Zein/Polysaccharide Nanoscale Electrostatic Complexes: Preparation, Drug Encapsulation and Antibacterial Properties

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Zein protein's properties are sensitive to ethanol concentration and pH, influencing its aggregation state.
• Understanding zein's behavior is crucial for developing functional nanomaterials.
• Polysaccharides like sodium alginate and chondroitin sulfate can interact with zein.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize zein solutions and develop zein-polysaccharide nanoparticles (NPECs).
• To optimize NPEC formation parameters for desired size and properties.
• To evaluate the potential of these NPECs for ciprofloxacin delivery and antibacterial applications.

Main Methods:

• Zein solutions were characterized based on ethanol content and pH.
• Nonstoichiometric complex nanoparticles (NPECs) were formed via electrostatic self-assembly of zein with sodium alginate or chondroitin sulfate.
• Nanoparticle characterization included dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic light scattering, circular dichroism, and scanning electron microscopy.
• Optimization of parameters like alcohol-water content, charge ratios, and addition rates was performed.

Main Results:

• Zein aggregation and surface charge were dependent on solvent composition and pH.
• The smallest NPECs (100 nm) were achieved with specific polysaccharide titration rates.
• Encapsulation of ciprofloxacin within NPECs was substantial, with controlled release profiles observed.
• The resulting drug-loaded NPECs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against target pathogens.

Conclusions:

• Zein-polysaccharide complexes can be engineered into nanoparticles with tunable properties.
• These nanoparticles show promise for effective drug delivery, specifically for antibiotics like ciprofloxacin.
• The developed system highlights potential applications in the biomedical field, particularly for antibacterial therapies.