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Biocompatible Polyelectrolyte Complex Nanoparticles for Lycopene Encapsulation Attenuate Oxidative Stress-Induced
Dongjing Zhang1,2, Yun Jiang1, Ming Xiang1
1Anhui Key Laboratory of Eco-Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, China.
Frontiers in Nutrition
|June 17, 2022
Summary
Lycopene was effectively encapsulated in biocompatible polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (PEC NPs), improving its stability, dispersibility, and antioxidant properties. These PEC NPs show promise for delivering hydrophobic nutraceuticals in food and pharmaceutical applications.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Hydrophobic nutraceuticals like lycopene often exhibit poor water dispersibility and stability.
- Encapsulation technologies are crucial for enhancing the bioavailability and efficacy of such compounds.
- Polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles (PEC NPs) offer a promising platform for encapsulating bioactive molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize lycopene-loaded PEC NPs using TLH-3 and sodium caseinate (SC).
- To evaluate the impact of encapsulation on lycopene's physicochemical properties and biological activities.
- To assess the potential of these PEC NPs for food and pharmaceutical applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PEC NPs via electrostatic interactions between negatively charged TLH-3 and positively charged SC.
- Characterization of lycopene-loaded PEC NPs for size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency.
- Assessment of physicochemical properties (dispersibility, stability, antioxidant capacity) and biological effects (cell viability, oxidative damage protection) of encapsulated lycopene.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated spherical lycopene-loaded PEC NPs with a particle size of 241 nm and high encapsulation efficiency (93.6%).
- Encapsulated lycopene exhibited improved water dispersibility, storage stability, and enhanced antioxidant capacity compared to free lycopene.
- Encapsulated lycopene protected cells from oxidative damage by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1/AKT pathway and antioxidant enzyme activities.
Conclusions:
- Lycopene-loaded PEC NPs are effective carriers for hydrophobic nutraceuticals.
- Encapsulation significantly enhances the functional properties and bioavailability of lycopene.
- These biocompatible PEC NPs hold considerable potential for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
