Glycomacropeptide: A comprehensive understanding of its major biological characteristics and purification methodologies.

Glycomacropeptide (GMP) is a bioactive peptide derived from whey protein, consisting of 64 amino acids. It is a phenylalanine-free peptide, making it a beneficial dietary option for individuals dealing with phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is an inherited metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of phenylalanine in the bloodstream, resulting from a deficiency of phenylalanine dehydrogenase in affected individuals. Consequently, patients with PKU require lifelong adherence to a low-phenylalanine diet, wherein a significant portion of their protein intake is typically sourced from a phenylalanine-free amino acid formula. GMP has several nutritional values, numerous bioactivity properties, and therapeutic effects in various inflammatory disorders. Despite all these features, the purification of GMP is an imperative requirement; however, there are no unique methods for achieving this goal. Traditionally, several methods have been used for GMP purification, such as thermal or acid treatment, alcoholic precipitation, ultrafiltration (UF), gel filtration, and membrane separation techniques. However, these methods have poor specificity, and the presence of large amounts of impurities can interfere with the analysis of GMP. More efficient and highly specific GMP purification methods need to be developed. In this review, we have highlighted and summarized the current research progress on the major biological features and purification methodologies associated with GMP, as well as providing an extensive overview of the recent developments in using charged UF membranes for GMP purification and the influential factors.

Development of gelatin-coated nanoliposomes loaded with ß-cyclodextrin/vitamin D3 inclusion complex for nutritional therapy.

The aim of this study was to synthesize of ß-cyclodextrin/Vitamin D3 (ßCD/VitD3) inclusion complex and encapsulation of this complex with gelatin-coated nanoliposomes (NLPs). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of ßCD/VitD3 inclusion complex. In the next step, different gelatin concentrations (1, 2, and 4 mg/mL) were used to surface coat the blank NLPs. The concentration of 2 mg/mL of gelatin was chosen as the optimal concentration for coating the complex-loaded NLPs by considering particle size, morphology, and zeta potential. The particle size and zeta potential of the coated complex-loaded NLPs were 117 ± 2.55 nm and 19.8 ± 1.25 mV, respectively. The images taken by transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of a biopolymer layer of gelatin around the NLPs' vesicles. The complex encapsulation efficiency inside the NLPs was 81.09%. The ßCD/VitD3 complex loaded NLPs and its coated form exhibited a controlled release profile in simulated gastrointestinal condition.

Ixiolirion tataricum mucilage/chitosan based antioxidant films activated by free and nanoliposomal fennel essential oil.

Ixiolirion tataricum mucilage (ITM) was characterized and applied in fabrication of ITM/chitosan (CH) blend films activated by Foeniculum vulgare essential oil (FEO) in free and nanoliposomal forms. Uniform smooth surface structure, viscoelastic solid-like behavior and Newtonian nature of ITM were confirmed by morphological and rheological analyses. The prepared FEO nanoliposomes (FEO-NLPs) showed desirable properties in terms of particle size (57.2 nm), polydispersity index (0.243), zeta-potential (-17.6 mV), and encapsulation efficiency (85.2 %). The enhancing effects of FEO-NLPs and the adverse effects of free FEO on the crystalline, morphological and structural properties of films were confirmed by XRD, FE-SEM and ATR-FTIR tests. FEO-NLPs loaded films had better mechanical, thermal, water and gas barrier and antioxidant properties than neat film. Analysis also indicated the high controlled release of FEO from the films containing the nanoliposomal form of FEO. The films containing free FEO showed higher antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus in comparison with FEO-NLPs loaded ones. The results showed the potential of FEO-NLPs loaded ITM/CH films for antioxidant food packaging applications.

Nanoliposomal peptides derived from Spirulina platensis protein accelerate full-thickness wound healing.

Spirulina platensis is a type of blue-green algae that contains large amounts of protein with therapeutic effects. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of encapsulated Spirulina protein hydrolysates (SPH) with nanoliposomes (NLPs) in reducing wound healing period. SPH-loaded NLPs showed the size and zeta potential of 158 nm and -48 mV, respectively; as well as a uniform non-aggregated morphology. In-vitro MTT toxicity studies on the Human Foreskin Fibroblast (HFFF-2) cell line exhibited that the hydrolyzed peptides had no toxic effect and increased cell growth. The scratch test confirmed the MTT results. For in-vivo study, 162 mice were divided into nine groups, including the mice groups treated with blank gel, blank NLPs, and those treated with 2.5, 5, and 10 % SPH and SPH-loaded NLPs. The histopathological assessment was done to investigate rate of fibroblast proliferation and epithelialization. Immunofluorescence staining for bFGF, CD31, COL1A was conducted. The results showed that the mice group treated with SPH-NLPs showed higher wound contraction, epithelization, fibroblast proliferation, and higher expressions for bFGF, CD31, COL1A compared with blanks and other groups. In conclusion, the derived and encapsulated peptides showed significant effects in accelerating wound healing via angiogenesis and collagen production.

Plant protein-based nanocomposite films: A review on the used nanomaterials, characteristics, and food packaging applications.

Consumer demands to utilize environmentally friendly packaging have led researchers to develop packaging materials from naturally derived resources. In recent years, plant protein-based films as a replacement for synthetic plastics have attracted the attention of the global food packaging industry due to their biodegradability and unique properties. Biopolymer-based films need a filler to show improved packaging properties. One of the latest strategies introduced to food packaging technology is the production of nanocomposite films which are multiphase materials containing a filler with at least one dimension less than 100 nm. This review provides the recent findings on plant-based protein films as biodegradable materials that can be combined with nanoparticles that are applicable to food packaging. Moreover, it investigates the characterization of nanocomposite plant-based protein films/edible coatings. It also briefly describes the application of plant-based protein nanocomposite films/coating on fruits/vegetables, meat and seafood products, and some other foods. The results indicate that the functional performance, barrier, mechanical, optical, thermal and antimicrobial properties of plant protein-based materials can be extended by incorporating nanomaterials. Recent reports provide a better understanding of how incorporating nanomaterials into plant protein-based biopolymers leads to an increase in the shelf life of food products during storage time.

Cationic inulin as a new surface decoration hydrocolloid for improving the stability of liposomal nanocarriers.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the cationization of inulin with Williamson's etherification method, and compare cationic inulin with unmodified inulin coatings for stabilizing nanoliposomes (NLPs). The synthetized cationic inulin was characterized by Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, carbon hydrogen nitrogen (CHN) elemental analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Three concentrations of inulin and cationic inulin (1, 2, and 4 mg/mL) were used for the coating of NLPs. The concentration of 4 mg/mL was found to be optimal for inulin and cationic inulin as surface coating, on the basis of particle size, zeta potential, and microstructural morphology. The lowest values of particle size (93.41 nm), polydispersity index (0.25), and negative zeta potential (-24.41 mV) were related to the coated NLPs with cationic inulin at a concentration of 4 mg/mL. The transmission electron microscopy image of the coated NLPs with cationic inulin exhibited a spherical and core-shell structure. The coated NLPs with cationic inulin showed the highest thermal stability, physical stability, and oxidative stability. In conclusion, cationic inulin coating conferred a stronger protection than the unmodified inulin coating of NLPs. The technique developed here can be applied for surface decoration of NLPs to improve their stability.

Coating of betanin and carvone Co-loaded nanoliposomes with synthesized cationic inulin: A strategy for enhancing the stability and bioavailability.

Betanin (BET) and carvone (CAR) as antioxidant and antibacterial compounds were co-loaded in the coated nanoliposomes (NLPs) with cationic inulin to improve their stability and bioavailability. A cationic inulin was successfully synthesized and used for surface coating of the NLPs. The zeta potential, particle size, and PDI values of the coated NLPs were 21.70 ± 7.00 mV, 143.5 ± 15.2 nm, and 0.35 ± 0.03 respectively. The encapsulation efficiency values of the coated NLPs for BE and CAR were 86.1 ± 3.9 and 77.2 ± 5.2 %, respectively. Electron microscopy results showed that the coated NLPs had spherical and core-shell structures. The slowest sustained release profile in the simulated gastrointestinal condition was obtained for the coated NLPs. The physical and oxidative stability of NLPs, as well as the physical stability of loaded compounds were improved by surface coating. In conclusion, the developed nanocarrier is a suitable platform to use all benefits of BET and CAR in the food industry.

Nanophytosomes for enhancement of rutin efficacy in oral administration for diabetes treatment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Rutin is a natural antioxidant compound with several therapeutic benefits. However, the application of this bioactive compound is limited due to its low stability and bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, this study aimed to encapsulate rutin into nanophytosomes (NPs) and evaluate the therapeutic potency of this nanocarrier in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency of the prepared NPs were 72.72 nm, -22 mV, and 93.7%, respectively. The in vivo study showed that the oral administration of rutin-loaded NPs (containing 25 mg rutin/kg per day) for 4 weeks was more effective than free rutin in the control of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in the STZ-induced diabetic rats. Additionally, the administration of rutin-loaded NPs regulated the activities of liver marker enzymes and the levels of total hemoglobin and glycated hemoglobin in the diabetic rats. The antioxidant defenses in the diabetic rats were increased by the administration of rutin-loaded NPs more than free rutin. Moreover, the histopathological study showed that the administration of rutin-loaded NPs restored the diabetes-induced damages in kidney, liver, and pancreas. In conclusion, encapsulation of rutin with phytosomes is an effective technique to benefit from its therapeutic potential, especially to attenuate diabetic complications.

Multifunctional betanin nanoliposomes-incorporated gelatin/chitosan nanofiber/ZnO nanoparticles nanocomposite film for fresh beef preservation.

The objective of this study was to fabricate betanin nanoliposomes incorporated gelatin/chitosan nanofiber/ZnO nanoparticles bionanocomposite film (G/CH NF/ZnO NPs/B NLPs) and investigate its effects on the preservation of fresh beef. The scanning electron microscopy image of nanocomposite film displayed a good inter-connective porous morphology. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of new hydrogen bonds and enhanced crystallinity through the addition of CH NF, ZnO NPs, and B NLPs. The G/CH NF/ZnO NPs/B NLPs film exhibited satisfactory mechanical properties and high surface hydrophobicity (water contact angle = 92.49 ± 3.71°). The incorporation of ZnO NPs and B NLPs in the nanocomposite film provided high antibacterial activity and DPPH inhibition activity (53.02 ± 3.26%). The growth of inoculated bacteria, lipid oxidation, and the changes in the pH and color quality of the beef samples were controlled by packaging with the fabricated film. In conclusion, the G/CH NF/ZnO NPs/B NLPs nanocomposite has a high potential for meat preservation.

Reinforced ZnONPs/ rosemary essential oil-incorporated zein electrospun nanofibers by κ-carrageenan.

In this study, the reinforced ZnONPs/ rosemary essential oil-incorporated zein nanofibers with κ-carrageenan (Z/KC/ZnONPs/RE) were fabricated using the electrospinning technique for application in food packaging. The SEM images of Z/KC/ZnONPs/RE nanofiber displayed bead-free homogeneous morphology that its average fiber diameter was 672 ±â€¯240 nm. The formation of new hydrogen bonds by addition of κ-carrageenan and active agents was approved by FT-IR and DSC structural conformations. The Z/KC/ZnONPs/RE nanofiber exhibited satisfactory thermal and mechanical properties, as well as high surface hydrophobicity. In addition, the Z/KC/ZnONPs/RE sample showed inhibition activity against S. aureus (18.5 ±â€¯1.9 mm) and E. coli (14.7 ±â€¯1.5 mm) bacteria. The DPPH scavenging activity of Z/KC/ZnONPs/RE nanofiber was 54.5 ±â€¯3.6 %. Additionally, the fabricated nanofibers showed no cell cytotoxicity, indicating their good biocompatibility. Thus, we believe that the fabricated Z/KC/ZnONPs/RE electrospun nanofiber is a potential candidate for using as an active layer in food packaging system.

Preparation and characterization of gelatin-based nanocomposite containing chitosan nanofiber and ZnO nanoparticles.

There is an increasing interest toward biodegradable active packaging because of consumer demand and environmental concerns. Despite this interest, poor thermal, mechanical, and water barrier properties of biodegradable polymers such as gelatin limit their application in food packaging. In this study, to prevail these limitations, the gelatin-based nanocomposite containing chitosan nanofiber (CHNF) and ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were fabricated and characterized by FTIR, SEM, and DSC analyses. The results showed the appropriate interactions between gelatin matrix, CHNF and ZnONPs due to their good compatibility. Additionally, the nanocomposite showed high mechanical and water barrier properties due to its high dense and less permeable structure. The incorporation of CHNF compensated the negative effect of ZnONPs on the color properties of gelatin film. In addition, the synergistic effect between CHNF and ZnONPs improved the antibacterial activity of nanocomposite. In conclusion, the fabricated bio nanocomposite indicated considerable potential for food packaging.

A novel smart PEGylated gelatin nanoparticle for co-delivery of doxorubicin and betanin: A strategy for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy.

Betanin (BET) can reduce the side effects of potent anticancer drugs e.g. doxorubicin (DOX) on the normal tissues in co-administration with them because of the synergistic therapeutic effect and consequently the reduced required amount of anticancer agents. Despite interest in the use of BET, incomplete oral absorption and low stability of BET limit its application. Thus, in this study to overcome the restrictions of BET and providing the synergistic effect of DOX@BET, we designed a new pH-responsive nanocarrier via decoration of gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) by (methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)-poly ((2-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate-co-itaconic acid) (PGNPs). DOX and BET were effectively loaded (the loading capacity of 20.5% and 16.25%, respectively) into the PGNPs and this nanoplatform exhibited the suitable small particle size (162 nm). Additionally, the triggered release ability of drugs was studied through the assessment of simulated physiological and tumor tissue environments and showed the controlled release of DOX and BET with adjusting the pH of environment. Moreover, the synergistic effect of DOX@BET loaded PGNPs decreased the cell viability amount of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) respect to the free form of DOX or BET which indicated that the developed smart nanocarrier will be a hopeful nanocarrier for cancer therapy.

The optimization of prebiotic sucrose-free mango nectar by response surface methodology: The effect of stevia and inulin on physicochemical and rheological properties.

The reduction of sugar consumption is one of the major challenges for nutritionists and food industry. Therefore, it is significant to replace sucrose with other types of sweeteners, especially, natural ones. The aim of the present study is to produce low-calorie, sucrose-free mango nectar and to optimize the formulation by employing response surface methodology. The two independent variables were stevia, as a low-calorie sugar replacer (0, 1.5, and 3% w/w) and inulin as a prebiotic texturizer (0, 3, and 6% w/w) in order to compensate sugar elimination defect on viscosity and °Brix. The fitted models indicated a high coefficient of determination. The results revealed that stevia and inulin are as the independent variables which had significant effects on °Brix, viscosity, and sensory scores (p < 0.05). Also, pH was affected by stevia concentration. The rheological behavior of the sucrose-free mango nectar was non-Newtonian, shear thinning as Herschel-Bulkley model which was not different from the reported behavior for normal mango nectar-containing sucrose. The optimization of the variables, based on the response surface three-dimensional plots, demonstrated that utilizing 6% w/w inulin and 3% w/w stevia produced the optimum mango nectar with the desirability of 0.85 without undesirable changes in the physicochemical and organoleptic properties. The optimum sample was produced in triplicate to validate the optimum model as well.

Improvement in the stability of betanin by liposomal nanocarriers: Its application in gummy candy as a food model.

Betanin is a red food pigment with health beneficial effects. Despite interest in the use of betanin, low bioaccessibility and oxidation limit its application. To overcome these restrictions, the betanin was loaded in liposomal nanocarriers with the encapsulation efficiency of 80.35 ±â€¯1%. To assess the efficiency of these nanocarriers, gummy candy was selected as a food model and its nutritional properties such as betanin stability and antioxidant activity were probed. The results showed that the betanin content and antioxidant activity of samples containing betanin-nanoliposomes were at least twice to those of samples containing free betanin. The tests show no differences in the sensory parameters of panelists for gummy candies fortified by betanin-loaded nanoliposomes compared to those fortified by betanin alone. As a result, the liposomal nanoparticles may be introduced as a suitable platform to stabilize and increase the bioavailability of betanin for applications in nutraceutical and medical fields.