Pandey, DineshSubin Raj, C.K.2018-09-062018-09-062015-07http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810072075Bioactives such as omega-fatty acids, phytosterols, vitamins, carotenoids are all known to reduce the risk associated with a number of chronic diseases and help in improving public health. However, these bioactive compounds /drugs are exhibit low bioavailability due to their low permeability, biostability, solubility, limited retention time and poor uptake or absorption in human body when they are consumed through food items such as fruits, vegetables etc. These constraints limit their use in development of functional foods and nutraceuticals. In order to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages, the present study was undertaken in the ”Immunobiologicals & Proteomics lab (Dept. of Molecular Biology & Genetic Engineering)” during the II-semester, 2014-15. This is the first report of a nanodelivery vehicle prepared using finger millet prolamin as the encapsulating matrix over oil in water nanoemulsion of sesame oil containing dissolved β-carotene, which was used as a model bioactive compound. The nanoparticles were prepared in a single step ultrasonication process and did not involve the use of organic solvents and cross-linking agents. Effects of different parameters on prolamin based nanoparticle were investigated. Optimal nanoparticles with regular shape, small size (230- 320 nm), high zeta potential and narrow size distribution were obtained at protein contents upto 2% and oil content upto 4% as characterized by electron microscopy and Zetasizer. The delivery system was shown to have high encapsulation and loading efficiencies. During simulated in vitro digestion, sustained release of β-carotene was observed from the prolamin stabilized nanoemulsion. The cytotoxicity and influence of the nanoparticles was assessed on Caco-2 cells, and the results demonstrated that the nanoparticles were biocompatible and non-toxic to the Caco-2 cells even at concentration as high as 0.5 mg mL-1 . There was observed differentiation in the cells challenged with higher concentrations of the nanoparticles. The use of food grade protein derived from a low agri-input requiring crop, finger millet could provide a platform for value addition, creating a new market for the agri-produce and thereby helping the farming sector. Such products are also beneficial to consumers, providing a better alternative to pharmaceuticals. This delivery oriented food derived nanoparticle system has applications as an oral agent for the controlled release and enhanced absorption of lipophilic bioactives and drugs. It has the potential to be incorporated and developed into various forms for nutraceuticals for general health benefits of the populace.ennullThesis