Characterization, in vitro release, and antioxidant activity of glutenin hydrolysate encapsulated in liposome-loaded uni-axial and co-axial electrospun fibers

Abstract

BACKGROUND Bioactive peptides derived from protein hydrolysates provide various health benefits; however, their practical application is limited by low gastrointestinal stability, enzymatic degradation, and poor intestinal absorption. Overcoming these challenges remains a key bottleneck for oral peptide delivery. This study aimed to develop and systematically compare uni-axial and co-axial electrospun pullulan/carboxymethylcellulose fibers incorporating liposome-encapsulated glutenin hydrolysate (GH) to enhance its stability, mucoadhesion, and controlled release along the gastrointestinal system.RESULTS GH (7.5 mg mL-1) was encapsulated into lecithin-phytosterol (1:0.5, w/w) liposomes, yielding an average size of 76 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 57.52%. These liposomes were successfully embedded into nanofibers, showing homogeneous distribution and GH loading efficiencies of 61.04-85.22%. Compared with free GH, liposomal systems preserved the antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP values) of GH during gastrointestinal digestion, while the non-hybrid formulation demonstrated reduced preservation. Liposome-loaded nanofibers exhibited markedly lower GH release under gastric conditions (21.05-25.85%) than free-GH fibers (42.69%), while co-axial fibers provided the most sustained intestinal release. Additionally, liposomal incorporation significantly enhanced mucoadhesive properties.CONCLUSION The hybrid liposome-nanofiber approach integrates protective and controlled-delivery mechanisms, resulting in enhanced preservation of antioxidant activity and sustained release compared with conventional fibers. This food-grade strategy shows strong potential for oral delivery of bioactive peptides in functional food and nutraceutical applications requiring gastrointestinal stability.