Echium amoenum, a highly valued medicinal plant in Iran, is rich in polyphenols. Microbial fermentation can improve the bioavailability of its phenolic compounds, which are otherwise limited (5–10%), by releasing them from the plant cell wall. Moreover, incorporating these bioactive compounds in phospholipid vesicles can further maximize their biological efficacy. This study developed a combined approach using lactic acid fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and phospholipid-based nanocarriers to optimize the delivery of E. amoenum extract. Fermented extract (50 mg/mL) was successfully incorporated into liposomes, nutriosomes, and advanced alginate-nutriosomes, as confirmed by cryo-TEM and FTIR analyses. All vesicles were nanosized (105–124 nm), negatively charged (~ − 56 mV), and homogeneously dispersed (PDI ≤ 0.19) with high loading efficiencies (> 90%). They remained stable under simulated saliva, gastric, and intestinal conditions and exhibited controlled release. In vitro assays demonstrated biocompatibility and protective effects on stressed Caco-2 cells. Overall, alginate-nutriosomes represent a promising nanocarrier for oral administration of fermented E. amoenum extract.
Advanced alginate- nutriosomes for enhanced oral delivery of fermented Echium amoenum polyphenols
Khosroshahi, Ehsan Divan;Rached, Rita Abi;Serpe, Angela;Ghaslani, Mona;Manconi, Maria;Manca, Maria Letizia
;Razavi, Seyed Hadi
2026-01-01
Abstract
Echium amoenum, a highly valued medicinal plant in Iran, is rich in polyphenols. Microbial fermentation can improve the bioavailability of its phenolic compounds, which are otherwise limited (5–10%), by releasing them from the plant cell wall. Moreover, incorporating these bioactive compounds in phospholipid vesicles can further maximize their biological efficacy. This study developed a combined approach using lactic acid fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and phospholipid-based nanocarriers to optimize the delivery of E. amoenum extract. Fermented extract (50 mg/mL) was successfully incorporated into liposomes, nutriosomes, and advanced alginate-nutriosomes, as confirmed by cryo-TEM and FTIR analyses. All vesicles were nanosized (105–124 nm), negatively charged (~ − 56 mV), and homogeneously dispersed (PDI ≤ 0.19) with high loading efficiencies (> 90%). They remained stable under simulated saliva, gastric, and intestinal conditions and exhibited controlled release. In vitro assays demonstrated biocompatibility and protective effects on stressed Caco-2 cells. Overall, alginate-nutriosomes represent a promising nanocarrier for oral administration of fermented E. amoenum extract.
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