The Commonly Used Stabilizers for Phytochemical-Based Nanoparticles: Stabilization Effects, Mechanisms, and Applications

Abstract

Phytochemicals, such as resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin, have many benefits for health, but most of them have a low bioavailability due to their poor water solubility and stability, quick metabolism, and clearance, which restricts the scope of their potential applications. To overcome these issues, different types of nanoparticles (NPs), especially biocompatible and biodegradable NPs, have been developed. NPs can carry phytochemicals and increase their solubility, stability, target specificity, and oral bioavailability. However, NPs are prone to irreversible aggregation, which leads to NP instability and loss of functions. To remedy this shortcoming, stabilizers like polymers and surfactants are incorporated on NPs. Stabilizers not only increase the stability of NPs, but also improve their characteristics. The current review focused on discussing the state of the art in research on synthesizing phytochemical-based NPs and their commonly employed stabilizers. Furthermore, stabilizers in these NPs were also discussed in terms of their applications, effects, and underlying mechanisms. This review aimed to provide more references for developing stabilizers and NPs for future research.

Nanowarriors from Mentha: Unleashing Nature’s Antimicrobial Arsenal with Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles

“…The organic coating stabilizing feature facilitates the formation of electrostatic and protective layers that protect nanoparticle aggregation and crystal formation. The organic coating enhanced CeO 2 NPs’ utility in drug delivery systems, and water-soluble dispersion stabilizes during oral bioavailability and reduces biological reactions. , …”

“…The organic coating enhanced CeO 2 NPs’ utility in drug delivery systems, and water-soluble dispersion stabilizes during oral bioavailability and reduces biological reactions. 11 , 29 …”

Synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles by double emulsion and pH-driven: encapsulation of antibiotics and natural products for combating Escherichia coli infections

“…When the concentrations of the nanoparticles were 0, 2, 6, and 10 mg/mL, the antibacterial rates reached 54%, 72%, and 85%, respectively (Zheng et al 2022 ). Studies with other terpenes, such as thymol encapsulated in caseinate nanoparticles, have shown antimicrobial activity against E. coli (MIC of 312 µg/mL) (Zhou et al 2023 ).…”

“…In this context, this mini-review aims to explore recent advancements and innovations related to the encapsulation of antibiotics and natural products in polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) to combat E. coli infections (Zhou et al 2023 ; Zheng et al 2022 ) considering articles published between 2019 and 2024. While previous studies have primarily investigated nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers for drug delivery, this review stands out by focusing specifically on promising methodologies to incorporate antibacterial agents into PNPs.…”

Natural Products-Based Inhaled Formulations for Treating Pulmonary Diseases

“…Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol found in fruits, has excellent anticancer activity and low toxicity; however, its low water solubility and instability limit its clinical use. 111 The loading of sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin onto PLGA polymers (CD-RES NPs) perfectly ameliorates the above-mentioned deficiencies of resveratrol, with a 66-fold increase in its water solubility. Moreover, the excellent aerodynamic properties of CD-RES NPs after inhalation endowed resveratrol with enhanced anticancer efficacy as evidenced by significantly increased cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, antioxidant and pro-apoptotic activities.…”