Enhancing effectiveness: Pharmako Biotechnologies on new tech and delivery systems

Pharmako Biotechnologies spots significant opportunities to enhance supplement performance through new technologies and delivery methods that enhance ingredient stability, absorption and bioavailability.

Nutrition Insight meets with George Kokkinis, the company’s CEO and founder, to discuss opportunities, challenges and technologies to enhance product effectiveness.

“The opportunities for innovation and improvement in dietary supplements are substantial. The industry is poised to make significant strides in enhancing the effectiveness of supplements through better absorption and bioavailability,” he tells us.

He highlights opportunities to improve product performance stemming from advanced delivery systems and growing consumer awareness of ingredient efficacy. 

“Technologies like nanotechnology, microencapsulation and lipid-based delivery systems can significantly enhance the bioavailability of difficult nutrients. These innovations allow for more efficient delivery and absorption of active ingredients,” details Kokkinis. 

“Increasing consumer awareness about the importance of bioavailability is driving demand for more effective supplements. This creates a market for innovative products that offer superior absorption and efficacy while simultaneously offering reduced dosages for a more sustainable use of ingredients.” 

Challenges to overcome

At the same time, Kokkinis observes primary challenges in the supplement industry regarding scientific validation, regulation, technology cost and access and consumer skepticism. 

“Demonstrating the clinical efficacy of enhanced bioavailability supplements can be challenging,” he says. “While improved absorption is often shown in pharmacokinetic studies, translating this into clear clinical benefits requires robust, long-term clinical trials.” 

He also cautions that navigating the regulatory landscape for new delivery technologies and formulations can be complex. “Ensuring compliance with safety and efficacy standards is crucial but can slow the introduction of innovative products.”

Kokkinis says that developing and producing advanced technologies can be extensive, limiting accessibility for consumers, particularly in lower-income markets. 

Moreover, he says that, despite growing awareness, some consumers remain skeptical about the benefits of enhanced bioavailability supplements. “Educating the public and building trust through transparent communication and scientific evidence is essential.”

Technologies to improve bioavailability

According to Kokkinis, several trends exist in the field of dietary supplements aimed at improving the absorption and bioavailability of their active ingredients.

He spotlights the potential of nanotechnology, which involves using nanoparticles to encapsulate nutrients, which can enhance their stability and absorption. 

“For example, polyphenols, known for their health benefits, often have low bioavailability. Nanotechnology can help improve their delivery and effectiveness.”

Kokkinis also highlights lipid-based delivery systems, which use lipids to enhance the solubility and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and other nutrients. “Lipid nanoparticles and emulsions are common methods used to improve the bioavailability of these compounds.”

Micro-emulsifying ingredients

Kokkinis says Self-Micro-emulsifying Delivery Systems (SMEDS) are another promising technology that can enhance the bioavailability of poorly absorbed lipophilic (fat-soluble) supplements. Demonstrating the clinical efficacy of enhanced bioavailability supplements with long-term clinical trials is crucial, says Kokkinis. 

He explains that SMEDS can be composed of common food ingredients. “When these ingredients are mixed with water, they form a microemulsion with little energy input.”

“Upon ingestion, SMEDS spontaneously form fine oil-in-water emulsions in the gastrointestinal tract. This increases the surface area for absorption and improves the solubility of lipophilic compounds.” 

Kokkinis adds that the technology can enhance the bioavailability of lipophilic active ingredients by improving their solubility and absorption. Moreover, the microemulsion can protect sensitive ingredients from degradation in the digestive tract, while SMEDS can be formulated into various dosage forms, such as capsules and tablets.

“SMEDS are used for a variety of lipophilic compounds, including vitamins (like vitamin D, A, K and E), omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols such as quercetin, fisetin and resveratrol.”

Advanced liposomal delivery

Pharmako Biotechnologies developed PlexoZome, an advanced liposomal delivery system, to enhance the stability and bioavailability of hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (fat-loving) ingredients. 

Technology can enhance the bioavailability of lipophilic active ingredients by improving their solubility and absorption.Kokkinis explains: “PlexoZome is a technology that creates true liposomes, spherical vesicles with a lipid bilayer. These liposomes can encapsulate active ingredients, protecting them from degradation and enhancing their absorption.”

The liposomes are verified through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), particularly Cryo-TEM imaging, to ensure their structure and integrity. Additional testing methods like Zeta Potential and Dynamic Light Scattering are used to measure particle size and stability,” he adds.

The technology enhances stability and bioavailability and prevents clumping or coagulation, explains Kokkinis. 

“This stability, combined with the small particle size, enhances the bioavailability of the encapsulated ingredients. A recent study with vitamin D3 showed a 9% increase in D3 plasma levels after just one small dose of a PlexoZome formulation — the results were presented at the Sydney Nanomedicine Conference.” 

Moreover, the technology allows for “fully customizable formulations” that meet regulatory and functional requirements. Kokkinis says this flexibility makes it suitable for various applications in dietary supplements.

Finally, he notes that the liposomal structure enables the “targeted delivery of nutrients,” ensuring they are released gradually and protected from rapid clearance from the body. “This results in superior therapeutic effects with lower toxic side effects.” 

With additional reporting by Milana Nikolova