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Updated: Jul 12, 2025

Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers
Published on: October 17, 2013
Enhanced curcumin transportation across epithelial barrier by mucus-permeable soy protein nanoparticles-mediated dual
Dan Yuan1, Qi Li1, Qibo Zhang1
1School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Food Green Processing and Nutrition Regulation Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510640, China.
Abstract:
Nanocarrier-delivered bioactive compounds are highly desirable for their improved stability and applicability, but their bioavailability is still limited due to the strong mucus and epithelial cell barriers. Herein, a series of self-assembled soy protein nanoparticles (SPNPs) with different mucus permeabilities were prepared and their delivery efficiency upon Curcumin (Cur) encapsulation was evaluated. Results demonstrated that the formed SPNPs-Cur exhibited high compatibility and cellular antioxidant accessibility. Besides, SPNPs enhanced the cellular uptake and transmembrane permeation of Cur, especially promoted the transportation of proto-Cur in addition to Cur metabolites. The SPNPs with the rapid mucus diffusion capacity presented more efficient transcytosis across the Caco-2 cell monolayer, which was mediated by a combination of paracellular and transcellular pathways. This work verified that mucus-permeable soy protein nanoparticles could be a promising delivery system for improving the bioavailability of bioactive compounds.
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