Nano techniques: an updated review focused on anthocyanin stability.

Anthocyanins (ACNs) are one of the subgroups of flavonoids and getting intensive attraction due to the nutritional values. However, their application of ACNs is limited due to their poor stability and bioavailability. Accordingly, nanoencapsulation has been developed to enhance its stability and bio-efficacy. This review focuses on the nano-technique applications of delivery systems that be used for ACNs stabilization, with an emphasis on physicochemical stability and health benefits. ACNs incorporated with delivery systems in forms of nano-particles and fibrils can achieve advanced functions, such as improved stability, enhanced bioavailability, and controlled release. Also, the toxicological evaluation of nano delivery systems is summarized. Additionally, this review summarizes the challenges and suggests the further perspectives for the further application of ACNs delivery systems in food and medical fields.

Anti-senescence effects of Rhodiola crenulate extracts on LO2 cells and bioactive compounds.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Rhodiola crenulata (Rc) is a traditional herb, used in Tibetan medicine, has shown promise efficacy in physical performance improvement, work capacity enhancement, fatigue elimination, and altitude sickness prevention. Also, Rc exhibited therapeutic effects on aging-related diseases. However, relevant researches on Rc and their bioactive components are quite few and needs further investigation. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study was to understand the relationship between phytochemical profiles and their activities of Rc extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rc extracts prepared by solvents with various hydrophilicity (i.e. aqueous ethanol (70%, v/v), water, and ethyl acetate), and their chemical compositions and specific compounds were analyzed by chemical analysis method and ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). The regulate effects of Rc extracts on senescence and antioxidant activity were evaluated using the models of LO2 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. RESULTS: The 70% ethanol extracts exhibited better regulating effects on senescence via the assays of senescence -associated ß-galactosidase (SAßG) staining and lifespan, which was consistent with the higher antioxidant activities observed based on the results of antioxidant assays. A total of 14 phytochemicals have been identified in 70% ethanol extracts, whereas the other two extracts contained much fewer compounds in varieties. Phytochemical profile of water extract was similar to the first half (polar compounds, running time: 0-6 min) of 70% ethanol extract profile, while those of ethyl acetate extract was consistent with its second half (more nonpolar compounds, running time: 6-12 min). CONCLUSIONS: The 14 phytochemicals in Rc might exhibit additive or synergistic effects on senescence regulating and antioxidant activities, providing theoretical basis for daily administration of Rc.

Improvement effects of micronization on morphology, functional and nutritional attributes of stabilized rice bran.

Micronization affects physicochemical and functional properties of materials and hence might improve the quality of rice bran, following stabilization treatments. The micronization effects of stabilized rice bran via extrusion or radio frequency treatments on their morphology and functional properties, and releasable capability were investigated. Micronization reduced particle size, water binding capacity and swelling capacity of rice bran, and increased their whiteness, water solubility index, and nutrient releasability. However, no significant changes in oil binding capacity and thermal index after micronization were observed. Moreover, micronization could decrease the bulk density of rice bran stabilized by extrusion. The releasability of phenolics, flavonoids, γ-oryzanol, and minerals (K, Mg, Zn and Fe) from rice bran after micronization was improved based on in vitro digestion models. These findings suggested that micronization of rice bran following stabilization, especially extrusion treatment, could improve its functional and nutritional properties. The types of stabilization processing of rice bran, followed by micronization, should be considered practically for functional and nutritional properties.

Interaction characterization of zein with cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and its effect on the stability of mulberry anthocyanins and protein digestion.

Ingredient interactions usually occur in food matrix, which may affect their functions and properties. This study aimed to investigate the interactive effects of mulberry and corn protein on pigment stability and zein digestibility. The interaction of main compounds in both ingredients, that is, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) and zein, was characterized via their structural, morphological, thermal stability, and digestible properties using multi-spectroscopic techniques, scanning electron microscopy, high performance liquid chromatography, and in vitro digestion models. Results showed that zein exhibited a strong binding affinity for C3G via van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds determined in fluorescence assays. The secondary structure of zein changed due to C3G binding, with a decrease in α-helix and an increase in ß-sheet. The particle size of zein decreased after interacting with C3G. The zein complexation with mulberry anthocyanin-rich extracts in a simulative food system did not affect the digestibility of zein significantly but enhanced the thermal stability of pigments slightly. Specifically, anthocyanins did not change the susceptibility of zein to pepsin proteolysis, suggesting that binding sites of C3G might not be the cleavage sites of pepsins. These results provide important insight into the binding mechanism of zein and anthocyanins and might help guide the design of anthocyanin-based functional food. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Zein, as a storage protein widely distributed in corn flour, was commonly co-existing with anthocyanins in starchy food. This study provides insights into the molecular interactions between zein and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. However, the interaction might not impact the zein digestion but enhance anthocyanin thermal stability. The findings of this work could throw light on the selection of ingredients rich in zein and anthocyanins in the food industry.

Molecular interaction between pectin and catechin/procyanidin in simulative juice model: Insights from spectroscopic, morphology, and antioxidant activity.

The interactions between polysaccharides and phenolics in foods affect their physicochemical properties and bioactivity. Pectin and catechin/procyanidin present in plants ubiquitously and attracting more attentions for the potential health benefits. This work investigates the interactions between high methoxyl pectin and catechin/procyanidin in a simulative juice model using multiple microscopic and spectroscopic approaches and their influences on the antioxidant activity of phenolics were evaluated in the Caco-2 cells model. The results showed that pectin with either of phenolic compunds exhibited lower transmittance, zeta potential, viscosity, and larger particle size than it alone. The morphology of pectin complexes with either of phenolics under experimental conditions (pH = 3.5) was observed. The ΔH° (-6.821 kJ mol-1 ) and ΔS° (6.357×10-2  kJ mol-1 ) indicated that pectin interacts with procyanidin via electrostatic interaction, whereas hydrophobic interaction was the dominant drive force between pectin and catechin (ΔH° = 1.422 kJ mol-1 ; ΔS° = 13.048 × 10-2  kJ mol-1 ). The antioxidant activities of catechin/procyanidin decreased while binding with pectin based on indexes of glutathione peroxidase, total superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The findings of this work indicated that the physicochemical property of pectin and the antioxidant activity of catechin/procyanidin were influenced by the interactions between pectin and catechin/procyanidin in a simulative food system. This study provides insights into the molecular interactions between pectin and phenolics in a simulative food system.

Cyanidin-3-o-glucoside liposome: Preparation via a green method and antioxidant activity in GES-1 cells.

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) liposomes was used to improve the stability and antioxidant activity of C3G through a green thin-film dispersion method. The characteristics, stability and the effect of C3G liposomes on GES-1 cells were explored. Results showed that the particle size and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of C3G liposomes were 258.9 ±â€¯5.06 nm and 77.5%, respectively. DPPH assay showed that liposomes encapsulation can improve the antioxidant of C3G, while the ABTS assay was opposite. Stability study showed the C3G liposome were unstable under extended storage time. The effects of C3G liposomes on GES-1 cells showed that C3G liposomes can decrease the ROS levels of GES-1 and had negligible effects on cell viability and mitochondrial structure. These findings suggested that liposomes could be used as a carrier system to improve the stability of C3G.

Black rice anthocyanins embedded in self-assembled chitosan/chondroitin sulfate nanoparticles enhance apoptosis in HCT-116 cells.

Self-assembled nanoparticles using the biopolymers chitosan (CH) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) were developed to improve the biological activity of anthocyanin (ACN). The 86.32 ±â€¯0.15% (w/w) of ACN was incorporated into ACN/CH/CS nanoparticles, with the particle size of 350.1 ±â€¯0.99 nm in diameter (i.d.) and 42.55 ±â€¯0.54 in zeta potential (mV). Morphological study and thermogravimetric analysis suggested that the ACN/CH/CS nanoparticles exhibited heterogeneous morphology and high thermal stability. Significant increases in apoptosis by 12.1% and 35.1% were observed with 0.05 mg/ml ACN and ACN/CH/CS nanoparticles in the HCT-116 cell line, indicating that the nanoparticle system led to significant increase in apoptosis (p < 0.05). Structural changes in mitochondria caused by ACN/CH/CS nanoparticles indicated that the nanoparticles had negative impacts on mitochondria. These results showed that nanoparticles could potentially be used as a carrier system to improve the efficacy of ACN.

Extraction, Structural Characterization, and Biological Functions of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides: A Review.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs), as bioactive compounds extracted from L. barbarum L. fruit, have been widely explored for their potential health properties. The extraction and structural characterization methods of LBPs were reviewed to accurately understand the extraction method and structural and biological functions of LBPs. An overview of the biological functions of LBPs, such as antioxidant function, antitumor activity, neuroprotective effects, immune regulating function, and other functions, were summarized. This review provides an overview of LBPs and a theoretical basis for further studying and extending the applications of LBPs in the fields of medicine and food.

Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) alleviates antibiotic-associated diarrhea, modifies intestinal microbiota, and increases the level of short-chain fatty acids in mice.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common adverse effect of antibiotic treatment. The study was to evaluate effects of Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) on AAD, and changes of intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). AAD model was established using Balb/c mice by gavage with ampicillin for 5 days, followed by a 10-day administration of low, medium, and high dosage of Chinese yam, containing allantoin (4.35 mg/g) and polysaccharides (85.51 mg/g). The results showed that Chinese yam accelerated the recovery from acute diarrhea, reverse AAD-induced body weight loss and cecal enlargement. The high-dosage Chinese yam increased probiotic Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli by 47% and 21% and decreased potential pathogen Enterococcus and Clostridium perfringens by 8% and 27% on day 15 (P < .05). Bacterial community analysis revealed that Chinese yam contributed to repair the ampicillin-induced intestinal microbiota disorder, enrich the abundance of Bacteroides spp. and Clostridium spp. Additionally, Chinese yam supplementation increased the production of SCFA.

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside (C3G) Liposome in Caco-2 Cells Cultivated in 2D and 3D Cell Culture Models.

The aim of this study was to obtain adequate and detailed information about the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of C3G and C3G liposomes in different cell culture models. The Caco-2 cells were cultured in 2D and 3D cell culture models, the H2 O2 was used to construct the cell damage model and then the cells treated with C3G and C3G liposomes. The antioxidant activity and antiproliferative activities of C3G liposomes on Caco-2 cells were investigated. We observed the morphology of cells and measured the cell viability, the activity of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in Caco-2 cells treated with H2 O2 , C3G, and C3G liposomes. The results showed that the Caco-2 cells cultured in the 3D culture model formed a 3D structure and tight spheroids and showed the increase of cell activity in 3D cell culture model, compared with the 2D cell culture model. The C3G and C3G liposomes can enhance the activities of GSH, SOD, and T-AOC but decrease the MDA content after H2 O2 treatment, while the changes were different in 2D and 3D cells culture models. This study revealed that the results obtained from the 2D cell model may be inaccurate compared with the results obtained from the 3D cell model. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The results of this study showed that the results obtained from the 2D cell model may be inaccurate compared with the results obtained from the 3D cell model. Our work provides a method for evaluating antioxidant activity of C3G liposomes in different cell models and provided certain theoretical basis for the follow-up research.

Optimization of Conditions for Cyanidin-3-OGlucoside (C3G) Nanoliposome Production by Response Surface Methodology and Cellular Uptake Studies in Caco-2 Cells.

We aimed to optimize the formulation of C3G nanoliposomes using response surface methodology. Additionally, we evaluated the stability, particle change, and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of C3G nanoliposomes under different temperatures and storage durations, as well as in simulated gastrointestinal juice (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid. The morphology of C3G nanoliposomes was observed by transmission electron microscope. The ability of C3G nanoliposomes to affect cancer cell morphology and inhibit cancer cell proliferation was studied with Caco-2 cells. Reverse-phase evaporation method is a simple and efficient method for liposome preparation. The optimal preparation conditions for this method were as follows: C3G concentration of 0.17 mg/mL, phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol ratio of 2.87, and rotary evaporation temperature of 41.41 °C. At optimal conditions, the particle size and EE of the C3G nanoliposomes were 165.78 ± 4.3 nm and 70.43% ± 1.95%, respectively. The C3G nanoliposomes showed an acceptable stability in SGF at 37 °C for 4 h, but were unstable under extended storage durations and high temperatures. Moreover, our results showed that different concentrations of C3G nanoliposomes affected the morphology and inhibited the proliferation of Caco-2 cells.