Core-shell nanoparticles for co-encapsulation of coenzyme Q10 and piperine: Surface engineering of hydrogel shell around protein core

Abstract

In the present study, the fabrication and characterization of novel core-shell-type surface-engineered nanoparticles were reported for co-encapsulation of coenzyme Q10 and piperine, which were natural nutraceuticals with synergistic biological activities. Initially, nutraceutical-loaded zein nanoparticles were formed by antisolvent precipitation method. Then, κ-carrageenan was adsorbed to the surface of zein nanoparticles using electrostatic deposition. Finally, the κ-carrageenan layer was induced into a hydrogel shell by using K+ as a cross-linking agent. At low K+ levels (0–4 mmol/L), the relatively small spherical anionic nanoparticles were formed and were stable. However, at high K+ levels (4–10 mmol/L), the nanoparticles formed were relatively large and tended to aggregate. A photodegradation result showed that the half-lives of coenzyme Q10 and piperine were increased by 3.0- and 1.8-fold, respectively, when encapsulated in the biopolymer nanoparticles compared to the free forms. Moreover, their retention rates were increased by 151% and 200% during thermal treatment, and 111% and 131% during a four-week storage, respectively. Besides, the release of the nutraceuticals from the biopolymer nanoparticles in a simulated gastrointestinal tract could be retarded by increasing the degree of interfacial cross-linking. In summary, the core-shell nanoparticles developed here are an effective approach for the co-delivery of synergistic nutraceuticals.