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Spray dried inulin–sodium carboxymethylcellulose microcarriers with solid-to-colloidal transition: Development for foliar delivery of polyphenol-rich extract
Spray dried inulin–sodium carboxymethylcellulose microcarriers with solid-to-colloidal transition: Development for foliar delivery of polyphenol-rich extract
Rita Patrizia Aquino
(Department of Pharmacy University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano SA, Italy)
Teresa Mencherini
(Department of Pharmacy University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano SA, Italy)
Pierluigi Mazzei
(Department of Pharmacy University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano SA, Italy)
Tiziana Esposito
(Department of Pharmacy University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano SA, Italy)
Francesco Del Prete
(Department of Pharmacy University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano SA, Italy)
Francesca Fortunato
(Department of Pharmacy University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano SA, Italy)
Giacomo Pepe
(Department of Pharmacy University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano SA, Italy)
Giulia Auriemma
(Department of Pharmacy University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano SA, Italy)
Francesca Sansone
(Corresponding author at: Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno Via Giovanni Paolo II, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.; Department of Pharmacy University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano SA, Italy)
This study reports on the development of a carbohydrate-based spray-dried microparticulate system (F-CHES) conceived for the stabilization and foliar delivery of polyphenol-rich plant extracts for sustainable phyto defense applications. Chestnut spiny bur (CHES) extract, with demonstrated anti-fungal activity against phytopathogens, was micro-encapsulated via spray-drying in a polysaccharide matrix, composed primarily of inulin (INU DP ∼15), sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and low amount of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS 0.05 % w/v), engineered to improve extract processability, water compatibility, stability and functional performance. Structural characterization by semi-solid (HRMAS) and solid-state (CPMAS) NMR revealed polysaccharide matrix–extract interactions that influenced the internal organization and component distribution within microparticles. The integration of high-resolution analytical techniques was also essential for standardizing the production process. The optimized F-CHES 0.8 micropowder, containing 1.5 % w/v of CHES extract, 5 % INU, 0.8 % Na-CMC, showed a process yield (70.42 ± 2.42 %) and high encapsulation efficiency (98.58 %). The formulation ensured chemical stability over 12 weeks (active compound retention ≥94.86 %), and displayed favorable morphological and physicochemical properties, including hydrodynamic diameter of 0.55 µm and ζ-potential of –37.2 mV. Interestingly, upon dispersion in water, the microparticles converted into a colloidal state and the resulting dispersion can form stable transparent coating on leaf surface suited for foliar delivery.