Synthesis and characterization of sodium alginate-chitosan liposome gel beads via electrostatic complexation: A dual-network platform for co-delivery of folic acid and vitamin E

We herein developed sodium alginate (SA)-chitosan (CS) dual-network liposome gel beads (S-C-L) using electrostatic complexation to co-deliver of folic acid (FA) and vitamin E (VE). The effects of varying SA-to-CS mass ratios (9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, 1:1, 4:6, and 3:7) on beads' microstructure, physicochemical traits, and encapsulation performance were systematically assessed. The findings indicated that even minimal CS incorporation markedly improved the mechanical strength, stability and overall functionality of the liposome gel beads compared with those made solely from SA (S-L). At a 9:1 SA-to-CS ratio, the beads displayed uniform, spherical shapes with compact crosslinked networks and achieved the highest encapsulation efficiencies (FA: 87.92%; VE: 92.94%). In addition, the SA-CS dual-network system allowed controlled lipid digestion and reversible structural transitions, supporting efficient intestinal release of both nutrients (FA: 86.57%; VE: 84.07%). Overall, this work offers a promising framework for designing carbohydrate-based dual-network liposome gels for the simultaneous delivery of hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive components.