Loaded Zein Nanoparticles Research Articles

Synthesis, physiochemical characterization, molecular docking study, and anti-breast cancer activity of silymarin loaded zein nanoparticles

Breast cancer is a major cause of death in women worldwide leading to requirement of new therapeutic strategies. Silymarin demonstrated the anti-cancer activity however, due to low bioavailability its use is restricted. This study aimed to improve the solubility of silymarin by developing a silymarin loaded zein nanoparticles (SLNPs) which was stabilized by beta cyclodextrin. Comprehensive physiochemical characterization studies based on DLS, FTIR, UV–Vis Spectroscopy, FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, NMR and TGA confirmed the successful synthesis of SLNPs via an anti-solvent precipitation method. FE-SEM and TEM images demonstrated the uniform size and spherical shape of nanoparticles with encapsulation and loading efficiencies of 84.32 ± 1.9 % and 15.25 ± 2.4 % respectively. The zein protein interaction with silymarin, and β-cyclodextrin was shown to be beneficial via the use of molecular simulations and binding energy calculations. Cellular studies demonstrated dose and time dependent cytotoxicity of SLNPs on MCF-7 breast cancer cell. FACS, qRT-PCR and Western blotting showed Bax (pro-apoptotic) upregulation while Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic) downregulation. Our findings suggest that these loaded nanoparticles are more efficient than pure drug, enhancing its bioavailability and paving the path for developing it as a promising nutraceutical to treat breast cancer.

Fabrication of Luteolin Loaded Zein-Caseinate Nanoparticles and its Bioavailability Enhancement in Rats

Luteolin loaded zein nanoparticles (Lut-ZNP) were prepared by using sodium caseinate as an electrostatic stabilizer. The formulation of the nanoparticles was optimized. Lut-ZNP were spray-dried, and the physicochemical properties were characterized by SEM, XRD, FT-IR and DSC. Then, the bioavailability of luteolin in rats was determined. Under the formulation of luteolin, zein and sodium caseinate with mass ratio of 1:5:15, the particle size, ζ-potential, encapsulation efficiency and loading efficiency of Lut-ZNP were 171.8 nm, -49.05 mV, 85.85% and 3.15%, respectively. Luteolin existed in the nanoparticles with amorphous form. Lut-ZNP exhibited good redispersibility in water after drying. Compared with free luteolin, the solubility, stability and release of luteolin in Lut-ZNP were greatly improved. Besides, the fecal excretion of luteolin in rats was significantly reduced after oral administration of Lut-ZNP. In addition to native luteolin, its metabolites including sulfate, glucuronidate and methylated glucuronidate were found in rat plasma. Lut-ZNP significantly increased the plasma concentrations of luteolin and its metabolites, and the bioavailability of luteolin was enhanced by 2.92 times.

Zein Nanoparticles Containing Arginine-Based Surfactants: Physicochemical Characterization and Effect on the Biological Properties.

Cationic surfactants carry antimicrobial activity, based on their interaction and disruption of cell membranes. Nonetheless, their intrinsic toxicity limits their applicability. To overcome this issue, a feasible strategy consists of using solid nanoparticles to improve their delivery. The zein nanoparticles were loaded with four cationic arginine-based surfactants: one single chain Nα-lauroyl-arginine (LAM) and three Gemini surfactants Nα Nω-Bis (Nα-lauroyl-arginine) α, ω-diamide) (C3(LA)2, C6(LA)2 and C9(LA)2). Blank and loaded zein nanoparticles were characterized in terms of size, polydispersity and zeta potential. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts and the hemolytic activity were investigated and compared to the surfactants in a solution. Nanoparticles were found to be monodisperse, presenting a size of between 180-341 nm, a pdI of <0.2 and a positive zeta potential of between +13 and +53 mV, remaining stable over 365 days. The nanoencapsulation maintained the antimicrobial activity as unaltered, while the extensive hemolytic activity found for the surfactants in a solution was reduced drastically. Nuclear Magnetic Ressonance (NMR), molecular docking and monolayer findings indicated that zein entraps the surfactants, interfering in the surfactant-membrane interactions. Accordingly, the nanoepcasulation of arginine surfactants improved their selectivity, while the cationic charges were free to attack and destroy bacteria and fungi; the aliphatic chains were not available to disrupt the cellular membranes.

Functionalized zein nanoparticles targeting neonatal Fc receptor to enhance lung absorption of peptides

Peptides have a distinguished therapeutic potential for several chronic conditions, and more than 80 peptides exist in the global market. However, most of these marketed peptide drugs are currently delivered intravenously or subcutaneously due to their fast degradation and limited absorption through non-invasive routes. The pulmonary route is favored as a non-invasive route. Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is expressed in adult human lungs and has a role in enhancing the pulmonary absorption of monoclonal antibodies. In this work, we developed and characterized candidate protein delivery systems for the pulmonary administration of peptides. The prepared bare and loaded zein nanoparticles (ZNPs), targeted, physically, and covalently PEGylated ZNPs showed hydrodynamic diameters between 137 and 155 nm and a narrow distribution index. Insulin, which was used as a protein model, showed an association efficiency of 72%, while the FcRn-targeted peptide conjugation efficiency was approximately 68%. The physically adsorbed poloxamer 407 on insulin-loaded ZNPs showed slower and controlled insulin release. The in vitro cell culture model consists of the NCI-H441 epithelial cell line, which confirmed its expression of the targeted receptor, FcRn. The safety of ZNPs was verified after incubation with both cell lines of the in vitro pulmonary model, namely NCI-H441 and HPMEC-ST1.6R, for 24 h. It was observed that targeted ZNPs enhanced insulin permeability by showing a higher apparent permeation coefficient than non-targeted ZNPs. Overall, both targeted PEGylated ZNPs showed to be suitable peptide carriers and adequately fit the demands of delivery systems designed for pulmonary administration.Graphical

Bread enriched with resveratrol: Influence of the delivery vehicles on its bioactivity

Trans-resveratrol (RSV) is recognised as a bioactive ingredient in the development of functional foods. Its stability, solubility, and bioavailability constraints can be overcome by delivery systems, not yet tested in foods. This study aims at evaluating the impact of two delivery systems on the stability, antioxidant activity, bioaccessibility and bioavailability of RSV integrated into a bread matrix: an inclusion complex of RSV and γ-cyclodextrin (γCD·RSV) and RSV loaded zein nanoparticles (nZ-RSV). Wheat bread was supplemented with 0.5% of pure RSV (RSV-bread) and equivalent amounts of γ-CD·RSV and nZ-RSV. The amount of RSV recovered from the hydroethanolic extracts of γ-CD·RSV- and nZ-RSV-bread was 70.3% and 62.8% of the initial amount, respectively, lower than RSV-bread extract, 89.0%, indicating lower degradability during bread preparation. Both vehicles helped to retain RSV antioxidant activity but did not increase RSV bioaccessibility (c.a. 40% for free RSV and γCD·RSV, and 29% for nZ-RSV). In vitro tests on intestinal cell monolayers showed that, after 4 h of contact, only 5.0% of the initially available amount of RSV was able to permeate the intestinal barrier in all samples. Thus, bread itself is a vehicle for RSV integration into our daily diet, without the need for an additional delivery system.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate loaded-zein nanoparticles: Characterization, stability and associated antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and sun protection properties

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is an active polyphenol which has demonstrated interesting biological properties, such as antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities. Nonetheless, its therapeutic use is limited due to its cost, instability and low bioavailability. In the skin aging process, the search for delaying/masking the elderly signs has increased greatly in the last years, boosting the skin care industry. Zein is a natural polymer whose biological features gained attention recently. It has demonstrated the ability to entrap bioactive molecules, improve their stability and also their biological activities. This study aimed to develop and characterize zein nanoparticles containing EGCG (ZNp-EG) and evaluate the antioxidant, anti-tirosinase activities as well as the associated sun protection factor (SPF), in view of improving the skin aplicability. ZNp-EG were prepared by nanoprecipitation and appreciated morphologically by transmission electronic microscopy, characterized in terms of size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, pH, encapsulation efficacy (EE) and drug loading (DL). Finally the zein-EGCG association was evaluated by Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity was determined using the ABTS radical scaverging method. The anti-tyrosinase and photoprotective activities were enumerated spectrophotometrically. The ZNp-EG nanoparticles showed an average size of 251.8 nm, EE and DL up to 98.43% and 28.35%, respectively. The ZNp-EG at 288 µg / mL remained stable up to 365 days under different storage conditions (5 °C, 25° and 40 °C). The interaction between zein and EGCG was confirmed by FT-IR and steady-state fluorescence. Both ZNp-EG and EGCG solution showed high antioxidant activity, with IC50 of 84.08 and 69.86 µg / mL after 48 h, respectively. The nanoencapsulation of EGCG enhanced the anti-tyrosinase activity (64.59%) compared to its solution (34.29%). Finally, BZNp, ZNp-EG and EGCG at 144 µg/mL presented SPF of 26.13, 29.71 and 15.69, respectively. In this context, our results demonstrate that zein nanoparticles were able to improve key biological properties related to the skin pigmentation and sun protection, where EGCG can be used in a nanodelivery system for pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic applications.

Preparation and characterization of gamma oryzanol loaded zein nanoparticles and its improved stability.

Gamma oryzanol (GO), a bioactive ingredient found in rice bran oil, performs a variety of biological effects such as antioxidant activity, reduction of total cholesterol, anti‐inflammation, and antidiabetes. However, GO is water‐insoluble and normally degrades through oxidation. Thus a nano‐encapsulation technique was investigated to improve its stability and quality. In this research, gamma oryzanol was successfully encapsulated into zein nanoparticles. The fabrication parameters including pH, zein concentration (0.3, 0.4, and 0.5% w/v), and % GO loading (30, 40, and 50% by weight) were investigated. Particle size, zeta potential, yield, encapsulation efficiency and the stability or GO retention during the storage were determined. The morphology of gamma oryzanol loaded zein nanoparticles (GOZNs) was observed by scanning electron micrographs and transmission electron microscope. The increase of zein concentration and % GO loading resulted to an increase of yield, encapsulation efficiency, and particle size. The particle size of the GOZNs ranged from 93.24–350.93, and 144.13–833.27, and 145.27–993.13 nm for each zein concentration with 3 loading levels, respectively. Nano‐encapsulation exhibited higher % GO retention compared with nonencapsulated GO during 60 days storage both at 4°C and −18°C. In vitro study indicated the sustained release of GO in the simulated gastric fluid followed by simulated intestinal fluid. This finding indicated a high potential for the application of insoluble GO with improved stability by encapsulation with the hydrophobic zein protein.

Physico-chemical characterization of carvacrol loaded zein nanoparticles for enhanced anticancer activity and investigation of molecular interactions between them by molecular docking.

Carvacrol (CV), a monoterpene possesses wide range of biological activities but has limited application due to low aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability. To address this issue and enhance bioavailability and efficacy of carvacrol, lecithin stabilized zein nanoparticles were investigated. Precipitation method was used for synthesis of nanoparticles and characterized using various techniques. CV entrapped under optimized parameters has size around 250nm with -15mV zeta potential. SEM studies showed nanoparticles with spherical morphology and size in accordance with DLS studies. FTIR, NMR and DSC were used to determine the molecular interaction between CV and lecithin stabilized zein nanoparticles. Molecular docking studies were performed to understand the interaction between protein and drug at molecular level. Our results demonstrated the presence of two active sites within zein, showing strong binding interactions with carvacrol. The encapsulation efficiency of 78% with loading efficiency of 13% was obtained as per HPLC and UV-Vis studies. Cytotoxicity assay indicated that the CV loaded nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity against colon cancer (SW480) cells further confirmed by acridine orange and ethidium bromide dual staining assay. Fluorescent tagged nanoparticles revealed significant cellular uptake of drug. Our results suggest that CV can be conveniently delivered via oral route after incorporating into lecithin stabilized zein nanoparticles and may prove effective for colon cancer treatment.

Thymoquinone Loaded Zein Nanoparticles Improves the Cytotoxicity against Breast Cancer Cells

Thymoquinone Loaded Zein Nanoparticles Improves the Cytotoxicity against Breast Cancer Cells

In vitro/in vivo evaluation of pH-sensitive Gambogenic acid loaded Zein nanoparticles with polydopamine coating

As one of the active pharmaceutical ingredients in Gamboge, Gambogenic acid (GNA) has shown diverse anti-tumor activities. To reduce the vascular irritation of GNA and improve its water solubility, tumor targeting, and bioavailability, GNA loaded Zein nanoparticles (GNA@Zein NPs) was further coated by polydopamine (PDA) to develop GNA@Zein-PDA NPs by anti-solvent precipitation and surface modification. The results showed that particle size and Zeta potential of GNA@Zein-PDA NPs were about 310nm and -40.8mV with core-shell morphology confirmed by TEM. GNA@Zein-PDA NPs increased the water solubility of GNA by more than 700 times and showed pH-sensitive release behavior in PBS with pH 6.86. In vitro cytotoxicity tests showed that GNA@Zein-PDA NPs had higher inhibitory activity on HepG2 cells than free GNA, and their IC50 were 1.59μg/mL and 9.89μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the hemolysis and vascular irritation assay showed that GNA@Zein-PDA NPs had good cytocompatibility and reduced the irritation of GNA to blood vessels. Moreover, the in vivo pharmacokinetic experiments exhibited that the Cmax and AUC0-t of GNA@Zein-PDA NPs were significantly improved approximately by 2.09-fold and 3.48-fold over that of GNA, respectively. In conclusion, GNA@Zein-PDA NPs solve many defects of GNA and provide a tumor-targeting drug delivery for GNA.

Antimicrobial effect of anacardic acid-loaded zein nanoparticles loaded on Streptococcus mutans biofilms.

Bacterial biofilms play a key role in the pathogenesis of major oral diseases. Nanoparticles open new paths for drug delivery in complex structures such as biofilms. This study evaluated the antimicrobial effect of zein nanoparticles containing anacardic acid (AA) extracted from cashew shells of Anacardium occidentale on in vitro Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation and mature biofilms. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bacterial concentration (MBC), and antibiofilm assays were performed. Streptococcus mutans UA159 biofilms were formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite disk for 5days. To evaluate the preventive effect on biofilm formation, before contact with the inoculum, the disks were immersed once for 2min in (1) hydroethanolic solution; (2) blank zein nanoparticles; (3) zein nanoparticles containing AA; and (4) 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate. To determine the effect against mature biofilms, the disks containing 5-day preformed biofilms were further treated using the same procedure. The bacterial viability and dry weight were determined for both assays and used to compare the groups using ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (p < 0.05). Both MIC and MBC for AA-loaded zein nanoparticles were 0.36μg/mL. Groups 3 and 4 were very effective in inhibiting S. mutans biofilm formation, as no colony-forming units were detected. In contrast, for mature biofilms, no difference in bacterial viability (p = 0.28) or dry weight (p = 0.09) was found between the treatments. Therefore, the AA-based nanoformulation presented very high inhibitory and bactericidal activities against planktonic S. mutans, and the results indicate a strong antiplaque effect. However, the formulation showed no antimicrobial effect on the established biofilm.

Toxicological and genotoxic evaluation of anacardic acid loaded-zein nanoparticles in mice

Anacardic acid extracted from cashew nut shells of Anacardium occidentale L has demonstrated important biological activities, such as antibacterial activity against the cariogenic specie Streptococcus mutans. Zein nanoparticles containing anacardic acid (9.375 μg/mL) were evaluated in terms of toxicity and genotoxicity in vivo. The subacute toxicity assay was used to evaluate the cumulative effects of the oral administration of nanoencapsulated anacardic acid at 2.25 and 112.5 μg/kg for 7 days in mice, simulating a mouth rinse short-term clinical course treatment. Blank zein nanoparticles and saline solution 0.9 % were used as negative controls. Peripheral blood samples were collected to evaluate the genotoxicity in polychromatic erythrocytes using the micronucleus test. The animals were anesthetized, euthanized and the target organs collected, weighed and submitted to histopathological analysis. Liver, kidney and spleen relative weights did not change. Nevertheless, stomach, lung and heart increased the relative weights in the group receiving the highest dose, in which occasional histopathological findings were also identified. Both doses maintained the micronucleus frequency within the normal range and the animals treated with the highest dose presented a discrete weight lost, which could explain the organs’ relative weight reductions. Blank and anacardic acid loaded zein nanoparticles were nontoxic when administered repeatedly for 7 days, as no relevant histopathological changes neither genotoxicity were observed. These preparations demonstrated limited toxicity under the conditions used in this study and could become an antibacterial alternative for preventing/treating oral infections in short-term treatments.

Significance of determination of ionized magnesium in acute myocardial infarction

As one of the active pharmaceutical ingredients in Gamboge, Gambogenic acid (GNA) has shown diverse anti-tumor activities. To reduce the vascular irritation of GNA and improve its water solubility, tumor targeting, and bioavailability, GNA loaded Zein nanoparticles ([email protected] NPs) was further coated by polydopamine (PDA) to develop [email protected] NPs by anti-solvent precipitation and surface modification. The results showed that particle size and Zeta potential of [email protected] NPs were about 310 nm and −40.8 mV with core–shell morphology confirmed by TEM. [email protected] NPs increased the water solubility of GNA by more than 700 times and showed pH-sensitive release behavior in PBS with pH 6.86. In vitro cytotoxicity tests showed that [email protected] NPs had higher inhibitory activity on HepG2 cells than free GNA, and their IC50 were 1.59 μg/mL and 9.89 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the hemolysis and vascular irritation assay showed that [email protected] NPs had good cytocompatibility and reduced the irritation of GNA to blood vessels. Moreover, the in vivo pharmacokinetic experiments exhibited that the Cmax and AUC0-t of [email protected] NPs were significantly improved approximately by 2.09-fold and 3.48-fold over that of GNA, respectively. In conclusion, [email protected] NPs solve many defects of GNA and provide a tumor-targeting drug delivery for GNA.

Synthesis of luteolin loaded zein nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy improving bioavailability and efficacy

A naturally occurring flavonoid, Luteolin possess wide range of pharmaceutical activities from anti-inflammatory to anticancer effect. Luteolin inhibits cell proliferation by arresting cell cycle pathways and triggers apoptotic cell death. Poor aqueous solubility of luteolin limits its oral bioavailability. Therefore, to improve the oral bioavailability of luteolin by use of biodegradable protein zein and sodium caseinate as nanocarrier. The nanoparticles were prepared by simple precipitation process. The resulting nanoparticles had mean size of 200–300 nm with negative zeta potential with 92% encapsulation efficiency and luteolin release at intestinal pH. Anti-oxidant activity of loaded molecule with respect to parent molecule significantly indicate the free radical scavenging potential of luteolin increases after encapsulation in zein nanoparticles. Luteolin loaded zein nanoparticles showed enhanced cytotoxicity against SW480 colon cancer cells and induces apoptosis. In this paper, we have shown the potential of luteolin loaded zein nanoparticles for treating colon cancer which could serve as promising strategy to develop oral formulation of this water insoluble drug enhancing its bioavailability.

Synthesis of rotenone loaded zein nano-formulation for plant protection against pathogenic microbes.

Rotenone (RN) is a naturally occurring isoflavone found in the root or rhizomes of fabaceae (a plant family), known for its insecticidal/pesticidal properties. Rotenone was loaded in zein nanoparticles (ZSC) by antisolvent precipitation method at room temperature. The synthesized nanoparticles showed self-assembled spherical nanostructures having 425.67 ± 7.02 and 471.33 ± 10.60 nm of hydrodynamic radii with −14.23 ± 0.21 and −17.64 ± 0.89 mV zeta potential for ZSC and RNZSC (rotenone loaded zein nanoparticles), respectively. The encapsulation of rotenone was confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR and DSC studies. A significant encapsulation efficiency of 95.82 ± 0.038% and 5.99 ± 0.002% loading efficiency were determined by HPLC studies. Synthesized RNZSC showed excellent antimicrobial activity against plant pathogens- P. syringae and F. oxysporum. Our studies showed for the first time direct evidence of antimicrobial activity of rotenone against plant pathogens. A similar approach could be adopted for developing several new botanical based nano-formulations with their known insecticidal effect, to control certain plant diseases in an environment friendly and sustainable manner.

Injectable glycosaminoglycan–protein nano-complex in semi-interpenetrating networks: A biphasic hydrogel for hyaline cartilage regeneration

Articular hyaline cartilage regeneration remains challenging due to its less intrinsic reparability. The study develops injectable biphasic semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPN) hydrogel impregnated with chondroitin sulfate (ChS) nanoparticles for functional cartilage restoration. ChS loaded zein nanoparticles (∼150nm) prepared by polyelectrolyte-protein complexation were interspersed into injectable SIPNs developed by blending alginate with poly(vinyl alcohol) and calcium crosslinking. The hydrogel exhibited interconnected porous microstructure (39.9±5.8μm pore diameter, 57.7±5.9% porosity), 92% swellability and >350Pa elastic modulus. Primary chondrocytes compatibility, chondrocyte-matrix interaction with cell–cell clustering and spheroidal morphology was demonstrated in ChS loaded hydrogel and long-term (42days) proliferation was also determined. Higher fold expression of cartilage-specific genes sox9, aggrecan and collagen-II was observed in ChS loaded hydrogel while exhibiting poor expression of collagen-I. Immunoblotting of aggregan and collagen II demonstrate favorable positive influence of ChS on chondrocytes. Thus, the injectable biphasic SIPNs could be promising composition-mimetic substitute for cartilage restoration at irregular defects.

In vitro comparative studies of Zein nanoparticles and composite Chitosan thermogels based injectable formulation of Doxorubicin

Surgical intervention of the solid tumours is the most preferred cancer treatment strategy in the current scenario. But, the main issue is that there is always a probability of resurrection of tumor due to the fact that not all cancer cells can be removed completely. In order to overcome this, controlled delivery of the therapeutic agents into the tumor region after the surgical removal of tumor seems to be a viable option. We developed a composite injectable Chitosan gel (DZ-CGs) comprising of Doxorubicin loaded Zein nanoparticles (DOX-SC ZNPs) which flows (in their sol state) and can take up the exact shape of the void (created by the surgical removal of the tumor) and becomes gel (at physiological temperature). DOX-SC ZNPs were synthesized by anti-solvent nano-precipitation method. The size and zeta potential of DOX-SC ZNPs were found to be 120 ± 16 nm and −26.97 mV respectively. In vitro drug release profiles of DZ-CGs were found to be more controlled when compared to DOX-SC ZNPs. In vitro cyto-toxicity studies of DOX-SC ZNPs and DZ-CGs were compared on human breast cancer cell lines using Transwell insert method and found that composite DZ-CGs were more effective in killing cancer cells when compared to DOX-SC ZNPs.

PTEN and TRAIL genes loaded zein nanoparticles as potential therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Gene therapy is one of the recent approaches in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Development of a vector or vehicle that can selectively and efficiently deliver the gene to target cells with minimal toxicity is an urgent demand. In the present study, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) genes were loaded to zein nanoparticles (ZNPs). The formulated PTEN and TRAIL-loaded ZNPs were tested for their in vitro and in vivo potential antitumor efficacy using liver tumor cells (HepG2) and HCC-induced rats as animal model. Also, mRNA expression of p53, VGEF and MMP-2 were carried out as markers of apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastasis in animal liver tissues. The results of the study showed that both PTEN and TRAIL-loaded ZNPs proved anti-proliferative activity against HepG2 cell lines with IC50 values of 0.09, 0.25 µg/ml, respectively. In vivo assay confirmed decrease in mRNA expression of both VEGF and MMP-2 with increased in P53 expression level in liver tissues of the treated animals. Therefore, authors introduced new integration between gene therapy and nanotechnology in the form of PTEN and TRAIL-loaded ZNPs that proved potential to be used in gene therapy for the treatment of HCC.

Preparation of Zein Nanoparticles by pH Controlled Nanoprecipitation

Zein is a hydrophobic water insoluble plant protein and the main goal of the present study was to prepare zein nanoparticles using pH controlled nanoprecipitation method. Nanoparticle characteristics such as size, polydispersity index (PI), zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency were studied using 6, 7-dihydroxycoumarin, as a model hydrophobic compound. Lecithin and pluronic F68 were used as stabilizers. The blank zein nanoparticles had a mean particle size of 460 nm; while coumarin loaded zein nanoparticles had a mean particle size of 365 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of coumarin loaded zein nanoparticles was 62%. The release of coumarin from zein nanoparticles was sustained in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) for upto 9 days. Overall the results from this study demonstrate a new method for preparing drug loaded zein nanoparticles.