Abstract

The aim of this study was to produce nanofibres from zein incorporated with varying concentrations of Barijeh essential oil (BEO) (1-4% w/w) with anti-diabetic properties by electrospinning technique. BEO loaded nanofibres were characterised for its chemical composition, morphology, chemical structure, thermal behaviour and α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory. In addition, the kinetic release of BEO in simulated gastric and intestinal media are investigated. Among the various concentrations of zein studied (i.e. 15-40% w/v), 35% w/v zein solution yielded ribbon-like structures webs substantially free of defects with mean fibre diameters in the range of 425 nm-1µm.SEM and FT-IR results indicated that BEO was successfully entrapped in zein electrospun matrix, and nanofibres showed high encapsulation efficiency close to 95%. The encapsulated BEO also retained its antioxidant capacity in nanofibres, although it had been exposed to the high voltage during the process. BEO-loaded zein nanofibres showed α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition activity with an IC50 value ranging of 0.78±0.01 to 1.25±0.03 and 1.09±0.02 to 1.64±0.01 mg/ml, respectively. The models fitting results showed that the First order, Hixon-Crowell and Rigter-Peppas models were the best models for describing the release of BEO in simulated stomach media, intestinal conditions and the total time of release respectively. The feasibility of combining BEO within fibres provides a promising route for manufacture of novel delivery vehicle for controlling the diabetes.