Encapsulation of goji berry extract in nanoliposomes with antitumor effect: A comparative study of unsaturated and hydrogenated lipids via the ethanol injection method
Fernanda Barroso Peixoto, Rafael Oliveira Defendi, Caroline Casagrande Sipoli, Lucimara Gaziola de la Torre, Jhonatan Rafael de Oliveira Bianchi, Gabriela Gomes da Silva, Hernandes Faustino de Carvalho, Ana Caroline Raimundini Aranha, Oscar de Oliveira Santos Junior, Rúbia Michele SuzukiAbstract
Goji berry ( Lycium barbarum ) extract, rich in bioactive compounds, was encapsulated in liposomes prepared with either unsaturated or hydrogenated lipids. Their physicochemical properties and antitumor activity were then evaluated. The liposomes exhibited particle sizes of 77.49 ± 3.09 and 129.4 ± 4.1 nm when prepared with hydrogenated and unsaturated phospholipids, respectively. In both cases, a 5% (w/w) extract loading superior results compared to 10% and 20% loading for both lipids types. The encapsulation efficiency was higher for unsaturated phospholipids than for hydrogenated ones. Nevertheless, both lipids formed unilamellar vesicles with over 80% release after 24 h. The liposome systems displayed antiproliferative activity against cancer cells, and cell viability was lower with extract‐loaded liposomes than with free extract, demonstrating the benefits of encapsulation. Thus, this study confirms the viability and applicability of goji berry extract encapsulation.