Hydrolyzed soy protein nanoparticles designed for VD₃ delivery: VD₃ incorporation and remodeling behavior during...

In this study, delivery efficiency of hydrolyzed soy protein nanoparticles (SNPs) with different loading patterns towards VD₃ was investigated. Specifically, SNPs with hydrophobic regions feasible for VD₃ loading (Pro1 and Pro2, Pattern1) showed better stabilization ability. While those co-assembled with VD₃ (Pro3, Pattern2) showed weaker protection due to loosen structures. Remodeling behavior during digestion generally improved cellular uptake. Herein, Pro1 and Pro2 tended to form hydrophobic aggregates during gastric digestion and later their degradations facilitated sustained release of VD₃ and formation of mixed micelles, enhancing absorption at smaller size. The co-assembled nanoparticles (Pro3) easily underwent electrostatic-induced aggregation at gastric phase and immediately disassociated upon bile salts, leading to rapid release of VD₃, and typical peptides in digests that promote VD₃ absorption require further study. These findings suggest that VD₃ loading and digestion would alter carrier structures and affect cellular uptake. VD₃ incorporation and remodeling behavior of the carrier warrants attention.