Liposomal Encapsulation of Carob (<i>Ceratonia siliqua</i> L.) Pulp Extract: Design, Characterization, and Controlled Release Assessment
<b>Background:</b> Carob (<i>Ceratonia siliqua</i> L.) pulp flour is primarily used in the food industry. As a rich source of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, it holds promise for pharmaceutical formulation research and development. <b>Objectives:</b>...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Pharmaceutics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/6/776 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background:</b> Carob (<i>Ceratonia siliqua</i> L.) pulp flour is primarily used in the food industry. As a rich source of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, it holds promise for pharmaceutical formulation research and development. <b>Objectives:</b> This study focused on developing liposomal particles loaded with carob pulp extract using the proliposome method, followed by modifications through UV irradiation and sonication. <b>Methods:</b> The resulting liposomes were analyzed for encapsulation efficiency, vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI), mobility, zeta potential, viscosity, surface tension, density, antioxidant activity, FT-IR spectra, and release kinetics under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. In addition, nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for liposomal characterization. <b>Results:</b> The findings revealed a high encapsulation efficiency across all samples (>70%). The particle size and PDI measurements confirmed the presence of a multilamellar and uniform liposomal system before post-processing modifications. The medium value of zeta potential suggested a moderately electrostatically stabilized liposomal suspension. The sonicated liposomes demonstrated a higher concentration of vesicles in comparison to non-treated and UV-irradiated samples. TEM analysis revealed purified liposomal vesicles with preserved structural integrity. Encapsulation, as well as UV irradiation and sonication of liposomes, did not diminish the extract’s anti-DPPH activity. However, the ABTS radical scavenging potential of the pure extract was significantly lower compared to its encapsulated counterparts. UV irradiation and sonication notably reduced the anti-ABTS capacity of the extract-liposome system. Monitoring the release of bioactive compounds demonstrated controlled delivery from liposomal particles under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. <b>Conclusions:</b> Overall, liposomal formulations of carob pulp extract exhibit significant potential for further development as a functional food ingredient or for use in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. |
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| ISSN: | 1999-4923 |