Soybean protein isolate-oxidized fucoidan nanocomplexes: Structural and interaction characterization, quercetin...

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Biomaterials Science
• Nutraceuticals

Background:

• Soybean protein isolate (SPI) is a common biomaterial.
• Oxidized fucoidan (OFU) possesses unique properties.
• Developing effective delivery systems for bioactive compounds like quercetin is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize a novel nanocomplex using SPI and OFU.
• To evaluate the structural and interaction variations within the nanocomplex.
• To assess the potential of the nanocomplex for quercetin (Que) delivery and controlled release.

Main Methods:

• Nanocomplex preparation with optimized SPI to OFU ratio (10:1).
• Characterization using particle size analysis, ζ-potential, fluorescence spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
• Evaluation of antioxidant capacity, stability, encapsulation efficiency, loading amount, and in vitro controlled release of quercetin.

Main Results:

• An optimized SPI-OFU nanocomplex (SFU3) with a particle size of 198.1 nm and increased ζ-potential was achieved.
• OFU incorporation induced structural changes in SPI, confirmed by spectroscopic analysis and XPS indicating covalent imine bond formation.
• SFU3 demonstrated superior micromorphology, antioxidant capacity, stability, and high quercetin encapsulation efficiency (94.80%) and loading (16.96 μg/mg) with controlled release.

Conclusions:

• A novel SPI-OFU nanocomplex was successfully developed, showing significant structural and interaction changes.
• The nanocomplex exhibits excellent potential as a carrier for quercetin delivery, enhancing its properties and stability.
• This study provides valuable insights for utilizing SPI-OFU systems as effective nutrient carriers.