Preparation, characterization and biological activity of proanthocyanidin-chitosan nanoparticles

In this study, proanthocyanidin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (PC-CS-NPs) were produced using ionotropic gelation and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The synthesized nanoparticles were smaller than 300 nm and had a spherical shape, smooth topography and homogenous morphology as observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vitro release study showed that proanthocyanidins (PC) had a sustainable release from PC-CS-NPs in different buffer media. PC-CS-NPs had higher or comparable potency in scavenging DPPH and ABTS free radicals as compared to native drugs. Furthermore, PC-CS-NPs also inhibited the growth of four bacteria species, whose degree of inhibition depended on the bacterial strain. The results of SEM confirmed the changes in the microstructure of bacteria. Our findings support the use of chitosan nanoparticles to encapsulate PC and improve its bioactivity in food products.