Fabrication and characterization of pectin-zein nanoparticles containing tanshinone using anti-solvent precipitation method

Preparation, characterization and sustained release of an encapsulated astaxanthin composite derived from hawthorn pectin/zein hydrogel

In this study, we investigated the effects of extraction methods on the gel properties of composite hydrogels of hawthorn pectin (HP) and zein, as well as on the encapsulation effect and in vivo and in vitro release ability of astaxanthin (ASTA), Gel properties were assessed based on gel strength, dehydration shrinkage, rheological behavior, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Optimal gelation parameters were a pectin-to-protein ratio of 1:2, Ca2+ concentration (15 mmol/L) at a pH of 3. Notably, hydrogels derived from microwave-assisted extraction (MA-HP) demonstrated superior gel properties. Measurement of embedding rate, loading capacity, and in vitro digestion simulation experiment, the results indicated that the composite hydrogel prepared from pectin obtained by microwave-assisted extraction method and zein (MA-ZHIH) achieved the highest encapsulation efficiency for ASTA at 97.3 % alongside a drug loading capacity of 8.12 %. ASTA encapsulated with MA-ZHIH successfully crossed the gastric simulant and was released in the intestinal simulant, with the DPPH clearance of the released ASTA remaining at 53.4 %. Further in vivo studies in mice confirmed the potential of MA-ZHIH's as a bioactive delivery system, supporting its application in the encapsulation and controlled release of bioactive compounds and offering, valuable insights for the utilization of HP.

Foxtail millet prolamin-pectin nanoparticles enhanced the stability and bioavailability of β-sitosterol

Herein, β-sitosterol-loaded foxtail millet prolamin (FMP)-pectin composite nanoparticles (FSNs) were successfully produced using an antisolvent precipitation method to encapsulate β-sitosterol and improve its bioaccessibility. Results indicated that the nanoparticles prepared at a FMP-to-pectin mass ratio of 10:2 not only showed lower particle size (401.7 ± 14.7 nm, p < 0.05) and higher net zeta potential (-33.3 ± 6.1 mV, p < 0.05) but also exhibited higher encapsulation efficiency (81.5 % ± 0.3 %, p < 0.05). FSNs successfully encapsulated β-sitosterol through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. β-sitosterol changed from a crystalline to an amorphous state. Meanwhile, FMP-pectin composite nanoparticles (FNs) and FSNs displayed similar irregular lamellar structures and exhibited excellent physical stability at different environments (pH > 4, salt ions <100 mM, different temperatures and storage at 4 °C). The simulated digestion result showed that FSNs could target the release of β-sitosterol at the intestinal stage with a release rate of 72.23 ± 1.19 % (p < 0.05). Moreover, the bioaccessibility of β-sitosterol in FSNs significantly increased by about 68.58 ± 2.39 % (p < 0.05) compared with free β-sitosterol. Nonetheless, this study provided a novel β-sitosterol delivery system based on FMP-pectin complexes with a broad prospect in the processing of food, pharmaceuticals and nutrition.

Loading curcumin on hyperbranched polymers functionalized Zein via the phenol-yne click reaction as pH-responsive drug delivery system for chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy

Zein and its complexes have been considered as promising carriers for encapsulating and delivering various biological active ingredients, however, there still have some issues about Zein-based drug delivery systems should be considered, including poor colloidal stability, low drug encapsulation efficiency as well as rapid initial drug release, and uncontrollable release. In this work, we reported for the first time that hyperbranched polymers (HPG) functionalized Zein with terminal alkyne (Zein-HPG-PA) can be used for loading anticancer agent curcumin (CUR) via a facile phenol-yne click reaction. The resultant product (Zein-HPG-PA@CUR) displays high drug loading capacity, small particle size and excellent water dispersibility. More importantly, almost no CUR was released from Zein-HPG-PA@CUR under pH 7.4 and the cargo will be gradually released under acidic environment. As compared with free CUR, Zein-HPG-PA@CUR shows considerable cytotoxicity towards MDA-MB-231 cells under dark environment, while the cytotoxicity was significantly enhanced upon light-irradiation, implying great potential of Zein-HPG-PA@CUR for cancer treatment. Considered the above aspects, we believe that this work should be of significant impact on the biomedical applications of Zein, especially for fabrication of Zein-based responsive drug delivery systems.

Preparation, structural changes and functional properties of the covalent complexes of almond protein and phloretin

Proteins and polyphenols exhibit distinct biological activities and functional properties. A comprehensive investigation into the formation mechanisms, structures, and functional properties of protein-polyphenol complexes will deepen our understanding of their interactions and establish a theoretical foundation and technical support for development of novel functional foods and pharmaceutical products. The almond protein-phloretin (AP-PHL) covalent complex was synthesized through the covalent binding of hydroxyl radicals to phloretin (PHL), utilizing almond protein (AP) as the raw material. Ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy (UV), fluorescence spectroscopy (FS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy (RS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed to characterize the AP-PHL complex. Additionally, its properties, including emulsification characteristics and antioxidant activity, were analyzed. The results indicated that the hydrophobic groups in hydroxyl radical-treated AP relocated to a hydrophilic environment and interacted with PHL, thereby forming a stable complex. TEM results indicated that AP formed clusters within the central region of PHL. Additionally, UV and FS analyses revealed that the maximum absorption wavelength of AP-PHL shifted from 287.5 nm to 258 nm and 280 nm, respectively. As the PHL concentration increased, the fluorescence intensity gradually decreased, accompanied by a slight redshift. FTIR and RS analyses revealed that modifications in functional groups (e.g., -CH3, =CH2, CO, CC, CO) were implicated in the interaction between AP and PHL. Such structural modifications, along with other changes, enhanced the functional properties of AP-PHL, including thermal stability, water solubility, and emulsification, thereby indicating its substantial potential for applications in food and pharmaceuticals.

Isobavachalcone-loaded electrospun polycaprolactone/gelatin nanofibers for antibacterial and antioxidant applications

Antibacterial nanofibers have been widely used in the fields of biomedicine and food packaging fields. To overcome existing antibiotic resistance, this study utilized isobavachalcone (IBC), a natural compound with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, combined with polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin (GEL) to develop an electrospun nanofibrous antibacterial membrane. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a uniform and smooth surface structure of the nanofiber. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction confirmed the interactions among the components of the nanofibrous membrane PCL/GEL/IBC (PGI). Thermogravimetric analysis and contact angle measurements demonstrated the thermal stability and hydrophilic nature. Additionally, the mechanical properties of PGI membrane were that the elongation at break increased to 19.9% and the tensile strength to 2.9 MPa.In vitrorelease studies indicated at least 48% release rate of IBC from the PGI nanofibrous membrane in 12 h, and release period up to 14 d. Antioxidant results revealed PGI membranes had fine abilities for scavenging free radical. The elimination of over 99% ofStaphylococcus aureusand elimination of 54%Candida albicansdemonstrated the antibacterial capacities of the PGI membrane, indicating its potential as antibacterial and antioxidant materials. Subsequent faster wound healing, lower oxidative damage for 4-HNE and 8-OHdG, further demonstrated that PGI can reduce oxidative damage at the wound and promote wound healing. These findings also suggest the potential of PGI in the field of tissue engineering.

Development, Safety, and Therapeutic Evaluation of Voriconazole-Loaded Zein-Pectin-Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles Using Alternative In Vivo Models for Efficacy and Toxicity

Background/Objectives: Fungal infections caused by Candida species remain a significant clinical challenge, exacerbated by limitations in current antifungal therapies, including toxicity and poor bioavailability. This study aimed to develop and evaluate voriconazole-loaded zein-pectin-hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (ZPHA-VRC NPs) as a novel drug delivery system to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity. Alternative in vitro and in vivo models were utilized to assess the safety and therapeutic potential of the nanoparticles. Methods: ZPHA-VRC NPs were prepared using a nanoprecipitation method and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. Antifungal activity was assessed via MIC assays against Candida albicans, C. krusei, and C. parapsilosis. Cytotoxicity was evaluated on Vero cells, while in vivo toxicity and efficacy were assessed using Galleria mellonella and Caenorhabditis elegans models. The therapeutic efficacy was further evaluated in an infected Caenorhabditis elegans model using survival and health scores. Results: ZPHA-VRC nanoparticles exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, including a particle size of approximately 192 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.079, a zeta potential of -24 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 34%. The nanoparticles retained antifungal activity comparable to free voriconazole while significantly reducing cytotoxicity. In vivo studies using G. mellonella and C. elegans demonstrated that ZPHA-VRC NPs markedly improved survival rates, reduced fungal burden, and enhanced health scores in infected models, outperforming the free drug. Additionally, the nanoparticles exhibited a superior safety profile, minimizing systemic toxicity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Conclusions: ZPHA-VRC NPs offer a safer and more effective delivery system for VRC, addressing the limitations of conventional formulations. The integration of alternative efficacy and safety models highlights their value in preclinical research.

Preparation of vanillin nanoparticle/polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan film and its application in preservation of large yellow croaker

The novel polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan films incorporated with vanillin/zein/κ-carrageenan nanoparticles (VZCNPs) were developed. The polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan/vanillin nanoparticles (PVA/CS/NPs) films had exhibited enhanced tensile strength, hydrophobicity, antioxidant activities and antimicrobial efficacy, all of which varied with the different concentrations of VZCNPs. Notably, the PVA/CS/NPs-10 film exhibited exceptional performance, with a reduced Moisture Content of 15.68 ± 0.46 %, an increased water contact angle of 65.75°, and improved ABTS scavenging rate of 77.39 ± 0.54 %, demonstrating outstanding antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties. The PVA/CS/NPs films were further applied to the packaging of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) to evaluate their preservation capability at 4 °C. The results indicated that the PVA/CS/NPs films effectively inhibited microbial growth and lipid oxidation, thereby delaying the spoilage of large yellow croaker. High-throughput sequencing study showed that the films effectively inhibited spoilage bacteria, including Comamonas, Pseudomonas, and, Burkholderia and affected the distribution of bacterial populations during storage. This study provides new insights into prolonging the shelf life of fresh-frozen large yellow croaker and developing advanced preservation methods for the future development of the aquatic product.

Functionalized sodium alginate composite films based on double-encapsulated essential oil of wampee nanoparticles: a green preservation material

In this study, zein-pectin nanoparticles loaded with Wampee [Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels] (WEO) were developed. The particle size of the nanoparticles is 515.9 nm, polydispersity index is 0.4 and zeta potential is -39.3 mV. Subsequently, the ZWP was incorporated into sodium alginate (SA)-based film (ZWP-S). The films were then analyzed to determine their physical properties and thermal stability, and also to examine their microstructure and intermolecular forces using SEM, FTIR, and XRD techniques. Additionally, the films were evaluated for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, as well as their ability to sustain the release of WEO. Overall, the ZWP-S film conferred excellent functional properties, including UV barrier performance, mechanical properties (21 % increase in tensile strength), water sensitivity, stability, more compact structure, high antioxidant activity and long-lasting antimicrobial activity, surpassing those of the control film. Consequently, it was applied as a novel coating for preserving strawberries, rotting rate of strawberries was reduced by 43 % at 6d, yielding promising results in prolonging the freshness of the fruit.

Characterization of pectin-zein nanoparticles encapsulating tanshinone: Antioxidant activity, controlled release properties, physicochemical stability to environmental stresses

Tanshinone compounds, natural antioxidants found in the roots of Salvia subg Perovskia plants, offer various health benefits and can serve as natural food additives, replacing synthetic antioxidants. In this study, the nanoparticles were created using the antisolvent method, which were then evaluated for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties, as well as their ability to release tanshinone and withstand environmental stress. The results of the study demonstrated a significant improvement in the antioxidant capabilities of tanshinone with the nanoparticle coating. The T/Z/P NPs exhibited enhanced tanshinone release under simulated gastrointestinal conditions compared to T/Z nanoparticles. These nanoparticles displayed remarkable stability against fluctuations in environmental pH and thermal conditions. The study also revealed that the critical flocculation concentration of the system was 0.5 M of salt. Furthermore, the T/Z/P NPs showed good stability during storage at 4°C for 30 days, making them an excellent candidate for use in various food products.

Encapsulation of eucalyptus and Litsea cubeba essential oils using zein nanopolymer: Preparation, characterization, storage stability, and antifungal evaluation

The encapsulation of essential oils (EOs) in protein-based biopolymeric matrices stabilized with surfactant ensures protection and physical stability of the EO against unfavorable environmental conditions. Accordingly, this study prepared zein nanoparticles loaded with eucalyptus essential oil (Z-EEO) and Litsea cubeba essential oil (Z-LEO), stable and with antifungal activity against Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, responsible for substantial damage to bean crops. The nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation with the aid of ultrasound treatment and characterized. The nanoparticles exhibited a hydrodynamic diameter close to 200 nm and PDI < 0.3 for 120 days, demonstrating the physical stability of the carrier system. Scanning electron microscopy and Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the nanoparticles were smooth and uniformly distributed spheres. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed interaction between zein and EOs through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated the thermal stability of the nanoparticles compared to pure bioactive compounds. The nanoparticles exhibited a dose-dependent effect in inhibiting the fungus in in vitro testing, with Z-EEO standing out by inhibiting 70.0 % of the mycelial growth of C. lindemuthianum. Therefore, the results showed that zein has great potential to encapsulate hydrophobic compounds, improving the applicability of the bioactive compound as a biofungicide, providing protection for the EO.

Pectin-based cinnamon essential oil Pickering emulsion film with two-sided differential wettability: A major role in the spatial distribution of microdroplets

Pickering emulsions have attracted much attention as a novel emulsifying technology. This research to explore Zein-Citrus pectin nanoparticles stabilized cinnamon essential oil (CEO) Pickering emulsion (ZCCPEs) for constructing Pickering emulsion edible film (PEF). Unlike traditional research, which focuses on antibacterial and antioxidant activities, our research examined the physical properties of PEF, specifically changes in wettability. The results show that PEF has better transparency and tensile strength than the pectin alone direct emulsion film (PAEF), and the spatial distribution of Pickering emulsion droplets gives different wettability on both sides of PEF. The partially hydrophobic upside has important application value in food packaging. At the same time, the PEF is biodegradable and environmentally non-polluting. The edible film loaded with essential oils, developed based on the Pickering stabilization mechanism in this study, possesses several desirable characteristics for potential used as bioactive packaging films in food applications.

Dual-Responsive "Egg-Box" Shaped Microgel Beads Based on W1/O/W2 Double Emulsions for Colon-Targeted Delivery of Synbiotics

In this study, for enhancing the resistance of probiotics to environmental factors, we designed a microgel beads delivery system loaded with synbiotics. Multiple droplets of W1/O/W2 emulsions stabilized with zein-apple pectin hybrid nanoparticles (ZAHPs) acted as the inner "egg," whereas a three-dimensional network of poly-L-lysine (PLL)-alginate-CaCl2 (Ca) crosslinked gel layers served as the outermost "box." ZAHPs with a mass ratio of 2:1 zein-to-apple pectin showed excellent wettability (three-phase contact angle = 89.88°). The results of the ζ-potentials and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrate that electrostatic interaction forces and hydrogen bonding were the main forces involved in the formation of ZAHPs. On this basis, we prepared W1/O/W2 emulsions with other preparation parameters and observed their microstructures by optical microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscope. The multi-chambered structures of W1/O/W2 emulsions were successfully visualized. Finally, the W1/O/W2 emulsions were coated with PLL-alginate-Ca using the solution extrusion method. The results of the in vitro colonic digestion stage reveal that the survival rate of probiotics in the microgel beads was about 75.11%, which was significantly higher than that of the free. Moreover, probiotics encapsulated in microgel beads also showed positive storage stability. Apple pectin would serve as both an emulsifier and a prebiotic. Thus, the results indicate that the "egg-box" shaped microgel beads, designed on the basis of pH-sensitive and enzyme-triggered mechanisms, can enhance the efficiency of probiotics translocation in the digestive tract and mediate spatiotemporal controlled release.

Black rice anthocyanins nanoparticles based on bovine serum albumin and hyaluronic acid: Preparation, characterization, absorption and intestinal barrier function protection in Caco-2 monolayers

Black rice anthocyanins (BRA) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using hyaluronic acid (HA), oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) to enhance the absorption and bioactivity of anthocyanins (ACNs). Results showed that HA/OHA-BSA-BRA NPs had a spherical morphology and excellent dispensability, with hydrated radius ~ 500 nm, zeta potential ~ - 30 mV, and encapsulation efficiency ~21 %. Moreover, using in vitro gastrointestinal release assay, we demonstrated that both BRA-loaded NPs exhibited effective controlled release properties of ACNs, significantly enhancing the accessibility of ACNs to the intestine. Cellular experiments showed that both two NPs had good biocompatibility and increased uptake of BRA. Furthermore, in comparison to the free BRA group, both BRA NPs groups significantly decreased the TEER value and increased the expression of tight junction proteins (Claudin 1, Occludin and ZO-1) in Caco-2 cell monolayers with LPS-induced damage. Therefore, our study demonstrated that HA/OHA-BSA-BRA NPs are promising carriers of ACNs and can effectively prevent the LPS-induced intestinal barrier injury in vitro.