Speaker
Description
Introduction:
Polyphenols are a diverse group of naturally occurring organic compounds with potent antioxidant properties. These compounds play a crucial role in the prevention of various lifestyle-related diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions [1]. Among them, myricetin (MYR) stands out due to its well-documented health-promoting effects such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardioprotective activities. Despite its high therapeutic potential, MYR’s poor water solubility and low bioavailability significantly limit its application in the pharmaceutical and food industries [2]. Electrospinning has emerged as a promising technique for enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of bioactive compounds. This method enables the fabrication of polymer nanofibers capable of encapsulating active substances, thereby improving their physicochemical properties and controlled release [3]. The unique features of electrospun fibers-such as high surface area-to-volume ratio and tunable chemical composition-offer a viable route for enhancing MYR’s solubility and therapeutic utility.
Methods:
The objective of this study was to evaluate and optimize the electrospinning process to improve the aqueous solubility of MYR by incorporating it into polymeric nanofiber matrices. Various technological parameters, including polymer concentration, applied voltage, needle-to-collector distance, and flow rate, were optimized using the Box-Behnken design. Initially, potential polymers suitable for electrospinning were reviewed and their solubility in methanol, ethanol, and water was assessed. Specific viscosity measurements were conducted to select optimal polymer candidates. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30) was chosen for fiber formation with MYR. The identity of the electrospun MYR-PVP30 fibers was confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD). Solubility enhancement was evaluated via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and morphological characterization was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Results:
The optimized electrospinning process led to the successful fabrication of uniform MYR-loaded nanofibers. The incorporation of MYR into the polymeric matrix resulted in a significant improvement in its apparent water solubility. XRPD analyses confirmed the successful encapsulation and amorphization of MYR within the nanofibers. HPLC analysis demonstrated enhanced solubility, while in vitro antioxidant tests revealed improved bioactivity of the electrospun formulations compared to raw MYR.
Discussion:
The study demonstrates that electrospinning is an effective technique for improving the solubility and functional performance of poorly soluble bioactive compounds like MYR. By optimizing key process parameters, it is possible to fabricate nanofibers that not only improve solubility but also preserve or enhance biological activity. These findings suggest that electrospun nanofibers hold considerable promise for use in localized drug delivery systems and potentially broader pharmaceutical applications.
References
[1] Rana, Ananya, et al. "Health benefits of polyphenols: A concise review." Journal of Food Biochemistry 46.10 (2022): e14264.
[2] Rosiak, Natalia, Ewa Tykarska, and Judyta Cielecka-Piontek. "Myricetin Amorphous Solid Dispersions—Antineurodegenerative Potential." Molecules 29.6 (2024): 1287.
[3] Ji, Dongxiao, et al. "Electrospinning of nanofibres." Nature Reviews Methods Primers 4.1 (2024): 1.
Funding
This work was supported by the grant OPUS from the National Science Centre Poland UMO-2020/37/B/NZ7/03975.
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