The interest in utilizing phytochemicals from Moringa Olifera (MO) leaves due to its pharmacological properties has recently increased. However, these properties could not be harnessed unless extracted and encapsulated. This study aims to evaluate the extraction of polyphenolic bioactive compounds from MO leaves using aqueous ethanol (80%). Secondly, nanoencapsulation of extract from MO leaves within fish gelatin matrix via electrospinning technique was performed to produce nanofibers. Total phenolics, flavonoids, radical scavenging (IC50 value) and metal scavenging (FRAP) properties obtained were 67.0±2.5 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g, 32.0±0.5mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g extract, 0.79 mg/ml and 510 mol eq Fe (II)/g, respectively. The electrospinning process was conducted at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/hr, emitter to collector distance of 10 cm and at 20 kV. The solution consisted of gelatin (20-45%), acetic acid (30%) and MO extract (1-5%). Optimal encapsulation process was achieved with 40% gelatin solution containing 3% MO extract was used for fibre generation. Ultrafine fibres with encapsulated MO extract were successfully produced with diameters ranging from 20 to 100 nm and 55 to 300 nm with and without the core material, respectively, as observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The core material could be visually observed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) which coincided with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum indicating no chemical interaction between core and wall material was observed. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) results indicated that encapsulation process did not have a significant impact on the gelatin matrix structural attributes. The antioxidative properties of MO extract illustrated high efficiency of ethanol extraction. This study demonstrated the potential of nanoencapsulation of plant bioactive extracts through electrospinning process.
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