beta-Lactoglobulin improves liposome's encapsulation properties for vitamin E delivery

Abstract

Vitamin E (VE) or alpha-tocopherol is the major fat-soluble antioxidant in the human body. It is a sensitive, easily oxidized in the air, molecule, so it must be protected from pro-oxidant elements which could affect its physiological benefits. Encapsulation constitutes a promising approach to maintain VE native properties over time and increase its concentration in aqueous media. Liposomes have been studied as sustained delivery systems, being biodegradable, non-toxic and non-immunogenic. A new liposome/beta-lactoglobulin (beta-Lg) formulation has been developed and characterized as a possible stable delivery system for VE. beta-Lg has been selected due to its property to bind a variety of hydrophobic molecules. The aim of this study was the preparation of beta-Lg-liposome formulation and the determination of VE encapsulation efficiency, in order to develop a new more efficient carrier for VE in aqueous media.