ISSN 3028-8940 JANUARY-JUNE 2026;3(1):124-135 ORIGINAL ARTICLE https://doi.org/10.36097/rgcs.v2i2.3174 124 San Gregorio de Portoviejo University | Ecuador Electrospinning encapsulation of a majagua flower (Talipariti elatum Sw.) extract in zein for sustained release of bioactive compounds Encapsulación por electrohilado de un extracto de flor de majagua (Talipariti elatum Sw.) en zeína para liberación sostenida de compuestos bioactivos Dairon Iglesias* , José A. Arencibia , Alicia Casariego , Joe Doyharzabal Pharmacy and Food Institute, University of Havana, Cuba. *Corresponding author Reception: 23-02-2025 Acceptance: 28-04-2025 Publication: 31-01-2026 ABSTRACT The majagua flower (Talipariti elatum Sw.) is rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidants, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, anticancer, and cardioprotective activity, although they are highly sensitive to degradation during processing and storage. To stabilize them, microcapsules were prepared by electrospinning encapsulation using zein as a protective matrix in three extract concentrations (10, 20, and 30% w/w). FT-IR analysis confirmed zein's ability to encapsulate the extract's bioactive compounds. The morphology of the particles was evaluated by SEM, and the release of compounds was consistent with the Peleg and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. The highest encapsulation efficiency was achieved with 20% w/w (~69%), showing uniform particles and controlled release by diffusion. These results confirm that electrospinning with zein effectively protects the bioactive compounds of the majagua flower, ensuring sustained release and potential biological functionality, with applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations. Keywords: Talipariti elatum, bioactive compounds, zein, electrospinning, controlled release, microencapsulation. RESUMEN La flor de majagua (Talipariti elatum Sw.) es rica en compuestos bioactivos con actividad antioxidante, neuroprotectora, antimicrobiana, anticancerígena y cardioprotectora, aunque son altamente sensibles a degradación durante procesamiento y almacenamiento. Para estabilizarlos, se prepararon microcápsulas mediante encapsulación por electrohilado usando zeína como matriz protectora en tres concentraciones de extracto (10, 20 y 30 % p/p). El análisis FT-IR confirmó la capacidad de la zeína para encapsular los compuestos bioactivos del extracto. La morfología de las partículas se evaluó por SEM y la liberación de compuestos se ajustó a los modelos de Peleg y Korsmeyer-Peppas. La mayor eficiencia de encapsulación se alcanzó con 20 % p/p (~69 %), mostrando partículas uniformes y liberación controlada por difusión. Estos resultados confirman que la electrospinning con zeína protege eficazmente los compuestos bioactivos de la flor de majagua, garantizando liberación sostenida y potencial funcionalidad biológica, con aplicaciones en formulaciones farmacéuticas y nutracéuticas. Palabras clave: Talipariti elatum, compuestos bioactivos, zeína, electrohilado, liberación controlada, microencapsulación. Cite as: Iglesias, D., Arencibia, J. A., Casariego, A., & Doyharzabal, J. (2026). Electrospinning encapsulation of a majagua flower (Talipariti elatum Sw.) extract in zein for sustained release of bioactive compounds. Revista Gregoriana de Ciencias de la Salud, 3(1), 124-135. https://doi.org/10.36097/rgcs.v2i2.3174 © Author(s) 2026
Revista Gregoriana de Ciencias de la Salud. Bi-annual peer-reviewed publication. ISSN 3028-8940 / January-June 2026;3(1):124-135 San Gregorio de Portoviejo University | Ecuador 125 INTRODUCTION The majagua flower (Talipariti elatum Sw.) has proven to be a significant source of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and potential anticancer and cardioprotective effects. These benefits position the majagua flower as a promising raw material for the development of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products (Fernández-Perez et al., 2020; Bécquer-Viart et al., 2018). However, its use is limited by its instability in the face of various environmental factors, which leads to the degradation of its bioactive components during storage (Fernández-Perez et al., 2020). This limitation highlights the need to develop effective methods to stabilize its compounds and preserve their properties. In this context, one of the most innovative and effective solutions is the encapsulation of plant extracts using electrospinning, a technique that allows the fabrication of micro- and nanofibers that offer controlled release of bioactive compounds, in addition to improving their morphological stability. This method is particularly suitable for protecting plant extracts from external factors, while also facilitating their application in various health fields, as demonstrated by the growing body of research on their use in medicine and pharmacy (Franco & Jimenez, 2025). Thanks to the fibers' ability to release bioactive compounds gradually, electrospinning contributes to greater efficiency and a longer duration of action for the encapsulated active ingredients. One of the most promising alternatives for encapsulating plant extracts is the use of zein, a hydrophobic protein derived from corn, which has been noted for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and affinity for phenolic compounds. These characteristics allow zein to act as a stabilizing agent for the active ingredients, protecting them from the action of external agents such as humidity, light, and oxygen, factors that accelerate their degradation (Franco & Jimenez, 2025). This study evaluated zein's ability to stabilize the bioactive compounds of the majagua flower extract, analyzing its physicochemical and morphological properties and the mechanisms of compound release, in order to explore its potential applications in the Health Sciences. METHODOLOGY Majagua flowers (T. elatum) were hand-picked and selected for uniformity in size and color, discarding samples with morphological alterations. The petals were separated from the pistil. Majagua flower extract (FFE) was obtained with a 1:2 mass/solvent ratio using a 78%
Electrospinning encapsulation of majagua flower (Talipariti elatum Sw.) in zein for sustained release of bioactive compounds Iglesias, Arencibia, Casariego, & Doyharzabal 126 San Gregorio de Portoviejo University | Ecuador hydroalcoholic mixture acidified with 1% (w/v) citric acid for 12 h on a sieve at 250 min -1 and room temperature. After vacuum filtration, the extract was concentrated in a rotary evaporator (BÜCHI R-114, Switzerland) at 40 °C and 100 min -1 until reaching 10–11% total solids. Subsequently, the EFM was characterized by determining total solids by indirect gravimetry using a thermobalance (Sartorius MA-40, Germany) at 105 °C until constant mass was reached, and by determining pH with a BASIC 20+ pH meter, according to Miranda and Cuéllar (2000). Total polyphenols were quantified by the Folin-Ciocalteu method (Slinkard & Singleton, 1977), measuring absorbance at 765 nm using a Rayleigh UV1601 spectrophotometer, calibrated with gallic acid (100–500 mg/L). The results were expressed as mg of gallic acid (GA) per mL of EFM. The electrohydrodynamic procedure was performed using 10% w/w zein solutions in 80% (v/v) aqueous ethanol under magnetic stirring (IKA, CMAG HS 4, Germany), following methods by Alehosseini et al. (2019a; 2019b). The EFM was incorporated at 10, 20, and 30% w/w relative to the zein. The solutions were prepared at ~28 °C with magnetic stirring at 200 min -1 for 5 min, loaded into 5 mL syringes with an 18-gauge nozzle, and processed in a horizontal electrohydrodynamic instrument with a 0–30 kV power supply (Acopian, USA) and a syringe pump (KD Scientific, USA). Flow rate (0.10–0.15 mL/h), voltage (12, 14, and 16 kV), and tip- collector distance (8–12 cm) were evaluated using a factorial design under ambient conditions (Figure 1). Figure 1. General scheme of the electrohydrodynamic process with horizontal configuration.
Revista Gregoriana de Ciencias de la Salud. Bi-annual peer-reviewed publication. ISSN 3028-8940 / January-June 2026;3(1):124-135 San Gregorio de Portoviejo University | Ecuador 127 The encapsulation efficiency (EE) was determined by dissolving 10 mg of sample in 80% (v/v) ethanol and centrifuging at 12,000 min -1 for 10 min. The surface EFM was evaluated after rinsing and filtration (0.2 μm). The antioxidant capacity was measured by ABTS (equations 1 and 2) according to Arnao et al. (2001), modified by Thaipong et al. (2006). % ℎ  =   −    100 (Eq. 1)  (%) = %   %   %   100 (Eq. 2) The FT-IR spectra of PE without extract (CZ), with extract (CZE), and of the lyophilized majagua flower extract (EML) were acquired on a Bruker Tensor 37 in ATR mode, 450 to 4000 cm -1 range, averaging 15 to 16 scans at 4 cm -1 resolution (Gómez-Mascaraque et al., 2017). Morphology was evaluated using SEM (Hitachi S-4800, Japan). Samples were mounted on stainless steel supports and metallized by Au/Pt sputtering (SC7620, Quorum). The analysis was performed at 20 kV, with a working distance of ~9.5 mm (Gómez-Mascaraque et al., 2017). The release of phenolic compounds from encapsulated polymers (EPs) was evaluated in a 50% ethanol/water hydroalcoholic medium. The EPs were suspended at 15 mg/mL, and periodic determinations of total phenolic content (TP) were performed in the supernatant according to Slinkard and Singleton (1977). The percentage of TP released was calculated relative to the total encapsulated phenolic content. The TP release profiles over time were fitted using the empirical Peleg model (equations 3 and 4) and the Korsmeyer–Peppas model (equations 5 and 6), which is widely used to describe the release of active compounds from polymer matrices (Korsmeyer et al., 1983; Peleg, 1988). = 1 + 2 (Eq. 3) = 1 + 2 (Eq. 4) Where: Mt is the cumulative percentage of PT released at time t, k1: Peleg rate constant, k2: Peleg capacity constant, R0: initial release rate and the inverse of k1. =  (Eq. 5)
Electrospinning encapsulation of majagua flower (Talipariti elatum Sw.) in zein for sustained release of bioactive compounds Iglesias, Arencibia, Casariego, & Doyharzabal 128 San Gregorio de Portoviejo University | Ecuador log = log + log (Eq.6) Where: Mt is the amount of compound released at time t; M∞ is the amount released at equilibrium or asymptotic release; k: release kinetic constant; n: release exponent. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Table 1 presents the characterization parameters of the EFM. The ST content reflects the non-volatile fraction of the extract; its high concentration was associated with a significant increase in PT, consistent with and exceeding values previously reported for this species (Gutiérrez et al., 2017). The pH value obtained shows a decrease compared to the unconcentrated extract; however, this decrease is within acceptable ranges according to Reyes & Cisneros-Zevallos (2007), who state that PT in extracts remain stable at pH values below 5.5. Therefore, the results obtained represent a beneficial characteristic in the final product. Table 1. Characterization of the majagua flower extract Parameter Mean (Standard deviation) Total solids (%) 9,8 (0,48) pH 2,84 (0,03) Total polyphenols (mg GA/mL) 10,65 (0,21) The factorial design allowed for the evaluation of the influence of flow rate, voltage, and tip-to-collector distance on electrospraying stability. At short distances (8 cm), the process was not adequately established, regardless of the flow rate (0.10–0.15 mL/h) and voltage (14–16 kV). At 10 cm, the spray improved with a flow rate of 0.15 mL/h, resulting in a more stable Taylor cone, although small droplets persisted in the collector. At 0.10 mL/h, the flow was too restricted, causing instability. Optimal conditions were achieved at 12 cm, with a flow rate of 0.15 mL/h and a voltage of 16 kV, resulting in homogeneous spraying and a stable Taylor cone. This combination was identified as the most suitable for processing. Table 2 shows the values for the electrospray stability (ES). The 10% w/w and 20% w/w encapsulation patterns showed high EE values: 70.8 and 68.9%, respectively. Since no significant differences were found between the two patterns, the 20% w/w pattern was selected as having the
Revista Gregoriana de Ciencias de la Salud. Bi-annual peer-reviewed publication. ISSN 3028-8940 / January-June 2026;3(1):124-135 San Gregorio de Portoviejo University | Ecuador 129 highest EE, as it presented a higher EFM content. Table 2. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) of electropulverized particles Majagua flower extract in zein solutions (% w/w) ABTS decolorization (%) Encapsulation efficiency (%) Total Surface 10 15,9 (2,18) a 54,7 (1,25) a 70,8 (3,37) a 20 20,3 (1,47) b 65,3 (5,3) b 68,9 (1,84) a 30 37,7 (2,67) c 75,5 (2,2) c 50,0 (4,43) b Different letters indicate significant differences within the same column. The comparison of the FT-IR spectra of the lyophilized majagua extract (EML), zein (CZ), and encapsulated structures (CZE) shows zein's ability to incorporate phenolic compounds (Figure 2). The EML shows characteristic flavonoid bands: –OH 3500–3000 cm -1 (Cuesta et al., 2015), – CH₂/CH₃ 3000–2850 cm -1 , C=O and aromatics 1600–1450 cm -1 , including ~1500 cm -1 , and C– O–C/C–O ~1022 cm -1 (Ortega et al., 2007), corresponding to anthocyanins (Barragán et al., 2018), rutin (Goitia, 2018), and gossypitrin (González et al., 2017). Zein exhibits amide bands A (~3300 cm -1 ), I (~1650 cm -1 ), II (~1540 cm -1 ), and III (~1250 cm -1 ), indicating a predominance of α helix and structural stability (Aceituno-Medina et al., 2013). Figure 2. IR spectrum of the lyophilized majagua extract (EML), zein (CZ), and encapsulated structures (CZE).
Electrospinning encapsulation of majagua flower (Talipariti elatum Sw.) in zein for sustained release of bioactive compounds Iglesias, Arencibia, Casariego, & Doyharzabal 130 San Gregorio de Portoviejo University | Ecuador In CZE, signals from both EML and CZ coexist, confirming the incorporation of phenolics (Figure 2). Several bands in the extract are attenuated or overlap: –OH with amide A and carbonyls at 1700–1640 cm -1 with amide I. The 1022 cm -1 peak shifts to 1111–1106 cm -1 , and bands such as 1227, 1610, 1700, 2898–2937, and 3335 cm -1 show changes in intensity, reflecting vibrational constraints and alterations in the chemical environment (Larkin, 2011). The attenuation and displacement of the extract bands, along with the preservation of the amide bands, confirm that the phenolic compounds are effectively encapsulated through non-covalent interactions, without altering the secondary structure of zein. The morphology of the PEs with 20% w/w EFM (Figure 3) shows, at low magnification (5 μm; Figure 3A), irregular and wrinkled particles, reflecting the reorganization of the zein matrix during solidification. At higher magnification (1 μm; Figure 3B), hollow structures with rough surfaces and an absence of free crystals are observed, indicating efficient integration of the extract. The morphological heterogeneity suggests phenol-protein interactions, while the roughness and internal cavities could favor the controlled release of phenolic compounds. Figure 3. SEM micrographs of zein PE with 20% w/w EFM: (A) 5 μm; (B) 1 μm. Figure 4A shows the cumulative release of PT from EFM-containing microparticles, revealing a biphasic profile. A rapid initial release is observed during the first 4 h, reaching ~78%, attributed to PT on the surface or in accessible cavities, followed by sustained release up to ~90% at 24 h. The second stage reflects controlled diffusion from the core, indicating good structural
Revista Gregoriana de Ciencias de la Salud. Bi-annual peer-reviewed publication. ISSN 3028-8940 / January-June 2026;3(1):124-135 San Gregorio de Portoviejo University | Ecuador 131 integrity. This behavior, with immediate and prolonged release, is favorable for nutraceutical and pharmacological applications. Figure 4. (A) Cumulative PT release profile from PE with EFM. (B) Linear fit of the Korsmeyer–Peppas model applied to the release data. The fit of the PT release profiles to empirical models showed excellent performance, with R² values close to 1 for Korsmeyer–Peppas (0.9069) and Peleg (0.9982), demonstrating reliable modeling. The linearity of the Korsmeyer–Peppas model (Figure 4B) yielded n = 0.2007 and k = 21.9, indicating a release mechanism dominated by Fickian diffusion from the zein matrix (Lee, Choi & Han, 2021). PT release was evaluated in media simulating hydrophilic and lipophilic affinity (European Pharmacopoeia Commission, 2020). Aqueous solutions with 50% ethanol allowed for the characterization of the migration of lipophilic compounds. The results confirm the efficiency of zein capsules for sustained release of bioactives, supporting their pharmacognostic and nutraceutical potential. CONCLUSIONS Microcapsules containing 20% w/w majagua flower extract were obtained, with high encapsulation efficiency (69.2%) and no difference compared to 10% w/w. FT-IR confirmed the presence of polyphenolic compounds. Under optimal conditions (flow rate 0.15 mL/h, voltage 16 kV, distance 12 cm), release followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, indicating Fickian diffusion,
Electrospinning encapsulation of majagua flower (Talipariti elatum Sw.) in zein for sustained release of bioactive compounds Iglesias, Arencibia, Casariego, & Doyharzabal 132 San Gregorio de Portoviejo University | Ecuador demonstrating its potential for controlled-release pharmaceutical systems of bioactive compounds. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS Conceptualization: Dairon Iglesias, José A. Arencibia, Alicia Casariego, and Joe Doyharzabal. Data curation: Dairon Iglesias and Alicia Casariego. Formal analysis: Dairon Iglesias, José A. Arencibia, Alicia Casariego, and Joe Doyharzabal. Investigation: Dairon Iglesias, José A. Arencibia, Alicia Casariego, and Joe Doyharzabal. Methodology: Dairon Iglesias, José A. Arencibia, Alicia Casariego, and Joe Doyharzabal. Project administration: Alicia Casariego. Resources: Dairon Iglesias, José A. Arencibia, Alicia Casariego, and Joe Doyharzabal. Software: Dairon Iglesias. Supervision: Alicia Casariego. Validation: Dairon Iglesias and José A. Arencibia. Visualization: Dairon Iglesias and José A. Arencibia. Writing – original draft: Dairon Iglesias, José A. Arencibia, Alicia Casariego, and Joe Doyharzabal. Writing – review & editing: José A. Arencibia. REFERENCES Aceituno-Medina, M., Lopez-Rubio, A., Mendoza, S., & Lagaron, J. M. (2013). Development of novel ultrathin structures based in amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) protein isolate through electrospinning. Food Hydrocolloids, 31(2), 289-298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2012.11.009 Alehosseini, A., Gómez-Mascaraque, L. G., Martínez-Sanz, M., & López-Rubio, A. (2019a). Electrospun curcumin-loaded protein nanofiber mats as active/bioactive coatings for food packaging applications. Food Hydrocolloids, 87, 758-771. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2018.08.056 Alehosseini, A., Sarabi-Jamab, M., Ghorani, B., & Kadkhodaee, R. (2019b). Electro-encapsulation of Lactobacillus casei in high-resistant capsules of whey protein containing transglutaminase enzyme. LWT-Food Science and Technology, 102, 150-158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2018.12.022
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Revista Gregoriana de Ciencias de la Salud. Bi-annual peer-reviewed publication. ISSN 3028-8940 / January-June 2026;3(1):124-135 San Gregorio de Portoviejo University | Ecuador 135 Peleg, M. (1988). An empirical model for the description of moisture sorption curves. Journal of Food Science, 53(4), 1216-1217. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2621.1988.tb13565.x Reyes, L. F., & Cisneros-Zevallos, L. (2007). Degradation kinetics and colour of anthocyanins in aqueous extracts of purple- and red-flesh potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.). Food Chemistry, 100(3), 885-894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.11.051 Slinkard, K., & Singleton, V. L. (1977). Total phenol analysis: automation and comparison with manual methods. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, 28(1), 49-55. https://doi.org/10.5344/ajev.1977.28.1.49 Thaipong, K., Boonprakob, U., Crosby, K., Cisneros-Zevallos, L., & Byrne, D. H. (2006). Comparison of ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC assays for estimating antioxidant activity from guava fruit extracts. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 19(6-7), 669-675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2006.01.003 Disclaimer / Editor's Note: All publications' statements, opinions, and data are solely those of the individual authors and contributors, not Revista Gregoriana de Ciencias de la Salud or the editors. Revista Gregoriana de Ciencias de la Salud and/or the editors disclaim all responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions, or products referred to in the content.