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Electrosprayed whey protein-based nanocapsules for β-carotene encapsulation.
Rui M Rodrigues1, Philippe E Ramos1, M F Cerqueira2
1CEB - Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
Food Chemistry
|January 18, 2020
Summary
Whey protein isolate (WPI) nanocapsules were created using electrospray to encapsulate beta-carotene. Higher ethanol concentrations destabilized WPI, affecting nanocapsule size and structure, indicating potential for novel bioactive compound protection.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Whey protein isolate (WPI) is a valuable biomaterial for encapsulation.
- Beta-carotene is a sensitive bioactive compound requiring protection.
- Electrospray is a novel technique for nanoparticle production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To produce beta-carotene loaded nanocapsules using WPI and electrospray.
- To investigate the effect of ethanol concentration on nanocapsule properties.
- To evaluate WPI nanocapsules as a delivery system for beta-carotene.
Main Methods:
- Electrospray of WPI solutions with varying ethanol concentrations (5, 10, 15%).
- Solubilization of beta-carotene in ethanol-WPI solutions.
- Characterization of nanocapsule morphology, size, and molecular organization (dried and hydrated states).
- Analysis of protein unfolding using free sulfhydryl group reactivity and fluorescence.
Main Results:
- Dried nanocapsule sizes ranged from 227 to 283 nm.
- Hydration significantly increased nanocapsule size, with larger sizes at higher ethanol concentrations.
- Increased ethanol concentrations led to protein unfolding and destabilization.
- Electrosprayed WPI nanocapsules demonstrated potential for beta-carotene encapsulation.
Conclusions:
- Electrospray is a viable method for producing WPI-based nanocapsules for beta-carotene.
- Ethanol concentration critically influences WPI structure and resulting nanocapsule characteristics.
- These nanocapsules offer a promising solution for protecting sensitive bioactive compounds in industrial applications.
