Introduction:Encapsulation using nanoliposomes is widely recognized as an effective technique to protect sensitive bioactive compounds from adverse processing or gastrointestinal conditions. The physical properties of liposome (especially in terms of size, size distribution and layering) depend on different preparation methods, type of lipid (charged, uncharged and neutral), lipid composition, surfactant, organic solvent and ionic strength of the suspension medium used in the preparation techniques. The common method used to produce liposome is thin layer hydration. The application of this method is limited due to the large particle size and non-uniform particle size distribution. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of different ratios of lecithin-cholesterol on particle size, encapsulation efficiency and stability of these two characteristics over time. Also, another goal of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of the combined method of thin layer hydration and sonication to solve the problems of large particle size and non-uniform distribution of particle size.Material & methods: Experimental treatments in this research include lecithin-cholesterol ratios (30-30, 40-20, 50-10 and 60-0). Due to the incompatibility of beta-carotene with water, nanoliposome formulations were produced using the combined method of thin layer hydration-sonication. Subsequently, to reduce the size of the particles, the liposomal mixture was transferred to the ice bath (in order to avoid applying excess energy into the solution and to prevent lipid hydrolysis and oxidation) and probe sonicator and 10 cycles of 1 minute with 1 minute rest between cycles were applied to the mixture.Results and discussion: The results showed that the effect of lecithin-cholesterol ratios on changes in particle size, particle size distribution (PDI), encapsulation efficiency and zeta potential is significant. By adding cholesterol at ratio of 1:5 to lecithin, the particle size and particle size distribution decreased and the encapsulation efficiency increased; however, with a further increase in the ratio of cholesterol to lecithin, the particle size and particle size distribution increased and the encapsulation efficiency decreased. Also, the zeta potential of all the samples was within the desired range, and by the increase in cholesterol, the zeta potential increased. Also, the results of this research showed that the addition of cholesterol at a ratio of 1:5 to lecithin in the nanoliposome structure makes the particle size and encapsulation efficiency of beta-carotene more stable in 60 days compared to the nanoliposome structure without cholesterol. Also, FTIR test determined that beta-carotene particles are well trapped in the structure of nanoliposomes.Conclusion: According to the tests examined in this research, it can be concluded that the combined method of thin layer hydration-sonication along with the limited use of cholesterol is a suitable solution to obtain nano-scale particles with high stability over time.Introduction:Encapsulation using nanoliposomes is widely recognized as an effective technique to protect sensitive bioactive compounds from adverse processing or gastrointestinal conditions. The physical properties of liposome (especially in terms of size, size distribution and layering) depend on different preparation methods, type of lipid (charged, uncharged and neutral), lipid composition, surfactant, organic solvent and ionic strength of the suspension medium used in the preparation techniques. The common method used to produce liposome is thin layer hydration. The application of this method is limited due to the large particle size and non-uniform particle size distribution. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of different ratios of lecithin-cholesterol on particle size, encapsulation efficiency and stability of these two characteristics over time. Also, another goal of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of the combined method of thin layer hydration and sonication to solve the problems of large particle size and non-uniform distribution of particle size.Material & methods: Experimental treatments in this research include lecithin-cholesterol ratios (30-30, 40-20, 50-10 and 60-0). Due to the incompatibility of beta-carotene with water, nanoliposome formulations were produced using the combined method of thin layer hydration-sonication. Subsequently, to reduce the size of the particles, the liposomal mixture was transferred to the ice bath (in order to avoid applying excess energy into the solution and to prevent lipid hydrolysis and oxidation) and probe sonicator and 10 cycles of 1 minute with 1 minute rest between cycles were applied to the mixture.Results and discussion: The results showed that the effect of lecithin-cholesterol ratios on changes in particle size, particle size distribution (PDI), encapsulation efficiency and zeta potential is significant. By adding cholesterol at ratio of 1:5 to lecithin, the particle size and particle size distribution decreased and the encapsulation efficiency increased; however, with a further increase in the ratio of cholesterol to lecithin, the particle size and particle size distribution increased and the encapsulation efficiency decreased. Also, the zeta potential of all the samples was within the desired range, and by the increase in cholesterol, the zeta potential increased. Also, the results of this research showed that the addition of cholesterol at a ratio of 1:5 to lecithin in the nanoliposome structure makes the particle size and encapsulation efficiency of beta-carotene more stable in 60 days compared to the nanoliposome structure without cholesterol. Also, FTIR test determined that beta-carotene particles are well trapped in the structure of nanoliposomes.Conclusion: According to the tests examined in this research, it can be concluded that the combined method of thin layer hydration-sonication along with the limited use of cholesterol is a suitable solution to obtain nano-scale particles with high stability over time.Keywords: Beta-carotene, nanoliposome, thin film hydration, sonication, lecithin, cholesterol

Microalgae can produce various products such as biofuel, proteins, and beta-carotene. Knowing the optimal conditions to produce these products is very important. In this research, the effect of environmental parameters on the production rate of each product in Dunaliella salina microalgae was investigated. saltiness (1, 2, and 3 M), pH above and below 7, nitrate concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 g/L, light intensities of 2500 and 5000 lux, and temperature levels of 25 and 30 °C were studied. According to the results of this study, the highest cell density of algae was at 3 M salinity and pH higher than 7, nitrate concentration equal to 0.25 g/L, light intensity 5000 lux, and temperature 25°C. The same conditions of salinity 3 M, pH of more than 7, nitrate concentration of 0.25 M, light intensity of 5000 lux, and temperature of 25°C prevailed for the maximum production of microalgae biomass. Under these conditions, the highest amount of protein was produced in Dunaliella salina microalgae. But for lipid production, the optimal conditions were at a salinity of 2 M, pH more than 7, nitrate concentration of 0.25 g/L, light intensity of 5000 lux, and temperature of 25°C. Optimum production of betacarotene also occurred at 3 M salinity, pH more than 7, nitrate concentration 0.25 g/L, a light intensity of 5000 lux, and temperature of 30°C. By knowing these conditions, it is possible to achieve the maximum amount of production of products such as biofuel, protein, and betacarotene from Dunaliella salina microalgae.

Microalgae are the most suitable microorganisms for producing valuable substances. Otherwise, chemical methods are alternatives which have advantages and disadvantages. Dunaliella salina microalgae is very popular because of having special culture, biological production of valuable substances like carotenoids, etc. Different parameters affect growth rate, cellular density and carotenoids production which can be optimized for better productivity. The other important matter is kind of culture system for commercial production of desired substances from microalgae that can be selected by considering financial matters and advantages and disadvantages of them. For example, by selecting suitable methods and considering economical matters, we can cultivate Dunaliella salina in Urmia Lake. It’s worth mentioning here that, on the one hand, the microalgae is native microorganisms in this lake and producing carotenoids can be very profitable, at the other hand, this microalgae can cover Urmia lake like a rug and prevents more drying of this lake by decreasing water evaporation.

This study has been done in order to assess the supplementation of zinc sulfate on serum level of vitamin A and Beta carotene in dairy cows. 17 heads of milky cows with equal conditions of feed management and production and coeval were located in two control group (7 heads) treatment group (10 heads). In treatment group in addition to normal food, 500 mg supplement zinc sulfate has added to diet for 45 days. Blood samples were taken in days zero (before of initial administration supplement), 15, 30 and 45 from cows in both groups of tail vein. Average zinc serum by biochemical kit and serum quantity of vitamin A and Beta- carotene by spectrophatometry and using N. Hexane solution were measured. The average of serum level of supplement group in comparision to control group in 15, 30, 45 days, shows meaningful increase (p=0/000). Average serum level of vitamin A in supplement group in 15 days didn't has significant increase, but in 30 and 45 days had significant increase (p=0/016 , p=0/004, respectively). Serum Betacarotene in creased after day 15 in supplement group but any time that was not meaning increase but in 30 and 45 days had meaningful increase. (P=0.016, P=0.004). Serum Betacarotene incrased after day 15 in care group but any time, that was not meaningful increase. In supplement group the correlation between serum level of vitamin A with serum level of zinc was meaningful only day 45. (r= 0.716, p<0.05), in other times it was not meaningful, but in the case of Betacarotene, There wasn't meaningful relation with zinc serum. The result is that, zinc sulfate complementary increases serum level of zinc and vitamin A in milky cows and can be useful.

For treatment of skin dryness and other skin disorders herbal creams are used frequently. Herbal's active materials like, flavnols, betacarotene, gums and mucilage in our suggested plants were determined, After extraction, the condensed extracts were mixed with suitable base (o/w emulsion) at concentration of 2% w/w, Different tests including, stability tests and efficiency tests ere carried-out and compared with placebo, for a duration of 3 weeks, and then questioners were filled, collected and analysed. The final results indicated that our suggested herbal cream had noticeable effect on dry and rough skin.

Some herbal active materials such as: extracts of Matricaria chamomilla L., flavnols, betacarotene in Calendula officinalis L., gums and mucilage in Centaurea, and Malva silvestris L.were chosen .After being sure of plant standard ,using macroscopic and microscopic tests and determination of active materials ,extraction was done, then condensed extracts were mixed with suitable base (o/w emulsion) at concentration of 2% w/w. Then clinical study was carried out on 120 persons. Produced cream was tested on 79 of them and for the rest placebo was used for a duration of 3 weeks, then data was collected using questionnaire and dermatologists" view points. Statistic analyses showed that our suggested herbal cream had significant effect on dry and rough skins.

Salinity is the most important problem in dry lands which cause decreasing of growth. Betacarotene as a non enzymatic antioxidant can scavenge the Reactive Oxygen species. In this study tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings were cultured in MS medium containing 0, 60 and 120 Mm NaCl under 0.6 and 16 mg/L beta carotene treatment in tissue culture conditions. After 3 weeks, the effect of beta carotene on fresh and dry weight, K+/Na+ content, length and the number of roots and proline content were measured. Adding beta-carotene to the culture medium containing salts resulted in the significant increase in the fresh and dry weight and length and number of roots. It also reduced proline and ratio of K+/Na+significantly. Beta-carotene could improve the salt tolerance of tomato by increasing of the root growth. it can be suggested that application of beta carotene may be used for increasing of salt stress in tomato and possibly other useful plants.

Background: Many studies have investigated the possible role of reactive oxygen species in the etiology and pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to investigate the activities of some antioxidants in RA patients.Methods: In this case-control study, 59 RA patients and 60 healthy sex and age-matched controls were selected. Vitamin E and Beta-carotene were determined using HPLC. Erythrocytes glutathione reductase (GR) activity was measured spectrophotometrically, and malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined by colorimetric method. Arylesterase activity (AEA) was measured by Phenylacetate. The clinical data were determined by a rheumatologist, medical history and filling the questionnaire by interview. Statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS software.Results: In patients with RA, serum MDA level was significantly higher and plasma concentration of vitamin E, Betacarotene and GR activity, were significantly lower than healthy control (P<0.001). AEA activity differences between two groups were non-significant.Conclusions: Oxidative stress may play an important role in the inflammation and pathogenesis of RA.

Flaxseed is a plant that grows and is cultivated in more than 50 countries; the main flax producer countries are Canada, China, the United States, and India. The purpose of the present study was to overview the source, chemical compounds, and mechanisms of the therapeutic effects of this valuable plant. For writing this manuscript, we made a list of relevant keywords and phrases, and then we started searching for studies in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The main constituents of flaxseed include lipids, proteins, lignans, fibers, and minerals. Flaxseed is full of antioxidants such as tocopherols, betacarotene, cysteine, and methionine which result in a decrease in blood pressure, heart disease, hepatic and neurological disorders, and increased insulin sensitivity. Flaxseed is commonly used for its antidiabetic and anticancer activities and also it is beneficial for cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hepatic, urological, and reproductive disorders, and because of these beneficial effects, it is recognized as a medical plant.