Get in touch
Questions about growing, workshops, the cooperative or partnerships? Send us a message and we will reply by email.
Prefer email? Write to erasmus@evec.org.gr
EVEC Microgreens
Sustainable Supramolecular Extraction of Phytocomplexes from Microgreens and Their Eco-Loading in Nutriosomes: Physicochemical Characterization, Stability, and In Vitro Release Behavior
This study reports a dual green strategy for obtaining and stabilizing phytocomplexes from Sango radish and kale microgreens. Phytochemicals were isolated
Anja Vučetić, Rita Abi Rached, María Letizia Manca, Olja Šovljanski, Dragoljub Cvetković, Maria Manconi, Jasna Čanadanović‐Brunet
Molecules · 2025 · https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30183774
Abstract
This study reports a dual green strategy for obtaining and stabilizing phytocomplexes from Sango radish and kale microgreens. Phytochemicals were isolated through supramolecular extraction, which generated an upper amphiphilic phase and a lower aqueous phase, enabling the recovery of both hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules without toxic solvents. The resulting phytocomplexes were encapsulated in nutriosomes, phospholipid vesicles enriched with the soluble dextrin Nutriose® FM06, and compared with conventional liposomes. The vesicles displayed mean diameters ≤ 110 nm, polydispersity indices < 0.11, and zeta potentials around −40 mV. Retention of antioxidant activity reached up to 99%. Freeze-dried formulations maintained acceptable physicochemical properties and microbiological safety, while storage studies confirmed stability over six months. In vitro release tests showed a gradual release of phenolics and carotenoids, and simulated digestion experiments indicated that nutriosomes preserved up to 20% more antioxidant capacity than liposomes in the intestinal phase. These results demonstrate an environmentally responsible strategy to prepare phytocomplex-rich vesicles with improved stability and bioaccessibility. Further biological and in vivo studies are needed to substantiate potential nutritional or health-related benefits.
Licence and reuse
| Licence | CC-BY-4.0 |
|---|---|
| May we host this PDF? | Yes |
| May we publish a plain-language summary? | Yes — this licence permits adaptations. |
| Commercial use permitted? | Yes |
| Share-alike required? | No |
How to credit this work
Anja Vučetić; Rita Abi Rached; María Letizia Manca; Olja Šovljanski; Dragoljub Cvetković; Maria Manconi; Jasna Čanadanović‐Brunet (2025). Sustainable Supramolecular Extraction of Phytocomplexes from Microgreens and Their Eco-Loading in Nutriosomes: Physicochemical Characterization, Stability, and In Vitro Release Behavior. Molecules. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30183774 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Hosted by EVEC Athens (microgreens.org.gr). No changes were made to this article. Provided as-is, without warranties. EVEC Athens is not affiliated with, and this copy is not endorsed by, the authors or the publisher.
Explore this on our site
- How to grow it: Kale microgreens — growing guide
- How to grow it: Radish microgreens — growing guide
- Related reading: The antioxidant capacity of radish microgreens
- Related reading: Extending the shelf life of microgreens
- Related reading: Microgreens and their anti inflammatory antioxidant and preventive potential
- Related reading: Solanaceae lectins and alkaloids the compounds that make some microgreens toxic
About this copy
This is a copy of the published article, hosted by EVEC Athens for free educational use under its open licence. The permanent scientific reference is the DOI above. We have not altered the file in any way. If you are an author or rights holder and want this copy removed, please use our notice and takedown procedure. We acknowledge every request within five working days, and act within ten.
Co-funded by the European Union.
This portal presents the microgreens methodology; the organisation behind it is EVEC Athens — the European Voluntary and Educational Center (evec.org.gr). Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Open licence. Except where stated otherwise, the educational materials on this portal are licensed under CC BY 4.0 — free to use, adapt and share, including commercially, with credit. See the licence terms.
Accessibility. We aim for WCAG 2.1 AA and publish what does and does not yet meet it — see the accessibility statement. If anything here blocks you, tell us and we will send the material in a format that works for you.