Zein polymer nanocarrier for Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens extract: Potential biomedical use

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key factors in cellular damage and disease development. Nanoparticles (Nps) have demonstrated significant potential in medicine due to their unique properties, encapsulation of bioactive compounds within Np enhances their stability and efficacy. Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens (OBP) is a plant characterized by its richness in bioactive antioxidant compounds. This investigation focused on encapsulating an OBP extract (OBPE) within zein nanoparticles (NpZ) and evaluating the preservation of its bioactivity and antioxidant potential. The encapsulation process successfully maintained bioactivity and efficiently extracted bioactive compounds. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization of OBPE-loaded NpZ was performed, including FTIR, DLS, ζ-potential, SEM microscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, revealing high antioxidant capacity in OBPE-loaded NpZ. Results revealed the influence of zein concentration on Np characteristics, such as size, charge, and morphology. The extraction method proved effective in preserving bioactive compounds from OBP. Successful OBPE encapsulation within the zein matrix demonstrated NpZ potential as an effective carrier for bioactive compounds. This study highlights the effective extraction and encapsulation of OBPE, emphasizing the importance of NpZ in bioactive antioxidant delivery. Further research on therapeutic efficacy and targeted delivery of OBPE-loaded NpZ in biological models is warranted.

Keywords

• nanoparticles
• bioactive compounds
• zein
• ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens
• polymeric nanoparticles