o:36312 Liposomal Encapsulation of Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Pulp Extract: Design, Characterization, and Controlled Release Assessment en Background: Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp flour is primarily used in the food industry. As a rich source of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, it holds promise for pharmaceutical formulation research and development. Objectives: This study focused on developing liposomal particles loaded with carob pulp extract using the proliposome method, followed by modifications through UV irradiation and sonication. Methods: The resulting liposomes were analyzed for encapsulation efficiency, vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI), mobility, zeta potential, viscosity, surface tension, density, antioxidant activity, FT-IR spectra, and release kinetics under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. In addition, nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for liposomal characterization. Results: The findings revealed a high encapsulation efficiency across all samples (>70%). The particle size and PDI measurements confirmed the presence of a multilamellar and uniform liposomal system before post-processing modifications. The medium value of zeta potential suggested a moderately electrostatically stabilized liposomal suspension. The sonicated liposomes demonstrated a higher concentration of vesicles in comparison to non-treated and UV-irradiated samples. TEM analysis revealed purified liposomal vesicles with preserved structural integrity. Encapsulation, as well as UV irradiation and sonication of liposomes, did not diminish the extract’s anti-DPPH activity. However, the ABTS radical scavenging potential of the pure extract was significantly lower compared to its encapsulated counterparts. UV irradiation and sonication notably reduced the anti-ABTS capacity of the extract-liposome system. Monitoring the release of bioactive compounds demonstrated controlled delivery from liposomal particles under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Conclusions: Overall, liposomal formulations of carob pulp extract exhibit significant potential for further development as a functional food ingredient or for use in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. carob pulp extract; liposomal formulation; encapsulation efficiency; antioxidant activity; controlled release 1552099 https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17060776 2025-06-13T14:35:52.788Z 44 yes 46 Aleksandra Jovanović Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy INEP, University of Belgrade, Banatska 31b, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia doktor tehnoloskih nauka 0000-0001-5394-0125 Dragana Dekanski Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy INEP, University of Belgrade, Serbia doktor medicinskih nauka person 0000-0001-8467-4165 Milena Milošević Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy—National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Serbia person Ninoslav Mitić Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy INEP, University of Belgrade, Banatska 31b, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia doktor bioloških nauka person 0000-0003-2756-6517 Aleksandar Rašković Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Novi Sad, Serbia person Nikola Martić Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Novi Sad, Serbia person Andrea Pirković University of Belgrade, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy doktor bioloških nauka person 0000-0002-1182-4895 application/pdf 6088057 https://phaidrabg.bg.ac.rs/o:36312 no yes 16 70 92000001 11A29 11A24 Liposomal Encapsulation of Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Pulp Extract: Design, Characterization, and Controlled Release Assessment 776 17 776 Pharmaceutics Basel, Switzerland MDPI 2025-06-13