Preparation of a nanostructured multi-phase lipid carrier for iron encapsulation: A lipase-triggered release of ferric ions

Abstract

A multi-phase lipid particle, a novel iron carrier, was prepared using a mixture of wax (derived from rice bran) and coconut oil. A high shear homogenization method was employed for particle processing. The main body of the prepared particle consisted of a waxy matrix containing nanostructured oil phases. When these particles were dispersed in an aqueous solution with lipase, the oil phases were digested and free fatty acids were released. Water droplets containing dissolved ferric ammonium sulfate were emulsified in coconut oil, and this W/O emulsion was used in particle preparation. This particle was designed for a triggered release of ferric ions due to the action of a digestive enzyme. We successfully demonstrated the preparation of the multi-phase lipid particle ranging in size from 10–160 μm and the lipase-induced release of ferric ions.