Encapsulation of Bioactive Compounds (Monocaprin and Monolaurin) into Polymeric Nanoparticles

Abstract

The dextran-covered poly (lactic acid) (PLA) polymeric nanoparticles were prepared by a nanoprecipitation process for the encapsulation of monocaprin (MC) or monolaurin (ML). The concentration of PLA/MC or ML was varied to evaluate the best condition for preparation. The miscibility of various PLA/MC or ML blends was studied using differential scanning calorimetry. The result showed that at concentrations of 50/50 wt/wt, the PLA/ML blend was partly miscible and the nanoparticle suspension produced large amounts of macroscopic aggregates after nanoprecipitation. Conversely, the miscibility of PLA/MC blends progressively increased with increasing amounts of PLA. Therefore, the best concentration to encapsulate the MC was the PLA/MC 90/10 (wt/wt), according to the miscibility results.

Zein-Based Films Containing Monolaurin/Eugenol or Essential Oils with Potential for Bioactive Packaging Application

“…The zein samples with monolaurin and its combinations with polyphenolic compounds exhibited suppressed endothermic peaks at a similar position. The glass transition temperature was not observed in these formulations, possibly as the consequence of the overlapped Tg of zein and the melting event of monolaurin [ 32 ]. The film containing 3 wt% thyme oil demonstrated a different result due to the absence of monolaurin in the mixture.…”

“…The shift of this endothermic peak in the zein film toward zein modified with thyme oil could indicate the partial miscibility of these two components [ 34 ]. Generally, the presence of only one transition temperature is regarded as proof of the miscibility of individual components [ 32 ]. On the other hand, two peaks at 54 and 66 °C were revealed in the sample containing only 3 wt% monolaurin, which could indicate the worse miscibility of the zein polymer and monoglyceride, as was also supported by SEM analysis ( Figure 5 ).…”

Novel Polyvinyl Butyral/Monoacylglycerol Nanofibrous Membrane with Antifouling Activity

“…In the case of the unmodified PVB fibers (12 wt%), a glass transition temperature (Tg) was observed at 61 °C, comparable with data obtained for a PVB membrane prepared by solvent casting reported in Reference [ 54 ]. Adding monocaprin resulted in suppressing the T g peak and shifting it to a lower value, ca 40 °C, and this was possibly caused by partial miscibility of the PVB matrix and MAG 10 [ 55 ]. This statement can be supported even by the melting temperature determination.…”