Alginate Beads with Encapsulated Bioactive Substances from Peels as Promising Peroral Delivery Systems.

Since various bioactive substances are unstable and can degrade in the gastrointestinal tract, their stabilization is crucial. This study aimed to encapsulate mango peel extract (MPE) into edible alginate beads using the ionotropic gelation method for the potential oral delivery of bioactive substances. Mango peels, generally discarded and environmentally harmful, are rich in health-promoting bioactive substances. The alginate beads were examined for entrapment efficiency, particle size, morphology, thermal stability, physiochemical interactions, release profile under gastrointestinal conditions, and antibacterial efficacy. The study demonstrated the successful encapsulation of MPE with an efficiency of 63.1%. The in vitro release study showed the stability of the alginate beads in simulated gastric fluid with a maximum release of 45.0%, and sustained, almost complete release (99.4%) in simulated intestinal fluid, indicating successful absorption into the human body. In both fluids, the MPE release followed first-order kinetics. Encapsulation successfully maintained the antibacterial properties of MPE, with significant inhibitory activity against pathogenic intestinal bacteria. This is the first study on MPE encapsulation in alginate beads, presenting a promising oral delivery system for high-added-value applications in the food industry for dietary supplements, functional foods, or food additives. Their production is sustainable and economical, utilizing waste material and reducing environmental pollution.