Surashree Sen Gupta

In Vitro Antioxidative Evaluation of α- and β-Carotene, Isolated from Crude Palm Oil.

The present work describes the isolation of α- and β-carotene from crude palm oil and their antioxidant potential in an in vitro model. Pure product was isolated by the method adopted. Antioxidant activities of the isolated α- and β-carotene were analyzed in five different concentrations of 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1% (w/v). From the several assays conducted, an observation was made that the antioxidant activity of the product shifted between antioxidant and prooxidant effects depending on the concentration and the system analyzed. The metal chelation, DPPH radical scavenging, and superoxide scavenging activities showed almost similar results in terms of high activity at lowest concentrations. ABTS-scavenging activity was displayed only by a particular antioxidant concentration of 0.1%. Lipid peroxidation assay pronounced the activity of 0.1% antioxidant in inhibiting oxidation of sensitive bioactive lipids. In vitro antidenaturation test again specified the efficacy of low concentrations in preventing protein denaturation. Through this study a definite dosage formulation for consumption of carotenoids is being proposed which will enhance health promotion and prevent chronic diseases when taken as fortified foods or dietary supplements.

Microencapsulation of conjugated linolenic acid–rich pomegranate seed oil by an emulsion method

Controlled release of food ingredients and their protection from oxidation are the key functionality provided by microencapsulation. In the present study, pomegranate seed oil, rich in conjugated linolenic acid, was microencapsulated. As encapsulating agent, sodium alginate or trehalose was used. Calcium caseinate was used as the emulsifier. Performances of the two encapsulants were compared in respect of the rate of release of core material from the microcapsules and stability of microcapsules against harsh conditions. Microencapsulation was carried out by preparation of an emulsion containing calcium caseinate as the emulsion stabilizer and a water-soluble carbohydrate (either sodium alginate or trehalose) as the encapsulant. An oil-in-water emulsion was prepared with pomegranate seed oil as the inner core material. The emulsion was thereby freeze-dried and the dried product pulverized. External morphology of the microcapsules was studied under scanning electron microscope. Micrographs showed that both types of microcapsules had uneven surface morphology. Release rate of the microcapsules was studied using UV-spectrophotometer. Trehalose-based microcapsules showed higher release rate. On subjecting the microcapsules at 110 °C for specific time periods, it was observed that sodium alginate microcapsules retained their original properties. Hence, we can say that sodium alginate microcapsules are more heat resistant than trehalose microcapsules.

Octacosanol educes physico-chemical attributes, release and bioavailability as modified nanocrystals

Graphical abstract Figure. No Caption available. Abstract Octacosanol is a lesser known nutraceutical with the potential for treatment of several inflammatory diseases, high cholesterol, Parkinson’s symptoms and tumour growth along with the capacity to improve athletic performance. But its lipophilicity and large structure inhibits extended solubility in water resulting in poor absorption and a low bioavailability. In the present work, sodium salt of octacosyl sulfate was synthesized. It displayed improved water solubility. Its nanocrystals, synthesized by means of nanoprecipitation technique, enhanced diffusion velocity, antioxidant capacity, shelf‐life, penetrability and bioavailability. Particle size of the nanocrystals ranged between 197 and 220 nm. Both modified octacosanol and its nanocrystals displayed maximum lipid peroxidation activities at a concentration 1000 ppm, but nanocrystals demonstrated higher prevention. From freeze‐thaw cycles it was evident that normal octacosanol crystals were far more prone to temperature variations than the nanocrystals. A pronounced increase in release/diffusion rate and bioavailability was observed for the nanocrystals of the modified octacosanol. In vitro release kinetics, bioavailability and bioequivalence were studied. Relative bioavailability for gastric passage and pancreatic passage of nanocrystals was 2.58 times and 1.81 times that of normal crystals respectively. Furthermore the nanocrystals displayed a superior in vitro release rate, while following a non‐Fickian mode.

Formulations and challenges: a special emphasis on stability and safety evaluations

Abstract Nanoscale delivery systems have numerous potential applications in the food industry for encapsulating, protecting, and releasing bioactive agents, such as nutraceuticals and vitamins. In the recent past, a deluge of interest has developed in the field of nutraceuticals. In the search for an alternative source of health, the importance of nutraceuticals or food supplements has become prominent. However, a number of challenges are associated with the enhancement of these dietary supplements from concept to commercialization. The greatest hurdles experienced are the limited shelf life, proper delivery to the targeted sites, and most importantly ascertaining the overall safety of the nutraceuticals on consumption. The development of nanoscale delivery systems, solid dispersions, liposomes, nanoemulsions, nanocapsules, etc. has taken care of most of these problems head-on. The present article highlights the challenges associated with the development of nutraceuticals at a large scale and their introduction as integral components into foods. An overview of the different safety measures that can be pursued while developing several nanoscale formulations has been discussed. In addition, the cost-effectiveness of such procedures is also elaborated, keeping in mind the market aspect. Thus, the final products will be formulated so as to be safe, economically viable, and effective in promoting good health.

Advanced nanocarriers for nutraceuticals based on structured lipid and nonlipid components

There is currently immense interest in the development of food-grade delivery systems such as nanocarriers containing nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals basically consist of a broad group of food products including antioxidants, dietary supplements, and so forth, which provide an improved lifestyle and prevent diseases. A chief drawback of the nutraceuticals is their limited bioavailability, which can be overcome by the application of nanotechnology, to develop nanocarriers containing these bioactive components. In fact a successful formulation of a new nanonutraceutical product is essential to acquire potential health benefits. Several such novel products are being designed today in different forms. However in such cases a change in the physical and biochemical properties of the nutraceuticals can be expected. Hence a thorough characterization of the synthesized products is essential to evaluate the quality of the compounds at the nanolevel. Nanoscale technologies also help in controlling product stability of these engineered products, which are the demands of today.