β-Lactoglobulin improves liposome's encapsulation properties for vitamin E delivery

J Liposome Res. 2014 Mar;24(1):74-81. doi: 10.3109/08982104.2013.839701. Epub 2013 Oct 7.

Abstract

Vitamin E (VE) or α-tocopherol is the major fat-soluble antioxidant in the human body. It is a sensitive, easily oxidized in the air, molecule, so it must be protected from pro-oxidant elements which could affect its physiological benefits. Encapsulation constitutes a promising approach to maintain VE native properties over time and increase its concentration in aqueous media. Liposomes have been studied as sustained delivery systems, being biodegradable, non-toxic and non-immunogenic. A new liposome/β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) formulation has been developed and characterized as a possible stable delivery system for VE. β-Lg has been selected due to its property to bind a variety of hydrophobic molecules. The aim of this study was the preparation of β-Lg-liposome formulation and the determination of VE encapsulation efficiency, in order to develop a new more efficient carrier for VE in aqueous media.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Carriers / therapeutic use
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Lactoglobulins / chemistry*
  • Liposomes / chemistry*
  • Liposomes / therapeutic use
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / chemistry
  • Vitamin E / chemistry
  • Vitamin E / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Drug Carriers
  • Lactoglobulins
  • Liposomes
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Vitamin E