o:10445 Preserving the bioactivity of elderflower through multifunctional microparticles en Development of multifunctional natural bioactive systems with improved stability and biological activity is a key challenge in pharmaceutical and biomedical research. Sambucus nigra L. flowers are rich in polyphenols with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties; however, their application is limited by poor stability. Spray-drying microencapsulation represents an effective strategy to overcome this limitation. This study developed spray-dried elderflower extract microparticles using inulin and polydextrose as carriers, individually and in combination. The formulations were evaluated for antioxidant, antidiabetic (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition), and antimicrobial activities. Microencapsulation successfully preserved biological activity. The free extract showed the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 0.27 mg/mL), while inulin-based formulations demonstrated improved α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 3.66–3.74 mg/mL) compared to the non-encapsulated extract (IC50 4.18 mg/mL). Antimicrobial activity was also confirmed. Overall, the results indicate that inulin- and polydextrose-based microparticles represent promising multifunctional delivery systems for bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. bioactive stabilization, functional carriers, spray-drying systems 1552101 2718-6040 2026-10-02T10:05:11.128Z 44 no 46 Zorana Mutavski Institute for Medicinal Plant Research ''Dr. Josif Pančić'' Belgrade 0000-0002-6998-0292 46 Milica Radan Institute for Medicinal Plant Research ''Dr. Josif Pančić'' Belgrade 0000-0002-6727-7624 46 Anna Stasiłowicz-Krzemień University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Poznan, Poland 46 Jelena Mudrić Institute for Medicinal Plant Research ''Dr. Josif Pančić'' Belgrade 0000-0002-6695-2907 46 Tatjana Stević Institute for Medicinal Plant Research ''Dr. Josif Pančić'' Belgrade 0000-0003-3399-7751 46 Ana Alimpić Aradski University of Belgrade Faculty of Biology, Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden 46 Katarina Šavikin Institute for Medicinal Plant Research ''Dr. Josif Pančić'' Belgrade 0000-0002-2086-9593 46 Judyta Cielecka-Piontek Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Poznan, Poland 46 Nada Ćujić Nikolić Institute for Medicinal Plant Research ''Dr. Josif Pančić'' Belgrade 0000-0002-6736-3637 application/pdf 972513 https://unilib.phaidrabg.rs/o:10445 no yes 1 70 92000004 71A10 Book of abstracts International conference 21st Ružička days 89 89 www.ruzickadays.eu 2026