Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Genistein-Loaded Zein/Carboxymethyl Chitosan Nanoparticles with Improved Water Dispersibility, Enhanced Antioxidant Activity, and Controlled Release Property.

Yu Xiao,Mingsheng Dong,Zihao Wei,Yulian Chen,Qingrong Huang,Yuanliang Wang,Chi-Tang Ho

doi:10.3390/foods9111604

Abstract

Genistein is one of major isoflavones derived from soybean products and it is believed to have beneficial effects on human health. However, its low water-solubility and poor oral bioavailability severely hamper its use as a functional food ingredient or for pharmaceutical industry. In this study, zein and zein/carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) nanoparticles were prepared to encapsulate genistein using a combined liquid–liquid phase separation method. The physicochemical properties of fabricated nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results demonstrated that genistein encapsulated with zein nanoparticles significantly improved its water dispersibility, antioxidant activity in the aqueous phase, and photostability against UV light. Moreover, genistein encapsulated in zein nanoparticles showed a sustained release property. Furthermore, it was found that encapsulation efficiency of genistein was significantly enhanced after CMCS coating, and this effect was more pronounced after the complex nanoparticles cross-linked with calcium ions when compared with the use of zein as a single encapsulant. In addition, compared to zein nanoparticles without biopolymer coating, CMCS coating significantly enhanced the thermal and storage stability of the formed nanoparticles, and delayed the release of genistein. A schematic diagram of zein and zein/carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) nanoparticles formation mechanism for encapsulation of genistein was proposed. According to the results of the current study, it could be concluded that encapsulation of genistein in zein/CMCS nanoparticles is a promising approach to improve its water dispersibility, antioxidant activity, photostability against UV light and provide controlled release for food/pharmaceutical applications.

Highlights

In recent years, the role of diet on human health has received increased attention
In this study, genistein was firstly encapsulated into zein nanoparticles and we investigated the effects of encapsulation on water dispersibility, antioxidant activity, stability, and release behavior of genistein
Bluish turbid solution of G-Z, G-ZCMC, and G-ZCMC/C complex formation was found and no precipitate for the three dispersions was observed during the whole storage process (12 h) along with the dispersibility study

Summary

Introduction

The role of diet on human health has received increased attention. Previous studies have demonstrated that a high intake of soy products in Asian countries (e.g., China, Japan, Foods 2020, 9, 1604; doi:10.3390/foods9111604 www.mdpi.com/journal/foodsIndia, Korea) contribute to their lower incidences of chronic diseases, such as obesity, prostate/ breastFoods 2020, 9, x FOR PEERREVIEW especially when compared to western populations cancers, and cardiovascular disease,[1]. There is a growing evidence body that genistein (4 ,5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone) (Figure 1), one of the primary

Methods

Results

Conclusion