Ergosterol-Enriched Liposomes with Post-Processing Modifications for Serpylli Herba Polyphenol Delivery: Physicochemical, Stability and Antioxidant Assessment
Artículo Materias > Biomedicina Universidad Europea del Atlántico > Investigación > Artículos y libros Abierto Inglés Background/Objectives: In the present study, ergosterol, a novel natural and animal-free alternative sterol, was investigated, and its effects on liposomal properties were assessed. Importantly, ergosterol’s fungal origin offers a sustainable substitute for cholesterol, aligning with current trends in natural and vegan-friendly formulations. Methods: This study explored the effect of ergosterol content (10 mol% vs. 20 mol%) on the encapsulation efficiency (EE), physical properties, morphology, antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation, and storage stability of Serpylli herba extract-loaded liposomes. Results: Liposomes with 20 mol% ergosterol exhibited significantly higher EE (~81.0%) than those with 10 mol% (~75.6%), along with improved resistance to UV- and freeze-drying-induced reduction in EE. Extract loading resulted in a reduced particle size, indicating favorable bilayer interactions, whereas lyophilization increased size and polydispersity, reflecting structural destabilization. However, 20 mol% ergosterol improved vesicle uniformity and surface charge stability, suggesting enhanced bilayer rigidity. Zeta potential and mobility trends supported improved colloidal stability in ergosterol-enriched systems under all tested conditions. Over 28 days at 4 °C, non-treated extract-loaded liposomes with a higher ergosterol content demonstrated enhanced vesicle integrity. During storage, UV-treated and lyophilized liposomes with 20 mol% ergosterol maintained more consistent size and charge profiles, indicating better membrane reorganization and stability. Nanoparticle tracking analysis demonstrated that ergosterol content modulates vesicle concentration in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting the role of membrane composition in liposome formation and potential dose uniformity. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of extract-loaded liposomes demonstrated well-defined vesicles with intact structural features. A study in a Franz diffusion cell revealed that ergosterol-enriched liposomes significantly delayed polyphenol release compared to free extract, confirming their potential for controlled delivery. Antioxidant activity was preserved in all liposomal systems, with higher ergosterol content supporting improved ABTS radical scavenging potential after stress treatments. FRAP assay results remained stable across formulations, with no major differences between sterol levels. TBARS analysis demonstrated that Serpylli herba extract significantly reduced UV-induced lipid peroxidation in ergosterol-enriched liposomes, underscoring its protective antioxidant role. Conclusions: Higher ergosterol content enhanced liposomal performance in terms of encapsulation, structural resilience, and antioxidant retention, particularly under UV and lyophilization stress. Ergosterol-containing liposomes exhibited improved stability, favorable particle size distribution, and high encapsulation efficiency, while maintaining the antioxidant functionality of the incorporated Serpylli herba polyphenol-rich extract. These findings highlight the potential of ergosterol-based liposomes as robust carriers for bioactive compounds in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications that align with current trends in green and vegan-friendly formulations. metadata Jovanović, Aleksandra A.; Petrović, Predrag; Pirković, Andrea; Mitić, Ninoslav; Giampieri, Francesca; Battino, Maurizio y Dekanski, Dragana mail SIN ESPECIFICAR, SIN ESPECIFICAR, SIN ESPECIFICAR, SIN ESPECIFICAR, francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es, SIN ESPECIFICAR (2025) Ergosterol-Enriched Liposomes with Post-Processing Modifications for Serpylli Herba Polyphenol Delivery: Physicochemical, Stability and Antioxidant Assessment. Pharmaceutics, 17 (11). p. 1362. ISSN 1999-4923
|
Texto
pharmaceutics-17-01362.pdf Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Descargar (3MB) |
Resumen
Background/Objectives: In the present study, ergosterol, a novel natural and animal-free alternative sterol, was investigated, and its effects on liposomal properties were assessed. Importantly, ergosterol’s fungal origin offers a sustainable substitute for cholesterol, aligning with current trends in natural and vegan-friendly formulations. Methods: This study explored the effect of ergosterol content (10 mol% vs. 20 mol%) on the encapsulation efficiency (EE), physical properties, morphology, antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation, and storage stability of Serpylli herba extract-loaded liposomes. Results: Liposomes with 20 mol% ergosterol exhibited significantly higher EE (~81.0%) than those with 10 mol% (~75.6%), along with improved resistance to UV- and freeze-drying-induced reduction in EE. Extract loading resulted in a reduced particle size, indicating favorable bilayer interactions, whereas lyophilization increased size and polydispersity, reflecting structural destabilization. However, 20 mol% ergosterol improved vesicle uniformity and surface charge stability, suggesting enhanced bilayer rigidity. Zeta potential and mobility trends supported improved colloidal stability in ergosterol-enriched systems under all tested conditions. Over 28 days at 4 °C, non-treated extract-loaded liposomes with a higher ergosterol content demonstrated enhanced vesicle integrity. During storage, UV-treated and lyophilized liposomes with 20 mol% ergosterol maintained more consistent size and charge profiles, indicating better membrane reorganization and stability. Nanoparticle tracking analysis demonstrated that ergosterol content modulates vesicle concentration in a dose-dependent manner, highlighting the role of membrane composition in liposome formation and potential dose uniformity. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of extract-loaded liposomes demonstrated well-defined vesicles with intact structural features. A study in a Franz diffusion cell revealed that ergosterol-enriched liposomes significantly delayed polyphenol release compared to free extract, confirming their potential for controlled delivery. Antioxidant activity was preserved in all liposomal systems, with higher ergosterol content supporting improved ABTS radical scavenging potential after stress treatments. FRAP assay results remained stable across formulations, with no major differences between sterol levels. TBARS analysis demonstrated that Serpylli herba extract significantly reduced UV-induced lipid peroxidation in ergosterol-enriched liposomes, underscoring its protective antioxidant role. Conclusions: Higher ergosterol content enhanced liposomal performance in terms of encapsulation, structural resilience, and antioxidant retention, particularly under UV and lyophilization stress. Ergosterol-containing liposomes exhibited improved stability, favorable particle size distribution, and high encapsulation efficiency, while maintaining the antioxidant functionality of the incorporated Serpylli herba polyphenol-rich extract. These findings highlight the potential of ergosterol-based liposomes as robust carriers for bioactive compounds in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications that align with current trends in green and vegan-friendly formulations.
| Tipo de Documento: | Artículo |
|---|---|
| Palabras Clave: | ergosterol; liposomes; polyphenol antioxidants; rheology; stability; Serpylli herba |
| Clasificación temática: | Materias > Biomedicina |
| Divisiones: | Universidad Europea del Atlántico > Investigación > Artículos y libros |
| Depositado: | 04 Dic 2025 23:30 |
| Ultima Modificación: | 04 Dic 2025 23:30 |
| URI: | https://repositorio.uneatlantico.es/id/eprint/17882 |
Acciones (logins necesarios)
![]() |
Ver Objeto |
en
close
Background Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a skin condition that can become a complication in about 15 % of patients who have had kala-azar. Despite its significance, treatment options for PKDL are still limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the efficacy of amphotericin B for this condition. Methods PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported the efficacy of Liposomal Amphotericin B in the treatment of PKDL. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Events per 100 observations with 95 % confidence intervals were performed for outcomes. Results Nine studies with 639 patients were included, the treatment durations ranging from 7 to 60 days. The mean age ranged from 9.2 to 31.0 years, and 359 patients were male. The PKDL treatment with liposomal amphotericin B resulted in a cure rate of 91.36 % (95 % CI: 76.60-97.15). However, a relapse was observed in 11.42 % (95 % CI: 6.20-20.8) of patients. Adverse events were common, with hepatic enzyme elevation (ALT/AST) being the most frequent (61.75 %; 95 % CI: 21.81–90.33), followed by fever in 29.93 % of cases (95 % CI: 5.09–77.30). Among the more serious side effects, decreased serum potassium was observed in 19.27 % (95 % CI: 3.84–58.82), and increased serum creatinine, indicative of nephrotoxicity, occurred in 15.08 % (95 % CI: 3.97–43.27). Nausea or vomiting, although less severe, affected 12.36 % of patients (95 % CI: 4.81–28.25). Conclusions These findings highlight that while liposomal amphotericin B is a potent therapeutic option for PKDL, its administration requires careful management and clinical vigilance to optimize outcomes and minimize risks.
Deivyd Vieira Silva Cavalcante mail , Lilia Maria Lima de Oliveira mail , Noor Husain mail , Beatriz Ximenes Mendes mail , Ana Clara Felix de Farias Santos mail , Luciana Borrigueiro mail , Lyria de Oliveira Rosa mail , Christian Ndikuryayo mail , Sarah Soares Amorim mail , Lalit Mohan mail , Fabiana Castro Porto Silva Lopes mail ,
Cavalcante
en
close
Enzymatic treatment shapes in vitro digestion pattern of phenolic compounds in mulberry juice
The health benefits of mulberry fruit are closely associated with its phenolic compounds. However, the effects of enzymatic treatments on the digestion patterns of these compounds in mulberry juice remain largely unknown. This study investigated the impact of pectinase (PE), pectin lyase (PL), and cellulase (CE) on the release of phenolic compounds in whole mulberry juice. The digestion patterns were further evaluated using an in vitro simulated digestion model. The results revealed that PE significantly increased chlorogenic acid content by 77.8 %, PL enhanced cyanidin-3-O-glucoside by 20.5 %, and CE boosted quercetin by 44.5 %. Following in vitro digestion, the phenolic compound levels decreased differently depending on the treatment, while cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside content increased across all groups. In conclusion, the selected enzymes effectively promoted the release of phenolic compounds in mulberry juice. However, during gastrointestinal digestion, the degradation of phenolic compounds surpassed their enhanced release, with effects varying based on the compound's structure.
Peihuan Luo mail , Jian Ai mail , Qiongyao Wang mail , Yihang Lou mail , Zhiwei Liao mail , Francesca Giampieri mail francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es, Maurizio Battino mail maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es, Elwira Sieniawska mail , Weibin Bai mail , Lingmin Tian mail ,
Luo
<a href="/17819/1/1-s2.0-S2214804325000679-main%20%281%29.pdf" class="ep_document_link"><img class="ep_doc_icon" alt="[img]" src="/style/images/fileicons/text.png" border="0"/></a>
en
open
What works in financial education? Experimental evidence on program impact
Financial education is increasingly essential for safeguarding both individual and corporate well-being. This study systematically reviews global financial education experiments using a dual-method framework that integrates a deep learning classifier with advanced multivariate statistical techniques. Our analysis indicates that while short-term improvements in financial literacy are common, such gains tend to diminish over time without ongoing reinforcement. Moreover, the limited impact of digital innovations and monetary incentives suggests that successful financial education depends on more than simply deploying technological solutions or extrinsic rewards. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of financial education in a dynamic economic context and underscores the need for sustainable strategies that secure lasting improvements in financial literacy.
Gonzalo Llamosas García mail , Cristina Mazas Pérez-Oleaga mail cristina.mazas@uneatlantico.es,
García
en
close
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenol in tea. Owing to the different fermentation degrees, differences in polyphenol composition of water extracts of green tea, white tea, oolong tea, and black tea occur, and affect health value. This study revealed that the content of EGCG decreases with the increase in the degree of fermentation. In tea with a high fermentation degree, EGCG was stably present in the form of ammoniation to yield nitrogen-containing EGCG derivative (N-EGCG). The content of N-EGCG in tea was negatively correlated with the content of EGCG. Furthermore, the content of l-serine and L-threonine in tea was positively and negatively correlated with N-EGCG and EGCG levels, respectively, suggesting that they may participate in the formation of N-EGCG as nitrogen sources. This study proposes a new fermentation-induced polyphenol-amino acid synergistic mechanism, which provides a theoretical basis for the study of the biotransformation reaction mechanism of tea polyphenols.
Yuxuan Zhao mail , Jingyimei Liang mail , Wanning Ma mail , Mohamed A. Farag mail , Chunlin Li mail , Jianbo Xiao mail ,
Zhao
en
close
Single-cell omics for nutrition research: an emerging opportunity for human-centric investigations
Understanding how dietary compounds affect human health is challenged by their molecular complexity and cell-type–specific effects. Conventional multi-cell type (bulk) analyses obscure cellular heterogeneity, while animal and standard in vitro models often fail to replicate human physiology. Single-cell omics technologies—such as single-cell RNA sequencing, as well as single-cell–resolved proteomic and metabolomic approaches—enable high-resolution investigation of nutrient–cell interactions and reveal mechanisms at a single-cell resolution. When combined with advanced human-derived in vitro systems like organoids and organ-on-chip platforms, they support mechanistic studies in physiologically relevant contexts. This review outlines emerging applications of single-cell omics in nutrition research, emphasizing their potential to uncover cell-specific dietary responses, identify nutrient-sensitive pathways, and capture interindividual variability. It also discusses key challenges—including technical limitations, model selection, and institutional biases—and identifies strategic directions to facilitate broader adoption in the field. Collectively, single-cell omics offer a transformative framework to advance human-centric nutrition research.
Manuela Cassotta mail manucassotta@gmail.com, Yasmany Armas Diaz mail , Danila Cianciosi mail , Bei Yang mail , Zexiu Qi mail , Ge Chen mail , Santos Gracia Villar mail santos.gracia@uneatlantico.es, Luis Alonso Dzul López mail luis.dzul@uneatlantico.es, Giuseppe Grosso mail , José L. Quiles mail , Jianbo Xiao mail , Maurizio Battino mail maurizio.battino@uneatlantico.es, Francesca Giampieri mail francesca.giampieri@uneatlantico.es,
Cassotta
