Preservation of catechin antioxidant properties loaded in carbohydrate nanoparticles

Peres, Ivone; Rocha, Sandra; Gomes, Joana; Morais, Simone; Pereira, Maria do Carmo; Coelho, Manuel

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/3045

Use this identifier to reference this record.

Name:	Description:	Size:	Format:
ART_IvonePeres_2011_GRAQ.pdf		95.84 KB	Adobe PDF	Download

Send Feedback

Authors

Pereira, Maria do Carmo

Coelho, Manuel

Abstract(s)

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant with several pharmacological and biological activities, was encapsulated in carbohydrate particles to preserve its antioxidant properties and improve its bioavailability. Gum arabic–maltodextrin particles loaded with EGCG (EGCG/P) were successfully produced by homogenization and spray-drying, with an EGCG loading efficiency of 96 ± 3%. Spray-dried particles are spherical or corrugated and polydisperse with diameters less than 20 m. The particles in aqueous suspension revealed two main populations, with mean average diameters of 40 nm and 400 nm. Attenuated total reflection-infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) confirmed that EGCG was incorporated in the carbohydrate matrix by intermolecular interactions, maintaining its chemical integrity. Atomic force microscopy imaging proved the particle spherical shape and size. The present study demonstrates that the carbohydrate matrix is able to preserve EGCG antioxidant properties, as proof of concept to be used as polymeric drug carrier.