Enhanced Immunomodulatory Activity of Gelatin-Encapsulated Rubus coreanus Miquel Nanoparticles

Proliferation of B-, T-and NK cells was notably enhanced by Rubus coreanus-gelatin nanoparticles and in general similar to 2-3 times higher than control and on average similar to 2 times higher than ferulic acid. R. coreanus-gelatin nanoparticles induced cytokine secretion (IL-6 and TNF-alpha) from B-and T-cells on average at a similar to 2-3 times higher rate compared with the extract and ferulic acid. In vivo immunomodulatory activity in mice fed with R. coreanus-gelatin nanoparticles at 1 mL/g body weight showed a similar to 5 times higher antibody production compared to control, a similar to 1.3 times higher production compared to the extract only, and a similar to 1.6 times higher production compared to ferulic acid. Overall, our results suggest that gelatin nanoparticles represent an excellent transport vehicle for Rubus coreanus extract and extracts from other plants generally used in traditional Asian medicine. Such nanoparticles ensure a high local concentration that results in enhancement of immune cell activities, including proliferation, cytokine secretion, and antibody production.