Stabilization of zein nanoparticles with tween-80 and fucoidan for encapsulation of eugenol via a nozzle simulation chip.

Eugenol (EU), a natural bioactive compound found in various plants, offers numerous health benefits, but its application in the food and pharmaceutical industry is limited by its high volatility, instability, and low water solubility. Therefore, this study aimed to utilize the surface coating technique to develop zein-tween-80-fucoidan (Z-T-FD) composite nanoparticles for encapsulating eugenol using a nozzle simulation chip. The physicochemical characteristics of the composite nanoparticles were examined by varying the weight ratios of Z, T, and FD. Results showed that the Z-T-FD weight ratio of 5:1:15 exhibited excellent colloidal stability under a range of conditions, including pH (2-8), salt concentrations (10-500 mmol/L), heating (80 °C), and storage (30 days). Encapsulation of EU into Z-T-FD nanoparticles (0.5:5:1:15) resulted in an encapsulation efficiency of 49.29 ± 1.00%, loading capacity of 0.46 ± 0.05%, particle size of 205.01 ± 3.25 nm, PDI of 0.179 ± 0.006, and zeta-potential of 37.12 ± 1.87 mV. Spherical structures were formed through hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and molecular docking. Furthermore, the EU-Z-T-FD (0.5:5:1:15) nanoparticles displayed higher in vitro antioxidant properties (with DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging properties at 75.28 ± 0.16% and 39.13 ± 1.22%, respectively), in vitro bioaccessibility (64.78 ± 1.37%), and retention rates under thermal and storage conditions for EU compared to other formulations. These findings demonstrate that the Z-T-FD nanoparticle system can effectively encapsulate, protect, and deliver eugenol, making it a promising option for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Synergistic stabilization of a menthol Pickering emulsion by zein nanoparticles and starch nanocrystals: Preparation, structural characterization, and functional properties.

A Pickering emulsion was synergistically stabilised with zein nanoparticles (ZNPs) and starch nanocrystals (SNCs) to prepare it for menthol loading. After response surface optimisation of the emulsion preparation conditions, a Pickering emulsion prepared with a ZNPs:SNCs ratio of 1:1, a particle concentration of 2 wt% and a water:oil ratio of 1:1 provided the highest menthol encapsulation rate of the emulsions tested (83%) with good storage stability within 30 days. We examined the bilayer interface structure of the emulsion by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results of simulated digestion experiments showed that the release rate of free fatty acid was 75.06 ± 1.23%, which ensured bioavailability. At the same time, the emulsions facilitated the slow release of menthol. Bacteriostatic studies revealed that the Pickering emulsion had a protective effect on menthol, with the most significant inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus under the same conditions. Overall, this study proposes a novel approach for the application and development of l-menthol by combining it with Pickering emulsion.

Preparation and characterization of vitamin E microcapsules stabilized by Zein with different polysaccharides.

Vitamin E (VE) microencapsulation using a green surfactant emulsifier not only protects the active substance and is also environmentally friendly. In this study, we used alcohol ether glycoside as an emulsifier to prepare VE microcapsules using the biological macromolecule Zein and various polysaccharides. The resulting nano microcapsules exhibited a spherical structure, stable morphology, uniform size, and a >90% encapsulation efficiency. They also had good thermal stability and slow-release properties. Of these, xanthan gum/Zein-VE microcapsules were superior, with antioxidant properties up to 3.05-fold higher than untreated VE. We successfully developed VE nano microcapsules that meet eco-friendly and sustainable requirements, which may have applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

High internal phase pickering emulsions stabilized by zein/whey protein nanofibril complexes: Preparation and lycopene loading.

High internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) prepared from natural polymers have attracted much attention in the food manufactures. However, single zein-stabilized HIPPEs are poorly stable and prone to flocculation near the isoelectric point. To address this issue, in this study, zein and whey protein nanofibrils (WPN) complex nanoparticles (ZWNPs) were successfully prepared using a pH-driven method, and ZWNPs were further used as HIPPEs stabilizers. The results showed that zein and WPN were combined together through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction to form ZWNPs, and the HIPPEs stabilized by ZWNPs had excellent stability, which could effectively protect the internally encapsulated lycopene and improve the bioaccessibility of lycopene. In conclusion, this study provides a new strategy for the preparation of stable hydrophobic protein-based HIPPEs, represented by zein.

Enhancing plant-based cheese formulation through molecular docking and dynamic simulation of tocopherol and retinol complexes with zein, soy and almond proteins via SVM-machine learning integration.

The current study addresses the growing demand for sustainable plant-based cheese alternatives by employing molecular docking and deep learning algorithms to optimize protein-ligand interactions. Focusing on key proteins (zein, soy, and almond protein) along with tocopherol and retinol, the goal was to improve texture, nutritional value, and flavor characteristics via dynamic simulations. The findings demonstrated that the docking analysis presented high accuracy in predicting conformational changes. Flexible docking algorithms provided insights into dynamic interactions, while analysis of energetics revealed variations in binding strengths. Tocopherol exhibited stronger affinity (-5.8Kcal/mol) to zein compared to retinol (-4.1Kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulations offered comprehensive insights into stability and behavior over time. The integration of machine learning algorithms improved the classification and the prediction accuracy, achieving a rate of 71.59%. This study underscores the significance of molecular understanding in driving innovation in the plant-based cheese industry, facilitating the development of sustainable alternatives to traditional dairy products.

Advanced ethylene-absorbing and cushioning depending on the 3D porous-structured fruit packaging: Toward polyurethane foam manipulation using zein and soybean oil polyol substrates.

Fruits are essential sources of nutrients in our daily diet; however, their spoilage is often intensified by mechanical damage and the ethylene phytohormone, resulting in significant economic losses and exacerbating hunger issues. To address these challenges, this study presented a straightforward in situ synthesis protocol for producing Z/SOPPU foam, a 3D porous-structured fruit packaging. This innovative packaging material offered advanced ethylene-adsorbing and cushioning capabilities achieved through stirring, heating, and standing treatments. The results demonstrated that the Z/SOPPU foam, with its porous structure, served as an excellent packaging material for fruits, maintaining the intact appearance of tomatoes even after being thrown 72 times from a height of 1.5 m. Additionally, it exhibited desirable hydrophobicity (contact angle of 114.31 ± 0.82°), degradability (2.73 ± 0.88 % per 4 weeks), and efficient ethylene adsorption (adsorption rate of 13.2 ± 1.7 mg/m3/h). These remarkable characteristics could be attributed to the unique 3D micron-porous configuration, consisting of soybean oil polyol polyurethane foam for mechanical strain cushioning and zein for enhanced ethylene adsorption efficiency. Overall, this research offers an effective and original approach to the rational design and fabrication of advanced bio-based fruit packaging.

Effects of zein extractions on the structural properties of SPI-zein composite gels: Implications for gluten-free plant-based products.

The growing global interest in physical and environmental health has led to the development of plant-based products. Although soy protein and wheat gluten are commonly utilized, concerns regarding gluten-related health issues have driven exploration into alternative proteins. Zein has emerged as a promising option. This research investigated the impact of extraction methods on zein characteristics and the structures of SPI-zein composite gels. Different extraction methods yielded zein with protein contents ranging from 48.12 % to 64.34 %. Ethanol-extracted Z1 and Z3, obtained at different pH conditions, exhibited zeta potential of -3.25 and 5.43 mV, respectively. They displayed similar characteristics to commercial zein and interacted comparably in composite gels. Conversely, alkaline-extracted Z2 had a zeta potential of -2.37 mV and formed distinct gels when combined with SPI. These results indicated that extraction methods influence zein behaviour in composite gels, offering possibilities for tailored formulations and expanding zein's applications, particularly in gluten-free plant-based products.

Cryoprotective isoliquiritigenin-zein phosphatidylcholine nanoparticles inhibits breast cancer-bone metastasis by targeting JAK-STAT signaling pathways.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and is known for its tendency to spread to the bones, causing significant health issues and mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether cryoprotective isoliquiritigenin-zein phosphatidylcholine nanoparticles (ISL@ZLH NPs) could inhibit BC-induced bone destruction and tumor metastasis in both in vitro and animal models. To evaluate the potential of ISL@ZLH NPs, we conducted various experiments. First, we assessed cell viability, colony formation, transwell migration, and wound healing assays to determine the impact of ISL@ZLH NPs on BC cell behavior. Western blotting, TRAP staining and ALP activity were performed to examine the effects of ISL@ZLH NPs on osteoclast formation induced by MDA-MB-231 cell-conditioned medium and RANKL treated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, we assessed the therapeutic impact of ISL@ZLH NPs on tumor-induced bone destruction using a mouse model of BC bone metastasis. Treatment with ISL@ZLH NPs effectively suppressed BC cell proliferation, colony formation, and motility, reducing their ability to metastasize. ISL@ZLH NPs significantly inhibited osteoclast formation and the expression of factors associated with bone destruction in BC cells. Additionally, ISL@ZLH NPs suppressed JAK-STAT signaling in RAW264.7 cells. In the BCBM mouse model, ISL@ZLH NPs led to a significant reduction in osteolytic bone lesions compared to the control group. Histological analysis and TRAP staining confirmed that ISL@ZLH NPs preserved the integrity of bone structure, preventing invasive metastasis by confining tumor growth to the bone marrow cavity. Furthermore, ISL@ZLH NPs effectively suppressed tumor-induced osteoclastogenesis, a key process in BC-related bone destruction. Our findings demonstrate that ISL@ZLH NPs have the potential to inhibit BC-induced bone destruction and tumor metastasis by targeting JAK-STAT signaling pathways and suppressing tumor-induced osteoclastogenesis. These results underscore the therapeutic promise of ISL@ZLH NPs in managing BC metastasis to the bones.

Chitosan/zein-based sustained-release composite films: Fabrication, physicochemical properties and release kinetics of tea polyphenols from polymer matrix.

This study investigated the properties of chitosan/zein/tea polyphenols (C/Z/T) films and analyzed the release kinetics of tea polyphenols (TP) in various food simulants to enhance the sustainability and functionality of food packaging. The results revealed that TP addition enhanced the hydrophilicity, opacity and mechanical properties of film, and improved the compatibility between film matrix. 1.5 % TP film showed the lowest lightness (76.4) and the highest chroma (29.1), while 2 % TP film had the highest hue angle (1.5). However, the excessive TP (above 1 % concentration) led to a decrease in compatibility and mechanical properties of film. The TP concentration (2 %) resulted in the highest swelling degree in aqueous (750.6 %), alcoholic (451.1 %), and fatty (6.4 %) food simulants. The cumulative release of TP decreased to 16.32 %, 47.13 %, and 5.87 % with the increase of TP load in the aqueous, alcoholic, and fatty food simulants, respectively. The Peleg model best described TP release kinetics. The 2 % TP-loaded film showed the highest DPPH (97.13 %) and ABTS (97.86 %) free radical scavenging activity. The results showed TP release influenced by many factors and obeyed Fick's law of diffusion. This study offered valuable insights and theoretical support for the practical application of active films.

Rutin-loaded zein gel as a green biocompatible formulation for wound healing application.

Wound healing is a challenging clinical problem and efficient wound management is essential to prevent infection. This is best done by utilizing biocompatible materials in order to complete the healing in a rapid manner, with functional and esthetic outcomes. In this context, the zein protein fulfills the criteria of the ideal wound dressing which include non-toxicity and non-inflammatory stimulation. Zein gels containing rutin were prepared without any chemical refinement or addition of gelling agents in order to obtain a natural formulation characterized by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to be proposed for the treatment of burns and sores. In vitro scratch assay showed that the proposed gel formulations promoted cell migration and a rapid gap closure within 24 h (~90 %). In addition, the in vivo activities of rutin-loaded zein gel showed a greater therapeutic efficacy in Wistar rats, with a decrease of the wound area of about 90 % at day 10 with respect to the free form of the bioactive and to DuoDERM®. The evaluation of various markers (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10) confirmed the anti-inflammatory effect of the proposed formulation. The results illustrate the feasibility of exploiting the peculiar features of rutin-loaded zein gels for wound-healing purposes.

Conformations of a highly expressed Z19 α-zein studied with AlphaFold2 and MD simulations.

α-zeins are amphiphilic maize seed storage proteins with material properties suitable for a multitude of applications e.g., in renewable plastics, foods, therapeutics and additive manufacturing (3D-printing). To exploit their full potential, molecular-level insights are essential. The difficulties in experimental atomic-resolution characterization of α-zeins have resulted in a diversity of published molecular models. However, deep-learning α-zein models are largely unexplored. Therefore, this work studies an AlphaFold2 (AF2) model of a highly expressed α-zein using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The sequence of the α-zein cZ19C2 gave a loosely packed AF2 model with 7 α-helical segments connected by turns/loops. Compact tertiary structure was limited to a C-terminal bundle of three α-helices, each showing notable agreement with a published consensus sequence. Aiming to chart possible α-zein conformations in practically relevant solvents, rather than the native solid-state, the AF2 model was subjected to MD simulations in water/ethanol mixtures with varying ethanol concentrations. Despite giving structurally diverse endpoints, the simulations showed several patterns: In water and low ethanol concentrations, the model rapidly formed compact globular structures, largely preserving the C-terminal bundle. At ≥ 50 mol% ethanol, extended conformations prevailed, consistent with previous SAXS studies. Tertiary structure was partially stabilized in water and low ethanol concentrations, but was disrupted in ≥ 50 mol% ethanol. Aggregated results indicated minor increases in helicity with ethanol concentration. ß-sheet content was consistently low (∼1%) across all conditions. Beyond structural dynamics, the rapid formation of branched α-zein aggregates in aqueous environments was highlighted. Furthermore, aqueous simulations revealed favorable interactions between the protein and the crosslinking agent glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). The proximity of GMA epoxide carbons and side chain hydroxyl oxygens simultaneously suggested accessible reactive sites in compact α-zein conformations and pre-reaction geometries for methacrylation. The findings may assist in expanding the applications of these technologically significant proteins, e.g., by guiding chemical modifications.

Preparation, structural characterization, and functional attributes of zein-lysozyme-κ-carrageenan ternary nanocomposites for curcumin encapsulation.

The low water solubility and inadequate bioavailability of curcumin significantly hinder its broad biological applications in the realms of food and medicine. There is limited information currently available regarding the particle characteristics and functional capabilities of zein-lysozyme-based nanomaterials. Thereby, the primary goal of the current work is to effectively develop innovative zein-lysozyme-κ-carrageenan complex nanocomposites (ZLKC) as a reliable carrier for curcumin encapsulation. As a result, ZLKC nanoparticles showed a smooth spherical nanostructure with improved encapsulation efficiency. Fourier-transform infrared, fluorescence spectroscopy, dissociation assay, and circular dichroism analysis revealed that hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding were pivotal in the construction and durability of these composites. X-ray diffraction examination affirmed the lack of crystallinity in curcumin encapsulated within nanoparticles. The incorporation of κ-carrageenan significantly improved the physicochemical stability of ZLKC nanoparticles in diverse environmental settings. Additionally, ZLKC nanocomposites demonstrated enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, as well as sustained release characteristics. Therefore, these findings demonstrate the potential application of ZLKC nanocomposites as delivery materials for encapsulating bioactive substances.

Biomaterial-based combinatorial approach of aescin-comprised zein-coated gelatin nanoparticles alleviates synovial inflammation in experimental inflammatory arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that mostly affects joints. Although RA therapy has made significant progress, difficulties including extensive medication metabolism and its quick clearance result in its inadequate bioavailability. The anti-inflammatory effect of zein was reported with other medications, but it has certain limitations. There are reports on the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of aescin, which exhibits low bioavailability for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Also, the combinatorial effect of zein with other effective drug delivery systems is still under investigation for the treatment of experimental collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis. The focus of this study was to formulate and define the characteristics of zein-coated gelatin nanoparticles encapsulated with aescin (Ze@Aes-GNPs) and to assess and contrast the therapeutic effectiveness of Ze@Aes-GNPs towards collagen-induced RA in Wistar rats. Nanoprecipitation and the layer-by-layer coating process were used to fabricate Ze@Aes-GNPs and their hydrodynamic diameter was determined to be 182 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to further validate the size, shape, and surface morphology of Ze@Aes-GNPs. When tested against foreskin fibroblasts (BJ), these nanoparticles demonstrated significantly high cytocompatibility. Both Aes and Ze@Aes-GNPs were effective in treating arthritis, as shown by the decreased edoema, erythema, and swelling of the joints, between which Ze@Aes-GNPs were more effective. Further, it was demonstrated that Aes and Ze@Aes-GNPs reduced the levels of oxidative stress (articular elastase, lipid peroxidation, catalase, superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide) and inflammatory indicators (TNF-α, IL-1ß and myeloperoxidase). The histopathology findings further demonstrated that Ze@Aes-GNPs considerably reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells at the ankle joint cartilage compared to Aes. Additionally, immunohistochemistry examination showed that treatment with Ze@Aes-GNPs suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory markers (COX-2 and IL-6) while increasing the expression of SOD1. In summary, the experiments indicated that Aes and Ze@Aes-GNPs lowered the severity of arthritis, and critically, Ze@Aes-GNPs showed better effectiveness in comparison to Aes. This suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation was likely driven by Aes and Ze@Aes-GNPs.

Improving the properties of whey protein isolate-zein nanogels with novel acidifiers: Re-dispersity, stability and quercetin bioavailability.

Low bioavailability of quercetin (Que) reduces its preclinical and clinical benefits. In order to improve Que bioavailability, a novel whey protein isolate (WPI)-zein nanogel was prepared by pH-driven self-assembly and heat-induced gelatinization. The results showed that hydrochloric acid can be substituted by both acetic acid and citric acid during the pH-driven process. After encapsulation, the bioavailability of Que in nanogels (composed of 70 % WPI) induced by different acidifiers increased to 19.89 % (citric acid), 21.65 % (hydrochloric acid) and 24.34 % (acetic acid), respectively. Comparatively, nanogels induced by acetic acid showed higher stability (pH and storage stability), re-dispersibility (75.62 %), Que bioavailability (24.34 %), and antioxidant capacity (36.78 % for DPPH scavenging rates). s improved performance of nanogels. In mechanism, acetic acid significantly balanced different intermolecular forces by weakening "acid-induced denaturation" effect. Moreover, the faster binding of Que and protein as well as higher protein molecular flexibility and randomness (higher ratio of random coil) was also observed in nanogels induced by acetic acid. All of these changes contributed to improve nanogels performances. Overall, WPI-zein nanogels induced by acetic acid might be a safe, efficiency and stable delivery system to improve the bioavailability of hydrophobic active ingredients.

Sustainable bioactive food packaging based on electrospun zein-polycaprolactone nanofibers integrated with aster yomena extract loaded halloysite nanotubes.

Compostable zein-polycaprolactone (PZ) electrospun nanofiber integrated with different concentrations of Aster yomena extract loaded halloysite nanotubes (A. yomena-HNT) as bioactive nanofibrous food packaging is reported. SEM micrographs reveal heterogeneous nanofibers. A. yomena extract used in the study showed weak antioxidant activity with AAI and TEAC values of 0.229 and 0.346. In vitro, release profile over 7 days of A. yomena indicates a controlled, sustained, and prolonged release. The prepared nanofibers were effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The prepared composite nanofibers were rendered biocompatible and nontoxic when subjected to WST-1 and LDH assay after incubating with NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line. PZ-15 nanofiber packaging showed the best postharvest quality preservation in Black mulberry fruits after 4 days of storage at 25 °C and 85 % Rh. Moreover, the in vitro decomposition test reveals that the fabricated nanofibers decompose in the soil and do not pose as a threat to the environment.

Lutein encapsulation into dual-layered starch/zein gels using 3D food printing: Improved storage stability and in vitro bioaccessibility.

The ability of 3D printing to encapsulate, protect, and enhance lutein bioaccessibility was investigated under various printing conditions. A spiral-cube-shaped geometry was used to investigate the effects of printing parameters, namely zein concentration (Z; 20, 40, and 60 %) and printing speed (PS; 4, 8, 14, and 20 mm/s). Coaxial extrusion 3D printing was used with lutein-loaded zein as the internal flow material, and corn starch paste as the external flow material. The viscosities of the inks, microstructural properties, storage stability, and bioaccessibility of encapsulated lutein were determined. The sample printed with a zein concentration of 40 % at a printing speed of 14 mm/s (Z-40/PS-14) exhibited the best shape integrity. When lutein was entrapped in starch/zein gels (Z-40/PS-14), only 39 % of lutein degraded after 21 days at 25 °C, whereas 78 % degraded at the same time when crude lutein was studied. Similar improvements were also observed after storing at 50 °C for 21 days. Furthermore, after simulated digestion, the bioaccessibility of encapsulated lutein (9.8 %) was substantially higher than that of crude lutein (1.5 %). As a result, the developed delivery system using 3D printing could be an effective strategy for enhancing the chemical stability and bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds (BCs).

Oregano essential oil encapsulated in zein-pectin-chitosan nanoparticles to improve the storage quality of Harbin red sausage.

In this study, the effect of oregano essential oil loaded in zein-pectin-chitosan (Zein-PC-CS-OEO) nanoparticles on the quality of Harbin red sausage during storage was examined. Zein-PC-CS-OEO nanoparticles exhibit the better encapsulation efficiency, antioxidant and antibacterial properties than these of other prepared nanoparticles, which were subsequently incorporated into Harbin red sausage with different concentrations. The physicochemical properties, bacterial community structure, and flavor characteristics of the Harbin red sausage were determined. Both thiobarbituric acid values and the growth of dominant spoilage bacteria in Harbin red sausage are inhibited by Zein-PC-CS-OEO nanoparticles, while the total aerobic bacteria count is reduced. These results indicate that the storage quality of Harbin red sausage is improved by Zein-PC-CS-OEO nanoparticles. It is worth noting that the shelf life of Harbin red sausage supplemented with 0.1 % Zein-PC-CS-OEO nanoparticles is extended to 9 d, and the flavor characteristics of which are better maintained. This study provides a new approach to extend the application of essential oil and improve the storage quality of Harbin red sausage.

In vitro and in silico investigation of glycyrrhizic acid encapsulated zein nanoparticles: A synergistic targeted drug delivery approach for breast cancer.

This study presents an innovative approach for targeted drug delivery through the development of Glycyrrhizic acid-loaded zein nanoparticles (GA-LNPs) as a proficient carrier system. The juxtaposition of zein, a hydrophobic biological macromolecule as a protein carrier, and Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a hydrophilic therapeutic compound, exemplifies the adaptability of hydrocolloids within cutting-edge drug delivery systems. The characterization and functional traits of research encompass multifaceted analyses of natural macromolecules, which elucidate the homogeneous and spherical morphology of GA-LNPs with an average size of 170.49 nm. The controlled drug release profile of GA, orchestrated under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, adheres to diffusion-based Higuchi kinetics, reflecting the controlled release of the natural macromolecules. The intermolecular interactions among Zein, GA, and cross-linker EDC, facilitated through molecular dynamics simulations, fortify the structural integrity of the encapsulation matrix. In Vitro studies revealed enhanced cellular uptake of GA-LNPs in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. This cellular internalization was further confirmed through cytotoxicity assessments using MTT and apoptosis assays (fluorescence microscopy), which demonstrated the prominent anticancer effects of GA-LNPs on MCF-7 in time/dose-dependent manner. The successful formulation of GA-LNPs, coupled with their sustained release and potent anticancer properties, makes them a potential platform for advanced targeted therapeutic strategies in biomedical applications.

Layer-by-layer assembly of quercetin-loaded zein/γPGA/low-molecular-weight chitosan/fucoidan nanosystem for targeting inflamed blood vessels.

Chitosan acts as a versatile carrier in polymeric nanoparticle (NP) for diverse drug administration routes. Delivery of antioxidants, such as quercetin (Qu) showcases potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for reduction of various cardiovascular diseases, but low water solubility limits uptake. To address this, we developed a novel layer-by-layer zein/gamma-polyglutamic acid (γPGA)/low-molecular-weight chitosan (LC)/fucoidan NP for encapsulating Qu and targeting inflamed vessel endothelial cells. We used zein (Z) and γPGA (r) to encapsulate Qu (Qu-Zr NP) exhibited notably higher encapsulation efficiency compared to zein alone. Qu-Zr NP coated with LC (Qu-ZrLC2 NP) shows a lower particle size (193.2 ± 2.9 nm), and a higher zeta potential value (35.2 ± 0.4 mV) by zeta potential and transmission electron microscopy analysis. After coating Qu-ZrLC2 NP with fucoidan, Qu-ZrLC2Fa NP presented particle size (225.16 ± 0.92 nm), zeta potential (-25.66 ± 0.51 mV) and maintained antioxidant activity. Further analysis revealed that Qu-ZrLC2Fa NP were targeted and taken up by HUVEC cells and EA.hy926 endothelial cells. Notably, we observed Qu-ZrLC2Fa NP targeting zebrafish vessels and isoproterenol-induced inflamed vessels of rat. Our layer-by-layer formulated zein/γPGA/LC/fucoidan NP show promise as a targeted delivery system for water-insoluble drugs. Qu-ZrLC2Fa NP exhibit potential as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic for blood vessels.

Electrospraying and electrospinning of tannic acid-loaded zein: Characterization and antioxidant effects in astrocyte culture exposed to E. coli lipopolysaccharide.

Tannic acid (TA) exhibits low bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract, limiting its benefits due to small amounts reaching the CNS. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop zein capsules and fibers by electrospraying/electrospinning for encapsulation of TA. Polymeric solutions were evaluated by electrical conductivity, density, and viscosity. In zein capsules, up to 2 % TA was added, and in fibers, up to 1 % TA was added. Zein capsule and fiber with TA were evaluated by morphology, size distribution, encapsulation efficiency, thermal and thermogravimetric properties, and functional groups. Zein capsule with 1.5 % TA was evaluated in astrocyte culture for cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity. TA zein capsules and fibers exhibited high encapsulation efficiency and homogeneous morphology. TA encapsulated in zein presented higher thermal stability than free TA. TA zein capsule did not present toxicity and elicited antioxidant action in lipopolysaccharide-induced astrocyte culture. Capsules and fibers were successfully produced by electrospraying/electrospinning techniques.