Yuxin Li , Yingting Luo , Xuening Song , Yuzhuo Wang , Simiao Liu , Fazheng Ren , Lingyan Kong , Hao Zhang
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Phytosterols (PS) offer significant health benefits in human diet, but its poor solubility limits its effectiveness and application. This study explored enhancing PS solubility by testing thirteen food-grade coformers, three preparation methods and proportions screening to obtain the optimal formulation. Nicotinamide (Nic) was identified as the most effective coformer. A 20:1 (w/w) PS-Nic co-amorphous (CM) mixture, prepared via freeze-drying, achieved a solubility of 1536.4 μg/mL, significantly higher than pure PS. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the amorphous state of the mixture. Fourier-transform infrared, Raman, and 1H NMR spectroscopies, along with molecular dynamics simulations, revealed strong intermolecular interactions between PS and Nic. The PS-Nic CM demonstrated up to 60% in vitro dissolution and release within 2 h and maintained stable after storage at 4 °C for 6 months and under accelerated conditions equivalent to 10 months at room temperature. In sum, the crystal structure of PS was altered, and formed a co-amorphous system by using Nic as the optimal ligand via lyophilization to increase solubility. These findings suggest that the PS-Nic CM system has potential applications in functional foods, offering a feasible strategy to enhance the bioavailability of PS.
期刊介绍:
Current Research in Food Science is an international peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing the breadth of knowledge in the field of food science. It serves as a platform for publishing original research articles and short communications that encompass a wide array of topics, including food chemistry, physics, microbiology, nutrition, nutraceuticals, process and package engineering, materials science, food sustainability, and food security. By covering these diverse areas, the journal aims to provide a comprehensive source of the latest scientific findings and technological advancements that are shaping the future of the food industry. The journal's scope is designed to address the multidisciplinary nature of food science, reflecting its commitment to promoting innovation and ensuring the safety and quality of the food supply.