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

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cationic surfactants exhibit antimicrobial activity by disrupting cell membranes.
• Inherent toxicity of cationic surfactants limits their practical applications.
• Nanoparticle-based delivery systems offer a strategy to mitigate surfactant toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the nanoencapsulation of arginine-based surfactants (LAM, C3(LA)2, C6(LA)2, C9(LA)2) within zein nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the impact of nanoencapsulation on antimicrobial activity, hemolytic activity, and stability.
• To elucidate the mechanism of interaction between nanoencapsulated surfactants and cell membranes.

Main Methods:

• Zein nanoparticles were prepared and loaded with four different arginine-based cationic surfactants.
• Characterization of nanoparticles included size, polydispersity index (pDI), and zeta potential measurements.
• Antimicrobial, hemolytic, and stability assays were performed; molecular interactions were studied using NMR and molecular docking.

Main Results:

• Zein nanoparticles were stable, monodisperse (180-341 nm, pDI <0.2), and positively charged (+13 to +53 mV), remaining stable for over 365 days.
• Nanoencapsulation preserved the antimicrobial efficacy of the surfactants against bacteria and yeasts.
• Hemolytic activity was drastically reduced compared to surfactants in solution, indicating improved safety.

Conclusions:

• Zein nanoencapsulation enhances the selectivity of arginine surfactants, reducing their interaction with host cell membranes.
• The cationic charges remain accessible for antimicrobial action, while hydrophobic chains are shielded, minimizing toxicity.
• This approach presents a promising strategy for developing safer and more effective antimicrobial agents.