Antioxidant enhancement of Cystoseira barbata extracts via nanoliposomal encapsulation

Seaweeds are well-known for their numerous health benefits, which include antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. They produce secondary metabolites to withstand extreme conditions such as high temperatures, fluctuating salinity, intense sunlight, and varying oxygen levels. These compounds not only serve as protective mechanisms for the seaweeds but also hold potential for medicinal applications and other biologically active uses. In this study, we investigated the effects of nanoliposomal encapsulation on the antioxidant capacity of extracts from Cystoseira barbata, collected from the Bursa/Mudanya coast. The extract was obtained from dried algal samples using ethanol solvent at a ratio of 1:1. The total phenolic content of the extract was analyzed, revealing the highest phenol concentration of 2.66 mg GAE/g. The DPPH assay was conducted to assess the antioxidant capacity of both free extract (FE) and the nanoliposomal encapsulated extract (NE). Inhibition (%) values showed a positive correlation with concentration, yielding values of 19.41 for FE and 31.33 for NE. Nanoliposomal encapsulation enhanced DPPH scavenging capacity by 61% compared to FE. Thus, the nanoliposomal encapsulation technique appears to be a promising method for enhancing the effectiveness of C. barbata extracts as antioxidant agents.