Fabrication and characterization of dihydromyricetin-loaded microcapsules stabilized by glyceryl monostearate and whey protein-xanthan gum

Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is a lipophilic nutrient with various potential health benefits; however, its poor storage stability and low solubility and bioavailability limit its applications. This study aims to encapsulate DMY in microcapsules by membrane emulsification and freeze-drying methods to overcome these issues. Glyceryl monostearate (GMS, solid lipid) and octyl and decyl glycerate (ODO, liquid lipid) were applied as the inner cores. Whey protein and xanthan gum (XG) were used as wall materials. The prepared microcapsules had an irregular blocky aggregated structure with rough surfaces. All the microcapsules had a DMY loading of 0.85 %-1.1 % and encapsulation efficiency (EE) >85 %. GMS and XG increased the DMY loading and EE. The addition of GMS and an increased XG concentration led to a decrease in the rehydration rate. The in vitro release and digestion studies revealed that GMS and XG controlled the release and digestion of DMY. The chemical stability results indicated that GMS and XG protected DMY against oxidation. An antioxidant capacity study showed that GMS and XG helped DMY in the microcapsules exert antioxidant effects. This research study provides a platform for designing microcapsules with good stability and high bioavailability to deliver lipophilic bioactive compounds.

 

Comments:

That's quite an intricate study! It seems like the encapsulation of dihydromyricetin (DMY) using various materials and methods aims to enhance its stability and bioavailability, addressing issues like poor storage stability and low solubility.

The utilization of glyceryl monostearate (GMS) and octyl and decyl glycerate (ODO) as inner cores, along with whey protein and xanthan gum (XG) as wall materials, appears to have been successful in achieving high DMY loading and encapsulation efficiency. The irregular blocky structure of the microcapsules with rough surfaces might have been an outcome of the process used.

The finding that GMS and increased XG concentration affected the rehydration rate suggests how different compositions impact the physical properties of the microcapsules, potentially influencing their applications in various delivery systems.

The controlled release and digestion of DMY observed in vitro, attributed to GMS and XG, indicate the potential for tailored release profiles, crucial for targeted delivery of bioactive compounds.

The protection of DMY against oxidation, as well as its enhanced antioxidant effects while encapsulated, are valuable findings. They suggest that GMS and XG not only aid in stability but also augment the functional properties of DMY.

Overall, this study offers a promising approach for designing stable microcapsules capable of delivering lipophilic bioactive compounds with improved stability, controlled release, and enhanced functionality, paving the way for potential applications in the field of nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals.