Evaluating the potential of soy protein isolate /alginate hydrogel as polyphenolic liposome carrier during gastrointestinal tract: A case study on sumac extract

Sumac seed is one of the best sources of polyphenolic compounds and natural antioxidants. This study was conducted to protect the polyphenolic compounds of sumac extract. For this purpose, the chemical composition of sumac extract (SE) was identified using LC-MS technique. Then sumac extract was trapped in liposomal structures and physicochemical properties were evaluated. The results showed that the size and specific surface areas of the liposomes influenced the entrapment efficiency of SE. The zeta potential of liposomes containing SE indicated stability between bioactive substances and liposome bilayers. In the next step, three ratios of soy protein isolate-alginate hydrogel (P1A3, P1A1, and P3A1) were applied to cover the liposome-SE. Furthermore, the flow behavior, surface morphological analysis, texture, and release of phenolic compounds from soy protein isolate-alginate hydrogels containing SE were investigated. Quantitative data showed variations in particle size, sphericity, and loading efficiency according to the SPI to ALG ratio. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the interactions between the components at a molecular level. This study provided valuable insights into the design and optimization of drug delivery systems and functional food ingredients, highlighting the complexities involved in the controlled release of bioactive substances. • Sumac extract has many phenolic compounds, especially catechin and gallic acid. • Sumac extract was encapsulated in the liposome-in-Alg/SPI hydrogel bead. • The highest force required in texture analysis was observed for P1A1. • Liposome/hydrogel enhanced delivery behavior during the gastrointestinal tract.