The aim of this study was to develop a delivery system for polyphenols from an extract of Echinacea purpurea leaves, based on liposomes. Liposomes loaded with Echinacea purpurea were prepared and characterized in terms of entrapment efficiency, size, polydispersity index, stability and release behavior. Results showed good entrapment efficiency, small sizes, low polydispersity index and good stability over 90 days at 4oC. Also, the liposomal formulations presented reduced burst release and slow release of polyphenols compared with free extract. Therefore, liposomes offer a great potential in the development of drug delivery systems for polyphenols.

The aim of this paper was the design and evaluation of delivery system for Armoracia rusticana leaves extract with the purpose to use such systems in food or cosmetic field. Liposomes loaded with Armoracia rusticana were prepared by film hydration method and presented good entrapment efficiency, nano-sizes ([150 nm), low polydispersity index and good stability over 90 days at 4oC. In vitro drug release study showed the ability of liposomes to provide slow release of extract with reduced burst effect compared to free extract. These promising results suggest that liposomes could be exploited as carriers for herbal ingredients.

This study was geared to analyze the preparation methods of pullulan acetate-based nanoparticles loaded with 5-fluorouracil, as well as the potential of pullulan as a biopolymer matrix for obtaining nanoparticles applied in the delivery of anticancer drugs (5-FU). Various methods were used to produce pullulan acetate-based nanoparticles loaded with 5-FU, including nanoprecipitation, modified nanoprecipitation, and double emulsion. Pullulan was previously chemically modified with acetic anhydride, dimethylformamide and pyridine, and yielded pullulan acetate. Pullulan was made using the Aureobasidium pullulans strain through a fermentation procedure. UV-Vis Spectro-photometric and dynamic light scattering (DLS) methods were used to assess entrapment effectiveness, size, and polydispersity index (PDI) of pullulan acetate-based nanoparticles loaded with 5-FU. Based on the properties of the nanoparticles obtained, the optimum preparation method was chosen. The maximum entrapment efficiency was found in pullulan acetate nanoparticles loaded with 5-FU generated by a double emulsion method. The mean hydrodynamic size and PDI of all nanoparticles were adequate. The best formulation showed faster 5-FU release profile in acid phosphate-buffered saline (pH 5) than in phosphate-buffered saline pH 7.4. According to the findings, pullulan derivatives have a great potential for producing nanoparticles that might be used to deliver anticancer medicines.