Hybrid coating of alginate microbeads based on protein-biopolymer multilayers for encapsulation of probiotics

A hybrid coating based on multilayers of proteins and biopolymers was developed to enhance the protection performance of alginate microbeads against acidic conditions for delivery of probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG). Zeta potential measurements and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation confirmed layer-by-layer deposition of protein-polymer layers. The stability of protein-based coatings during simulated gastric fluid (SGF) treatment was monitored by microscopy. Protein-coated microbeads were partially dismantled, whereas polymer-coated microbeads were intact after a sequential treatment in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. This suggests that hybrid formulation offers an advantage over the coatings based on biopolymer multilayers in terms of better release of bacteria. Uncoated alginate microbeads completely dissolved and could not protect bacteria after SGF treatment whereas microbeads with hybrid coating showed increased physical stability and a modest decrease of culturability of 3.8 log units. Therefore, this work provides a concept for future protein-based hybrid coatings for bacterial delivery systems.     

Determining the phenolic components by using HPLC and biological activity of Centaurea triumfetti

Abstract

Centaurea species belonging to Asteraceae family are traditionally used herbs in treating many diseases in Anatolia. In the present study, I aimed to determine the biological activities and phenolic contents of the extracts of the aerial parts of Centaurea triumfetti collected from areas with extreme climatic conditions. The determination of antioxidant activity was performed using in vitro assays such as ABTS (2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). Disc diffusion and microdilution methods were used for determine of antimicrobial activity. Besides that, the diabetes-related inhibition activities of enzymes such as alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase were determined using colorimetric methods. The phenolic components of the extracts were analysed by using HPLC. The biological activity of ethyl acetate extracts of the stem was found to be higher those than that of other extracts. This extract was also found to have high antimicrobial and enzyme inhibition activity. Moreover, the major component of the extract was found to be chlorogenic acid. In conclusion, these results suggest that C. triumfetti has the potential for pharmaceutical usage.