Biocompatible Lipid-Based
Tocotrienols exhibited multifaceted health benefits, catering to the needs of specific populations (Meganathan & Fu, 2016). However, being a small molecule lipophilic compound, tocotrienols require innovative delivery systems to develop products with targeted nutritional benefits. Lipid-based drug delivery system (LBDDS) provides the solution allowing end application in soft gel encapsulation. Previous studies with selfemulsifying delivery system (SEDDS) were reported to be effective in improving the oral bioavailability and biodistribution of tocotrienols by up to 2-fold enhancement (Mohamad, 2023). Nevertheless, to ensure efficient emulsification properties, water-soluble surfactants with high hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) were needed. Most of these surfactants are chemically modified by polyglycolysis of vegetable oils with polyoxyethyleneglycols (PEG) of certain molecular weight (varying from 200 to 2,000 g/ mol) under heating and in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. These PEGylated compounds could cause side effects upon long-term use, including the production of anti-PEG antibodies, hypersensitivity reactions, and the accelerated blood clearance (ABC) phenomenon.
Main researcher: Dr. Fu Ju Yen
E-mail: fujuyen@mpob.gov.my