Nanostructured lipid carrier as a strategy for encapsulation of formononetin and perilla seed oil: In vitro characterization and stability studies

This study aims to characterize formononetin (FMN) and perilla seed oil (PSO) co-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). FMN-PSO-NLC was prepared by melt-emulsification ultrasonic method. The average particle size of FMN-PSO-NLC was 117.5 ± 3.7 nm, with PDI of 0.240 ± 0.017 and zeta potential of −36.7 ± 0.7 mV. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies revealed that the formation of FMN-PSO-NLC was accompanied by changes in crystallinity and intermolecular interactions. FMN-PSO-NLC dispersions possessed pseudoplastic flow from the rheological studies. FMN-PSO-NLC possessed sustained-release of FMN for 24 h. FMN-PSO-NLC was more easily digested than that of PSO in vitro digestion. The antioxidant activity and stability of FMN-PSO-NLC were significantly improved. This study provides a formulation design for improving the stability, antioxidant activity of FMN and delaying the oxidation of PSO.