In vitro dissolution of encapsulated or dispersed vitamin E and cholesterol is correlated with preservation of refrigerated ovine sperm

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vitamin E (α‐tocopherol) and cholesterol are crucial components in cellular protection and physiological processes. Their uses in biological media face challenges due to their poor solubility and stability. OBJECTIVE: The study investigated the complex interactions of these bioactive compounds in various encapsulation systems of cyclodextrin and liposome, as well as dispersion in PEG-6000, in an attempt to improve the viability, motility, and preservation of ovine sperm cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The work explored the in vitro dissolution kinetics of vitamin E (α‐tocopherol) and cholesterol using semi-empirical models. RESULTS: The release profiles of VitE and Chl varied considerably, depending on the specific carrier systems. For liposome-loaded VitE and Chl, the Korsmeyer-Peppas model gave the best fit; for CD/VitE and CD/Chl, the Higuchi model provided the best fit, whereas for PEG-6000 dispersions (VitE and Chl) both the Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models demonstrated the excellent fit. All systems indicated a Fickian diffusion mechanism dictated by the concentration gradient. The delivery of VitE and Chl with CD, liposome and PEG dispersion significantly increased sperm mobility and motility. The effect on the VCL parameter was the greatest by liposome-loaded VitE and Chl, followed by CD encapsulation and PEG-6000 dispersion. CONCLUSION: The dynamics of vitamin E and cholesterol within innovative delivery systems offers valuable insights into the development of advanced solutions in reproductive health, particularly on improving the viability, motility of refrigerated ovine sperm cells.