Effect of microformulation on the bioactivity of an anthocyanin-rich bilberry pomace extract (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) in vitro.

Effect of microformulation on the bioactivity of an anthocyanin-rich bilberry pomace extract (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) in vitro.

J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Apr 13;

Authors: Kropat C, Betz M, Kulozik U, Leick S, Rehage H, Böttler U, Teller N, Marko D

Abstract

In cell culture we compared the different release rates of anthocyanins from a bilberry pomace extract encapsulated either in food-grade whey protein-based matrix capsules (WPC) or pectin amid-based hollow spherical capsules (PHS). The impact of the formulations on typical anthocyanin-associated biological endpoints such as inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and suppression of cell growth in HT29 colon carcinoma cells was assessed. Purpose was to find out whether the release rates are sufficient to maintain biological activity and whether encapsulation affected EGFR inhibitory and growth suppressive properties of the extract. Even though anthocyanin release from extract-loaded capsules was proven under cell culture conditions, the inhibitory potential towards the EGFR was diminished. However, non-encapsulated extract as well as both extract-loaded encapsulation systems diminished the growth of HT29 cells to a comparable extent. The loss of EGFR inhibitory properties by encapsulation despite anthocyanin release indicates substantial contribution of other further constituents not monitored so far. Taken together, both applied encapsulation strategies allowed anthocyanin release and maintained biological activity with respect to growth inhibitory properties. However, the loss of EGFR inhibitory effects underline the need of biological profiling to estimate process-induced changes of plant constituent's beneficial potencies.

PMID: 23581244 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]