Development of Liposomal Vitamin C Stabilized by Gum Arabic Nanospheres Using Metazome Technology: Characterization, In Vitro Release, and Oral Bioavailability of Vitamin C in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Single-Dose, Two-Period, Two-Way Crossover Study

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide This study reports the development of a stabilized liposomal vitamin C formulation using Metazome technology, which organizes gum arabic nanospheres within powdered liposomes. Metazome vitamin C (MVC) showed nanosized spherical morphology (SEM/TEM: 80–300 nm; DLS: 163.6 ± 12.6 nm), high encapsulation efficiency (88.49 ± 2.56%), and strong negative zeta potential (−36.47 mV). FT-IR confirmed intact vitamin C with hydrogen bonding to gum arabic and phospholipids, XRD showed amorphization, and DSC indicated improved thermal stability. MVC exhibited sustained release (≈58% at 4 h, pH 2.0; ≈51% at 4 h, pH 6.8) and retained >90% vitamin C after 180 days at 4 and 25 °C. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial (350 mg vitamin C, n = 10), MVC achieved 7.62-fold higher bioavailability, 6.29-fold higher C max, and longer t 1/2 (8.23 ± 0.98 h vs 3.75 ± 0.66 h) than conventional vitamin C, supporting applications in nutraceuticals and functional foods.