A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Ternary composite fibers for oral anthocyanin delivery: The role of molecular synergy in polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin/pullulan matrices
Authors: Ao, Guoli; Zhao, Mingyue; Sun, Falin; Bao, Yiwen; Chai, Sitong; Wang, Yuehua; Si, Xu; Shu, Chi; Makarov, Sergey S.; Chudetsky, Anton I.; Loyola, Rodrigo Quintana; Yang, Baoru; Zhou, Ying; Li, Bin; Tian, Jinlong
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Food Bioscience
Article number: 108212
Volume: 76
ISSN: 2212-4292
eISSN: 2212-4306
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2025.108212
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: No Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2025.108212
Blueberry anthocyanin (BA) have attracted much attention for their diverse bioactivities, but their practical use is greatly limited by poor stability and low bioavailability. The complex intestinal environment causes them to degrade extensively, significantly reducing their absorption efficiency. To address this, the present study focuses on the sublingual delivery route, aiming to enhance the bioavailability of anthocyanins by reducing the hepatic first-pass effect. In this research, macromolecules such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gelatin (GEL), and pullulan (PUL) were used as carriers to load anthocyanins. Through electrospinning, anthocyanin-loaded oral dissolving films (ODF) were successfully prepared, which can be used for the sublingual delivery of anthocyanins. Experiments confirmed that the mechanical properties of the fiber membrane reached an optimal state when the mass fractions of PVA, GEL, and PUL were 8, 10 and 11 % respectively. Characterization results from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed that intermolecular hydrogen bonds were formed in the system, strengthening intermolecular interactions. Moreover, BA maintained good stability at 312.96 °C. Simulated oral release experiments demonstrated that the PGP membrane containing 10 % BA achieved a release rate of 82 % within 10 min, following a near-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Cytotoxicity tests confirmed the good biosafety of the material, and porcine mucosal permeation studies indicated that BA could be released through the oral mucosa. This study provides a new carrier design and theoretical support for the oral delivery of anthocyanins.
Funding information in the publication:
This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2024YFD1600604).