Colloidal and membrane stabilization of nanoproliposomes coated with chitosan-alginate polymers: Thermal properties, gastrointestinal release and reconstitutability

Instability, leakage and unwanted release of bioactive compounds loaded into nanoliposomes (NLs) are among the key challenges during storage, formulation, or various tensions (mechanical, thermal, shear, etc.). In this study, lipid membrane stabilization of phycocyanin (PC)-containing NLs was performed through chitosan-alginate (NAs) bilayer coating. Then, the reconstitution capability and retention of the biological properties of nanoproliposomes (NPLs) was investigated. The polymer complex led to improved nanovesicle properties (216nm, -33.6mV), encapsulation efficiency (EE 78.2%), physical stability, EE-retention, bioactive contents (PC and TPC), biological activities (DPPH*/ABTS* scavenging), and morphology (SEM), during different tensions (thermal, light and freezing) as well as controlled release (under gastrointestinal conditions). The properties of NPLs (production yield (48-62%), flowability (relative cohesion and compressibility), functional indices (solubility ∼93%), hygroscopicity, retention of bioactives (∼86-96%), histogram and color indices) were affected by the composition and type of coating. Chemical (FTIR) and thermal (DSC) evaluations indicated electrostatic adsorption of biopolymers and increased rigidity of the coated membrane. The transformation of brittle structures (FD-B-NLs) into compact and rough (FD-NAs) was confirmed by SEM images. NPLs showed particles (∼430-590nm) with wrinkled, indented structures and intact walls. The polymer bilayer coating resulted in maintaining membrane strength, structural stability, reduced unwanted leakage (75-82% of the initial EE), and particle morphological changes during shear/dehydration stresses after reconstitution. The findings of this study can be used to design powder formulations containing stable pharmaceutical and food nanocarriers. • The production of nano-proliposomes coated with chitosan-alginate complex was investigated. • Electrostatic adsorption and lipid membrane stabilization were confirmed by FTIR and DSC. • The biopolymer complex resulted in biological-structural stability, and controlled release of particles. • The properties of proliposomes, and their reconstitution ability were influenced by the composition of nanoparticles and polymers. • DSL, SEM, AFM, and TEM analyses confirm structural stability of coated NLs post-reconstitution and under shear/dehydration stresses.