Stability and loading properties of curcumin encapsulated in Chlorella vulgaris.
Curcumin (Cur), a polyphenols with pharmacological function, was successfully encapsulated in algae (Alg) cell (Chlorella vulgaris) as confirmed by fluorescence microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Fluorescence micrographs, TGA, DSC and FTIR spectra suggested the hypothesis inclusion Cur in Nano-empty spaces inside cell wall of Alg. The TGA analysis showed that the thermal stability of Alg and Cur at algae/curcumin complex was 3.8% and 33% higher than their free forms at 0-300°C and 300-600°C ranges, respectively. After encapsulation in Alg cells, the photostability of Cur was enhanced by about 2.5-fold. Adsorption isotherm of Cur into Alg was fitted with the Freundlich isotherm. The microcapsules were loaded with Cur up to about 55% w/w which is much higher than other reported bio-carriers. In conclusion, the data proved that Chlorella vulgaris cell can be used as a new stable carrier for Cur.
Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 14395-1561, Tehran, Iran.
Yaser
Y
Jafari
Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 14395-1561, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: hsabahi@ut.ac.ir.
Hossein
H
Sabahi
Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 14395-1561, Tehran, Iran.
Mahdi
M
Rahaie
D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D002214:Capsules / Q000737:chemistry*; D048408:Chlorella vulgaris / Q000737:chemistry*; D003474:Curcumin / Q000737:chemistry*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
D002214:Capsules; D003474:Curcumin
Algae; Curcumin; Microencapsulation; Photostability; Thermal stability