The role of galactose and chitosan in novel targeted nanoemulsion delivery carriers: Synthesis, in vitro stability, and anti-Hepa 1–6 cell activity

Abstract

This study developed water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) nanoemulsions (NEs) modified with galactose (GAL) and chitosan (CTS) to encapsulate α-linolenic acid (ALA) for targeted delivery. The evaluation of physicochemical properties, stability, release characteristics, and in vitro targeting explored the effect of adding GAL to the external aqueous phase, as well as the interaction between GAL and CTS, on the targeted delivery performance of the NEs. The CTS and GAL maintained NE structural stability and thermal resistance through electrostatic interactions, preserving a stable encapsulation rate. The CTS in the external aqueous phase facilitated a three-dimensional network, maintaining flow stability. The in vitro digestion showed <22 % ALA release in gastric fluid and <45 % in intestinal fluid within 2 h. Additionally, in vitro cell experiments showed that NEs increased lipid oxidation, decreased superoxide dismutase activity, and increased lactate dehydrogenase release. The NEs with GAL added to the external aqueous phase demonstrated high uptake in Hepa 1–6 cells, indicating effective liver targeting. Thus, NEs with GAL and CTS could serve as carriers for active compounds, offering a novel strategy for targeted nutrient delivery in the food and pharmaceutical industries.