Research papers of the week – June 17, 2024

Younes Zahedi; Rezvan Shaddel; Masoumeh Salamatian; Antoni Szumny

Molecules

Ministerial score = 140.0
Journal Impact Factor (2023) = 4.6 (Q2)

This research aimed to encapsulate the Capparis spinosa fruit extract to increase its stability for incorporation into food products such as jelly or jelly powder. After extraction, the nanoliposomes containing the extract were prepared in ratios of 60-0, 50-10, 40-20, and 30-30 lecithin-to-cholesterol. The effects of lecithin-to-cholesterol concentrations on the related parameters were then evaluated. The results showed that the average particle size was in the range of 95.05 to 164.25 nm, and with an increasing cholesterol concentration, the particle size of the nanoliposomes increased. The addition of cholesterol increased the zeta potential from −60.40 to −68.55 millivolt. Furthermore, cholesterol led to an increase in encapsulation efficiency, and even improved the stability of phenolic compounds loaded in nanoliposomes during storage time. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful loading of the extract. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis revealed nano-sized spherical and almost-elliptical liposomes. For jelly powders, the water solubility index ranged from 39.5 to 43.7% (p > 0.05), and the hygroscopicity values ranged between 1.22 and 9.36 g/100 g (p < 0.05). In conclusion, nanoencapsulated Capparis spinosa extract displayed improved stability and can be used in jelly preparation without any challenge or unfavorable perception.

DOI:10.3390/molecules29122804

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