Abstract: Objective: In this study, sodium alginate and chitosan as a coating were chosen for the preparation of ellagic acid microspheres, and the effect of the microspheres on the growth and adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes was evaluated. Methods: Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra and release rate analysis were used to identify the formation of ellagic acid microspheres. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide method was used to detect the effect of different concentrations of ellagic acid microspheres on preadipocyte growth at 6, 12, 24 and 36 h, and the cell morphology and quantity were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Oil red O staining was used to observe the effect of ellagic acid microspheres on adipogenic differentiation of preadipocyte cells, and lipogenesis was detected by isopropanol extraction. Results: Ellagic acid microspheres were successfully prepared. Ellagic acid microspheres at 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 g/L could inhibit the growth and adipogenic differentiation of preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner, and showed 80% inhibition on lipid droplet formation. Conclusion: It is feasible to prepare ellagic acid microspheres with sodium alginate and chitosan, and ellagic acid microspheres have potential therapeutic value for obesity.

Key words: ellagic acid microspheres, preparation, identification, preadipocyte growth, adipogenic differentiation