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- Water-soluble nanoparticles containing water-insoluble compounds
Dirk Benedict, Astete, Carlos E, Sabliov, Cristina M.
Astete, Carlos E.; Sabliov,Cristina M.
Patent Status: Issued
Issue Date: 7/18/2017
Patent Number: 9,707,185
Abstract:
Nanoparticles with entrapped, nonpolar compounds are disclosed, and a
method for their synthesis. The nanoparticles are readily dissolved or
dispersed in water. For example, the entrapped nonpolar compounds may
include pharmaceutically-active compounds, or natural colorants. The
nanoparticles have a nonpolar compound core, an intermediate surfactant
layer, and an outer crosslinked polymeric protective layer. In a
prototype example, alginic acid nanoparticles were prepared with
beta-carotene entrapped in the core, with lecithin as the intermediate
surfactant layer. In an alternative embodiment, a layer-by-layer
assembly technique may be used to entrap the colorant within
nanoparticles.
Description:
Colorants are important components of food. Color affects consumer
perception of food quality. Synthetic colorants are often used to impart
color. Strict regulatory requirements make it difficult to obtain
approval for new synthetic colorants. There is an unfilled need for a
greater number of natural foods that incorporate natural colorants. A
major obstacle is that many natural colorants are insoluble in water.
We have discovered water-soluble or water-dispersible polymeric
nanoparticles with entrapped nonpolar compounds that are otherwise
insoluble in water, and a method for their synthesis. The novel method may be used to stably encapsulate natural colorants in
polymeric nanoparticles as an effective way to improve dispersion in
water, and to produce a homogenous color, without altering a food's
consistency and taste. For example, beta-carotene may be used to impart a
homogeneous yellow-orange color to foods. An additional benefit of
natural coloring agents is their antioxidant properties, which have been
linked with prevention of several diseases, such as atherosclerosis,
cancer, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. These
beneficial functional properties are maintained by the novel
encapsulation method.