Pectin (PC) extracted from a solid residue from cassava roots (Manihot esculenta Crantz) was used to coat nanoparticles (NP) containing β-carotene (BC) aiming at the gastrointestinal administration of this lipophilic nutraceutical. The NP were prepared by spontaneous emulsifi cation method using food grade components. Pectincoated NP have been successfully prepared as confi rmed by the increased particle size and negative surface charges due to the pectin's anionic nature. NP showed spherical shape and monodisperse distribution, with a mean size of 21.3 nm (polydispersity index (PDI) 0.29) for BC PC T80-NP (nanoparti c le with β-carotene, pectin and Tween 80) and 261.4 nm (PDI 0.1) for BC PC T20-NP (nanoparticle with β-carotene, pectin and Tween 20). BC was encapsulated at amounts of 530 and 324 µg/ml for BC PC T80-NP and BC PC T20-NP, respectively, with high encapsulation effi ciency (> 95%), increasing its antioxidant capacity in vitro, besides no cytotoxic effect. However, only BC PC T20-NP was stable over a 90 days storage period (4°C) and revealed a strong interaction between pectin and mucin. These results suggest that pectin-coated BC PC T20-NP is a promising strategy to improve the bioavailability and permeation of BC for administration through mucosal surfaces.
Plinia cauliflora (jaboticaba) is a native fruit tree from Brazilian rainforest widely used in popular medicine to prevent diarrhea, asthma, and infections. Studies have shown that the major therapeutic potential of jaboticaba fruits is on its peel, a rich source of anthocyanins. These secondary metabolites have well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and have been claimed to be effective to treat diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke. This chapter describes a series of methodologies to evaluate important in vitro biological activities like cytotoxicity, proliferation, and migration of a hydroalcoholic extract of jaboticaba peel on mouse fibroblast L929 line. Assays to assess total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents and antioxidant activities are described as well.
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