Exploring the efficacy of Basella alba mucilage towards the encapsulation of the hydrophobic antioxidants for their better performance

Abstract In the present study, the efficacy of Basella alba L. (commonly known as Indian spinach) mucilage ( BAM ) was explored for the first time towards the encapsulation of hydrophobic antioxidants. The hydrophobic antioxidants were encapsulated into the BAM matrix by modified non-solvent precipitation method and the encapsulated systems were fully characterized on the basis of TGA, DLS and SEM data. Interactions between the components of BAM matrix and the hydrophobic antioxidants are the key factors for the efficient encapsulation process. These interactions were studied with the help of spectroscopic techniques. The BAM -encapsulated antioxidants showed high pH and photo-stability. Moreover, the hydrophobic antioxidants after their encapsulation in the BAM matrix showed enhanced water solubility and hence, bioactivity in aqueous medium. Thus, BAM may be explored in future as an ideal candidate for the encapsulation and delivery of the hydrophobic bioactive compounds in cellular medium.