title: Polymeric nanoparticles encapsulating white tea extract for nutraceutical application.
abstract: With the aim to obtain controlled release and to preserve the antioxidant activity of the polyphenols, nanoencapsulation of white tea extract into polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and alginate was successfully performed. NPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation method and were characterized in terms of morphology and chemical properties. Total polyphenols and catechins contents before and after encapsulation were determined. Moreover, in vitro release profiles of encapsulated polyphenols from NPs were investigated in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. The antioxidant activity and stability of encapsulated extract were further evaluated. Interestingly, NPs released 20% of the polyphenols in simulated gastric medium, and 80% after 5 h at pH 7.4, showing a good capacity to control the polyphenols delivery. Furthermore, DPPH(•) assay confirmed that white tea extract retained its antioxidant activity and NPs protected tea polyphenols from degradation, thus opening new perspectives for the exploitation of white tea extract-loaded NPs for nutraceutical applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari , Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
authors.forename: Vanna
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sanna
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lubinu
authors.forename: Pierluigi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Madau
authors.forename: Nicolino
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pala
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nurra
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mariani
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sechi
mesh_terms: D000464:Alginates / Q000737:chemistry; D028241:Camellia sinensis / Q000737:chemistry*; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000032:analysis*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D020723:Glucuronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry*; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D059808:Polyphenols / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D004337:Drug Carriers; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011091:Polyesters; D059808:Polyphenols; C016240:polycaprolactone; D020723:Glucuronic Acid
keywords: antioxidant activity; controlled release; nanoparticles; white tea extract