Construction and Application of EGCG-Loaded Lysozyme/Pectin Nanoparticles for Enhancing the Resistance of Nematodes to Heat and Oxidation Stresses

Yu Zhang,Liufeng Lin,Jing Tian,Hao Cui,Bin Li

doi:10.3390/foods10051127

Abstract

Novel nanoparticles (NPs) were constructed with lysozyme (LY) and pectin (Ps) through self-assembly, which were used as a carrier to encapsulate epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). The binding of EGCG and LY is a static quenching process. Hydrogen bonds might play a major role in the formation of NPs, which has also been verified by a lower binding constant of EGCG with LY/Ps NPs. Meanwhile, EGCG could lead to conformational and microenvironmental changes of LY, resulting in more folding of LY secondary structures. In addition, attaching Ps to LY might inhibit LY aggregation induced by addition of free EGCG. At the LY/Ps mass ratio of 1:1, the constructed LY/Ps NPs had a high EGCG-loading capacity without a significant change in mean particle size, thus, our NPs could be used as an effective nanocarrier for loading EGCG. In vivo, compared with free EGCG, EGCG loaded onto LY/Ps NPs significantly increased Caenorhabditis elegans’ (C. elegans) resistance to heat stress and oxidative injury and prolonged their lifespan. This study provides theoretical basis and reference for constructing nanoactive substance carriers so as to improve the resistance of organisms to heat stress and oxidative damage and to increase their survival rate and extend their lifespan under environment stresses.

Highlights

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG, Figure 1) is the most important component of catechol, which is well known for its natural antioxidant activity [1]
Interaction of EGCG with Lysozyme and Lysozyme/Pectin Nanoparticles (LY/Ps NPs) this study, we investigated the fluorescence emission spectra within the rang
We explored the effects of free EGCG or EGCG-LY/Ps on the ability of C. elegans to resist heat stress and oxidative stress at three concentrations of 0.25 μM, 2.5 μM, and 25 μM

Summary

Introduction

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG, Figure 1) is the most important component of catechol, which is well known for its natural antioxidant activity [1]. Many epidemiological and preclinical trials have shown that EGCG can reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases [2]. Due to its strong antioxidant and pharmacological activities, EGCG can be used as an antioxidant and synergist in food and pharmaceuticals [3]. EGCG is unstable and prone to autoxidation and oxidation into less active substances; it has low bioavailability when taken directly [4]. EGCG is soluble in high polar solvents, such as water and ethanol, which has poor liposolubility and membrane permeability, and its high polarity reduces its cellular adsorption capacity [5,6]. The EGCG encapsulation inside drug delivery systems is one of the strategies currently used in overcoming these drawbacks. To promote the application of EGCG in food and pharmaceuticals, loading

Methods

Results

Conclusion