Carboxymethylpachymaran-Coated Zein Nanoparticles for Oral Delivery of Curcumin: Formation, Characterization, Physicochemical Stability, and Controlled Release Properties

Abstract

The instability and poor solubility of curcumin limit its intake in the human body. In this work, curcuminencapsulated carboxymethylpachymaran/zein composite nanoparticles (ZMCNPs) were prepared by anti-solvent precipitation, and the morphology of composite nanoparticles was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, and the interaction between carboxymethylpachymaran, zein, and curcumin was explored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The encapsulation efficiency of curcumin by ZMCNPs (83.2%) was significantly higher than that of zein-curcumin nanoparticles (ZCNPs) (44.9%). The ZMCNPs also exhibit high ionic strength tolerance and light, heat, and storage stability. The in vitro release showed that ZMCNPs could effectively prevent the premature release of curcumin in the stomach (9.5%), while curcumin was better sustained in the small intestine stage (47.9%). Finally, the result of cytotoxicity assay in IEC-6 cells and HT-29 cells indicated the good biocompatibility of the ZMCNPs. Therefore, our study may provide some novel options for delivering biologically active substances.

Co-encapsulation of Quercetin and α-Tocopherol Bioactives in Zein Nanoparticles: Synergistic Interactions, Stability, and Controlled Release

“…This suggests that near-neutral charge conditions at pH = 7 favor optimal packing within the nanoparticles, allowing for an increased loading of bioactive compounds. These results emphasize the significance of pH in the formulation of zein nanoparticles for efficient bioactive delivery. , …”

“…These results emphasize the significance of pH in the formulation of zein nanoparticles for efficient bioactive delivery. 10,31 3.3. Morphological Analysis.…”

“…The utilization of zein nanoparticles in functional foods is frequently constrained because of their tendency to aggregate near their isoelectric point (6.2) under high ionic strengths, elevated temperatures, and in specific regions of the gastrointestinal tract. , Several strategies have been proposed to increase the chemical stability of zein nanoparticles and broaden the scope of bioactive compounds, such as surface modification, coating with polysaccharides, , incorporation of emulsifiers, and utilization of surfactants. In this study, Tween 80 was employed to enhance the physicochemical properties of the zein nanoparticles.…”

Electrosprayed curcumin‐zein@polycaprolactone‐mucilage capsules for an improved sustained release

“…Wang et al designed carboxymethylpachymaran‐coated zein nanoparticles as a smart DDS for curcumin which could intelligently control the release curcumin and prevent the premature release of curcumin in the stomach. [ 62 ] The developed system, it may be argued, can distribute medications in a regulated way for a long period of time. [ 63 ] Increased release at pH 5 suggests that the DDS is suitable for anticancer applications.…”

Zein-Based Nanoparticles as Active Platforms for Sustainable Applications: Recent Advances and Perspectives

“…To overcome this criticality, it has been observed that the use of a core shell as a natural polyelectrolyte, such as hyaluronic acid, pectin, carboxymethyl chitosan, carboxymethyl dextrin, soy polysaccharide, or rubber, stabilizes the nanoparticles; this allows for a good stability of pH and ionic strength, increasing the encapsulation efficiency compared to single ZNPs. Moreover, smaller nanoparticle size leads to a longer release time for the active ingredients [ 52 ].…”