SONOCHEMICAL MICRONIZATION OF TAXIFOLIN AIMED AT IMPROVING ITS BIOAVAILABILITY IN DRINKS FOR ATHLETES

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study is to overcome the problem of nutrient bioavailability in drinks for athletes, which is the result of their low permeability in metabolic processes of the body. For this purpose, we used sonochemical micronization of taxifolin – the most effective antioxidant. Materials and methods. To improve taxifolin solubility and bioavailability we used ultrasound treatment, which allowed us to provide taxifolin micronization on the following conditions: 5-, 15- and 25-minute treatment of 20 ± 2 kHz with radiation intensity of at least 10 W/cm2, power of 170, 400 and 630 W and temperature within 50 °С. The study was conducted using the following methods: microstructural analysis of native taxifolin and its solutions, including those obtained with sonochemical micronization; analysis of the disperse composition of taxifolin solutions; assessment of the total antioxidant activity of these solutions; assessment of taxifolin solubility and colloidal stability of its solutions. Results. We established that sonochemical micronization allows us to obtain solutions with the predominance of particles of no more than 100 nm. The morphological structure of taxifolin particles has significantly changed, particles are characterized by more homogenous and amorphous structure. We noticed some decrease in antioxidant activity under increased ultrasound exposure. Optimization of ultrasound exposure with the controlling parameter “average particle size” allowed us to establish the most effective mode (600 W, 18 minutes), which helped us to improve the colloidal stability of taxifolin solution and taxifolin solubility 6 times in comparison with the control sample. Conclusion. Sonochemical micronization should be regarded as convenient for the development of a new form of taxifolin with increased solubility and bioavailability, which can be used for the production of drinks for athletes.