Fabrication and characterization of core-shell gliadin/tremella polysaccharide nanoparticles for curcumin delivery: Encapsulation efficiency, physicochemical stability and bioaccessibility

Abstract

The objectives of the present study were to synthesize gliadin/tremella polysaccharide nanoparticles (Gli/TP NPs) as well as curcumin-loaded gliadin/tremella polysaccharide nanoparticles (Cur-Gli/TP NPs) and evaluate the encapsulation efficiency (EE), physicochemical stability and bioaccessibility of Cur-Gli/TP NPs. The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles depended on the mass ratio of Gli to TP and pH values. The characterization of the Gli/TP NPs indicated that the prepared nanoparticles were the most stable when the Gli/TP mass ratio was 1:1 and pH was at 4.0–7.0. Afterward, prepared Cur-Gli/TP NPs at different pH values were studied. Compared with the EE of Cur (58.2%) in Cur-Gli NPs at pH 5.0, the EE of Cur (90.6%) in Cur-Gli/TP NPs at pH 5.0 was increased by 32.4%. Besides, the Cur-Gli/TP NPs possessed excellent physical stability, photostability, thermal stability and re-dispersibility than Cur-Gli NPs. Furthermore, the bioaccessibility of Cur reached 83.5% after encapsulation of Cur into Gli/TP NPs after in vitro digestion, indicating that Cur-Gli/TP NPs could improve curcumin bioaccessibility significantly. In summary, this study demonstrates that the new food-grade Gli/TP NPs possess high encapsulation efficiency, excellent stability and prominent nutraceutical bioaccessibility. Meanwhile, it contributes to expanding the application of TP in food-grade delivery systems.

Graphical abstract

Highlights

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  Gliadin/tremella polysaccharide nanoparticle (Gli/TP NP) were prepared for the delivery of curcumin (Cur).

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  The physicochemical properties of Gli/TP NPs were influenced by Gli/TP mass ratios and pHs.

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  Cur-Gli/TP NPs greatly enhanced the encapsulation efficiency of Cur.

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  Stability and re-dispersibility of Cur were obviously improved in Cur-Gli/TP NPs.

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  Cur-Gli/TP NPs could improve in vitro bioaccessibility of Cur.