Chitosan-tripolyphosphate submicron particles as the carrier of entrapped rutin.

ABSTRACT

Chitosan (CH)-tripolyphosphate (TPP) submicron particles were formed as carriers of entrapped rutin, and the release properties characterized using simulated gastric juices and fluids of the small intestine. Particle size, charge and entrapment efficiencies were investigated as a function of the CHTPP molar ratio (2.01.0-5.01.0). Size was found to decrease from ~814 nm for the 2.010 mass ratio to ~528 nm for the ratios between 2.51.0 and 4.01.0, and then again to ~322 nm for the 501.0 mass ratio, whereas all particles carried a positive surface charge, increasing from +21 to +59 mV as the ratio increased from 2.01.0 to 5.01.0. The percent entrapment was found to rise from 3.68% to 57.6% as the ratios increased from 2.010 to 4.010, before reaching a plateau. Submicron particles (4.01.0 mass ratio only) were found to retain rutin in simulated gastric fluids, whereas in conditions which simulated fluids from the small intestine, only 20% of the entrapped rutin was released and 80% remained absorbed to the CHTPP carriers. Such particles have applications for the delivery of phenolics in food and natural health products.