Preserving the activity of attenuating atherosclerosis of nattokinase in gastrointestinal system by NK/SA/CS microcapsules

The study focused on the role of Nattokinase/Sodium alginate/Chitosan microcapsules (NK/SA/CS microcapsules) in preserving nattokinase activity in the gastrointestinal system and attenuating atherosclerosis . The thrombolytic activity of NK would normally be lost in acidic gastric fluid after oral administration. To address this issue, the researchers developed a novel delivery system using alginate- and chitosan-encapsulated microcapsules. The NK/SA/CS microcapsules protected the loaded NK from deactivation by gastric fluid, as demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo tests. The NK/SA/CS microcapsules retained 80.41% enzyme activity in simulated gastric fluid and 50.69% in the gastric content of mice after 2 h. In atherosclerosis models, the NK/SA/CS microcapsules were found to reduce body weight and epididymal adipose weight in mice. Furthermore, they effectively managed the progression of atherosclerosis and significantly improved the lipid profile . Overall, the study highlights the potential of the NK/SA/CS microcapsules as a delivery system for NK, protecting its activity in the presence of gastric fluid and demonstrating positive therapeutic effects regarding weight management and atherosclerosis progression. Note: An electrostatic spraying device was used to form NK/SA/CS microcapsules. The NK/SA/CS microcapsules protected the loaded NK from damage by gastric fluid, as demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo tests. The NK/SA/CS microcapsules reduced the weight of mice, regulated blood lipid levels, and alleviated atherosclerosis symptoms. • Optimization of nattokinase fermentation conditions by response surface methodology. • The microcapsules protected nattokinase from deactivation by gastric fluid. • The microcapsules effectively managed the progression of atherosclerosis.