Development of date seed extract encapsulated MCM-41: Characterization, release kinetics, antioxidant and antibacterial studies

The encapsulation of natural bioactive compounds in porous support can lead to a sustained release of antioxidants and antimicrobial substances. In this study, the natural antioxidant of date seed extract (DSE) was encapsulated into the mesoporous silica matrix (MCM-41) through the physical vacuum impregnation method. Various characterization studies confirmed the successful encapsulation of DSE into MCM-41 with an encapsulation efficiency of 91%. Date seed extract encapsulated MCM-41(DSE@MCM-41) exhibited rougher morphology, lower specific surface area (1.2 m² g⁻¹), and lower pore volume (0.023 g cm⁻³) than MCM-41, indicating higher loading of DSE into the MCM-41 pore channels. The in vitro release profile and bioactive DSE@MCM-41 release kinetics were determined using phosphate buffer solution at pH 5.2 and 7.4. Studies showed that DSE release from DSE@MCM-41 followed first-order kinetics with a sustained release rate, preferably in an acidic medium. The results of radical scavenging activity also showed that the release of antioxidants from DSE@MCM-41 was more sustained than that of free DSE when stored at 4 °C for 3 months. Furthermore, antibacterial studies of DSE@MCM-41 against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus showed a significant and sustained bactericidal effect at a concentration of 10 mg/mL. These results suggest that DSE-encapsulated MCM-41 could be used as a sustainable-release nanocarrier to extend the shelf-life of food in food packaging applications.