Synthesis of quercetin-encapsulated alginate beads with their antioxidant and release kinetic studies

Abstract

In this present study, different forms of quercetin encapsulated beads were synthesized, namely ionic cross-linked gel beads and cryogel beads. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectra of the beads were used to characterize and prove quercetin encapsulation in alginate beads. Swelling and drying profiles were studied. Besides, release kinetics of quercetin molecules from gel beads and cryogels were carefully investigated in two different solvent/media; dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and Roswell Park Memorial Institute Medium (RPMI-1640). Based upon the release kinetic studies, it is found that quercetin release from alginate cryogel beads fits the first-order release model in DMSO and it depends on the concentration of quercetin in the beads. The release of quercetin from alginate gel beads was described by the Higuchi release model, which highlights the release of quercetin molecules through the pores of the matrix. In RPMI-1640, the release of quercetin from both forms of alginate beads fits zero-order release model and it indicates a constant release of quercetin per unit time. Finally, the radical scavenging activity of the quercetin quantities was tested by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test, and successful results were obtained compared to reference material.