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




AuthorsAo, 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

PublisherElsevier

Publication year2026

Journal: Food Bioscience

Article number108212

Volume76

ISSN2212-4292

eISSN2212-4306

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2025.108212

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingNo Open Access

Publication channel's open availability Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2025.108212


Abstract

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).


Last updated on 18/02/2026 10:02:15 AM