High Internal Phase Emulsions Stabilized with Ultrasound-Modified Spirulina Protein for Curcumin Delivery.

Spirulina protein (SP) is recognized as a nutritious edible microbial protein and holds potential as a natural emulsifier. Due to the inherent challenges SP faces in stabilizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), ultrasonic techniques were utilized for modification. Noticeable alterations in the structural and functional properties of SP were observed following ultrasonic treatment at various power levels (0, 100, 300, and 500 W). Ultrasound treatment disrupted non-covalent interactions within the protein polymer structure, leading to the unfolding of molecular structures and the exposure of hydrophobic groups. Importantly, the particle size of SP was reduced the most at an ultrasonic power of 300 W, and the three-phase contact angle reached its peak at 84.3°. The HIPEs stabilized by SP modified with 300 W ultrasonication have high apparent viscosity and modulus values and strong storage stability under different environmental conditions. Additionally, the encapsulation of curcumin in HIPEs led to improved retention of curcumin across various settings. The bioavailability increased to 35.36, which is 2.8 times higher than the pure oil. These findings suggest that ultrasound-modified SP is a promising emulsifier for HIPEs, and is expected to encapsulate hydrophobic nutrients such as curcumin more effectively.

Unleashing the power of chlorogenic acid: exploring its potential in nutrition delivery and the food industry.

In the contemporary era, heightened emphasis on health and safety has emerged as a paramount concern among individuals with food. The concepts of "natural" and "green" have progressively asserted dominance in the food consumption market. Consequently, through continuous exploration and development, an escalating array of natural bioactive ingredients is finding application in both nutrition delivery and the broader food industry. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a polyphenolic compound widely distributed in various plants in nature, has garnered significant attention. Abundant research underscores CGA's robust biological activity, showcasing notable preventive and therapeutic efficacy across diverse diseases. This article commences with a comprehensive overview, summarizing the dietary sources and primary biological activities of CGA. These encompass antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective activities. Next, a comprehensive overview of the current research on nutrient delivery systems incorporating CGA is provided. This exploration encompasses nanoparticle, liposome, hydrogel, and emulsion delivery systems. Additionally, the article explores the latest applications of CGA in the food industry. Serving as a cutting-edge theoretical foundation, this paper contributes to the design and development of CGA in the realms of nutrition delivery and the food industry. Finally, the article presents informed speculations and considerations for the future development of CGA.

Biocompatible hydrophobic cross-linked cyclodextrin-based metal-organic framework as quercetin nanocarrier for enhancing stability and controlled release.

Cyclodextrin-based metal-organic framework (CD-MOF) has been widely used in various delivery systems due to its excellent edibility and high drug loading capacity. However, its typically bulky size and high brittleness in aqueous solutions pose significant challenges for practical applications. Here, we proposed an ultrasonic-assisted method for rapid synthesis of uniformly-sized nanoscale CD-MOF, followed by its hydrophobic modification through ester bond cross-linking (Nano-CMOF). Proper ultrasound treatment effectively reduced particle size to nanoscale (393.14 nm). Notably, carbonate ester cross-linking method significantly improved water stability without altering its cubic shape and high porosity (1.3 cm3/g), resulting in a retention rate exceeding 90% in various media. Furthermore, the loading of quercetin did not disrupt cubic structure and showcased remarkable storage stability. Nano-CMOF achieved controlled release of quercetin in both aqueous environments and digestion. Additionally, Nano-CMOF demonstrated exceptional antioxidant (free radical scavenging 82.27%) and biocompatibility, indicating its significant potential as novel nutritional delivery systems in food and biomedical fields.

Construction of diallyltrisulfide nanoparticles for alleviation of ethanol-induced acute gastric injury.

Gastric ulcer, a significant health issue characterized by the degradation of the gastric mucosa, often arises from excessive gastric acid secretion and poses a challenge in current medical treatments due to the limited efficacy and side effects of first-line drugs. Addressing this, our study develops a novel therapeutic strategy leveraging gas therapy, specifically targeting the release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the treatment of gastric ulcers. We successfully developed a composite nanoparticle, named BSA·SH-DATS, through a two-step process. Initially, bovine serum albumin (BSA) was sulfhydrated to generate BSA·SH nanoparticles via a mercaptosylation method. Subsequently, these nanoparticles were further functionalized by incorporating diallyltrisulfide (DATS) through a precise Michael addition reaction. This sequential modification resulted in the creation of BSA·SH-DATS nanoparticles. Our comprehensive in vitro and in vivo investigations demonstrate that these nanoparticles possess an exceptional ability for site-specific action on gastric mucosal cells under the controlled release of H2S in response to endogenous glutathione (GSH), markedly diminishing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby alleviating inflammation and apoptosis. Moreover, the BSA·SH-DATS nanoparticles effectively regulate critical inflammatory proteins, including NF-κB and Caspase-3. Our study underscores their potential as a transformative approach for gastric ulcer treatment.

Construction of hyaluronic acid-functionalized magnolol nanoparticles for ulcerative colitis treatment.

Oral targeted anti-inflammatory drugs have garnered significant interest in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) due to their potential in reducing medical costs and enhancing treatment efficacy. Magnolol (Mag), a natural anti-inflammatory compound, has demonstrated protective effects against UC. However, its application as an alternative therapeutic agent for UC is limited by poor gastrointestinal stability and inadequate accumulation at inflamed colonic lesions. This study introduces a novel nanoparticle (NPs) formulation based on Mag, functionalized with hyaluronic acid (HA) for targeted UC therapy. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was modified with 2-thiamine hydrochloride to synthesize BSA·SH. Thiol-ene click reaction with Mag led to the formation of BSA·SH-Mag NPs, which were further modified with HA through dehydration condensation, regular spherical inflammation-targeting HA-BSA·SH-Mag nanoparticles with a charge of -23.6 mV and a particle size of 403 ± 4 nm were formed. In vitro studies revealed significant macrophage targeting and enhanced uptake by colon epithelial cells. Oral administration of HA-BSA·SH-Mag facilitated colon mucosal barrier repair by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10), and tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Claudin, Occludin). Crucially, HA-BSA·SH-Mag was found to inhibit the JAK2/STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing DSS-induced colon tissue inflammation. This research provides valuable insights into the oral use of natural compounds in UC therapy, highlighting the therapeutic potential of HA-BSA·SH-Mag NPs.

Morin-Based Nanoparticles for Regulation of Blood Glucose.

Morin, a naturally occurring bioactive compound shows great potential as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, and regulator of blood glucose levels. However, its low water solubility, poor lipid solubility, limited bioavailability, and rapid clearance in vivo hinder its application in blood glucose regulation. To address these limitations, we report an enzymatically synthesized nanosized morin particle (MNs) encapsulated in sodium alginate microgels (M@SA). This approach significantly enhances morin's delivery efficiency and therapeutic efficacy in blood glucose regulation. Utilizing horseradish peroxidase, we synthesized MNs averaging 305.7 ± 88.7 nm in size. These MNs were then encapsulated via electrohydrodynamic microdroplet spraying to form M@SA microgels. In vivo studies revealed that M@SA microgels demonstrated prolonged intestinal retention and superior efficacy compared with unmodified morin and MNs alone. Moreover, MNs notably improved glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, M@SA microgels effectively regulated blood glucose, lipid profiles, and oxidative stress in diabetic mice while mitigating liver, kidney, and pancreatic damage and enhancing anti-inflammatory responses. Our findings propose a promising strategy for the oral administration of natural compounds for blood glucose regulation, with implications for broader therapeutic applications.

Construction of Magnolol Nanoparticles for Alleviation of Ethanol-Induced Acute Gastric Injury.

Ethanol (EtOH) has been identified as a potential pathogenic factor in gastric ulcer development primarily due to its association with gastric injury and excessive production of reactive oxygen species. Magnolol (Mag), the principal active compound in Magnolia officinalis extract, is well studied for its notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its limited solubility, propensity for agglomeration, and low absorption and utilization rates significantly restrict its therapeutic use. This study aims to overcome these challenges by developing a Mag nanoparticle system targeting the treatment and prevention of EtOH-induced gastric ulcers in mice. Utilizing a click chemistry approach, we successfully synthesized this system by reacting thiolated bovine serum albumin (BSA·SH) with Mag. The in vitro analysis revealed effective uptake of the BSA·SH-Mag nanoparticle system by human gastric epithelial cells (GES-1), showcasing its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Additionally, BSA·SH-Mag exhibited gradual disintegration and release in simulated gastric fluid, resulting in a notable reduction of oxidative stress in gastric tissues and mucosal tissue repair and effectively reducing inflammatory expression. Furthermore, BSA·SH-Mag attenuated EtOH-induced gastric inflammation by decreasing the level of NOX4 protein expression and augmenting the level of Nrf2 protein expression. In conclusion, our findings indicate that BSA·SH-Mag represents a promising candidate as an oral therapeutic for gastric ulcer treatment.

Determination of free fatty acids in edible oil based on hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles.

In our study, ammoniated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (NH2-HMSN) with uniform diameter and stable structure were successively prepared via SiO2 core hard template method. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy revealed that amino group was effectively modified. Adsorption experiments showed that adsorption capacity of NH2-HMSN towards free fatty acids (FFAs) was superior to aminated mesopores or silica microspheres. Following through optimization of extraction conditions, FFAs from edible oil samples were successfully gathered by NH2-HMSN and showed favorable linearities (0.2-90 µg g-1), remarkably low limit of detections (0.03-0.15 nmol g-1), acceptable recoveries (85.08-96.82 %) and relatively accurate precisions (1.64-4.99 %). In comparison to existing adsorbent, NH2-HMSN could be successfully prepared via the chemical reaction of common raw materials under normal pressure and temperature. Furthermore, NH2-HMSN with hollow and mesoporous structure was more effective than the current adsorbents aimed at FFAs analysis in aspect of surface area and adsorption capacity.

Angelica sinensis polysaccharides modified selenium nanoparticles for effective prevention of acute liver injury.

As a global public health issue, the treatment of acute liver injury (ALI) is severely limited due to the lack of specific drugs. In order to address the challenges, innovative strategies for selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) with excellent antioxidant properties have been actively developed to effectively prevent ALI. However, the functional activity of Se NPs is severely affected by poor stability and bioavailability. The aim of this work is to develop a stabilization system (ASP-Se NPs) for Angelica sinensis polysaccharides modified Se NPs. The results showed that ASP-Se NPs with smaller size (62.38 ± 2.96 nm) showed good stability, specific accumulation in liver and enhanced cell uptake, thus exerting strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. The results of in vivo experiments further confirmed that ASP-Se NPs effectively prevented CCl4-induced ALI by improving liver function, inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and liver pathological damage. This work provides a new alternative method for effectively preventing ALI and improving liver function.

Development of nano-delivery systems for loaded bioactive compounds: using molecular dynamics simulations.

Over the past decade, a remarkable surge in the development of functional nano-delivery systems loaded with bioactive compounds for healthcare has been witnessed. Notably, the demanding requirements of high solubility, prolonged circulation, high tissue penetration capability, and strong targeting ability of nanocarriers have posed interdisciplinary research challenges to the community. While extensive experimental studies have been conducted to understand the construction of nano-delivery systems and their metabolic behavior in vivo, less is known about these molecular mechanisms and kinetic pathways during their metabolic process in vivo, and lacking effective means for high-throughput screening. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation techniques provide a reliable tool for investigating the design of nano-delivery carriers encapsulating these functional ingredients, elucidating the synthesis, translocation, and delivery of nanocarriers. This review introduces the basic MD principles, discusses how to apply MD simulation to design nanocarriers, evaluates the ability of nanocarriers to adhere to or cross gastrointestinal mucosa, and regulates plasma proteins in vivo. Moreover, we presented the critical role of MD simulation in developing delivery systems for precise nutrition and prospects for the future. This review aims to provide insights into the implications of MD simulation techniques for designing and optimizing nano-delivery systems in the healthcare food industry.

Metal-polyphenol microgels for oral delivery of puerarin to alleviate the onset of diabetes.

Puerarin (Pue) is a naturally bioactive compound with many potential functions in regulating blood glucose and lipid metabolism. However, the low bioavailability and rapid elimination in vivo limit the application of Pue in diabetic treatment. Here, we developed a metal-polyphenol-functionalized microgel to effectively deliver Pue in vivo and eventually alleviate the onset of diabetes. Pue was initially encapsulated in alginate beads through electrospray technology, and further immersed in Fe3+ and tannic acid solution from tannic acid (TA)-iron (Fe) coatings (TF). These constructed Pue@SA-TF microgels exhibited uniform spheres with an average size of 367.89 ± 18.74 µm and high encapsulation efficiency of Pue with 61.16 ± 1.39%. In vivo experiments proved that compared with free Pue and microgels without TF coatings, the biological distribution of Pue@SA-TF microgels specifically accumulated in the small intestine, prolonged the retention time of Pue, and achieved a high effectiveness in vivo. Anti-diabetic experimental results showed that Pue@SA-TF microgels significantly improved the levels of blood glucose, blood lipid, and oxidative stress in diabetic mice. Meanwhile, histopathological observations indicated that Pue@SA-TF microgels could significantly alleviate the damage to the liver, kidney, and pancreas in diabetic mice. Our study provided an effective strategy for oral delivery of Pue and achieved high anti-diabetic efficacy.

Orally-administered nanomedicine systems targeting colon inflammation for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: latest advances.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and idiopathic condition that results in inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Commonly used treatments for IBD include anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and antibiotics. Fecal microbiota transplantation is also being explored as a potential treatment method; however, these drugs may lead to systemic side effects. Oral administration is preferred for IBD treatment, but accurately locating the inflamed area in the colon is challenging due to multiple physiological barriers. Nanoparticle drug delivery systems possess unique physicochemical properties that enable precise delivery to the target site for IBD treatment, exploiting the increased permeability and retention effect of inflamed intestines. The first part of this review comprehensively introduces the pathophysiological environment of IBD, covering the gastrointestinal pH, various enzymes in the pathway, transport time, intestinal mucus, intestinal epithelium, intestinal immune cells, and intestinal microbiota. The second part focuses on the latest advances in the mechanism and strategies of targeted delivery using oral nanoparticle drug delivery systems for colitis-related fields. Finally, we present challenges and potential directions for future IBD treatment with the assistance of nanotechnology.

Efficient oral delivery of resveratrol-loaded cyclodextrin-metal organic framework for alleviation of ulcerative colitis.

Developing innovative strategies for the oral administration of phytochemicals presents a promising approach to addressing intestinal diseases. However, numerous challenges persist, including limited therapeutic efficacy, poor bioavailability, and inadequate biocompatibility. In this study, we employed a cross-linked cyclodextrin-metal organic framework (CDF) to encapsulate resveratrol (Res), generating Res-CDF, which was subsequently incorporated into natural polysaccharide hydrogel microspheres (Res-CDF in MPs) for targeted oral delivery to alleviate ulcerative colitis (UC). The underlying adsorption mechanism of Res by γ-CD elucidated by molecular dynamics simulations. Importantly, the Res-CDF in MPs formulation protected against gastric acid degradation while preserving the bioactivity of Res. Moreover, the design enabled specific release of Res-CDF in response to the mildly alkaline environment of the intestinal tract, followed by sustained Res release. In UC mice model, Res-CDF in MPs demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects by attenuating pro-inflammatory cytokine production and exhibited antioxidant properties. Additionally, Res-CDF in MPs enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1, Occludin, and mucin-2 (Muc-2), thereby maintaining normal intestinal barrier function. This innovative oral delivery strategy capitalizes on the advantageous properties of polysaccharide hydrogel and CDF to augment bioavailability of phytochemicals, laying the groundwork for developing novel oral interventions employing natural phytochemicals to address intestinal-related diseases.

Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharide-functionalized selenium nanoparticles for effective alleviation of ulcerative colitis.

Exacerbated intestinal inflammation, oxidative stress imbalance, and damage to intestinal mucosal barrier are closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). Selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) have demonstrated promising potential to alleviate UC symptoms, however, their poor solubility and stability leading to aggregation and large precipitates have significantly limit their clinical application. In this study, we aimed to enhance the performance of Se NPs by functionalizing them with Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharide, yielding PHP-Se NPs. As expected, these PHP-Se NPs exhibited reduced particle size (70.51 ± 2.92 nm), enhanced cellular uptake compared to native Se NPs, and preferential accumulation in the colonic tissue, providing targeted UC treatment. In vivo animal experiments revealed that PHP-Se NPs significantly improved weight loss, shortened colon length, and higher disease activity index (DAI) scores in DSS-induced UC mice. Moreover, PHP-Se NPs significantly inhibited the levels of inflammatory factors in colitis tissues and oxidative stress in serum of UC mice, improved histological damage in colitis tissues, and restored the intestinal mucosal barrier. Taken together, our study offers an innovative approach to augment the bioavailability of Se NPs, presenting a promising strategy for the effective prevention and management of UC.

Phosphatidylserine-functionalized liposomes-in-microgels for delivering genistein to effectively treat ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disease involving ulcers in the colon and rectum. The conventional treatments for UC still have many limitations, such as non-specific release, adverse effects and low absorption, resulting in the poor bioavailability of therapeutic agents. To address these challenges, targeting delivery systems are required to specifically deliver drugs to the colonic site with controlled release. Herein, we present a novel microgel oral delivery system, loaded with liposome nanoparticles (Li NPs) containing a natural anti-inflammatory compound genistein (Gen) into alginate microgels, thereby achieving the targeted release of Gen in the colonic region and ameliorating UC symptoms. Initially, Gen was loaded into phosphatidylserine (PS)-functionalized Li NPs to form Gen@Li NPs with an average size of 245.9 ± 9.6 nm. In vitro assessments confirmed that Gen@Li NPs efficiently targeted macrophages and facilitated the internalization of Gen into cells. To prevent rapid degradation in the harsh gastrointestinal tract, Gen@Li NPs were further encapsulated into alginate microgels through electric spraying technology, forming Gen@Li microgels. In vivo distribution tests demonstrated that Gen@Li microgels possessed long-term retention in the colon and gradual release characteristics compared to Gen@Li NPs. Furthermore, in vivo experiments confirmed that Gen@Li microgels significantly alleviated UC symptoms in mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) mainly through reducing the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6) and promoting colonic mucosal barrier repair through upregulation of mucosal protein expression. This study shed light on the potential of utilizing oral administration of natural compounds for UC treatment.

Construction of Phlorotannin-Based Nanoparticles for Alleviating Acute Liver Injury.

Acute liver injury (ALI) is a severe health condition with limited treatment options. Phlorotannin (PT), a natural compound extracted from seaweeds, has shown potential in improving liver function. However, its poor stability and bioavailability have limited its applications in vivo. In this study, we developed PT-based nanoparticles (NPs) through a Mannich reaction with glycine, which exhibited good biocompatibility and prolonged circulation time in vivo. Our results revealed that the PT NPs possess strong free radical scavenging ability, effectively reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alleviating oxidative stress and proinflammatory responses in the H2O2-induced oxidative damage model of HepG2 cells. Furthermore, the PT NPs effectively attenuated oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver tissue of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury mice by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. In summary, our results suggested that the PT NPs could serve as a promising nano-therapeutic strategy for alleviating ALI.

Multifunctional gallic acid self-assembled hydrogel for alleviation of ethanol-induced acute gastric injury.

Ethanol-induced acute gastric injury is a prevalent type of digestive tract ulcer, yet conventional treatments strategies frequently encounter several limitations, such as poor bioavailability, degradation of enzymes and adverse side effects. Gallic acid (GA), a natural compound extracted from dogwood, has demonstrated potential protective effects in mitigating acute gastric injury. However, its poor stability and limited bioavailability have restricted applications in vivo. To address these issues, we report a hydrogel constructed only by gallic acid with high bioavailability for alleviation of gastric injury. Molecular dynamic simulation studies revealed that the self-assembly of GA into hydrogel was predominantly attributed to π-π and hydrogen bonds. After assembling, the GA hydrogel exhibits superior anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammatory properties compared with free GA. As anticipated, in vitro experiments demonstrated that GA hydrogel possessed the remarkable ability to promote the proliferation of GES-1 cells, and alleviates apoptosis and inflammation caused by ethanol. Subsequent in vivo investigation further confirmed that GA hydrogel significantly alleviated ethanol-triggered acute gastric injury. Mechanistically, GA hydrogel treatment enhanced the antioxidant capacity, reduced oxidative stress while simultaneously suppressing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced the production of pro-apoptotic proteins during the process of gastric injury. Our finding suggest that this multifunctional GA hydrogel is a promising candidate for gastric injury, particularly in cases of ethanol-induced acute gastric injury.

Cyclodextrin-based metal-organic framework materials: Classifications, synthesis strategies and applications in variegated delivery systems.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are coordination compounds that possess an adjustable structure and controllable function. Despite their wide applications in various industries, the use of MOFs in the fields of food and biomedicine is limited mainly due to their potential biological toxicity. Researchers have thus focused on developing biocompatible MOFs to address this issue. Among them, cyclodextrin-based metal-organic frameworks (CD-MOFs) have emerged as a promising alternative. CD-MOFs are novel MOFs synthesized using naturally carbohydrate cyclodextrin and alkali metal cations, and possess renewable, non-toxic, and edible characteristics. Due to their high specific surface area, controllable porosity, great biocompatibility, CD-MOFs have been widely used in various delivery systems, such as encapsulation of nutraceuticals, flavors, and antibacterial agents. Although the field of CD-MOF materials is still in its early stages, they provide a promising direction for the development of MOF materials in the delivery field. This review describes classification and structural characteristics, followed by an introduction to formation mechanism and commonly used synthetic methods for CD-MOFs. Additionally, we discuss the status of the application of various delivery systems based on CD-MOFs. Finally, we address the challenges and prospects of CD-MOF materials, with the aim of providing new insights and ideas for their future development.

Helical-Like Assembly of Nateglinide as Coating for Oral Delivery of Insulin and Their Synergistic Prevention of Diabetes Mellitus.

Oral delivery of antidiabetic active components promises to free millions of people from daily suffering who require routine injections. However, oral insulin (Ins) and other short-acting compounds such as nateglinide (NG) in harsh gastrointestinal tract still face great challenging, including low bioavailability, and rapid elimination. In this study, inspired by the self-assembly of phenylalanine-based peptides in nature, it is showed that NG a small phenylalanine derivative, assembles into left-handed helical nanofibers in the presence of Ca2+ . These helical NG nanofibers functioned as a coating layer on the surface of Ca2+ -linked alginate (Alg) microgels for the effective encapsulation of Ins. As expected, the sustained release and prolonged circulation of Ins and NG from the Ins-loading Alg/NG microgels (Ins@Alg/NG) in the intestinal tract synergistically maintain a relatively normal blood glucose level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice after oral administration of Ins@Alg/NG. This further confirms that Ins@Alg/NG ameliorated Ins resistance mainly through activating Insreceptor substrate 1 (IRS1), protein kinase B (AKT), and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as well as by repressing glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß). The strategy of using the assembly of NG as a coating achieves the oral delivery of insulin and showcases a potential for the treatment of diabetes.