Electrospraying and electrospinning of tannic acid-loaded zein: Characterization and antioxidant effects in astrocyte culture exposed to E. coli lipopolysaccharide.

Tannic acid (TA) exhibits low bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract, limiting its benefits due to small amounts reaching the CNS. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop zein capsules and fibers by electrospraying/electrospinning for encapsulation of TA. Polymeric solutions were evaluated by electrical conductivity, density, and viscosity. In zein capsules, up to 2 % TA was added, and in fibers, up to 1 % TA was added. Zein capsule and fiber with TA were evaluated by morphology, size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, thermal and thermogravimetric properties, and functional groups. Zein capsule with 1.5 % TA was evaluated in astrocyte culture for cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity. TA zein capsules and fibers exhibited high encapsulation efficiency and homogeneous morphology. TA encapsulated in zein presented higher thermal stability than free TA. TA zein capsule did not present toxicity and elicited antioxidant action in lipopolysaccharide-induced astrocyte culture. Capsules and fibers were successfully produced by electrospraying/electrospinning techniques. [Display omitted] • The zein capsules and fibers with TA were produced by electrospraying/electrospinning • The capsules and fibers presented high encapsulation efficiency and thermal stability. • The zein capsule with 1.5 % TA did not demonstrate toxicity in astrocyte culture. • TA zein capsule showed antioxidant activity in the LPS-challenged astrocyte culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]