Encapsulation of bioactive fermented wheat (Lisosan G) in Eudragit-liposomes

Liposomes are one of the most studied and most promising nanocarriers to date, representing a biocompatible, safe, and efficient delivery system for both hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. This work aimed to evaluate the efficacy in encapsulating an aqueous extract of Lisosan G (LG), a Triticum aestivum whole grains fermented powder with strong antioxidant activity, into Eudragit-liposomes designed for oral delivery. The total phenolics and the antioxidant activity of LG extract and LG extract encapsulated in Eudragit-liposomes were evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu, DPPH, and FRAP colorimetric assays. Finally, the biological activity of both LG formulations was assessed as human erythrocytes protection from oxidative stress through the cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assay. Our results demonstrate that the encapsulation into Eudragit-liposomes preserved the phenolics content of LG extract and retained its antioxidant properties both in vitro and ex vivo. Furthermore, LG Eudragit-liposomes exhibited increased ferric reducing capacity and protection of human erythrocytes from oxidative insult, probably due to the antioxidant properties of liposome constituents. Therefore, the encapsulation into Eudragit-liposomes represents an excellent strategy to prevent possible reduction and loss of activity of LG bioactive compounds, and to deliver them via oral administration.