T. Kurz

Bio: T. Kurz is an academic researcher from Free University of Berlin. The author has contributed to research in topics: Particle size. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 140 citations.

β‐Carotene‐Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers

Abstract: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) technology was used to disperse hydrophobic beta-carotene in an aqueous phase. NLC are lipid nanoparticles with a particle matrix consisting of a blend of a liquid and solid lipid. They were produced by melting the lipid blend at 80 degrees C and dispersing it into a hot emulsifier solution. The aim of this study was to extend the limited knowledge of melt-emulsified lipidic colloids in food systems and to evaluate the feasibility for further applications as functional ingredient in beverages. Physical stability of the NLC suspension was examined at 2 different storage temperatures by measuring the particle size with photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and laser diffractometry (LD). All particles containing sufficient amounts of emulsifier were smaller than 1 microm (LD diameter 100%) at a mean particle size of around 0.3 microm (LD) for 9 wk at 20 degrees C and at least 30 wk at 4 to 8 degrees C. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the solid state of the lipids both in the beta-carotene loaded PGMS and in the NLC particles. Propylene glycol monostearate (PGMS) when dispersed as NLC recrystallized up to 98% during storage time. Within the regarded period of 7 mo no polymorph transitions were observed. Furthermore, stability of the beta-carotene in water dependent on NLC concentration and tocopherol content was measured photospectrometrically to get an estimation of the behavior of NLC in beverages.

Nanoencapsulation of food ingredients using lipid based delivery systems

Abstract: Nanoencapsulation allows protection of the sensitive bioactive food ingredients from unfavorable environmental conditions, eradication of incompatibilities, solubilization, or masking of unpleasant taste or odor. This paper reviews the present state of the art of lipid based carriers including nanoemulsions, nanoliposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and novel generation of encapsulation system namely nanostructure lipid carriers (NLCs) regarding their production method, physicochemical properties, functionalities, stabilization techniques, potential advantages and limitations and delivery mechanisms. In the last section, mathematical models for predication of bioactive release kinetics from lipid based nanocarriers, which can be applied for optimization of encapsulation systems, are presented and some future developments in the area of nanoencapsulation are discussed.

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC): A potential delivery system for bioactive food molecules

Abstract: Particle size and physical state of the lipid phase are major factors influencing the permanence of lipid dispersions. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are a delivery system in which partial-crystallized lipid particles with mean radii ≤ 100 nm are dispersed in an aqueous phase containing emulsifier(s), as a potential delivery system may have some advantages in certain circumstances when compared with other colloidal carriers. NLC are a useful nutraceutical delivery system with high drug loading, encapsulation efficiency and stability. They may increase, bioavailability and stability of bioactive compounds, and shelf-life, consumer acceptability, functionality, nutritional value and safety of food systems, and provide controlled release of encapsulated materials. In this review, beneficial aspects of NLC are presented and valuable information about ingredients, production methods, structure and characteristics of them provided. Moreover, potential applications and disadvantages of NLC as emerging delivery system in food science are introduced. Industrial relevance With the increasing public perception of a strong correlation between food and disease prevention, producers are trying to enrich staple foods and beverages with nutraceuticals and produce functional foods. Nonetheless, fortification of aqueous-based food with many of nutraceuticals is greatly limited owing to their poor water-solubility, chemical instability, and low bioavailability. NLC are a novel nanocarrier that may dispel these limitations, combine the advantages of other lipid nanocarriers and avoid some of their disadvantages. They may be suitable for application within foods and transparent/opaque beverages.

Nanoparticles: Emerging carriers for drug delivery.

Abstract: The core objective of nanoparticles is to control and manipulate biomacromolecular constructs and supramolecular assemblies that are critical to living cells in order to improve the quality of human health. By definition, these constructs and assemblies are nanoscale and include entities such as drugs, proteins, DNA/RNA, viruses, cellular lipid bilayers, cellular receptor sites and antibody variable regions critical for immunology and are involved in events of nanoscale proportions. The emergence of such nanotherapeutics/diagnostics will allow a deeper understanding of human longevity and human ills that include cancer, cardiovascular disease and genetic disorders. A technology platform that provides a wide range of synthetic nanostructures that may be controlled as a function of size, shape and surface chemistry and scale to these nanotechnical dimensions will be a critical first step in developing appropriate tools and a scientific basis for understanding nanoparticles.

A systematic review on nanoencapsulation of food bioactive ingredients and nutraceuticals by various nanocarriers

Abstract: Today, there is an ever-growing interest on natural food ingredients both by consumers and producers in the food industry. In fact, people are looking for those products in the market which are free from artificial and synthetic additives and can promote their health. These food bioactive ingredients should be formulated in such a way that protects them against harsh process and environmental conditions and safely could be delivered to the target organs and cells. Nanoencapsulation is a perfect strategy for this situation and there have been many studies in recent years for nanoencapsulation of food components and nutraceuticals by different technologies. In this review paper, our main goal is firstly to have an overview of nanoencapsulation techniques applicable to food ingredients in a systematic classification, i.e., lipid-based nanocarriers, nature-inspired nanocarriers, special-equipment-based nanocarriers, biopolymer nanocarriers, and other miscellaneous nanocarriers. Then, application of these cutting-edge nanocarriers for different nutraceuticals including phenolic compounds and antioxidants, natural food colorants, antimicrobial agents and essential oils, vitamins, minerals, flavors, fish oils and essential fatty acids will be discussed along with presenting some examples in each field.