in MCF-7 cells. In comparison to free ßC, the ßC-NPs demonstrated noteworthy improvement in various biopharmaceutical attributes viz Cmax (∼2.3-folds), AUCtotal (2.7-folds), t1/2 (∼1.5 folds) and MRT (∼1.5 folds), further indicating the remarkable increment in oral bioavailability of ßC after incorporation in zein nanoparticles. The anti-tumour potential of prepared ßC-NPs and effects of free ßC and ßC-NPs were investigated upon anticancer efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) in experimentally induced breast cancer rat model. Protective role of ßC on MTX-associated hepatic toxicity in wistar rats was also determined using haematological and histopathological approaches. In a nutshell, zein nanoparticles improved the cellular uptake, cytotoxicity and exhibited enhanced oral biopharmaceutical performance of ßC. This combination regimen could also be promising platform to facilitate the therapeutic benefits of anticancer agents.

Rheological properties and microstructure of xylanase containing whole wheat bread dough.

The present research work was undertaken to investigate the effect of xylanase, produced by Penicillium citrinum, on rheological behavior of whole wheat bread dough at large and small deformation respectively. Dough attributes including textural properties (penetration) and structure related characteristics (oscillatory tests) were evaluated. Change in visco-elastic properties of xylanase containing dough was evaluated by oscillatory and creep measurements. The flow experiments were conducted under steady-state condition with shear rate ranging from 0.01 to 100 s-1. Frequency sweep experiments were performed between 0.01 and 10 Hz. It revealed that in both control and xylanase containing dough formulation, the elastic modulus was higher than viscous modulus in the entire range of frequency. Our results represent the adequacy of fitting of dynamic moduli in Power law model and week gel model. Peleg model as well as six element Kelvin model described well the creep behaviour of control and xylanase-containing dough. Uniaxial extensibility was assessed by Kieffer dough and gluten extensibility rig. Lyophilized powder of untreated and xylanase treated doughs were tested under scanning electron microscope. FTIR spectra of lyophilized powder of untreated and xylanase treated dough were recorded in the range of 600-4000 cm-1.

Microencapsulation of ß-Carotene Based on Casein/Guar Gum Blend Using Zeta Potential-Yield Stress Phenomenon: an Approach to Enhance Photo-stability and Retention of Functionality.

ß-Carotene, abundant majorly in carrot, pink guava yams, spinach, kale, sweet potato, and palm oil, is an important nutrient for human health due to its scavenging action upon reactive free radicals wherever produced in the body. Inclusion of liposoluble ß-carotene in foods and food ingredients is a challenging aspect due to its labile nature and low absorption from natural sources. This fact has led to the application of encapsulation of ß-carotene to improve stability and bioavailability. The present work was aimed to fabricate microcapsules (MCs) of ß-carotene oily dispersion using the complex coacervation technique with casein (CA) and guar gum (GG) blend. The ratio of CA:GG was found to be 1:0.5 (w/v) when optimized on the basis of zeta potential-yield stress phenomenon. These possessed a higher percentage yield (71.34 ± 0.55%), lower particle size (176.47 ± 4.65 µm), higher encapsulation efficiency (65.95 ± 5.33%), and in general, a uniform surface morphology was observed with particles showing optimized release behavior. Prepared MCs manifested effective and controlled release (up to 98%) following zero-order kinetics which was adequately explained by the Korseymer-Peppas model. The stability of the freeze-dried MCs was established in simulated gastrointestinal fluids (SGF, SIF) for 8 h. Antioxidant activity of the MCs was studied and revealed the retention of the functional architecture of ß-carotene in freeze-dried MCs. Minimal photolytic degradation upon encapsulation of ß-carotene addressed the challenge regarding photo-stability of ß-carotene as confirmed via mass spectroscopy.

Fabrication and functional attributes of lipidic nanoconstructs of lycopene: An innovative endeavour for enhanced cytotoxicity in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

The present study investigates the anticancer efficacy of lycopene loaded lipidic nanostructured particles. With a homogenization-evaporation technique, lycopene loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (LYC-SLNs) were fabricated with different ratios of biocompatible viz. compritol ATO 888 and gelucire, and evaluated for their micromeretics properties, in vitro release, in vitro cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and apoptosis induced in MCF-7 cells. Effects of anticancer potential of LYC-SLNs on the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX), a well-established anticancer agent, was evaluated thereafter. Cell culture experiments revealed a considerably higher cellular uptake of LYC-SLNs in MCF-7 cells, as compared to the free LYC. The concentration and time dependent cell survival of MCF-7 cells was significantly reduced by LYC-SLNs, as compared to their free LYC counterparts. Additionally, the combined cytotoxicity of the LYC and its nanostructured formulation with MTX was evaluated. The results of cytotoxicity and apoptotic study revealed synergism at all-time points up to 48h. In a nutshell, the combination regimen could be promising approach to improve the therapeutic benefits of anticancer agents.

Formation and functional attributes of electrostatic complexes involving casein and anionic polysaccharides: An approach to enhance oral absorption of lycopene in rats in vivo.

The current work entails a novel strategy of formulating the microparticles of lycopene solely using rational blends of biopolymers without using equipment-intensive techniques. The study is intended to enhance oral bioavailability of lycopene by controlling its release from micro-formulation and facilitating its absorption though lymphatic pathways. Considering the minimum particle size, maximum entrapment efficiency and loading capacity, the amounts of casein (i.e., protein) and gum tragacanth (i.e., polysaccharide) were selected as the critical factors for formulation of microparticles. Complex formation and electrostatic interaction was confirmed by Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectra. Size and surface properties of microparticles were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimized formulation (mean particle size: ∼130µm; % entrapment efficiency: ∼67% and loading capacity: ∼71%) designated noticeable improvement in lycopene release profile (over 80% in 24h). Increment in the values of Cmax (2.22-fold) and AUC (1.97-fold) further indicated noteworthy augmentation in the rate and extent of bioavailability by the microparticles formulation compared to plain lycopene. The resulting formulation was found to be quite stable all through two months of study episode. The resultant microparticles formulation was evaluated for antioxidant activity and tested for their effectiveness in self life enhancement of vegetable oil by calculating peroxide value under temperature and storage condition. Encapsulation strongly increased the stability of micronutrients. The current investigations, therefore, report the successful development of biopolymeric microparticles with improved bioavailability potential of lycopene.

Characterization of microcapsulated ß-carotene formed by complex coacervation using casein and gum tragacanth.

Complex coacervation in casein/gum tragacanth (CAS/GT) mixtures was studied as a function of pH, initial protein to polysaccharide mixing ratio (Pr:Ps), total biopolymer concentration, core material load and ionic strength. This study is aimed at understanding how these parameters influence the coacervation kinetics, the coacervate yield, and entrapment efficiency. At a Pr:Ps=2:1, an optimum pH of complex coacervation was found 4.35, at which the intensity of electrostatic interaction was maximum. At these conditions, the phase separation occurred the fastest and the final coacervate yield and entrapment efficiency were the largest. Moreover, the developed ß-carotene loaded microcapsules formulation was found to have particle size 159.71±2.16µm, coacervates yield 82.51±0.412%, entrapment efficiency 79.36±0.541%. Varying the Pr:Ps shifted the value of optimum pH. Electrostatic interaction and formation of coacervates was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) spectra. Size and surface properties of coacervates were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Entrapment of core material within the coacervates was confirmed by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM). The resultant formulation was evaluated for release study and antioxidant activity. Stability of encapsulated ß-carotene was evaluated under three levels of temperature (5, 25 and 40°C) for 3 months. Encapsulation strongly increased the stability of micronutrients. Our results advocate potential of microcapsules as a novel carrier for the safeguard and sustained release of micronutrient.

Moisture adsorption isotherms and glass transition temperature of pectin.

The moisture adsorption isotherms of low methoxyl pectin were determined at 30-70°C and water activity ranging from 0.11 to 0.94. The moisture adsorption isotherms revealed that the equilibrium moisture content increased with water activity. Increase in temperature, in general, resulted in decreased equilibrium moisture content. However in some cases, equilibrium moisture content values increased with temperature at higher water activities. Selected sorption models (GAB, Halsey, Henderson, Oswin, modified Oswin) were tested for describing the adsorption isotherms. Parameters of each sorption models were determined by nonlinear regression analysis. Oswin model gave the best fit for pectin sorption behaviour. Isosteric heat of sorption decreased with increase in moisture content and varied between 14.607 and 0.552 kJ/mol. Glass transition temperature decreased with increase in moisture content of pectin.

Predicting guar seed splitting by compression between two plates using Hertz theory of contact stresses.

UNLABELLED: Hertz's theory of contact stresses was applied to predict the splitting of guar seeds during uni-axial compressive loading between 2 rigid parallel plates. The apparent modulus of elasticity of guar seeds varied between 296.18 and 116.19 MPa when force was applied normal to hilum joint (horizontal position), whereas it varied between 171.86 and 54.18 MPa when force was applied in the direction of hilum joint (vertical position) with in moisture content range of 5.16% to 15.28% (d.b.). At higher moisture contents, the seeds yielded after considerable deformation, thus showing ductile nature. Distribution of stresses below the point of contact were plotted to predict the location of critical point, which was found at 0.44 to 0.64 mm and 0.37 to 0.53 mm below the contact point in vertical and horizontal loading, respectively, depending upon moisture content. The separation of cotyledons from each other initiated before yielding of cotyledons and thus splitting of seed took place. The relationships between apparent modulus of elasticity, principal stresses with moisture content were described using second-order polynomial equations and validated experimentally. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Manufacture of guar gum powder requires dehulling and splitting of guar seeds. This article describes splitting behavior of guar seeds under compressive loading. Results of this study may be used for design of dehulling and splitting systems of guar seeds.