High molecular weight chitosan based particles for folic acid encapsulation obtained via nanospray technology

CAROLINA SCHEBOR; PÉREZ, OSCAR E.; DE MATTEO, REGINA

Quilmes, Prov de Bs As.

Congreso; Nanomed-ar 2020.; 2020

Asociación Argentina de Nanomedicinas

Folic acid (FA) is a vital human vitamin ingested through the diet; it is crucial to prevent neural tube defects in fetus. We are researching the feasibility of incorporate the vitamin in polymer matrices because of its sensitivity to factors associated to food processing and storage (light, heat, oxygen).Chitosan (CS) is an aminopolysaccharide acquired by the deacetylation of chitin from shrimp fishing waste. CS deacetylation degree (80%) and amolecular weight (≈300 kDa) characterizes its conduct. As it is non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible it is very convenient for nutraceutical and food applications as a carrier matrix.The work objective is to obtain CS based particles for FA encapsulation via nanospray drying of a feeding solution containing equal amounts of both components (0,1% w/w). The dried product will be characterized by Fourier-transform spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The morphology, molecular organization, crystallization pattern, and stability will be compared with results of lyophilized powders, characterized in a previous work.The obtained particles will constitute nanovehicles for the vitamin, exerting protection and enhancing its bioavailability, with a view toward oral route administration contained in a dairy food matrix like a cheese.