Strategies to utilize naturally occurring protein architectures as nanovehicles for hydrophobic nutraceuticals

Stabilizing interactions of casein microparticles after a thermal post-treatment

Casein microparticles from milk are important carrier materials for bioactive substances with stability and swelling properties that can be influenced by heat treatment. Microparticles produced by depletion flocculation and film drying remain stable in acidic media but swell and disintegrate under slightly alkaline conditions. Heat treatment after formation can stabilize the microparticles via a disulfide bridge network and newly formed hydrophobic contacts. Temperatures >60 °C are required so that denatured whey protein initiate formation of disulfide bridges via thiol exchange reactions. The particles then swell in a two-step process and exhibit an overshooting effect. If formation of disulphide bridges is prevented during heat treatment by adding N-methylmaleimide, overshooting swelling disappears and microparticles continue to expand instead. The analysis with parallel system dynamics models is based on the swelling of uncross-linked caseins, which is limited by the expansion capacity of cross-linked caseins.

Natural Coptidis Rhizoma Nanoparticles Improved the Oral Delivery of Docetaxel

Purpose

Docetaxel (DTX) is a valuable anti-tumor chemotherapy drug with limited oral bioavailability. This study aims to develop an effective oral delivery system for DTX using natural nanoparticles (Nnps) derived from Coptidis Rhizoma extract.

Methods

DTX-loaded self-assembled nanoparticles (Nnps-DTX) were created using an optimized heat-induction strategy. Nnps-DTX's shape, size, Zeta potential, and in vitro stability were all carefully examined. Additionally, the study investigated the encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, crystal form, and intermolecular interactions of DTX in Nnps-DTX. Subsequently, the solubility, release, cellular uptake, metabolic stability, and preclinical pharmacokinetics of DTX in Nnps-DTX were systematically evaluated. Finally, the cytotoxicity of Nnps-DTX was assessed in three tumor cell lines.

Results

Nnps-DTX was spherical in shape, 138.6 ± 8.2 nm in size, with a Zeta potential of -20.8 ± 0.6 mV, a DTX encapsulation efficiency of 77.6 ± 8.5%, and a DTX loading capacity of 6.8 ± 1.9%. Hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic interactions were involved in the formation of Nnps-DTX. DTX within Nnps-DTX was in an amorphous form, resulting in enhanced solubility (23.3 times) and release compared to free DTX. Following oral treatment, the mice in the Nnps-DTX group had DTX peak concentrations 8.8, 23.4, 44.6, and 5.7 times higher in their portal vein, systemic circulation, liver, and lungs than the mice in the DTX group. Experiments performed in Caco-2 cells demonstrated a significant increase in DTX uptake by Nnps-DTX compared to free DTX, which was significantly inhibited by indomethacin, an inhibitor of caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Furthermore, compared to DTX, DTX in Nnps-DTX demonstrated better metabolic stability in liver microsomes. Notably, Nnps-DTX significantly reduced the viability of MCF-7, HCT116, and HepG2 cells.

Conclusion

The novel self-assembled nanoparticles considerably enhanced the cellular absorption, solubility, release, metabolic stability, and pharmacokinetics of oral DTX and demonstrated strong cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines.

Possibility and challenge of plant-derived ferritin cages encapsulated polyphenols in the precise nutrition field

Polyphenols have attracted extensive attention due to their rich functional activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor. However, the low solubility and poor stability limit their bioavailability and functional activities. Plant-derived ferritin cages have a unique hollow cage structure that can embed polyphenols to improve their unfavorable properties. Therefore, it is essential to adequately elaborate and summarize plant-derived ferritin cages to maximize their potential benefits in nutritional interventions. This review focuses on the fundamental properties of plant-derived ferritin cages, including the preparation process, purification technology, identification methods, and structural and functional properties. The relevant research on ferritin cages in polyphenol delivery has been summarized, including the delivery of water/lipid soluble polyphenols, modification of ferritin cages, and the interaction between polyphenols and ferritin cages. The research progress, shortcomings and prospects of plant-derived ferritin cages in precise nutrition are introduced. In addition, the relevant research on ferritin in immune response and protein engineering is also discussed to provide the theoretical basis for applying plant-derived ferritin cages in many frontier fields.

Unveiling the applications of membrane proteins from oil bodies: leading the way in artificial oil body technology and other biotechnological advancements

Oil bodies (OBs) function as organelles that store lipids in plant seeds. An oil body (OB) is encased by a membrane composed of proteins (e.g., oleosins, caleosins, and steroleosins) and a phospholipid monolayer. The distinctive protein-phospholipid membrane architecture of OBs imparts exceptional stability even in extreme environments, thereby sparking increasing interest in their structure and properties. However, a comprehensive understanding of the structure-activity relationships determining the stability and properties of oil bodies requires a more profound exploration of the associated membrane proteins, an aspect that remains relatively unexplored. In this review, we aim to summarize and discuss the structural attributes, biological functions, and properties of OB membrane proteins. From a commercial perspective, an in-depth understanding of the structural and functional properties of OBs is important for the expansion of their applications by producing artificial oil bodies (AOB). Besides exploring their structural intricacies, we describe various methods that are used for purifying and isolating OB membrane proteins. These insights may provide a foundational framework for the practical utilization of OB membrane proteins in diverse applications within the realm of AOB technology, including biological and probiotic delivery, protein purification, enzyme immobilization, astringency detection, and antibody production.

Self-assembled pea vicilin nanoparticles as nanocarriers for improving the antioxidant activity, environmental stability and sustained-release property of curcumin

BACKGROUND

The application of curcumin (Cur) in the food industry is usually limited by its low water solubility and poor stability. This study aimed to fabricate self-assembled nanoparticles using pea vicilin (7S) through a pH-shifting method (pH 7-pH 12-pH 7) to develop water-soluble nanocarriers of Cur.

RESULTS

Intrinsic fluorescence, far-UV circular dichroism spectra and transmission electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that the structure of 7S could be unfolded at pH 12.0 and refolded when the pH shifted to 7.0. The assembled 7S-Cur exhibited a high loading ability of 81.63 μg mg-1 for Cur and homogeneous particle distribution. Cur was encapsulated in the 7S hydrophobic nucleus in an amorphous form and combined through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding, resulting in the static fluorescence quenching of 7S. Compared with free Cur, the retention rates of Cur in 7S-Cur were approximately 1.12 and 1.70 times higher under UV exposure at 365 nm or heating at 75 °C for 120 min, respectively, as well as 7S-Cur showing approximately 1.50 times higher antioxidant activity. During simulated gastrointestinal experiments, 7S-Cur exhibited a better sustained-release property than free Cur.

CONCLUSION

The self-assembled 7S nanocarriers prepared using a pH-shifting method effectively improved the antioxidant activity, environmental stability and sustained-release property of Cur. Therefore, 7S isolated from pea protein could be used as potential nanocarriers for Cur. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Development of sorghum arabinoxylan-soy protein isolate composite nanoparticles for delivery of curcumin: Effect of polysaccharide content on stability and in vitro digestibility

The purpose of this study was to fabricate composite nanoparticles using soy protein isolate (SPI) and sorghum bran arabinoxylan (AX) for the delivery of curcumin (Cur). The influences of AX concentrations on the physicochemical characteristic, stability and bioaccessibility of curcumin were investigated. The findings showed that the encapsulation efficiency of curcumin obviously increased upon incorporating AX in comparison to SPI-Cur particles. Hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions were the primary driving forces for the formation of SPI-Cur-AX nanoparticles (SCA). SCA nanoparticles with 1.00 % AX exhibited a uniform size with orderly distribution, suggesting its remarkable physical stability due to the strengthened electrostatic repulsion. However, excessive AX led to aggregation of particles, a noticeable increase in size, and subsequently, a reduction in stability. Due to the heightened free radical scavenging capacity of sorghum AX, SCA nanoparticles exhibited superior antioxidant capabilities. Compared to free curcumin, encapsulation within composite particles significantly enhanced the retention rate and bioaccessibility of curcumin. This improvement was attributed to the potent emulsification ability of AX, which coordinated with bile salt to promote the transfer of curcumin into micelles. The research provides an effective strategy for developing food-grade delivery carriers aimed at enhancing dispersibility, stability and bioaccessibility of the fat-soluble bioactives.

Modulating the glycemic response of starch-based foods using organic nanomaterials: strategies and opportunities

Traditionally, diverse natural bioactive compounds (polyphenols, proteins, fatty acids, dietary fibers) are used as inhibitors of starch digestive enzymes for lowering glycemic index (GI) and preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In recent years, organic nanomaterials (ONMs) have drawn a great attention because of their ability to overcome the stability and solubility issues of bioactive. This review aimed to elucidate the implications of ONMs in lowering GI and as encapsulating agents of enzymes inhibitors. The major ONMs are presented. The mechanisms underlying the inhibition of enzymes, the stability within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and safety of ONMs are also provided. As a result of encapsulation of bioactive in ONMs, a more pronounced inhibition of enzymes was observed compared to un-encapsulated bioactive. More importantly, the lower the size of ONMs, the higher their inhibitory effects due to facile binding with enzymes. Additionally, in vivo studies exhibited the potentiality of ONMs for protection and sustained release of insulin for GI management. Overall, regulating the GI using ONMs could be a safe, robust and viable alternative compared to synthetic drugs (acarbose and voglibose) and un-encapsulated bioactive. Future researches should prioritize ONMs in real food products and evaluate their safety on a case-by-case basis.

A comprehensive review of protein-based carriers with simple structures for the co-encapsulation of bioactive agents

The rational design and fabrication of edible codelivery carriers are important to develop functional foods fortified with a plurality of bioactive agents, which may produce synergistic effects in increasing bioactivity and functionality to target specific health benefits. Food proteins possess considerable functional attributes that make them suitable for the delivery of a single bioactive agent in a wide range of platforms. Among the different types of protein-based carriers, protein-ligand nanocomplexes, micro/nanoparticles, and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions have increasingly attracted attention in the codelivery of multiple bioactive agents, due to the simple and convenient preparation procedure, high stability, matrix compatibility, and dosage flexibility. However, the successful codelivery of bioactive agents with diverse physicochemical properties by using these simple-structure carriers is a daunting task. In this review, some effective strategies such as combined functional properties of proteins, self-assembly, composite, layer-by-layer, and interfacial engineering are introduced to redesign the carrier structure and explore the encapsulation of multiple bioactive agents. It then highlights success stories and challenges in the co-encapsulation of multiple bioactive agents within protein-based carriers with a simple structure. The partition, protection, and release of bioactive agents in these protein-based codelivery carriers are considered and discussed. Finally, safety and application as well as challenges of co-encapsulated bioactive agents in the food industry are also discussed. This work provides a state-of-the-art overview of protein-based particles and O/W emulsions in co-encapsulating bioactive agents, which is essential for the design and development of novel functional foods containing multiple bioactive agents.

Recent Progress in Proteins-Based Micelles as Drug Delivery Carriers

Proteins-derived polymeric micelles have gained attention and revolutionized the biomedical field. Proteins are considered a favorable choice for developing micelles because of their biocompatibility, harmlessness, greater blood circulation and solubilization of poorly soluble drugs. They exhibit great potential in drug delivery systems as capable of controlled loading, distribution and function of loaded agents to the targeted sites within the body. Protein micelles successfully cross biological barriers and can be incorporated into various formulation designs employed in biomedical applications. This review emphasizes the recent advances of protein-based polymeric micelles for drug delivery to targeted sites of various diseases. Most studied protein-based micelles such as soy, gelatin, casein and collagen are discussed in detail, and their applications are highlighted. Finally, the future perspectives and forthcoming challenges for protein-based polymeric micelles have been reviewed with anticipated further advances.

Dithiothreitol-induced reassembly of soybean lipophilic protein as a carrier for resveratrol: Preparation, structural characterization, and functional properties

We employed dithiothreitol (DTT) to reassemble soy lipophilic protein (LP) and increased its solubility for encapsulating resveratrol (Res); we subsequently added hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) to further stabilize Res. Physicochemical characterization, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and spectral analysis revealed that DTT triggered the breakage and reassembly of the disulfide bond. Consequently, the solubility of LP increased from 38.64 % to 71.49 %, and the number of free sulfhydryl groups increased to 7.84 mol·g-1. Furthermore, the encapsulation efficiency and structure of reassembled LP nanoparticles loaded with Res were found to be closely related to the DTT concentration used for induction. When HPMC was added, the LP-Res complex demonstrated spontaneous self-assembly, and the pH and temperature stability of the Res in the nanoparticles improved. An in vitro digestion simulation revealed that the reassembled LP was an efficient carrier for Res delivery. Particularly, HPMC improved the bioavailability and sustained release of Res.

Magnetic Nanoparticles for Protein Separation and Purification

Proteins are essential for various functions such as brain activity and muscle contraction in humans. Even though food is a source of proteins, the bioavailability of proteins in most foods is usually limited due to matrix interaction with other biomolecules. Thus, it is essential to extract these proteins and provide them as a nutraceutical supplement to maintain protein levels and avoid protein deficiency. Hence, protein purification and extraction from natural sources are highly significant in biomedical applications. Chromatography, crude mechanical disruption, use of extractive chemicals, and electrophoresis are some of the methods applied to isolate specific proteins. Even though these methods possess several advantages, they are unable to extract specific proteins with high purity. A suitable alternative is the use of nanoparticles, which can be beneficial in protein purification and extraction. Notably, magnetic iron and iron-based nanoparticles have been employed in protein extraction processes and can be reused via demagnetization due to their magnetic property, smaller size, morphology, high surface-to-volume ratio, and surface charge-mediated property. This chapter is a summary of various magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) that can be used for the biomolecular separation of proteins.

Improved Light and In Vitro Digestive Stability of Lutein-Loaded Nanoparticles Based on Soy Protein Hydrolysates via Pepsin

In order to improve the water solubility and stability of lutein, soy protein isolates (SPI) and their hydrolysates via pepsin (PSPI) and alcalase (ASPI) were used as nanocarriers for lutein to fabricate the lutein-loaded nanoparticles (LNPS) of SPI, PSPI, and ASPI. The encapsulation properties, light, and in vitro digestive stability of lutein in nanoparticles, and protein-lutein interactions were investigated. Compared with SPI-LNPS and ASPI-LNPS, PSPI-LNPS was characterized by uniform morphology (approximately 115 nm) with a lower polydispersity index (approximately 0.11) and higher lutein loading capacity (17.96 μg/mg protein). In addition, PSPI-LNPS presented the higher lutein retention rate after light exposure (85.05%) and simulated digestion (77.73%) than the unencapsulated lutein and SPI-LNPS. Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that PSPI had stronger hydrophobic interaction with lutein than SPI, which positively correlated with their beneficial effects on the light and digestive stability of lutein. This study demonstrated that PSPI possessed significant potential for lutein delivery.

Improving effect of oleic acid-mediated sodium caseinate-based encapsulation in an ultrasound field on the thermal stability and bioaccessibility of quercetin

The simultaneous improvement of quercetin (QUE) processing stability and bioavailability has always presented a technical challenge during food processing. This study constructed a water-soluble carrier consisting of oleic acid (OA) and sodium caseinate (NaCas) in an ultrasonic field and investigated the effect of its encapsulation on improving the thermal stability and bioaccessibility of QUE. The results showed that the OA and NaCas generated uniform, stable water-soluble particles with a poly dispersity index (PDI) below 0.3 and an absolute value of Zeta potential above 30 mV in optimized conditions (a protein concentration of 4 mg/mL, ultrasonic power of 300 W, and ultrasonic time of 5 min). OA-NaCas mass ratio of 1:40, 1:15, 1:8, and 1:4 was selected for QUE loading to compare its encapsulation effect at different mass ratios. Compared with the NaCas without OA, the QUE embedding rate reached 95 % at OA-NaCas mass ratios of 1:15 and 1:8. In addition, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirmed that QUE was embedded in OA-NaCas particles, forming regular, spherical OA-NaCas-QUE particles at mass ratios or 1:15 and 1:8. Next, when heated at 80 °C for 120 min, the OA-NaCas (OA:NaCas, 1:15, 1:8, and W/W) particles significantly improved the QUE retention rate. The simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion experiments showed that the QUE bioaccessibility increased from 25 % to more than 60 % when it was encapsulated in OA-NaCas (OA:NaCas, 1:15, 1:8, and W/W) particles. These results indicated that the OA-NaCas complex was suitable as a hydrophilic delivery carrier of fat-soluble polyphenols.

Phosphorylated walnut protein isolate as a nanocarrier for enhanced water solubility and stability of curcumin

BACKGROUND

The low solubility and poor dispersion of alkaline-extracted walnut protein isolate (AWPI) limit its application as a protein-based carrier for the delivery of poorly soluble nutraceuticals, including curcumin. This work investigated the physicochemical characteristics of phosphorylated walnut protein isolate (PWPI) extracted using sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) and evaluated its encapsulation ability.

RESULTS

The results of phosphorus determination, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the phosphorylation of the extracted PWPI. Circular dichroism (CD) analysis indicated that PWPI contained higher α-helix and lower β-sheet contents than AWPI. The PWPI prepared at pH 9.0 and 11.0 showed significantly improved solubility, similar surface hydrophobicity, and increased surface charges compared to the AWPI. Fluorescence quenching experiments indicated that the binding affinity of curcumin to PWPI was significantly higher than that of AWPI. When bound to PWPI, the solubility of curcumin in aqueous solution was greatly enhanced, with an 8700-fold increase at a nanocomplex concentration of 10 mg mL^-1 . The complexation of curcumin with PWPI significantly improved the storage stability of curcumin. Additionally, the PWPI-curcumin nanocomplexes showed significantly increased antioxidant capacity.

CONCLUSION

Phosphorylated walnut protein isolate showed greatly improved solubility and strong encapsulation ability, making it a promising nanocarrier for curcumin. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Construction of lipid-biomacromolecular compounds for loading and delivery of carotenoids: Preparation methods, structural properties, and absorption-enhancing mechanisms

Due to the unstable chemical properties and poor water solubility of carotenoids, their processing adaptation and oral bioavailability are poor, limiting their application in hydrophilic food systems. Lipid-biomacromolecular compounds can be excellent carriers for carotenoid delivery by taking full advantage of the solubilization of lipids to non-polar nutrients and the water dispersion and gastrointestinal controlled release properties of biomacromolecules. This paper reviewed the research progress of lipid-biomacromolecular compounds as encapsulation and delivery carriers of carotenoids and summarized the material selection and preparation methods for biomacromolecular compounds. By considering the interaction between the two, this paper briefly discussed the effect of these compounds on carotenoid water solubility, stability, and bioavailability, emphasizing their delivery effect on carotenoids. Finally, various challenges and future trends of lipid-biomacromolecular compounds as carotenoid delivery carriers were discussed, providing new insight into efficient loading and delivery of carotenoids.

Noncovalent Engineering of Apoferritin with a PEGylated [FeFe] Hydrogenase Mimic for In Situ Polymerization

Apoferritin can act as a scaffold for functionalization in the inner and outer surfaces. However, traditional covalent modification methods have a risk of disrupting the structure and physicochemical properties of apoferritin. Herein, we report a method for designing versatile apoferritin-based nanosystems through noncovalent interaction between a PEGylated [FeFe]-hydrogenase mimic (FeFe-PEG-N₃) and apoferritin. FeFe-PEG-N₃ can be anchored into the threefold channels of apoferritin via program injection, at a number of ∼8 per protein. We also engineered apoferritin with an FeFe-PEG-N₃/ATRP initiator conjugate for in situ and noninvasive atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) at the apoferritin surface. This "grafting-from" method for noncovalent apoferritin engineering has the advantages of simple preparation, good controllability, and high efficiency and affords opportunities for the construction of multifunctional apoferritin-based nanosystems for broad applications such as drug delivery and catalysis.

A review of factors affecting the stability of zein-based nanoparticles loaded with bioactive compounds: from construction to application

Zein-based nanoparticles loaded with bioactive compounds have positive prospects in the food industry, but an important limiting factor for development is colloidal instability. Currently, extensive researches are focused on solving the instability of zein nanoparticles, but since the beginning of the studies, there has not been a summary of the factors affecting the stability of zein-based nanoparticles. In the present work, the factors were reviewed comprehensively from the perspective of carrier construction and application evaluation. The former mainly includes type, quantity, and characteristics of biopolymer, the mass ratio of biopolymer/bioactive compound to zein, blending sequence of biopolymer, and location of encapsulated bioactive compounds. The latter mainly includes pH, heating, ionic strength, storage, freeze-drying, and gastrointestinal digestion. The former is the prerequisite for the success of the latter. The challenge is that stability research is limited to the laboratory level, and it is difficult to ensure that the stability results are suitable for commercial food matrices due to their complexity. At the laboratory level, the future trends are the influence of external energy and the cross-complexity and uniformity of stability research. The review is expected to provide systematic understanding and guidance for the development of zein-based nanoparticles stability.

Preparation of zein-lecithin-EGCG complex nanoparticles stabilized peppermint oil emulsions: Physicochemical properties, stability and intelligent sensory analysis

Peppermint oil emulsions were prepared by using zein-lecithin-EGCG (Z-L/E) complex nanoparticles as emulsifiers. The preparation conditions of emulsions were optimized via measuring the particle size, surface tension and stability of emulsions, and peppermint oil of 3% (particle size = 375 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) = 0.45), the zein:lecithin ratio of 4:1 (w/w) (particle size = 396 nm), and the zein:EGCG ratio of 10:1 (w/w) (surface tension = 47.32 N/m) was the optimal condition. The rapid stability analysis showed that the instability mechanism of emulsions was ascribed to creaming and stratification, and the stability mechanism of emulsions was explored, indicating that the complex nanoparticles adsorbed on the surface of oil droplets to give Pickering emulsions. Electronic tongue experiments showed that the Z-E/L_4:1 stabilized emulsion was distinguished from the other three samples due to its good stability. The electronic nose experiment could distinguish the emulsions with different droplet sizes.

Formulation of infant formula with different casein fractions and their effects on physical properties and digestion characteristics

This study investigated whether casein (CN) fractions exhibit better physical properties and digestibility than native casein micelles presently used in the production of infant formula. The structural performance of native casein micelles (micellar casein concentrates, MCC), β-CN, κ-CN and β + κ-CN were explored, and physical properties and digestion characteristics (i.e., digestibility, particle size, zeta potential and microscopic morphology) of the infant formula with MCC, β-CN, κ-CN or β + κ-CN were determined to elucidate the applicability of these casein types in infant formula. Results indicated that the β + κ-CN infant formula solution had the largest particle size with the most unstable potential. Moreover, both β-CN and κ-CN infant formula showed high solubility, while κ-CN displayed the lowest foaming capacity and high foaming stability. β-CN infant formula expressed an effective digestibility property, however, it possessed the largest particle size after gastrointestinal digestion. Therefore, β-CN fraction infant formula showed better digestibility than casein infant formula, and thus this work provides a theoretical basis for the development of infant formula.

Enhanced rehydration behaviors of micellar casein powder: The effects of high hydrostatic pressure treatments on micelle structures

Natural micellar casein is generally dried into powdered forms for commercial transportation and storage. However, the poor rehydration ability of micellar casein powder critically limited the potential applications due to its dense cross-linked structures caused by colloidal calcium phosphate (CCP). In this study, micellar casein solutions were exposed to a high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) ranging from 100 to 500 MPa and were then freeze dried to produce powders. The effects on the casein micelle structures and the rehydration characteristics including wetting, dispersion and dissolving were comprehensively investigated. The results showed that HHP could induce smaller micelle sizes and significantly increase the free calcium in the reconstituted solution. It demonstrated that the majority of CCP bridges in casein micelles were dissociated, which produced porous powders with loose structures and thus significantly improved rehydration behaviors. 300 MPa was the pressure level that caused the quickest dispersion process and best solubility. Consequently, HHP has potential to be a novel physical technique to potentially modify the protein higher-order structures as well as improve the corresponding functionalities.

Hyperthermostability of prawn ferritin nanocage facilitates its application as a robust nanovehicle for nutraceuticals

The favorable physicochemical properties are essential for the application of protein-based nanovehicles in the field of biomaterials. Herein, we found that the thermal stability of Marsupenaeus japonicus ferritin (MjFer) (T_m = 109.1 ± 0.4 °C) is markedly higher than human H-chain ferritin (HuHF) (T_m = 87.7 ± 0.3 °C), although they share a high structural similarity. Multiple results indicated that the promoted thermal stability of MjFer is mainly derived from the salt bridges located at the C₃ interface. Consequently, MjFer exhibits strong protective effects on encapsulated curcumin upon exposure at high temperatures. In contrast, most of the curcumin loaded HuHF composites precipitated rapidly under the same conditions. These findings elucidated the molecular mechanism of the hyperthermostability of MjFer and illustrated that MjFer could act as a robust insulation nanocarrier for bioactive compounds against various thermal treatments.

Natural Nano-Drug Delivery System in Coptidis Rhizoma Extract with Modified Berberine Hydrochloride Pharmacokinetics

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic effects of the natural nanoparticles (Nnps) isolated from Coptidis Rhizoma extract on berberine hydrochloride (BBR) and systematically explore the related mechanisms.

Methods

Firstly, Nnps were isolated from Coptidis Rhizoma extract and then an Nnps-BBR complex was prepared. After qualitative and quantitative analysis in terms of size, Zeta potential, morphology, and composition of the Nnps and the Nnps-BBR complex, the effects of the Nnps on the crystallization of BBR were characterized. The effects of the Nnps on the solubility and dissolution of BBR were then evaluated. In addition, the effects of the Nnps on BBR in terms of cellular uptake, transmembrane transport, metabolic stability, and pharmacokinetics in mice were studied.

Results

The Nnps had an average size of 166.6 ± 1.3 nm and Zeta potential of −12.5 ± 0.2 mV. The Nnps were formed by denaturation of co-existing plant proteins with molecular weight < 30 kDa. The Nnps adsorbed or dispersed BBR, thereby promoting BBR transformation from crystal to amorphous form and improving its solubility and dissolution. The Nnps carried and promoted BBR uptake by human colonic adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells via caveolae-mediated endocytosis, reducing P-gp-mediated efflux of BBR in mice gut sacs and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells stably expressing the transporter P-gp (MDCK-MDR1) cells. Moreover, the Nnps improved BBR metabolic stability in mouse intestinal S9, promoting BBR intestinal absorption in mice, as shown by increased peak BBR concentration (C_max, 1182.3 vs 310.2 ng/mL) and exposure level (AUC_{0–12 h}, 2842.8 vs 1447.0 ng·h/mL) in mouse portal vein. In addition, the Nnps increased BBR exposure level in mouse livers (95,443.2 vs 43,586.2 ng·h/g liver).

Conclusion

The proteinaceous nanoparticles isolated from Coptidis Rhizoma extract can form a natural nano-drug delivery system with BBR, thereby significantly improving the pharmacokinetics of oral BBR.

Fabrication of Zein-Lecithin-EGCG complex nanoparticles: Characterization, controlled release in simulated gastrointestinal digestion

The Zein-Lecithin-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) complex nanoparticles were fabricated by anti-solvent coprecipitation method. The Zein-Lecithin (Z-L) nanocomplexes exhibited great encapsulation efficiency of 68.5% for EGCG, and the encapsulated EGCG still had good antioxidative capacity. The cumulative release of EGCG in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) were 19% and 92%, respectively, and the release was closest to Fick release in SGF and First release in SIF. Fluorescence spectroscopy (FL), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments revealed that the EGCG was successfully encapsulated by Z-L nanocomplexes through electrostatic, hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions. The Zein-Lecithin-EGCG complex nanoparticles exhibited excellent stability and great sustained-release performance, which will be the alternative for potential application in the food industry.

Assembled milk protein nano-architectures as potential nanovehicles for nutraceuticals

Nanoencapsulation of hydrophobic nutraceuticals with food ingredients has become one of topical research subjects in food science and pharmaceutical fields. To fabricate food protein-based nano-architectures as nanovehicles is one of effective strategies or approaches to improve water solubility, stability, bioavailability and bioactivities of poorly soluble or hydrophobic nutraceuticals. Milk proteins or their components exhibit a great potential to assemble or co-assemble with other components into a variety of nano-architectures (e.g., nano-micelles, nanocomplexes, nanogels, or nanoparticles) as potential nanovehicles for encapsulation and delivery of nutraceuticals. This article provides a comprehensive review about the state-of-art knowledge in utilizing milk proteins to assemble or co-assemble into a variety of nano-architectures as promising encapsulation and delivery nano-systems for hydrophobic nutraceuticals. First, a brief summary about composition, structure and physicochemical properties of milk proteins, especially caseins (or casein micelles) and whey proteins, is presented. Then, the disassembly and reassembly behavior of caseins or whey proteins into nano-architectures is critically reviewed. For caseins, casein micelles can be dissociated and further re-associated into novel micelles, through pH- or high hydrostatic pressure-mediated disassembly and reassembly strategy, or can be directly formed from caseinates through a reassembly process. In contrast, the assembly of whey protein into nano-architectures usually needs a structural unfolding and subsequent aggregation process, which can be induced by heating, enzymatic hydrolysis, high hydrostatic pressure and ethanol treatments. Third, the co-assembly of milk proteins with other components into nano-architectures is also summarized. Last, the potential and effectiveness of assembled milk protein nano-architectures, including reassembled casein micelles, thermally induced whey protein nano-aggregates, α-lactalbumin nanotubes or nanospheres, co-assembled milk protein-polysaccharide nanocomplexes or nanoparticles, as nanovehicles for nutraceuticals (especially those hydrophobic) are comprehensively reviewed. Due to the fact that milk proteins are an important part of diets for human nutrition and health, the review is of crucial importance not only for the development of novel milk protein-based functional foods enriched with hydrophobic nutraceuticals, but also for providing the newest knowledge in the utilization of food protein assembly behavior in the nanoencapsulation of nutraceuticals.

Nano-architectural assembly of soy proteins: A promising strategy to fabricate nutraceutical nanovehicles

Use of protein-based nanovehicles has been well recognized to be one of the most effective strategies to improve water dispersibility, stability and bioavailability of nutraceuticals or bioactive ingredients. Thanks to their health-benefiting effects and unique assembly behavior, soy proteins seem to be the perfect food proteins for fabricating nanovehicles in this regard. This review presents the state-of-art knowledge about the assembly of soy proteins into nano-architectures, e. g., nanoparticles, nanocomplexes or nanogels, induced by different physicochemical strategies and approaches. The strategies to trigger the assembly of soy proteins into a variety of nano-architectures are highlighted and critically reviewed. Such strategies include heating, enzymatic hydrolysis, pH shift, urea or ethanol treatment, reduction, and static high pressure treatment. The self-assembly behavior of soy proteins (native or denatured) is also reviewed. Besides the assembly of proteins alone, soy proteins can co-assemble with polysaccharides to form versatile nano-architectures, through different processes, e.g., heating or ultrasonication. Finally, recent progress in the development of assembled soy protein nano-architectures as nanovehicles for hydrophobic nutraceuticals is briefly summarized. With the fast increasing health awareness for natural and safe functional foods, this review is of crucial relevance for providing an important strategy to develop a kind of novel soy protein-based functional foods with dual-function health effects from soy proteins and nutraceuticals.