Carvacrol-loaded liposome suspension: optimization, characterization and incorporation into poly(vinyl alcohol) films

• Published in: Food & function 2021-07, Vol.12 (14), p.6549-6557
• Main Authors: Tavares, Adassa Gama, Andrade, Johana, Silva, Rafael Resende Assis, Marques, Clara Suprani, Silva, José Osvaldo Ramos da, Vanetti, Maria Cristina Dantas, Melo, Nathália Ramos de, Soares, Nilda de Fátima Ferreira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibacterial activity; Antiinfectives and antibacterials; Carvacrol; Cholesterol; Encapsulation; Food; Food packaging; Fourier transforms; Hydrogen bonding; Infrared spectroscopy; Liposomes; Microorganisms; Optimization; Polydispersity; Polyvinyl alcohol; Response surface methodology; Thermal stability; Zeta potential
• ISSN: 2042-6496; 2042-650X
• DOI: 10.1039/d1fo00479d

The purpose of this study was to encapsulate carvacrol into liposomes in order to promote its application in active food packaging. Response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effect of the concentration of the liposomal components on its characteristics. The optimum formulation for the preparation of liposomes with the highest encapsulation efficiency (59.0 ± 1.99%) was found to be 3000 μg mL −1 of cholesterol and 4000 μg mL −1 of carvacrol. Carvacrol reduced the polydispersity index and increased the zeta potential and the thermal stability of liposomes. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the interaction of carvacrol with liposomes occurred probably through hydrogen-bonding. The incorporation into liposomes maintained the antibacterial effect of carvacrol, but when in the film, carvacrol liposomes were not effective against the microorganisms tested. Liposomes may offer a viable option for stabilizing carvacrol, however, more studies are necessary to enable its application in food packaging. Carvacrol was efficiently entrapped in liposomes, reduced the aggregation and increased the thermal stability of the system. Moreover, carvacrol maintained its antibacterial effect after its incorporation into liposomes.