Formulation and characterization of nanocapsules loaded with roselle anthocyanins extract and enhancement of anthocyanins bioaccessibility

• Published in: Food chemistry 2024-11, Vol.459, p.140446, Article 140446
• Main Authors: Song, Wanhan, Yuan, Qianhua, Xie, Yutong, Wang, Ya, Deng, Dazhang, Guo, Honghui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anthocyanins - chemistry; Biological Availability; Digestion; Drug Compounding; Hibiscus - chemistry; Humans; Hydrophobic interaction; Molecular docking; Molecular Docking Simulation; Nanocapsules - chemistry; Plant Extracts - chemistry; Roselle anthocyanins extract; Simulated digestion; UPLC-MS/MS
• ISSN: 0308-8146; 1873-7072; 1873-7072
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.140446

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (roselle) is a medicinal and edible plant which rich in anthocyanins with potent antioxidant properties. To enhance the stability of roselle anthocyanins, they were encapsulated in nanocapsules composed of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), chitosan hydrochloride (CHC), and β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg). In vitro simulated digestion assays evaluated the impact of various core-to-wall ratios and β-Lg concentrations on the bioaccessibility of seven anthocyanins. Nanocapsules with a core-to-wall ratio of 1:2 and β-Lg at 10 mg/mL exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (EE). Cyanidin-3-glucoside had the highest EE, while cyanidin-3-sambubioside showed the outstanding retention rate. Furthermore, simulated digestion experiments combined with molecular docking revealed that peonidin-3-glucoside and petunidin-3-glucoside likely interact with and bind to the outer β-Lg layer of the nanocapsules, increasing their release during in vitro digestion. This study demonstrates that encapsulating roselle anthocyanins in CMC, CHC, and β-Lg nanocapsules significantly enhances their bioaccessibility. Graphical abstract Roselle anthocyanins were encapsulated in nanocapsules using six different material concentrations. The encapsulation properties were evaluated to identify the optimal formulation with favorable particle characteristics and maximum bioaccessibility. During in vitro simulated digestion, changes in seven anthocyanins were monitored, highlighting cyanidin-3-sambubioside's high retention rate. Molecular docking analysis revealed that additional hydrophobic bonds enhance the binding of peonidin-3-glucoside and petunidin-3-glucoside to β-lactoglobulin in the capsule shell. [Display omitted] •C3G exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency among quantified anthocyanins.•Hydroxyl groups in B-ring may increase the environmental sensitivity of D3G.•C3S showed the high retention rate during simulated digestion.•Hydrophobic bonds facilitate interaction of PEO and PET with β-lactoglobulin.