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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Preparation and Characterization of Nanoliposomes for the Entrapment of Bioactive Hydrophilic Globular Proteins
Published on: August 31, 2019
Elaboration and characterization of soy/zein protein microspheres for controlled nutraceutical delivery
Lingyun Chen1, Muriel Subirade
1Chaire de recherche du Canada sur les protéines, les bio-systèmes et les aliments fonctionnels, Institut de recherche sur les nutraceutiques et les aliments fonctionnels (INAF/STELA), Université Laval, Pavillon Paul Comtois, Sainte-Foy, Québec, G1K 7P4 Canada.
Abstract:
Microspheres (15-25 microm) of soy protein isolate (SPI), zein, and SPI/zein blends were prepared using a cold gelation method as possible delivery systems for nutraceutical products. Microsphere matrix crystalline structure, swelling behavior, and nutrient load release kinetics in simulated gastrointestinal fluids were investigated. SPI microspheres showed early burst release of the model nutrient, whereas zein microspheres showed very slow release in both simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Blending of SPI and zein provides a convenient method of adjusting the hydrophobicity and crystallinity of the protein matrix and hence its swelling behavior and in vivo nutrient release kinetics. Diffusion plays a major role in regulating nutrient release. SPI/zein microspheres blended at ratios of 5:5 and 3:7 showed near zero-order release kinetics over the test period in simulated intestinal buffer and thus have potential as delivery vehicles for nutraceutical products in functional foods.
