Fabrication and characterization of binary composite nanoparticles between zein and shellac by anti-solvent co-precipitation

Natural shellac-based microcapsules as lipase carriers for recyclable efficient Pickering interfacial biocatalysis

Enzyme is an important class of catalyst. However, the efficiency of enzyme-catalyzed reactions is constrained by the limited contact between the enzyme and its substrate. In this study, to overcome this challenge, lipase-loaded microcapsules were prepared from natural shellac and nanoparticles using the emulsion template method. These microcapsules can perform dual roles as stabilizers and enzyme carriers to construct a water-in-oil Pickering interfacial biocatalytic system. The results showed that the hydrolytic conversion of the microcapsules could reach 90% within 20 min, which was significantly higher than that of the traditional biphasic system. The catalytic activity was influenced by the oil-to-water volume ratio and the microcapsule content. The microcapsules remained highly catalytic efficiency even after storage for three months or seven cycles of reuse. These microcapsules were prepared without the use of any cross-linkers or harsh solvents. This green and efficient catalytic system has great application prospects in the food industry.

Preparation, characterization, stability, and controlled release of chitosan-coated zein/shellac nanoparticles for the delivery of quercetin

Quercetin, an essential flavonoid compound, exhibits diverse biological activities including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Nevertheless, due to its inadequate solubility in water and vulnerability to degradation, pure quercetin is constrainedly utilized in pharmaceutical formulations and functional foods. Considering the existing scarcity of nanoparticles consisted of zein and hydrophobic biopolymers, this study developed a quercetin-loaded nanoencapsulation based on zein, shellac, and chitosan (QZSC). When the mass ratio of zein to chitosan was 4:1, the encapsulation efficiency of QZSC reached 74.95%. The ability of QZSC for scavenging DPPH radicals and ABTS radicals increased from 59.2% to 75.4% and from 47.0% to 70.2%, respectively, compared to Quercetin. For QZSC, the maximum release amount of quercetin reached 59.62% in simulated gastric fluid and 81.64% in simulated intestinal fluid, achieving controlled and regulated release in vitro. In summary, this study offers a highly promising encapsulation strategy for hydrophobic bioactive substances that are prone to instability.

Shellac-based delivery systems for food bioactive compounds

Shellac is a natural resin featuring some attractive properties such as amphiphilicity, pH responsiveness, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. There has been increasing interest in employing shellac for controlled delivery of food bioactive compounds. This review outlines the recent advances in different types of shellac-based delivery systems, including nanoparticles, zein-shellac particles, hydrogels, nanofibers, and nanomicelles. The preparation method, formation mechanism, structure, and delivery performance are investigated. These systems could improve the stability and shelf-life of bioactive compounds, allow for targeted release at the small intestine or colon site, and increase bioavailability. The deficiencies and challenges of each of the systems are also discussed. The promising results in this review could guide future trends in more efficient shellac-based delivery platforms for functional food applications.

Nanoencapsulation and delivery of bioactive ingredients using zein nanocarriers: approaches, characterization, applications, and perspectives

Zein has garnered widespread attention as a versatile material for nanosized delivery systems due to its unique self-assembly properties, amphiphilicity, and biocompatibility characteristics. This review provides an overview of current approaches, characterizations, applications, and perspectives of nanoencapsulation and delivery of bioactive ingredients within zein-based nanocarriers. Various nanoencapsulation strategies for bioactive ingredients using various types of zein-based nanocarrier structures, including nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanoemulsions, and nanogels, are discussed in detail. Factors affecting the stability of zein nanocarriers and characterization methods of bioactive-loaded zein nanocarrier structures are highlighted. Additionally, current applications of zein nanocarriers loaded with bioactive ingredients are summarized. This review will serve as a guide for the selection of appropriate nanoencapsulation techniques within zein nanocarriers and a comprehensive understanding of zein-based nanocarriers for specific applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural industries.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01489-6.

Complex bio-nanoparticles assembled by a pH-driven method: environmental stress stability and oil-water interfacial behavior

BACKGROUND

Protein-based nanoparticles have gained considerable interest in recent years due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and functional properties. However, nanoparticles formed from hydrophobic proteins are prone to instability under environmental stress, which restricts their potential applications. It is therefore of great importance to develop green approaches for the fabrication of hydrophobic protein-based nanoparticles and to improve their physicochemical performance.

RESULTS

Gliadin/shellac complex nanoparticles (168.87 ~ 403.67 nm) with various gliadin/shellac mass ratios (10:0 ~ 5:5) were prepared using a pH-driven approach. In comparison with gliadin nanoparticles, complex nanoparticles have shown enhanced stability against neutral pH, ions, and boiling. They remained stable under neutral conditions at NaCl concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 mmol L-1 and even when boiled at 100 °C for 90 min. These nanoparticles were capable of effectively reducing oil-water interfacial tension (5 ~ 11 mNm-1 ) but a higher amount of shellac in the nanoparticles compromised their ability to lower interfacial tension. Moreover, the wettability of the nanoparticles changed as the gliadin/shellac mass ratio changed, leading to a range of three-phase contact angles from 52.41° to 84.85°. Notably, complex nanoparticles with a gliadin/shellac mass ratio of 8:2 (G/S 8:2) showed a contact angle of 84.85°, which is considered suitable for the Pickering stabilization mechanism. Moreover, these nanoparticles exhibited the highest emulsifying activity of 52.42 m2 g-1 and emulsifying stability of 65.33%.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the study revealed that gliadin/shellac complex nanoparticles exhibited excellent resistance to environmental stress and demonstrated superior oil-water interfacial behavior. They have strong potential for further development as food emulsifiers or as nano-delivery systems for nutraceuticals. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Stability and encapsulation properties of daidzein in zein/carrageenan/sodium alginate nanoparticles with ultrasound treatment

This study aimed to prepare carrageenan/sodium alginate double-stabilized layers of zein nanoparticles loaded with daidzein using ultrasound technology to investigate the effect of ultrasound treatment on the stability of composite nanoparticles and encapsulation of daidzein. Compared with composite nanoparticles without ultrasound treatment, the encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles was increased (90.36 %) after ultrasound treatment (320 W, 15 min). Ultrasound treatment reduced the particle size and PDI of nanoparticles and improved the stability and solubility of nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the nanoparticles treated with ultrasound were smooth spherical and uniformly distributed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed that the main forces that form nanoparticles are hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic interactions. Fluorescence and CD chromatography showed that ultrasound treatment alters the secondary structure of zein and maintains nanoparticle stability. Encapsulation of daidzein in nanocarriers with ultrasound treatment can effectively scavenge DPPH and ABTS free radicals, improve antioxidant activity, and realize the slow release of daidzein in the gastrointestinal tract. The results showed that ultrasonication helps the construction of hydrophobic bioactives delivery carriers and provides better protection for unstable bioactives.

Microfluidic formulation of food additives-loaded nanoparticles for antioxidation

Browning has many important implications with nutrition and the shelf life of foods. Mitigating browning is of particular interest in food chemistry. The addition of antioxidants has been a common strategy to extend shelf life of drug and food products. In this work, we report a microfluidic technology for encapsulation of three common food additives (potassium metathionite (PMS), curcumin (CCM), and β-carotene (β-Car)) into nano-formulations using low-cost and readily available materials such as shellac. The food additives encapsulated nanoparticles provide a microenvironment that can prevent oxidation during daily storage. The results showed that the produced nanoparticles had a narrow size distribution with an average size of around 100 nm, were stable at conventional storage conditions (4 ºC) for 18 weeks, and had sustained release ability at 37 ºC, pH= 7.8, 160 rpm. In addition, further experiments showed that the formulation of hydrophobic additives, such as CCM and β-Car did not only improve their bioavailability but also allowed for the encapsulation of a combination of ingredients. In addition, the antioxidants loaded nanoparticles demonstrated good biocompatibility, low toxicity to human cells. The longer release time of encapsulated food additives increases shelf life of foods and enhances consumer purchase preferences, which not only saves costs but also reduces waste. In summary, this study shows that such antioxidant-loaded nanoparticles provide a promising strategy in extending the shelf life of food products.

The role of polysaccharides in improving the functionality of zein coated nanocarriers: Implications for colloidal stability under environmental stresses

Zein has gained popularity over the past few years as an incredible food and bio-based materials. The potential functions and health benefits of zein microcapsules or micro-/nanoparticles in bioactive components delivery, structured emulsion, etc., have received great attention. However, the development has been limited by colloidal destabilization, especially when thermal processing is involved. There is a recent trend in developing zein-polysaccharide complexes (ZPCs), which has tremendously improved the performance of zein-based colloidal carrier systems or emulsions. Increasing our understanding of zein interactions and their contribution to the structure of various macromolecules can help us to develop novel biomaterials that can be used in food, agriculture, biomedicine, and cosmetics. In addition, these nanocarriers are suitable for the encapsulation and delivery of bioactive compounds which have positive perspective in food industry. Therefore, this article aimed to review recent advances in the ZPCs that can be applied to functional or health-promoting foods, with a focus on the characteristics of different ZPCs, factors and mechanisms affecting the stability (especially thermal stability) of these complexes, and their application in food industry as a carrier for BCs. Further, the stability of ZPCs based emulsions under processing and physiological environments, as well some typical effective methods are introduced. Also, the principal challenges and prospects were enumerated and discussed.

Development and Characterization of an Edible Zein/Shellac Composite Film Loaded with Curcumin

The development of functional edible films is promising for the food industry, and improving the water barrier of edible films has been a research challenge in recent years. In this study, curcumin (Cur) was added to zein (Z) and shellac (S) to prepare an edible composite film with a strong water barrier and antioxidant properties. The addition of curcumin significantly reduced the water vapor permeability (WVP), water solubility (WS), and elongation at break (EB), and it clearly improved the tensile strength (TS), water contact angle (WCA), and optical properties of the composite film. The ZS-Cur films were characterized by SEM, FT-IR, XRD, DSC, and TGA; the results indicated that hydrogen bonds were formed among the curcumin, zein, and shellac, which changed the microstructure and improved the thermal stability of the film. A test of curcumin release behavior showed controlled release of curcumin from the film matrix. ZS-Cur films displayed remarkable pH responsiveness, strong antioxidant properties, and inhibitory effects on E. coli. Therefore, the insoluble active food packaging prepared in this study provides a new strategy for the development of functional edible films and also provides a possibility for the application of edible films to extend the shelf life of fresh food.

Natural Amphiphilic Shellac Nanoparticle-Stabilized Novel Pickering Emulsions with Droplets and Bi-continuous Structures

Shellac is a natural amphiphilic substance, and its nanoparticles can be used to stabilize Pickering emulsions with droplets and bi-continuous structures. In this study, shellac nanoparticles (SNPs) were produced through the anti-solvent method, and these SNPs were used to produce a series of Pickering emulsions. Fourier transform infrared results showed that SNPs were generated through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic effects. The contact angle of SNPs was 122.3°, indicating that hydrophobicity was their dominant characteristic. According to the results of confocal laser scanning microscopy, the Pickering emulsions stabilized by SNPs showed oil-in-water, bi-continuous structure, and water-in-oil characteristics, which were dependent on the oil-phase content. The resistance value of the emulsified part of these Pickering emulsion systems significantly increased at an oil-phase ratio of 80-90% (more than 10⁵ MΩ), as compared with the 10-70% oil-phase content (around 1 MΩ). The viscosity of SNP-stabilized Pickering emulsions with bi-continuous structures was highest at 40% oil-phase content. The porous material prepared by using Pickering emulsions with bi-continuous structures as a template had an interconnected structure and was able to absorb both water and oil. This study indicated that these amphiphilic SNPs readily form bi-continuous structures and effectively stabilize Pickering emulsions with droplets. These SNPs are expected to have increased application in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for Assessing Structural and Enzymatic Reactivity Changes Induced during Feather Hydrolysis

Chicken feathers are major byproducts of the livestock processing industry with high potential in the feed sector. In this study, we present a new approach using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to detect the structural changes of feather keratin and its availability for enzymatic hydrolysis (AEH) induced by the thermal pressure hydrolysis (TPH) process. Compared to time-consuming in vitro measurement techniques, the proposed method provides rapid information about the structural changes during TPH which enables quick adaptation of TPH conditions as the quality of the incoming feather changes. By analyzing the FTIR spectra of raw and processed feathers, it was found that AEH negatively relates to the β-sheet content (represented by two IR peaks centered at 1635 and 1689 cm^-1), while it positively relates to a new series of peaks centered around 1700 cm^-1 appearing after the TPH process. The proposed FTIR technique provides a reliable and rapid approach to determine the digestibility indicated by AEH of the processed feather and may be used in process control and optimization.

Development of self-assembled zein-fucoidan complex nanoparticles as a delivery system for resveratrol

Resveratrol is a well-studied dietary polyphenol with diverse health-promoting bioactivities. However, the aqueous insolubility and chemical instability of resveratrol hamper its practical application. This study set out to address these limitations by constructing zein-fucoidan composite nanoparticles as a delivery system of resveratrol. The optimized resveratrol-loaded zein-fucoidan particles (RE-ZFP) were obtained at zein-to-fucoidan ratio of 2:1 (w/w) and zein-to-resveratrol ratio of 10:1 (w/w), and RE-ZFP showed evenly distributed and smoothly spherical microstructures, mean particle size of 121 nm, ζ-potential of - 41 mV, encapsulation efficiency for resveratrol of 95.4%. Electrostatic, steric, hydrophobic, and hydrogen-bonding interactions were major forces required to form RE-ZFP. In addition, RE-ZFP exhibited greater photostability and colloidal stability (including pH, ionic, and storage stabilities) than resveratrol-loaded zein particles (RE-ZP). Particularly, RE-ZFP showed fairly good pH stability. Moreover, zein-fucoidan-based delivery system exhibited a controlled release of resveratrol under in vitro digestion. Finally, zein-fucoidan nanocarriers presented extremely low cytotoxicity to HIEC-6 cells. All the findings demonstrate that the zein-fucoidan nanoparticles developed in the current work will be a prospective strategy for loading resveratrol and other hydrophobic bioactive ingredients and thus extending their application in nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals.

Advances in Protein-Based Nanocarriers of Bioactive Compounds: From Microscopic Molecular Principles to Macroscopical Structural and Functional Attributes

Many proteins can be used to fabricate nanocarriers for encapsulation, protection, and controlled release of nutraceuticals. This review examined the protein-based nanocarriers from microscopic molecular characteristics to the macroscopical structural and functional attributes. Structural, physical, and chemical properties of protein-based nanocarriers were introduced in detail. The spatial size, shape, water dispersibility, colloidal stability, etc. of protein-based nanocarriers were largely determined by the molecular physicochemical principles of protein. Different preparative techniques, including antisolvent precipitation, pH-driven, electrospray, and gelation methods, among others, can be used to fabricate different protein-based nanocarriers. Various modifications based on physical, chemical, and enzymatic approaches can be used to improve the functional performance of these nanocarriers. Protein is a natural resource with a wide range of sources, including plant, animal, and microbial, which are usually used to fabricate the nanocarriers. Protein-based nanocarriers have many advantages in aid of the application of bioactive ingredients to the medical, food, and cosmetic industries.

Multiscale Shellac-Based Delivery Systems: From Macro- to Nanoscale

Delivery systems play a crucial role in enhancing the activity of active substances; however, they require complex processing techniques and raw material design to achieve the desired properties. In this regard, raw materials that can be easily processed for different delivery systems are garnering attention. Among these raw materials, shellac, which is the only pharmaceutically used resin of animal origin, has been widely used in the development of various delivery systems owing to its pH responsiveness, biocompatibility, and degradability. Notably, shellac performs better on encapsulating hydrophobic active substances than other natural polymers, such as polysaccharides and proteins. In addition, specially designed shellac-based delivery systems can also be used for the codelivery of hydrophilic and hydrophobic active substances. Shellac is most widely used for oral administration, as shellac-based delivery systems can form a compact structure through hydrophobic interaction, protecting transported active substances from the harsh environment of the stomach to achieve targeted delivery in the small intestine or colon. In this review, the advantages of shellac in delivery systems are discussed in detail. Multiscale shellac-based delivery systems from the macroscale to nanoscale are comprehensively introduced, including matrix tablets, films, enteric coatings, hydrogels, microcapsules, microparticles (beads/spheres), nanoparticles, and nanofibers. Furthermore, the hotspots, deficiencies, and future perspectives of shellac-based delivery system development are also analyzed. We hoped this review will increase the understanding of shellac-based delivery systems and inspire their further development.

Effects of different alcohol and ultrasonic treatments on thermal and structural properties of zein-starch sodium octenyl succinate composite nanoparticles

The objective of this study is to prepare zein/starch sodium octenyl succinate composite nanoparticles (ZSPs) via anti-solvent precipitation technology and characterize their colloidal properties. The effects of polar solvents, ultrasonic treatment time, and concentrations of starch sodium octenyl succinate were investigated. We measured the particle size distribution, hydrophobicity, and apparent structures of the composite nanoparticles. Ultrasonic treatment time (0-25 min) was found to play an important role in composite nanoparticle formation. The ZSP nanoparticles were with an average particle size in the range of 70 to 110 nm. When the ultrasonic treatment time exceeds 25 min, ZSPs became macroscopic particles. The fluorescence spectrum and three-phase contact angle indicated that ZSPs presented hydrophilicity with largest three-phase contact angle, which was 65.1°. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed that hydrophilic SSOS absorbed on the surface of zein nanoparticles via Van der Waals to improve their water solubility. The changes in solvent polarity and zein self-assembly are considered to be the main driving force for composite nanoparticles conformational transitions from α-helix to β-sheet. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that ethanol combined ultrasonic treatment (10 min) was beneficial to enhance the thermal stability of composite nanoparticles, causing the highest T_g of 153.6°C. This work aims to provide a practical reference for formulating delivery systems using bioactive compounds containing zein as a carrier biopolymer. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This work aims to provide a practical reference for formulating encapsulants for food and other bioactive compounds containing zein as a carrier biopolymer. Zein/starch sodium octenyl succinate composite nanoparticles formulated in this study provide novel stabilizers for emulsification systems or carriers of bioactive substances that can enhance the nutritional value, taste, or shelf life of foods.

Delivery of curcumin using a zein-xanthan gum nanocomplex: Fabrication, characterization, and in vitro release properties

This study aimed to use xanthan gum as a stabilizer to improve the stability of zein nanoparticles. Zein-xanthan gum composite nanoparticles were prepared via anti-solvent precipitation at pH 4.0. The particle size, zeta potential, and stability of the system were related to the amount of xanthan gum added. When 20 mg of xanthan gum was added, spherical nanoparticles with a small particle size (179 ± 2.1 nm) and sufficient negative zeta potential (-42 ± 1.6 mV) were obtained. The zeta potential and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicated that electrostatic attraction was the main driving force, followed by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Composite nanoparticles were coated by xanthan gum and remained stable over a wide pH range and at high temperatures and salt concentrations; they did not precipitate or aggregate after 30 days of storage. Moreover, the addition of xanthan gum considerably improved the encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of nanoparticles containing high curcumin amounts, which facilitated slow and sustained release of curcumin in simulated intestinal fluid. Therefore, zein-xanthan gum nanoparticles can be used for the delivery of biologically active compounds in food and pharmaceutical preparations.

Carriers Based on Zein-Dextran Sulfate Sodium Binary Complex for the Sustained Delivery of Quercetin

Herein, a self-assembly formulation of Zein and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) binary complex has been developed for the quercetin (Que) delivery. The prepared particles display a smooth sphere in the range of 180 ~ 250 nm. The addition of DSS shields the Trp residues of Zein that were located on the hydrophilic exterior and in-turn reduces the surface hydrophobicity of the nanoparticles. The presence of DSS, indeed, increases the encapsulation efficiency of Que from the initial 45.9 in the Zein to 72.6% in the Zein/DSS binary complex. A significant reduction of Que diffusion in the simulated intestinal conditions has been observed with the addition of DSS on the nanoparticles, which also improves Que bioavailability. The release mechanism of Que-loaded Zein/DSS composites is in accordance with the Higuchi model (Q = 0.0913t^0.5+0.1652, R² = 0.953). Overall, nanoparticles based on Zein-DSS complexes stand out as an attractive carrier system of quercetin and the outcome could be extended to several bioactive compounds.

Effect of adjusting pH and chondroitin sulfate on the formation of curcumin-zein nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and morphology

This study is aiming to investigate the stabilizing effect of chondroitin sulfate (CS) on the preparation of curcumin nanoparticles (NPs). The results showed that adding CS before the anti-solvent process of zein (Z) at pH7 could fabricate most stable NPs (Cur/CS/Z-pH7) with particle size of 197 ± 5 nm and zeta-potential of -48.4 ± 1.9 mV. The pH had a significant effect on the fabrication of NPs. Cur/CS/Z-pH7 was more stable than Cur/CS/Z-pH3, while Cur/Z-CS-pH3 was more stable than the Cur/Z-CS-pH7. According to the results of XRD, FTIR, DSC and CD, CS can form irreversible macromolecular complexes with zein through non-electrostatic interactions during the anti-solvent process (Cur/CS/Z-pH7, Cur/CS/Z-pH3). However, CS was adsorbed on the surface of Zein NPs by electrostatic interaction (Cur/Z-CS-pH7, Cur/Z-CS-pH3), when CS was added after anti-solvent process of zein. These results illustrated that it is better to add CS before the anti-solvent process of zein at neutral pH.

Co-encapsulation of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) and Curcumin by Two Proteins-Based Nanoparticles: Role of EGCG

In this study, a novel plant-protein-based nanoparticle delivery system was developed to encapsulate and stabilize curcumin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) with different polarities. The strongly hydrophobic curcumin was embedded within the hydrophobic cores of zein nanoparticles using an antisolvent method, while the weakly hydrophobic EGCG was adsorbed to the region between the zein core and caseinate shell. The physicochemical properties, structure, and stability of the core-shell particles were characterized using dynamic light scattering, particle electrophoresis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The bioaccessibility of curcumin in the core-shell nanoparticles was determined using a simulated gastrointestinal tract. Mean particle diameters around 100-200 nm could be produced by modulating the mass ratio of curcumin to zein. The encapsulation efficiency of curcumin in the core-shell nanoparticles was higher (96.2%) in the presence of EGCG than in its absence (77.9%). Moreover, the water dispersibility and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity of the nanoparticles were significantly improved in the presence of EGCG. The simulated gastrointestinal tract experiments indicated that curcumin had a high bioaccessibility in the optimized core-shell nanoparticles. Overall, our findings suggest that EGCG can be used to improve the functional properties of curcumin-loaded zein-caseinate nanoparticles, which may increase their use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications.

Development of conjugate-by-conjugate structured nanoparticles for oral delivery of docetaxel

In the current study, we developed interpolymer-complex structures composed of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and chitosan knitted with d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) to establish oral nanoparticle delivery systems that could keep the drug dose from releasing into the gastrointestinal tract for at least 6 h. Two kinds of nanoparticle formations based on the so-called conjugate-by-conjugate strategy were introduced in the study. In the first conjugate-by-conjugate structured nanoparticle formation, TPGS was conjugated with an HPMC-chitosan conjugate, followed by the drug loading process. In the second approach, the drug was loaded with TPGS directly and subsequently conjugated with the HPMC-chitosan conjugate. Beneficially, polyvinyl alcohol could act not only as a stabilizing agent but also as a crosslinking agent for the nanoparticles. This study created newly modified structures of HPMC and chitosan, altering their physicochemical properties that could then retard drug release. The nanoparticles were cytotoxic towards MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells when docetaxel was loaded in the nanoparticles, particularly the nanoparticles produced in the second approach, demonstrating their ability to kill cancerous cells and their potential for further applications in cancer therapy. Additionally, when Caco-2 cells were used as an absorption model in a transport study, the nanoparticles in the second approach showed their capacity to increase drug permeability across the monolayers of Caco-2 cells compared to the free-drug solution. This study also illustrated the enhanced uptake of the nanoparticles by the Caco-2 cells, implying enhanced absorption through the intestine. Therefore, these oral nanoparticles can be considered for delivery systems of agents that are sensitive to the gastrointestinal tract so that they can be transported across the epithelial cells to the bloodstream to deliver the loading cargo at an optimal concentration.

Fabrication and Characterization of Layer-by-Layer Composite Nanoparticles Based on Zein and Hyaluronic Acid for Codelivery of Curcumin and Quercetagetin

The utilization of layer-by-layer composite nanoparticles fabricated from zein and hyaluronic acid (HA) for the codelivery of curcumin and quercetagetin was investigated. A combination of hydrophobic effects and hydrogen bonding was responsible for the interaction of zein with both curcumin and quercetagetin inside the nanoparticles. Electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding were mainly responsible for the layer-by-layer deposition of hyaluronic acid on the surfaces of the nanoparticles. The secondary structure of zein was altered by the presence of the two nutraceuticals and HA. The optimized nanoparticle formulation contained relatively small particles ( d = 231.2 nm) that were anionic (ζ = -30.5 mV). The entrapment efficiency and loading capacity were 69.8 and 2.5% for curcumin and 90.3 and 3.5% for quercetagetin, respectively. Interestingly, the morphology of the nanoparticles depended on their composition. In particular, they changed from coated nanoparticles to nanoparticle-filled microgels as the level of HA increased. The nanoparticles were effective at reducing light and thermal degradation of the two encapsulated nutraceuticals and remained physically stable throughout 6 months of long-term storage. In addition, the nanoparticles were shown to slowly release the nutraceuticals under simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions, which may help improve their oral bioavailability. In summary, we have shown that layer-by-layer composite nanoparticles based on zein and HA are an effective codelivery system for two bioactive compounds.

Innovative functional nanodispersion: Combination of carotenoid from Spirulina and yellow passion fruit albedo

The nanoencapsulation of carotenoids is presented as a positive alternative to broaden the application of these pigments in the food industry. In this study, we investigated the use of yellow passion fruit albedo flour as an encapsulating material for the production of nanodispersions of carotenoid extract obtained from Spirulina sp. LEB 18. Nanodispersions were characterized for their physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, stability, and retention of carotenoids after 60 days of storage (4 °C). The nanodispersions made from yellow passion fruit albedo flour and microalgae carotenoid extract presented an average particle diameter at the nanometer scale, high antioxidant activity, and carotenoid retention compared to nanodispersions containing synthetic β-carotene. Yellow passion fruit albedo flour as a polymeric material in the production of carotenoid nanodispersions is an alternative to commercial polymers and allows greater stability and broader application of these pigments.

Quercetagetin-Loaded Composite Nanoparticles Based on Zein and Hyaluronic Acid: Formation, Characterization, and Physicochemical Stability

Zein and hyaluronic acid (HA) composite nanoparticles were self-assembly fabricated using antisolvent coprecipitation (ASCP) method to deliver quercetagetin (Que). FTIR, CD, and FS results revealed that electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic effect were the dominant driving forces among zein, Que, and HA. With the increasing of HA level, the morphological structure of zein-Que-HA complex was changed from nanoparticle (from 100:5:5 to 100:5:20) to microgel (from 100:5:25 to 100:5:30). The encapsulation efficiency of Que has significantly increased from 55.66% (zein-Que, 100:5) to 93.22% (zein-Que-HA, 100:5:20), and Que in the zein-Que-HA composite nanoparticles exhibited obviously enhanced photochemical, thermal, and physical stability. After 8 months of storage (4 °C), the retention rate of Que also up to 77.93%. These findings interpreted that zein-HA composite nanoparticle would be an efficient delivery system for encapsulating and protecting bioactive compounds.