engleski

Oxidative stress in model membranes: protection via flavonoid embedded nanoparticles

Flavonoids, polyphenolic biomolecules with antioxidative activity, have recently emerged as potential novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases [ref 1]. In addition to the fact that the mechanisms of their antioxidant effects have not yet been fully elucidated, their applicability is rendered by poor water solubility and chemical instability under physiological conditions encountered during pharmaceutical product consumption. Flavonoid incorporation in nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers has been proposed as a possible solution to surpass these obstacles. The aim of the research is to overcome the problem of poor water solubility and chemical instability of flavonoids by delivering them loaded in biodegradable mesoporous NPs to model membranes and neurons whereby their protective effects should be enhanced. Mesoporous NPs were selected to increase the flavonoid loading and entrapment efficiency, as compared to so far used organic or inorganic NPs, and to enable protection of flavonoids in physiological conditions. The model membranes made of an unsaturated lipid (DOPC) with and without embedded flavonoids were investigated with the respect to flavonoid influence on the membrane structure, elasticity, and its functionality, especially regarding lipid order. Model lipid membranes were studied before and after lipid peroxidation (LP), which was induced by the addition of H2O2 and Fe2+. By combining AFM imaging and ATR FTIR spectroscopy, the new approach was established to gain insight into flavonoid protective mechanism towards the oxidative stress, as well as the altered nanomechanics and structural reorganization of the membrane after inducing peroxidation. Results from the studies proposed within research will pave the way towards the development of innovative and improved therapies for oxidative stress-associated neurological disorders. In addition, the knowledge obtained within this research could be extended to designing effective delivery systems for the incorporation, protection, and release of other unstable bioactive molecules with an aim to improve human health or to increase the shelf life of pharmaceutical or food products.

flavonoids ; nanoparticles ; liposomes ; lipid peroxidation

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