β-sitosterol Lipid Nano Carrier Based on Propolis Wax and Pomegranate Seed Oil: Effect of Thermal Processing, pH, and Ionic Strength on Stability and Structure

The beta-sitosterol-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) is formulated using propolis wax (PW) alone or in the mixture (1:1 w/w) with glyceryl behenate (GB), and pomegranate seed oil stabilized with Tween 80 and lecithin. The influence of thermal treatment (60-90 degrees C, pH 7, 20 min), pH (2, 4, 6, and 8) and ionic strength (0-200 mM NaCl, pH 7) on physical stability, structure, and beta-sitosterol degradation is evaluated. The NLCs are physically and chemically stable during heating at low temperatures (<= 70 degrees C) while thermal treatment at 80-90 degrees C leads to an increase in size and a slight decrease in beta-sitosterol content. The particle size of PW and PW + GB NLCs increases from 96 and 105 nm at pH 7 to 108 and 114 nm at pH 2, respectively, which may limit NLC long-term stability in highly acidic products. On the other hand, there is no significant difference in particle size and PDI with respect to electrolyte concentration. The NLC does not undergo polymorphic transitions by changes in pH and ionic strength. However, crystallinity decreases with increasing electrolyte concentration which is further confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry results. The beta-sitosterol NLC relatively showed a suitable potential for industrial applications. Practical Applications: beta-sitosterol has many valuable physiological functions in humans which has made it an attractive nutraceutical ingredient for food fortifications. Nevertheless, incorporation of beta-sitosterol in food and beverages is rather challenging since it is almost insoluble in water and only slightly soluble in oils. NLC based on PW and PSO offer a promising means for delivery of beta-sitosterol to aqueous-based foods and developing functional health promoting products by virtue of supplementary health benefits in addition to those of beta-sitosterol. However, functionality and dispersibility of formulations could be affected by environmental stresses typically experienced by foods during production and storage. Thus, behavior of emulsions at different conditions should be examined. NLC with relatively good physical and chemical stability to thermal processing, pH, and salt can be created using Tween 80 and lecithin as interfacial coating and PW as lipid matrix which ensures the successful delivery of beta sitosterol to various food formats. Nanostructured lipid carriers made with propolis wax (PW) alone or in the mixture with glyceryl behenate (GB) and pomegranate seed oil and loaded with beta-sitosterol. Influence of environmental stresses typically encountered by food products on stability.