Pub Date : 2025-11-04DOI: 10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100252
Marko Vinceković , Lana Živković , Botagoz Mutaliyeva , Galiya Madybekova , Elmira Turkeyeva , Nenad Jalšenjak , Assem Issayeva
Encapsulation of Bifidobacteria with natural biopolymers has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the viability of probiotics in dairy systems. While Bifidobacteria confer well-established health benefits, their industrial application is hindered by sensitivity to processing and storage conditions. This review critically evaluates encapsulation methods, including extrusion, emulsification, spray drying, and freeze drying, as well as natural polymers such as alginate, chitosan, carrageenan, gelatin, and starch, with a focus on their ability to maintain the stability of probiotics. Beyond summarizing current techniques, we highlight persisting gaps in scalability, cost efficiency, and consumer acceptance, issues often overlooked in earlier reviews. By integrating recent advances in material science with food engineering perspectives, this article outlines pathways for industrial translation. It distinguishes itself by focusing on how encapsulation strategies can be optimized to overcome these barriers, ultimately enabling broader adoption of probiotic-enriched dairy products.
{"title":"Encapsulation of bifidobacteria in natural biopolymers: Advances, challenges, and applications in dairy products","authors":"Marko Vinceković , Lana Živković , Botagoz Mutaliyeva , Galiya Madybekova , Elmira Turkeyeva , Nenad Jalšenjak , Assem Issayeva","doi":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100252","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100252","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Encapsulation of <em>Bifidobacteria</em> with natural biopolymers has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the viability of probiotics in dairy systems. While <em>Bifidobacteria</em> confer well-established health benefits, their industrial application is hindered by sensitivity to processing and storage conditions. This review critically evaluates encapsulation methods, including extrusion, emulsification, spray drying, and freeze drying, as well as natural polymers such as alginate, chitosan, carrageenan, gelatin, and starch, with a focus on their ability to maintain the stability of probiotics. Beyond summarizing current techniques, we highlight persisting gaps in scalability, cost efficiency, and consumer acceptance, issues often overlooked in earlier reviews. By integrating recent advances in material science with food engineering perspectives, this article outlines pathways for industrial translation. It distinguishes itself by focusing on how encapsulation strategies can be optimized to overcome these barriers, ultimately enabling broader adoption of probiotic-enriched dairy products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12385,"journal":{"name":"Food Hydrocolloids for Health","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100252"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-03DOI: 10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100253
Ismail Zainol , Ayah Rebhi Hilles , Wan Rusmawati Wan Mahamod , Hasnor Izzati Che Razali , Haniza Hanim Mohd Zain
This study aims to develop and characterise fish scale-collagen cream (CoC) intended for topical application. The development of CoC consists of hydrolysed collagen (molecular weight ≈ 1 kDa) dispersed into the aqueous phase of a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion of Span 60: Tween 60/water/virgin coconut oil (VCO) system. Collagen used in this study has been extracted from Tilapia fish scales using hydrothermal extraction combined with enzymatic hydrolysis treatment. The CoC was developed using a water-in-VCO emulsion medium at water volume fractions (φw) of 0.74, 0.83, and 0.94. Up to 20 wt.% of hydrolysed collagen was successfully loaded into the emulsion system via the high shear homogenisation technique. The characterisation of the CoC involved a complex microscopic analysis, including optical polarising microscopy (OPM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), complemented by droplet size analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and rheological evaluation. The physical characteristics of CoC were investigated to evaluate its suitability for administration on the skin. The potential of CoC to be applied on the skin was evaluated using analysis of ex vivo rat skin permeation using the Franz diffusion cell, in vitro fibroblast cell viability and in vivo toxicity to the mice. Franz diffusion cell studies revealed 3466.46 ± 21.70 μg/cm² cumulative collagen permeation over 6 h (vs. 1750 ± 319.67 μg/cm² control; p < 0.001, 95 % CI: 1580–1850 μg/cm²), with 94–97 % retention in skin layers. In vitro, 0.02 mg/mL hydrolysed collagen increased fibroblast viability by 34 % (p < 0.01, n = 3). Furthermore, Sub-acute toxicity tests of 25–50 mg/kg body weight of hydrolysed collagen for 7 days showed no significant weight changes (p > 0.05, 95 % CI: −0.5 % to +1.2 %) or mortality. It was observed that the hydrolysed collagen could pass through the rat skin easily and successfully stimulate the fibroblast cell viability. In conclusion, CoC is a suitable carrier for hydrolysed collagen in topical applications. The use of the designed emulsion-based creams can safely enhance the delivery of the hydrolysed collagen in the skin layers with additional benefits for cosmetic and therapeutic applications.
{"title":"Topical fish scale collagen cream: Formulation, skin permeation, and biocompatibility for cosmetic and therapeutic use","authors":"Ismail Zainol , Ayah Rebhi Hilles , Wan Rusmawati Wan Mahamod , Hasnor Izzati Che Razali , Haniza Hanim Mohd Zain","doi":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100253","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100253","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aims to develop and characterise fish scale-collagen cream (CoC) intended for topical application. The development of CoC consists of hydrolysed collagen (molecular weight ≈ 1 kDa) dispersed into the aqueous phase of a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion of Span 60: Tween 60/water/virgin coconut oil (VCO) system. Collagen used in this study has been extracted from Tilapia fish scales using hydrothermal extraction combined with enzymatic hydrolysis treatment. The CoC was developed using a water-in-VCO emulsion medium at water volume fractions (φ<sub>w</sub>) of 0.74, 0.83, and 0.94. Up to 20 wt.% of hydrolysed collagen was successfully loaded into the emulsion system via the high shear homogenisation technique. The characterisation of the CoC involved a complex microscopic analysis, including optical polarising microscopy (OPM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), complemented by droplet size analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and rheological evaluation. The physical characteristics of CoC were investigated to evaluate its suitability for administration on the skin. The potential of CoC to be applied on the skin was evaluated using analysis of <em>ex vivo</em> rat skin permeation using the Franz diffusion cell, <em>in vitro</em> fibroblast cell viability and <em>in vivo</em> toxicity to the mice. Franz diffusion cell studies revealed 3466.46 ± 21.70 μg/cm² cumulative collagen permeation over 6 h (vs. 1750 ± 319.67 μg/cm² control; <em>p</em> < 0.001, 95 % CI: 1580–1850 μg/cm²), with 94–97 % retention in skin layers. <em>In vitro</em>, 0.02 mg/mL hydrolysed collagen increased fibroblast viability by 34 % (<em>p</em> < 0.01, <em>n</em> = 3). Furthermore, Sub-acute toxicity tests of 25–50 mg/kg body weight of hydrolysed collagen for 7 days showed no significant weight changes (<em>p</em> > 0.05, 95 % CI: −0.5 % to +1.2 %) or mortality. It was observed that the hydrolysed collagen could pass through the rat skin easily and successfully stimulate the fibroblast cell viability. In conclusion, CoC is a suitable carrier for hydrolysed collagen in topical applications. The use of the designed emulsion-based creams can safely enhance the delivery of the hydrolysed collagen in the skin layers with additional benefits for cosmetic and therapeutic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12385,"journal":{"name":"Food Hydrocolloids for Health","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100253"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568670","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100250
Zahra Khoshdouni Farahani , Mohammad ali Ebrahimzadeh Mousavi , Abdorreza Mohammadi Nafchi
This mini review focuses on Persian gum, a native Iranian hydrocolloid derived from the mountain almond tree (Amygdalus species), which has attracted significant interest due to its unique structural properties and potential applications across various industries, especially in food and pharmaceuticals. Despite its promising characteristics, the use of Persian gum in coating and encapsulation technologies within the food industry remains limited. This paper highlights recent advances in the development of Persian gum-based beads and capsules for encapsulation purposes. Utilizing this native gum as a cost-effective coating material not only offers a sustainable alternative to expensive imported hydrocolloids but also provides comparable quality in food formulations. Moreover, Persian gum demonstrates excellent compatibility with other biopolymers and proteins, broadening its potential applications. The review summarizes experimental findings on Persian gum’s encapsulation efficiency, interactions with other gums and proteins, and its role in various coating methods. These insights underscore Persian gum’s promising role as a versatile and economical encapsulating agent, with significant potential for broader industrial application.
{"title":"Advances and innovative applications of persian gum as a native hydrocolloid: Physicochemical properties, biopolymer compatibility, and encapsulation technologies","authors":"Zahra Khoshdouni Farahani , Mohammad ali Ebrahimzadeh Mousavi , Abdorreza Mohammadi Nafchi","doi":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100250","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100250","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This mini review focuses on Persian gum, a native Iranian hydrocolloid derived from the mountain almond tree (<em>Amygdalus</em> species), which has attracted significant interest due to its unique structural properties and potential applications across various industries, especially in food and pharmaceuticals. Despite its promising characteristics, the use of Persian gum in coating and encapsulation technologies within the food industry remains limited. This paper highlights recent advances in the development of Persian gum-based beads and capsules for encapsulation purposes. Utilizing this native gum as a cost-effective coating material not only offers a sustainable alternative to expensive imported hydrocolloids but also provides comparable quality in food formulations. Moreover, Persian gum demonstrates excellent compatibility with other biopolymers and proteins, broadening its potential applications. The review summarizes experimental findings on Persian gum’s encapsulation efficiency, interactions with other gums and proteins, and its role in various coating methods. These insights underscore Persian gum’s promising role as a versatile and economical encapsulating agent, with significant potential for broader industrial application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12385,"journal":{"name":"Food Hydrocolloids for Health","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100250"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145412424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background. Hydrogel-based encapsulation represents a successful method for preserving probiotics and their functionality during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit. Although conventional systems offer protection, advances in next-generation prebiotics such as polyphenols and non-digestible carbohydrates have shifted the focus toward multifunctional synbiotic delivery systems. These materials provide sustainable, food-grade design and improve both structural integrity and bioactivity. Additionally, fabrication and crosslinking methods such as ionic interactions, Maillard conjugation, and enzymatic or pH-responsive techniques facilitate precise hydrogel customization for targeted probiotic release. Scope and approach. This review discusses recent progress in natural and composite hydrogels for probiotic encapsulation, with particular attention to the influence of next generation prebiotics on hydrogel functionality. A decision-oriented design framework is presented, aligning target sites and release triggers with materials and crosslinking strategies, exemplified with quantitative results. This framework offers a systematic approach for selecting food-grade matrices and encapsulation methods. Key findings and conclusions. Natural and composite hydrogels provide effective protection against oxygen, heat, acidity, bile salts, and digestive enzymes, maintaining a hydrated and biocompatible microenvironment. Protein–polysaccharide combinations increase mechanical and rheological stability, while next-generation prebiotics further reinforce structural integrity and bioactivity. Encapsulation efficiencies above 90 percent and enhanced cell viability in simulated digestion demonstrate promising performance of these systems. The integration of quantitative mapping and design principles establishes a practical framework for developing scalable, food-grade, multifunctional synbiotic hydrogels, supporting advancements in probiotic delivery technology. Adopting standardized digestion models and prioritizing in vivo validation will aid the development of synbiotic hydrogels acceptable in real food systems.
{"title":"Advances in food-grade hydrogel encapsulation of probiotics with next-generation prebiotics for targeted synbiotic delivery","authors":"Vidmantė Minelgaitė, Sigita Jeznienė, Aušra Šipailienė","doi":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100251","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100251","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Background. Hydrogel-based encapsulation represents a successful method for preserving probiotics and their functionality during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit. Although conventional systems offer protection, advances in next-generation prebiotics such as polyphenols and non-digestible carbohydrates have shifted the focus toward multifunctional synbiotic delivery systems. These materials provide sustainable, food-grade design and improve both structural integrity and bioactivity. Additionally, fabrication and crosslinking methods such as ionic interactions, Maillard conjugation, and enzymatic or pH-responsive techniques facilitate precise hydrogel customization for targeted probiotic release. Scope and approach. This review discusses recent progress in natural and composite hydrogels for probiotic encapsulation, with particular attention to the influence of next generation prebiotics on hydrogel functionality. A decision-oriented design framework is presented, aligning target sites and release triggers with materials and crosslinking strategies, exemplified with quantitative results. This framework offers a systematic approach for selecting food-grade matrices and encapsulation methods. Key findings and conclusions. Natural and composite hydrogels provide effective protection against oxygen, heat, acidity, bile salts, and digestive enzymes, maintaining a hydrated and biocompatible microenvironment. Protein–polysaccharide combinations increase mechanical and rheological stability, while next-generation prebiotics further reinforce structural integrity and bioactivity. Encapsulation efficiencies above 90 percent and enhanced cell viability in simulated digestion demonstrate promising performance of these systems. The integration of quantitative mapping and design principles establishes a practical framework for developing scalable, food-grade, multifunctional synbiotic hydrogels, supporting advancements in probiotic delivery technology. Adopting standardized digestion models and prioritizing in vivo validation will aid the development of synbiotic hydrogels acceptable in real food systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12385,"journal":{"name":"Food Hydrocolloids for Health","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100251"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145412510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, yet intake remains insufficient in many populations. Fishbone-derived bio-calcium from Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer), containing approximately 37.5 % calcium (dry weight), offers a cost-effective source. However, its primary form, hydroxyapatite, has low solubility due to high crystallinity, limiting its application in food fortification. This study aimed to enhance the physicochemical properties of bio-calcium (B) powders by encapsulating them with maltodextrin (M), gum arabic (G), and their combination (MG) at 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % (w/v) using spray drying. A 1:4 (w/w) ratio of B to wall materials was applied at 180 °C (inlet) and 60 °C (outlet) temperatures. Powder yields ranged from 25.2 % (15 % BG) to 30.3 % (15 % BM), with no significant differences (p > 0.05) among treatments. Encapsulated powders had higher lightness (L*) than B. The highest calcium content and encapsulation efficiency were observed in 5 % BG, while BM showed the lowest. Moisture content and water activity remained below 10 % and 0.6 %, respectively. BG had the highest hygroscopicity, while wall concentration had no significant (p > 0.05) impact. Encapsulation improved water solubility index (75.4–86.5 %), especially in BM. Particle sizes ranged from 0.92 µm (10 % BMG) to 2.89 µm (15 % BM), while zeta potentials ranged from -8.71 mV (15 % BM) to -20.90 mV (15 % BMG). Encapsulated powders were more spherical and smoother than B, while BG particles showed aggregation, whereas BMG showed mixed morphologies. These findings suggest that encapsulation enhanced the physicochemical properties of bio-calcium, supporting its potential application in calcium-fortified foods and dietary supplements.
{"title":"Characterization and physicochemical properties of a novel microencapsulated bio-calcium from Asian sea bass bones","authors":"Salinee Phengleng , Wipavadee Sangadkit , Songsak Wattanachaisaereekul , Jiraporn Sirison , Suneerat Ruangsomboon","doi":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, yet intake remains insufficient in many populations. Fishbone-derived bio-calcium from Asian sea bass (<em>Lates calcarifer</em>), containing approximately 37.5 % calcium (dry weight), offers a cost-effective source. However, its primary form, hydroxyapatite, has low solubility due to high crystallinity, limiting its application in food fortification. This study aimed to enhance the physicochemical properties of bio-calcium (B) powders by encapsulating them with maltodextrin (M), gum arabic (G), and their combination (MG) at 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % (w/v) using spray drying. A 1:4 (w/w) ratio of B to wall materials was applied at 180 °C (inlet) and 60 °C (outlet) temperatures. Powder yields ranged from 25.2 % (15 % BG) to 30.3 % (15 % BM), with no significant differences (<em>p</em> > 0.05) among treatments. Encapsulated powders had higher lightness (L*) than B. The highest calcium content and encapsulation efficiency were observed in 5 % BG, while BM showed the lowest. Moisture content and water activity remained below 10 % and 0.6 %, respectively. BG had the highest hygroscopicity, while wall concentration had no significant (p > 0.05) impact. Encapsulation improved water solubility index (75.4–86.5 %), especially in BM. Particle sizes ranged from 0.92 µm (10 % BMG) to 2.89 µm (15 % BM), while zeta potentials ranged from -8.71 mV (15 % BM) to -20.90 mV (15 % BMG). Encapsulated powders were more spherical and smoother than B, while BG particles showed aggregation, whereas BMG showed mixed morphologies. These findings suggest that encapsulation enhanced the physicochemical properties of bio-calcium, supporting its potential application in calcium-fortified foods and dietary supplements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12385,"journal":{"name":"Food Hydrocolloids for Health","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100247"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-11DOI: 10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100248
Hong Guo , Rui Yao , Jing Fan , Ying Wang , Lingzhi Zhang , Hua Sun , Xiaohan Guo , Jianbo Yang , Jingzhe Pu , Yazhong Zhang , Baozhong Duan , Jia Chen , Wenguang Jing , Xianlong Cheng , Feng Wei
Polygonati Rhizoma serve as medicinal and edible plants rich in carbohydrates, with its polysaccharides extensively studied, while research on oligosaccharides remains limited regarding their structural and bioactive properties. This study investigates the against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) effects of Polygonatum kingianum oligosaccharides (PKO) and employs UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS technology to characterize oligosaccharide components. The PKO components were enriched through hot water extraction, 60% anhydrous ethanol precipitation, and membrane separation technology, with preliminary validation of their hepatoprotective effects in DL-ethionine-induced fatty liver mice. A novel LC-MS/MS analytical method was developed utilizing characteristic secondary fragment ions and retention time profiles of oligosaccharides to enable rapid identification and characterization of PKO. Thirty-four oligosaccharides were successfully identified from Polygonatum kingianum (PK), all exhibiting a monosaccharide composition of fructose and glucose. The structural backbone consists of fructose residues linked via (1→2) and (2→6) glycosidic bonds, with 32 compounds being reported for the first time in PK. This study marks the first discovery of oligosaccharides in PK with potential therapeutic effects against NAFLD. Additionally, it represents the first application of LC-MS/MS technology to systematically characterize neutral oligosaccharides in this species. These findings provide a novel analytical methodology for investigating potential anti-NAFLD oligosaccharide components in PK.
{"title":"Profiling oligosaccharide components in Polygonatum kingianum with potential anti-NAFLD activity using UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS technology","authors":"Hong Guo , Rui Yao , Jing Fan , Ying Wang , Lingzhi Zhang , Hua Sun , Xiaohan Guo , Jianbo Yang , Jingzhe Pu , Yazhong Zhang , Baozhong Duan , Jia Chen , Wenguang Jing , Xianlong Cheng , Feng Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100248","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100248","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polygonati Rhizoma serve as medicinal and edible plants rich in carbohydrates, with its polysaccharides extensively studied, while research on oligosaccharides remains limited regarding their structural and bioactive properties. This study investigates the against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) effects of <em>Polygonatum kingianum</em> oligosaccharides (PKO) and employs UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS technology to characterize oligosaccharide components. The PKO components were enriched through hot water extraction, 60% anhydrous ethanol precipitation, and membrane separation technology, with preliminary validation of their hepatoprotective effects in DL-ethionine-induced fatty liver mice. A novel LC-MS/MS analytical method was developed utilizing characteristic secondary fragment ions and retention time profiles of oligosaccharides to enable rapid identification and characterization of PKO. Thirty-four oligosaccharides were successfully identified from <em>Polygonatum kingianum</em> (PK), all exhibiting a monosaccharide composition of fructose and glucose. The structural backbone consists of fructose residues linked via (1→2) and (2→6) glycosidic bonds, with 32 compounds being reported for the first time in PK. This study marks the first discovery of oligosaccharides in PK with potential therapeutic effects against NAFLD. Additionally, it represents the first application of LC-MS/MS technology to systematically characterize neutral oligosaccharides in this species. These findings provide a novel analytical methodology for investigating potential anti-NAFLD oligosaccharide components in PK.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12385,"journal":{"name":"Food Hydrocolloids for Health","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100248"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-09DOI: 10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100246
Caterina Di Sano , Claudia D’Anna , Giovanna Li Petri , Giuseppe Angellotti , Francesco Meneguzzo , Rosaria Ciriminna , Mario Pagliaro
Obtained via synthetic organic chemistry, enzymatic, free radical or cavitation-based routes, citrus flavonoid-pectin conjugates are bioconjugates showing substantial bioactivity. Reviewing research achievements concerning the biological activity of citrus flavonoid-pectin conjugates since their recent introduction, this study suggests that the use of water-soluble and biocompatible citrus pectin to chemically bind and deliver citrus flavonoids offers a synergistic solution to the poor bioavailability of flavonoids that so far limited their uptake. Merging the powerful and broad scope bioactivity of citrus flavonoids with that of pectin, the approach is promising towards the development of new pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products for the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases.
{"title":"Citrus flavonoid-pectin conjugates: Towards broad scope therapeutic agents","authors":"Caterina Di Sano , Claudia D’Anna , Giovanna Li Petri , Giuseppe Angellotti , Francesco Meneguzzo , Rosaria Ciriminna , Mario Pagliaro","doi":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100246","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100246","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Obtained via synthetic organic chemistry, enzymatic, free radical or cavitation-based routes, citrus flavonoid-pectin conjugates are bioconjugates showing substantial bioactivity. Reviewing research achievements concerning the biological activity of citrus flavonoid-pectin conjugates since their recent introduction, this study suggests that the use of water-soluble and biocompatible citrus pectin to chemically bind and deliver citrus flavonoids offers a synergistic solution to the poor bioavailability of flavonoids that so far limited their uptake. Merging the powerful and broad scope bioactivity of citrus flavonoids with that of pectin, the approach is promising towards the development of new pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products for the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12385,"journal":{"name":"Food Hydrocolloids for Health","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100246"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145264743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-28DOI: 10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100245
Xuxiao Gong , Jie Lin , Gwoncheol Park , Saurabh Kadyan , Quancai Sun , Ravinder Nagpal , Leqi Cui
This study aimed to investigate the gut health benefits and anti-inflammatory property of pea protein isolates (PPI) as affected by conjugating with p-coumaric acid (p-CA). 13C NMR analysis confirmed the newly formed covalent bonds between PPI and p-CA occurred at the C8 position of p-CA. Results showed that after in vitro digestion, the conjugates exhibited higher protein digestibility compared to PPI. Dialysis was conducted to simulate small intestinal absorption and obtain non-absorbable fraction, which were utilized for human fecal fermentation and for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity in RAW 264.7 cells. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that PPI reduced the abundance of Bifidobacterium and increased Lactobacillus. However, after conjugation with p-CA, the inhibitory effect of PPI on Bifidobacterium was diminished, while its promotive effect on Lactobacillus was further strengthened. Meanwhile, PPI exhibited anti-inflammatory potential, as evidenced by the significant suppression of nitric oxide (NO) production and IL-6 expression. While the conjugates induced higher NO production compared to PPI, the levels remained lower than those induced by LPS alone, suggesting a partial reduction in anti-inflammatory potential after conjugation. Overall, this study provides new evidence that conjugation with phenolics can enhance pea protein's potential to positively influence gut microbiota composition, albeit with a reduced anti-inflammatory potential.
{"title":"Pea protein and p-coumaric acid conjugates: New evidence on in vitro digestion, modulation of gut microbiota, and anti-inflammatory activity","authors":"Xuxiao Gong , Jie Lin , Gwoncheol Park , Saurabh Kadyan , Quancai Sun , Ravinder Nagpal , Leqi Cui","doi":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100245","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100245","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to investigate the gut health benefits and anti-inflammatory property of pea protein isolates (PPI) as affected by conjugating with p-coumaric acid (p-CA). <sup>13</sup>C NMR analysis confirmed the newly formed covalent bonds between PPI and p-CA occurred at the C8 position of p-CA. Results showed that after in vitro digestion, the conjugates exhibited higher protein digestibility compared to PPI. Dialysis was conducted to simulate small intestinal absorption and obtain non-absorbable fraction, which were utilized for human fecal fermentation and for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity in RAW 264.7 cells. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that PPI reduced the abundance of Bifidobacterium and increased Lactobacillus. However, after conjugation with p-CA, the inhibitory effect of PPI on Bifidobacterium was diminished, while its promotive effect on Lactobacillus was further strengthened. Meanwhile, PPI exhibited anti-inflammatory potential, as evidenced by the significant suppression of nitric oxide (NO) production and IL-6 expression. While the conjugates induced higher NO production compared to PPI, the levels remained lower than those induced by LPS alone, suggesting a partial reduction in anti-inflammatory potential after conjugation. Overall, this study provides new evidence that conjugation with phenolics can enhance pea protein's potential to positively influence gut microbiota composition, albeit with a reduced anti-inflammatory potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12385,"journal":{"name":"Food Hydrocolloids for Health","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100245"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145216880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-24DOI: 10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100244
Rabiah Bashir , Adil Gani , Asima Shah , Hasham Shafi , Abdul Aala Fazili , Tabasum Ali , Syed Naiem Raza , Shabnam Kawoosa , Nisar Ahmad Khan
In the realm of ocular drug delivery, the limited bioavailability of pharmaceuticals presents a significant challenge. The development of alternative drug delivery systems aimed at enhancing the availability of medications at targeted sites is of considerable importance in addressing this issue. The research work aimed to design, formulate, and optimize a fast-dissolving nanofiber of quercetin and polyvinyl alcohol for an ocular delivery system. Response Surface Methodology (Box-Behnken design) was used for the optimisation of electrospinning parameters, including polymer concentration, flow rate, and voltage, resulting in enhanced drug encapsulation and the formation of smooth and uniform nanofibers. Morphological characterization was conducted using scanning electron microscopy, which demonstrated the development of smooth, uniform, bead-like porous fibers with the drug incorporated within the fibers in nanoform during the electrospinning process, rather than being deposited on the surface. The drug-excipient interaction was evaluated by FTIR analysis, which indicated compatibility between PVA and quercetin, with all the peaks of the quercetin retained in the optimized formulation. The conversion of quercetin from its crystalline form to an amorphous state was demonstrated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. The XRD pattern illustrated a reduction in the crystalline peaks characteristic of quercetin, while the DSC results indicated a decrease in the melting point of quercetin in nanofibers. The physical, chemical, and pharmaceutical characteristics of the optimized nanofibre formulation were appropriate and within limits. Disintegration was accomplished within 45 s, with approximately 100% of the active ingredient released within 10 min during an in vitro dissolution test. In contrast, the conventional eye drop formulation exhibited a release of only 50%. Eye irritation study results indicated that there was no visual sign of irritation in all experimental rabbits. The optimized formulation underwent an accelerated stability study and retained its original properties with negligible changes. There was no significant alteration in physical appearance, flexibility, disintegration time, or drug encapsulation, confirming its stability.
{"title":"Formulation design of quercetin-loaded polyvinyl alcohol nanofibres for ocular drug delivery","authors":"Rabiah Bashir , Adil Gani , Asima Shah , Hasham Shafi , Abdul Aala Fazili , Tabasum Ali , Syed Naiem Raza , Shabnam Kawoosa , Nisar Ahmad Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the realm of ocular drug delivery, the limited bioavailability of pharmaceuticals presents a significant challenge. The development of alternative drug delivery systems aimed at enhancing the availability of medications at targeted sites is of considerable importance in addressing this issue. The research work aimed to design, formulate, and optimize a fast-dissolving nanofiber of quercetin and polyvinyl alcohol for an ocular delivery system. Response Surface Methodology (Box-Behnken design) was used for the optimisation of electrospinning parameters, including polymer concentration, flow rate, and voltage, resulting in enhanced drug encapsulation and the formation of smooth and uniform nanofibers. Morphological characterization was conducted using scanning electron microscopy, which demonstrated the development of smooth, uniform, bead-like porous fibers with the drug incorporated within the fibers in nanoform during the electrospinning process, rather than being deposited on the surface. The drug-excipient interaction was evaluated by FTIR analysis, which indicated compatibility between PVA and quercetin, with all the peaks of the quercetin retained in the optimized formulation. The conversion of quercetin from its crystalline form to an amorphous state was demonstrated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses. The XRD pattern illustrated a reduction in the crystalline peaks characteristic of quercetin, while the DSC results indicated a decrease in the melting point of quercetin in nanofibers. The physical, chemical, and pharmaceutical characteristics of the optimized nanofibre formulation were appropriate and within limits. Disintegration was accomplished within 45 s, with approximately 100% of the active ingredient released within 10 min during an in vitro dissolution test. In contrast, the conventional eye drop formulation exhibited a release of only 50%. Eye irritation study results indicated that there was no visual sign of irritation in all experimental rabbits. The optimized formulation underwent an accelerated stability study and retained its original properties with negligible changes. There was no significant alteration in physical appearance, flexibility, disintegration time, or drug encapsulation, confirming its stability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12385,"journal":{"name":"Food Hydrocolloids for Health","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100244"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145216285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-20DOI: 10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100243
Minghui Sun , Yibo Zhang , Mingwei Zhou
Wound healing constitutes a multifaceted and dynamically regulated process that is modulated by a variety of microenvironmental factors such as pH, enzymes, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Conventional wound dressings frequently fail to deliver the precise interventions necessary for the effective management of complex wounds. Chitosan, characterized by its high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural adaptability, exhibits enhanced self-healing photoactivity, rendering it an ideal candidate for the development of smart, responsive wound dressings. This review systematically examines the design strategies, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic applications of chitosan-based smart dressings. It emphasizes their roles in infection control, inflammation reduction, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. Furthermore, we underscore the importance of multimodal systems incorporating adaptive feedback mechanisms (pH/ROS combinations, pH/enzyme and ROS/photothermal coupling) and explore their clinical potential in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and other complex skin injuries. These findings provide a detailed framework for the development of the next generation of bio-responsive materials, fostering the integration of materials science with personalized wound care strategies.
{"title":"Smart-responsive chitosan dressings: From microenvironmental sensing to multifunctional precision wound healing","authors":"Minghui Sun , Yibo Zhang , Mingwei Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100243","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fhfh.2025.100243","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wound healing constitutes a multifaceted and dynamically regulated process that is modulated by a variety of microenvironmental factors such as pH, enzymes, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Conventional wound dressings frequently fail to deliver the precise interventions necessary for the effective management of complex wounds. Chitosan, characterized by its high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and structural adaptability, exhibits enhanced self-healing photoactivity, rendering it an ideal candidate for the development of smart, responsive wound dressings. This review systematically examines the design strategies, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic applications of chitosan-based smart dressings. It emphasizes their roles in infection control, inflammation reduction, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. Furthermore, we underscore the importance of multimodal systems incorporating adaptive feedback mechanisms (pH/ROS combinations, pH/enzyme and ROS/photothermal coupling) and explore their clinical potential in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and other complex skin injuries. These findings provide a detailed framework for the development of the next generation of bio-responsive materials, fostering the integration of materials science with personalized wound care strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12385,"journal":{"name":"Food Hydrocolloids for Health","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100243"},"PeriodicalIF":5.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145117853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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