Development and evaluation of a novel alginate-based in situ gelling system to modulate the release of anthocyanins

Several health benefits have been associated with the consumption of anthocyanins (ACNs). These compounds are absorbed in the upper digestive tract (stomach and initial sections of the small intestine). However, an insufficient residence time of ACNs in these organs could result in limited absorption and contribute to degradation. In this paper, a novel alginate-based in situ gastroretentive gelling system is described as a platform to modulate the release and increase the retention time of ACNs from haskap berries in sites where their absorption and stability are favored. Thirteen formulations were assessed, where their composition differed by the concentrations of alginate, sodium bicarbonate, and calcium carbonate. Freeze-dried ACN-rich extract from haskap berries was incorporated into selected formulations. The ACN release profile indicated that the Peppas (power law) equation had the best fit to the experimental data and diffusion was most likely the dominant release mechanism.