Long valued for their therapeutic qualities, shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are a staple of traditional Asian medicine and cuisine. They are high in bio-actives such as polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, sterols, and phenolic compounds, which exhibit immunomodulatory, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. Despite these advantages, the limited bioavailability and stability of shiitake's bio-active components often restrict their therapeutic use. Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the development of nanoemulsions to encapsulate bioactives, which enhanced their bioavailability, stability, and therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we developed a biopolymeric blend of zein and chitosan as a nanoemulsion for the encapsulation of crude shiitake extract. Focusing on the synthesis and refinement of bio-compatible nanoemulsion formulations, this study investigates the medicinal potential of shiitake mushrooms and their nanoemulsions using several in vitro assays: the DPPH assay for anti-oxidant activity; the BSA denaturation assay for anti-inflammatory activity; the MIC test for antimicrobial activity; and the MTT assay for anticancer activity. This study aimed to attain three main goals: synthesis of nanoemulsions, biochemical analysis of shiitake extracts, and in vitro characterization of the therapeutic efficacy of the resulting formulations. This study found that shiitake nanoemulsions showed significantly improved bio-availability and therapeutic efficacy, suggesting promising applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, medicine, and the food industry.
