A novel pectin from Akebia trifoliata var. australis fruit peel and its use as a wall-material to coat curcumin-loaded zein nanoparticle

Fabrication and Characterization of Gelatin-Finger Citron Polysaccharide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Solubility and Bioavailability of Luteolin in Treating Acute Alcoholic Liver Disease

Luteolin (Lut) is a natural flavonoid that has been widely used in the treatment of liver and glycolipid metabolic diseases. However, poor water solubility and bioavailability limit its efficacy and application. To overcome these challenges, a protein-polysaccharide composite nanoparticle (L-GF NPs) for Lut delivery was prepared by a self-assembly method based on amphiphilic gelatin and active finger citron polysaccharide (FCP). The L-GF NPs were approximately spherical in shape and were formed by hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interaction, and hydrophobic interaction. Lut was encapsulated in the nanoparticles in an amorphous state, and the encapsulating efficiency was 79.49%. The efficacy of L-GF NPs was evaluated by intragastric administration of an alcoholic liver disease (ALD) mouse model. L-GF NPs have been demonstrated to significantly ameliorate the symptoms of ALD mice, which are mainly achieved by reducing lipid accumulation and oxidative stress and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, the aqueous solubility and bioavailability of Lut were markedly enhanced by FCP encapsulation. Meanwhile, the combined effect of Lut and FCP significantly ameliorated ALD and attenuated alcohol-induced lipid metabolic disorders and oxidative damage. This provides a new strategy to promote the prevention and treatment of ALD.

Fabrication and characterization of curcumin-loaded composite nanoparticles based on high-hydrostatic-pressure-treated zein and pectin: Interaction mechanism, stability, and bioaccessibility

We successfully designed curcumin (Cur)-loaded composite nanoparticles consisting of high-hydrostatic-pressure-treated (HHP-treated) zein and pectin with a pressure of 150 MPa (zein-150 MPa-P-Cur), showing nano-spherical structure with high zeta-potential (-36.72 ± 1.14 mV) and encapsulation efficiency (95.64 ± 1.23 %). We investigated the interaction mechanism of the components in zein-150 MPa-P-Cur using fluorescence spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulation, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Compared with zein-P-Cur, the binding sites and binding energy (-53.68 kcal/mol vs. - 44.22 kcal/mol) of HHP-treated zein and Cur were increased. Meanwhile, the interaction force among HHP-treated zein, pectin, and Cur was significantly enhanced, which formed a tighter and more stable particle structure to further improve package performance. Additionally, Cur showed the best chemical stability in zein-150 MPa-P-Cur. And the bioavailability of Cur was increased to 65.53 ± 1.70 %. Collectively, composite nanoparticles based on HHP-treated zein and pectin could be used as a promising Cur delivery system.

Optimization of Composite Enzymatic Extraction, Structural Characterization and Biological Activity of Soluble Dietary Fiber from Akebia trifoliata Peel

In order to reduce the waste of Akebia trifoliata peel and maximize its utilization, in this study, on the basis of a single-factor experiment and the response surface method, the optimum technological conditions for the extraction of soluble dietary fiber from Akebia trifoliata peel with the compound enzyme method were obtained. The chemical composition, physical and chemical properties, structural characterization and biological activity of the purified soluble dietary fiber (AP-SDF) from the Akebia trifoliata peel were analyzed. We discovered that that the optimum yield was 20.87% under the conditions of cellulase addition 600 U/g, enzymolysis time 100 min, solid-liquid ratio 1:24 g/mL and enzymolysis temperature 51 °C. At the same time, AP-SDF was a porous network structure cellulose type I acidic polysaccharose mainly composed of arabinoxylan (36.03%), galacturonic acid (27.40%) and glucose (19.00%), which possessed the structural characteristic peaks of the infrared spectra of polysaccharides and the average molecular weight (Mw) was 95.52 kDa with good uniformity. In addition, the AP-SDF exhibited high oil-holding capacity (15.11 g/g), good water-holding capacity and swelling capacity, a certain antioxidant capacity in vitro, hypoglycemic activity in vitro for α-glucosidase inhibition and hypolipidemic activity in vitro for the binding ability of bile acids and cholesterol. These results will provide a theoretical basis for the development of functional products with antioxidant, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects, which have certain application value in related industries.

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.

A curcumin oral delivery system based on sodium caseinate and carboxymethylpachymaran nanocomposites

The food industry has paid lots of attentions to curcumin because of its potential bioactive qualities. However, its use is severely constrained by its low bioavailability, stability and water solubility. Herein, we created sodium caseinate and carboxymethylpachymaran (CMP) nanoparticles (SMCNPs) that were loaded with curcumin. The composite nanoparticles were spherical, as characterized by SEM and TEM, the fluorescence spectroscopy, FTIR and XRD research revealed that hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic interaction were the main drivers behind the creation of the nanoparticles. The SMCNPs exhibited lower particle size, greater dispersion and higher encapsulation rate when the mass ratio of sodium caseinate to CMP was 3:5 (particle size of 166.8 nm, PDI of 0.15, and encapsulation efficiency of 88.07 %). The composite nanoparticles had good antioxidant activity, physical stability and sustained release effect on intestinal tract during the in vitro simulation experiments, successfully preventing the early release of curcumin into gastric fluid. Finally, cytotoxicity studies told that the prepared composite nanoparticles have good biocompatibility and can inhibit the growth of tumor cells (HT-29). In conclusion, using CMP and sodium caseinate as carriers in this study may open up a fresh, environmentally friendly, and long-lasting way to construct a bioactive material delivery system.

Fabrication and optimization of itraconazole-loaded zein-based nanoparticles in coated capsules as a promising colon-targeting approach pursuing opportunistic fungal infections

Itraconazole (ITZ), a broad-spectrum antifungal drug, was formulated into colon-targeting system aiming to treat opportunistic colonic fungal infections that commonly infect chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) patients due to immunosuppressive therapy. Antisolvent precipitation technique was employed to formulate ITZ-loaded zein nanoparticles (ITZ-ZNPs) using various zein: drug and aqueous:organic phase ratios. Central composite face-centered design (CCFD) was used for statistical analysis and optimization. The optimized formulation was composed of 5.5:1 zein:drug ratio and 9.5:1 aqueous:organic phase ratio with its observed particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of 208 ± 4.29 nm, 0.35 ± 0.04, 35.7 ± 1.65 mV, and 66.78 ± 3.89%, respectively. ITZ-ZNPs were imaged by TEM that revealed spherical core-shell structure, and DSC proved ITZ transformation from crystalline to amorphous form. FT-IR showed coupling of zein NH group with ITZ carbonyl group without affecting ITZ antifungal activity as confirmed by antifungal activity test that showed enhanced activity of ITZ-ZNPs over the pure drug. Histopathological examination and cytotoxicity tests ensured biosafety and tolerance of ITZ-ZNPs to the colon tissue. The optimized formulation was then loaded into Eudragit S100-coated capsules and both in vitro release and in vivo X-ray imaging confirmed the success of such coated capsules in protecting ITZ from the release in stomach and intestine while targeting ITZ to the colon. The study proved that ITZ-ZNPs is promising and safe nanoparticulate system that can protect ITZ throughout the GIT and targeting its release to the colon with effectual focused local action for the treatment of colon fungal infections.

Polysaccharides-based nanocarriers enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin

Curcumin (CUR) has been discovered to have many biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxygenation, anti-human immunodeficiency virus, anti-microbial and exhibits a good effect on the prevention and treatment of many diseases. However, the limited properties of CUR, including the poor solubility, bioavailability and instability caused by enzymes, light, metal irons, and oxygen, have compelled researchers to turn their attention to drug carrier application to overcome these drawbacks. Encapsulation may provide potential protective effects to the embedding materials and/or have a synergistic effect with them. Therefore, nanocarriers, especially polysaccharides-based nanocarriers, have been developed in many studies to enhance the anti-inflammatory capacity of CUR. Consequently, it's critical to review current advancements in the encapsulation of CUR using polysaccharides-based nanocarriers, as well as further study the potential mechanisms of action where polysaccharides-based CUR nanoparticles (the complex nanoparticles/Nano CUR-delivery systems) exhibit their anti-inflammatory effects. This work suggests that polysaccharides-based nanocarriers will be a thriving field in the treatment of inflammation and inflammation-related diseases.

Recent Advances in Zein-Based Nanocarriers for Precise Cancer Therapy

Cancer has emerged as a leading cause of death worldwide. However, the pursuit of precise cancer therapy and high-efficiency delivery of antitumor drugs remains an enormous obstacle. The major challenge is the lack of a smart drug delivery system with the advantages of biodegradability, biocompatibility, stability, targeting and response release. Zein, a plant-based protein, possesses a unique self-assembly ability to encapsulate anticancer drugs directly or indirectly. Using zein as a nanotherapeutic pharmaceutic preparation can protect anticancer drugs from harsh environments, such as sunlight, stomach acid and pepsin. Moreover, the surface functionalization of zein is easily realized, which can endow it with targeting and stimulus-responsive release capacity. Hence, zein is an ideal nanocarrier for the precise delivery of anticancer drugs. Combined with our previous research experiences, we attempt to review the current state of the preparation of zein-based nanocarriers for anticancer drug delivery. The challenges, solutions and development trends of zein-based nanocarriers for precise cancer therapy are discussed. This review will provide a guideline for precise cancer therapy in the future.

Effect of different NaCl concentration on the structure-function relationship of citrus peel pectins modified by electrochemistry

In this study, the modified citrus peel pectins (CPPs) were successfully produced by electrochemistry with varying NaCl concentrations of 0, 0.01 % and 0.1 % w/v using an H-type cell at 40 mA current. After 4 h, the pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of oxidized CPP solution in the anodic region were 2.00- 2.52 and 371.17- 564.45 mV, respectively, due to the electrolysis of water, whereas those of reduced CPP solution in cathodic region were 9.46- 10.84 and - 202.77 ~ -230.57 mV. The modified CPPs in the anodic region (A-0, A-0.01, and A-0.1) exhibited significantly higher weight-average molecular weights and methyl esterification degrees than those in the cathodic region (C-0, C-0.01 and C-0.1). In contrast, the K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ contents of A-0, A-0.01, and A-0.1 were lower than those of C-0, C-0.01 and C-0.1 due to the electrophoretic migration. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of A-0 and A-0.01 solutions were stronger than those of the C-0, C-0.01, and C-0.1, while rheological and texture properties of their hydrogels showed contradictory results. Finally, the potential structure-function relationships of CPPs were explored by combining PCA and correlation analysis. Overall, this study introduced a potential approach for pectin purification and functional low-methoxyl pectin manufacturing.

Investigating of zein-gum arabic-tea polyphenols ternary complex nanoparticles for luteolin encapsulation: Fabrication, characterization, and functional performance

Luteolin has extensive biological effects, but its low water-solubility and oral bioavailability have restricted its application. In this study, we successfully prepared new zein-gum arabic (GA)-tea polyphenols (TP) ternary complex nanoparticles (ZGTL) as a delivery system to encapsulate luteolin using an anti-solvent precipitation method. Consequently, ZGTL nanoparticles showed negatively charged smooth spherical structures with smaller particle size and higher encapsulation ability. X-ray diffraction revealed the amorphous state of luteolin in the nanoparticles. Hydrophobic, electrostatic, and hydrogen bonding interactions contributed to the formation and stability of ZGTL nanoparticles, as indicated by fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectra analyses. The inclusion of TP improved the physicochemical stability and luteolin retention rate of ZGTL nanoparticles by forming more compact nanostructures under different environmental conditions, including pH, salt ion concentration, temperature, and storage. Additionally, ZGTL nanoparticles exhibited stronger antioxidant activity and better sustainable release capacity under simulated gastrointestinal conditions due to TP incorporation. These findings demonstrate that ZGT complex nanoparticles have potential applications as an effective delivery system for encapsulating bioactive substances in food and medicine fields.

Preparation and characterization of novel composite nanoparticles using zein and hyaluronic acid for efficient delivery of naringenin

Hyaluronic acid (HA), a polymer mainly found in animal tissues, plays an important role in food research. In this study, it was used for delivery improvement of naringenin (NAR) by loading it into zein nanoparticles using an anti-solvent precipitation method. The optimal Nar/zein-HA nanoparticles were uniformly spherical with particle sizes of 209.2 ± 1.9 nm, polydispersity indexes of 0.146 ± 0.032 and zeta-potentials of -19.0 ± 0.7 mV. Moreover, the microstructure of Nar/zein-HA nanoparticles was maintained primarily by hydrophobic, electrostatic, and hydrogen-bonding interactions. Furthermore, Nar/zein-HA nanoparticles showed favorable physical stability and enhanced encapsulation efficiency. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity and release in simulated gastrointestinal digestion of Nar were significantly improved. Overall, these findings indicate that the delivery efficiency of Nar was improved by formulation of ternary nanoparticles.

Characterization and Anti-Aging Activity of Polysaccharides from Akebia trifoliata Fruit Separated by an Aqueous Two-Phase System

Bioactive polysaccharides have numerous pharmacological effects that are beneficial to human health. Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz. has great development prospects as a food resource with medicinal value. The polysaccharides (ATFP) were extracted from A. trifoliata fruit by an aqueous two-phase system. ATFP-3, purified with DEAE-52 and Sephadex G-200 from ATFP, was mainly composed of glucose (47.55%) and galactose (20.39%). Its hydroxyl radical scavenging rate was 89.30% at 1.60 mg/mL and its IC₅₀ was 0.29 mg/mL. ATFP-3 significantly enhanced the survival rate of Caenorhabditis elegans under thermal or oxidative stress. Furthermore, ATFP-3 could prolong the lifespan of C. elegans and improve the activities of the antioxidant enzyme, while also decrease the accumulation of lipofuscin and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in aging worms. Thus, ATFP-3 has application potential in health benefits for humans.

Analysis of the shape characteristics and nutritional components of Akebia trifoliata in Qinba Mountains

Akebia trifoliata (A. trifoliata) is a widely distributed wild vine that has attracted much attention in recent years due to the edible fruit of food and medicinal value. In this paper, the fruits of A. trifoliata, which are derived from Qinling Mountains (12 genotypes) and Bashan Mountains (4 genotypes) and have been artificially domesticated and cultivated for many years, are taken as the research object to study the fruit characteristics and pulp components of 16 genotypes of A. trifoliata. The results show that the pulp of the 16 genotypes contain a variety of nutrients, among which the average contents of total sugar, total acid, vitamin C, soluble solids and starch are 14.68g/100g, 0.14g/100g, 26.40mg/100g, 17.95% and 5.29g/100g. The fruit contains 17 amino acids, including 7 essential amino acids and 4 organic acids. The latter refers to malic acid, lactic acid, citric acid and fumaric acid, the average contents of which are 1.03g/kg, 3.38g/kg, 0.33g/kg and 0.0149g/kg. Besides, 8 mineral elements in the fruit include 4 macro elements and 4 micro elements. The average contents of the former are potassium (1.83g/kg), calcium (0.23g/kg), phosphorus (0.28g/kg) and magnesium (0.21g/kg), and the average contents of the latter are iron (2.29mg/kg), zinc (2.23mg/kg), copper (1.37mg/kg) and manganese (5.52mg/kg). During the ripening process of A. trifoliata fruit (using HY-9 as the material), the main nutrients in the pulp such as total sugar, soluble solids, starch, amino acids and various mineral elements reach the maximum in stage 3, indicating that stage 3 is the best edible period of A. trifoliata fruit. Through the assignment analysis and comprehensive evaluation of 9 quality indicators (3 apparent characters and 6 main chemical components) of the fruits of the 16 A. trifoliata genotypes from Qinba Mountains, HY-1, HY-2 and HY-9 were finally screened out as the three superior genotypes. This study aims to provide reference for the development and utilization of A. trifoliata wild germplasm resources and the selection of new varieties.

Zein-based nano-delivery systems for encapsulation and protection of hydrophobic bioactives: A review

Zein is a kind of excellent carrier materials to construct nano-sized delivery systems for hydrophobic bioactives, owing to its unique interfacial behavior, such as self-assembly and packing into nanoparticles. In this article, the chemical basis and preparation methods of zein nanoparticles are firstly reviewed, including chemical crosslinking, emulsification/solvent evaporation, antisolvent, pH-driven method, etc., as well as the pros and cons of different preparation methods. Various strategies to improve their physicochemical properties are then summarized. Lastly, the encapsulation and protection effects of zein-based nano-sized delivery systems (e.g., nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanomicelles and nanogels) are discussed, using curcumin as a model bioactive ingredient. This review will provide guidance for the in-depth development of hydrophobic bioactives formulations and improve the application value of zein in the food industry.

The Akebia Genus as a Novel Forest Crop: A Review of Its Genetic Resources, Nutritional Components, Biosynthesis, and Biological Studies

The genus Akebia belongs to the Lardizabalaceae family and comprises five species that are primarily distributed in East Asia. Plants of the Akebia genus comprise deciduous and semi-evergreen perennial twining vines that have been used in Chinese herbal medicine for at least 2000 years. The plants of this genus have the potential to form a novel forest crop with high nutritional and economic value because their fruit has a delicious sweet taste and rich nutrient components. In this study, we organized, analyzed, and evaluated the available published scientific literature on the botanical, ecological, and phytochemical characteristics of Akebia plants. Based on these studies, we briefly introduced botanical and ecological characteristics and focused on reviewing the development and utilization of wild genetic resources in the genus Akebia. We further explored the genus' rich nutritional components, such as triterpenes, flavonoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and fatty acids, and their potential use in food and health improvement applications. In addition, several papers describing advances in biotechnological research focusing on micropropagation, nutrient biosynthesis, and fruit ripeness were also included. This review provides comprehensive knowledge of the Akebia genus as a new forest crop for food and fruit utilization, and we also discuss future breeding and research prospects.

Zein Microparticles and Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems

Zein is a natural, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymer widely used in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and packaging fields because of its low water vapor permeability, antibacterial activity, and hydrophobicity. It is a vegetal protein extracted from renewable resources (it is the major storage protein from corn). There has been growing attention to producing zein-based drug delivery systems in the recent years. Being a hydrophobic biopolymer, it is used in the controlled and targeted delivery of active principles. This review examines the present-day landscape of zein-based microparticles and nanoparticles, focusing on the different techniques used to obtain particles, the optimization of process parameters, advantages, disadvantages, and final applications.

Pectin-zein based stigmasterol nanodispersions ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice

Due to the insolubility of phytosterols in both water and oil, their application in the medicine and health and food industries is limited. In this study, zein and pectin were selected as wall materials of phytosterol nanoparticles to enhance the solubility and bioactivity of phytosterols. The colitis-inhibitory effects of zein-based stigmasterol nanodispersions (ZNs) and zein/pectin-based stigmasterol nanodispersions (ZPNs) were investigated in the sodium dextran sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. The results showed that ZPNs' therapeutic effect was better than that of ZNs. According to electron microscopy observation, pectin adsorbed on the surface of zein appeared to form an elastic network structure, which increased the stability of stigmasterol nanodispersions. ZPNs not only relieved the adverse physiological symptoms of colitis in mice, but additionally prevented colonic length shortening and reduced fecal hemoglobin content. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that ZPNs could alleviate colitis by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway involved in the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, CSF-1 and coenzyme COX-2. This study suggests that supplement of nano-embedded stigmasterol based on zein and pectin has a positive therapeutic effect on alleviating colitis in mice. Such activities of nano-embedded stigmasterol in humans remain to be investigated.

Recent advances in utilization of pectins in biomedical applications: a review focusing on molecular structure-directing health-promoting properties

The numerous health benefits of pectins justify their inclusion in human diets and biomedical products. This review provides an overview of pectin extraction and modification methods, their physico-chemical characteristics, health-promoting properties, and pharmaceutical/biomedical applications. Pectins, as readily available and versatile biomolecules, can be tailored to possess specific functionalities for food, pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, through judicious selection of appropriate extraction and modification technologies/processes based on green chemistry principles. Pectin's structural and physicochemical characteristics dictate their effects on digestion and bioavailability of nutrients, as well as health-promoting properties including anticancer, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, intestinal microflora-regulating, immune barrier-strengthening, hypercholesterolemia-/arteriosclerosis-preventing, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, antitussive, analgesic, anticoagulant, and wound healing effects. HG, RG-I, RG-II, molecular weight, side chain pattern, and degrees of methylation, acetylation, amidation and branching are critical structural elements responsible for optimizing these health benefits. The physicochemical characteristics, health functionalities, biocompatibility and biodegradability of pectins enable the construction of pectin-based composites with distinct properties for targeted applications in bioactive/drug delivery, edible films/coatings, nano-/micro-encapsulation, wound dressings and biological tissue engineering. Achieving beneficial synergies among the green extraction and modification processes during pectin production, and between pectin and other composite components in biomedical products, should be key foci for future research.

Oral colon-targeting core-shell microparticles loading curcumin for enhanced ulcerative colitis alleviating efficacy

Background

The oral colon-targeting drug delivery vehicle is vital for the efficient application of curcumin (Cur) in ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment because of its lipophilicity and instability in the gastrointestinal tract.

Methods

The core–shell microparticle (MP) system composed of eco-friendly materials, zein and shellac, was fabricated using a coaxial electrospray technique. In this manner, Cur was loaded in the zein core, with shellac shell coating on it. The colon-targeting efficiency and accumulation capacity of shellac@Cur/zein MPs were evaluated using a fluorescence imaging test. The treatment effects of free Cur, Cur/zein MPs, and shellac@Cur/zein MPs in acute experimental colitis were compared.

Results

With the process parameters optimized, shellac@Cur/zein MPs were facilely fabricated with a stable cone-jet mode, exhibiting standard spherical shape, uniform size distribution (2.84 ± 0.15 µm), and high encapsulation efficiency (95.97% ± 3.51%). Particularly, with the protection of shellac@zein MPs, Cur exhibited sustained drug release in the simulated gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, the in vivo fluorescence imaging test indicated that the cargo loaded in shellac@zein MPs improves the colon-targeting efficiency and accumulation capacity at the colonitis site. More importantly, compared with either free Cur or Cur/zein MPs, the continuous oral administration of shellac@Cur/zein MPs for a week could efficiently inhibit inflammation in acute experimental colitis.

Conclusion

The shellac@Cur/zein MPs would act as an effective oral drug delivery system for UC management.

Surface-Tailored Zein Nanoparticles: Strategies and Applications

Plant-derived proteins have emerged as leading candidates in several drug and food delivery applications in diverse pharmaceutical designs. Zein is considered one of the primary plant proteins obtained from maize, and is well known for its biocompatibility and safety in biomedical fields. The ability of zein to carry various pharmaceutically active substances (PAS) position it as a valuable contender for several in vitro and in vivo applications. The unique structure and possibility of surface covering with distinct coating shells or even surface chemical modifications have enabled zein utilization in active targeted and site-specific drug delivery. This work summarizes up-to-date studies on zein formulation technology based on its structural features. Additionally, the multiple applications of zein, including drug delivery, cellular imaging, and tissue engineering, are discussed with a focus on zein-based active targeted delivery systems and antigenic response to its potential in vivo applicability.

Recent progress in the preparation, chemical interactions and applications of biocompatible polysaccharide-protein nanogel carriers

Nanogel carriers are rapidly emerged as a major delivery strategy in the fields of food, biology and medicine for small particle size, excellent solubility, high loading, and controlled release. Natural polysaccharides and proteins are selected for the preparation of biocompatible, biodegradable, low toxic, and less immunogenic nanogels. Different polysaccharides and proteins form complex nanogels through different interaction forces (e.g., electrostatic interaction and hydrophobic interaction). The present review pursues three aims: 1) to introduce several well-known dietary polysaccharides (chitosan, dextran and alginate) and proteins (whey protein and lysozyme); 2) to discuss the types, preparation methods, chemical interactions and properties of various biocompatible complex carriers; 3) to present the application and prospect of polysaccharide-protein complex in bioactive ingredient delivery, nutrient encapsulation and flavor protection. We expect that the integration with nano-intelligent technology will improve the functional ingredient loading, recognition specificity and controlled release capabilities of polysaccharide-protein nanocomposites to generate new intelligent nanogels in the field of food industry in the future.

Prolamin-based complexes: Structure design and food-related applications

Prolamins are a group of safe food additives that are biocompatible, biodegradable, and sustainable. Zein, gliadin, kafirin, and hordein are common prolamins that have been extensively studied, particularly as these form colloidal particles because of their amphiphilic properties. Prolamin-based binary/ternary complexes, which have stable physicochemical properties and superior functionality, are formed by combining prolamins with polysaccharides, polyphenols, water-soluble proteins, and surfactants. Although the combination of prolamins with other components has received attention, the relationship between the structural design of prolamin-based complexes and their functionalities remains uncertain. This review discusses the production methods of prolamin-based complexes, the factors influencing their structural characteristics, and their applications in the food industry. Further studies are needed to elucidate the structure-function relationships between prolamins and other biopolymers, as well as the toxicological effects of these complexes in food.

Cashew apple pectin as a carrier matrix for mangiferin: Physicochemical characterization, in vitro release and biological evaluation in human neutrophils

In this work, cashew apple pectin (CP) of the species Anacardium occidentale L. was used as an encapsulation matrix for hydrophobic drugs. The model drug chosen was mangiferin (Mf), a glycosylated C-xanthone which has antioxidant properties but low solubility in aqueous medium. CP (1-100 μg mL^-1) was not toxic to human neutrophils and also did not significantly interfere with the pro-inflammatory mechanism of these cells in the concentration range of 12.5 and 100 μg mL^-1. The results are promising because they show that pectin encapsulated mangiferin after spray drying presented an efficiency of 82.02%. The results obtained in the dissolution test, simulating the release of mangiferin in the gastrointestinal tract (pH 1.2, 4.6 and 6.8) and using Franz diffusion cells (pH 7.4), showed that cashew pectin may be a promising vehicle in prolonged drug delivery systems for both oral and dermal applications.

Progress in Natural Compounds/siRNA Co-delivery Employing Nanovehicles for Cancer Therapy

Chemotherapy using natural compounds, such as resveratrol, curcumin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, etoposide, doxorubicin, and camptothecin, is of importance in cancer therapy because of the outstanding therapeutic activity and multitargeting capability of these compounds. However, poor solubility and bioavailability of natural compounds have limited their efficacy in cancer therapy. To circumvent this hurdle, nanocarriers have been designed to improve the antitumor activity of the aforementioned compounds. Nevertheless, cancer treatment is still a challenge, demanding novel strategies. It is well-known that a combination of natural products and gene therapy is advantageous over monotherapy. Delivery of multiple therapeutic agents/small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a potent gene-editing tool in cancer therapy can maximize the synergistic effects against tumor cells. In the present review, co-delivery of natural compounds/siRNA using nanovehicles are highlighted to provide a backdrop for future research.