Structure and Characterizations of Different Hydrophobically Modified Phytoglycogen Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Phytoglycogen (PG) nanoparticles are natural biopolymers with potential applications.
• Chemical modification can enhance the functionality of PG nanoparticles.
• Developing effective carriers for hydrophobic bioactive compounds is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To chemically modify natural phytoglycogen (PG) nanoparticles using three alkenyl succinic anhydrides.
• To characterize the physicochemical properties of the modified PG nanoparticles.
• To evaluate their feasibility as carriers for hydrophobic bioactive compounds.

Main Methods:

• Chemical modification of PG with octenylsuccinic anhydride (OSA), dodecenylsuccinic anhydride (DDSA), and octadecenylsuccinic anhydride (ODSA).
• Characterization of physicochemical properties including degree of substitution (DS), solubility, stability, rheology, and digestion.
• Assessment of pH-dependent zeta potential and comparison with native PG.

Main Results:

• DS of modified PG decreased with increasing carbon chain length of the anhydride and increased with additive amount.
• Higher DS correlated with a more pronounced pH effect on zeta potential.
• OSA-PG and DDSA-PG showed good aqueous solubility and stability; ODSA-PG exhibited reduced solubility and stability.
• Modified PGs displayed improved rheological and digestion properties compared to native PG.
• DDSA-PG had higher shear stability, while OSA-PG was more enzyme-resistant.

Conclusions:

• PG modified with varying hydrophobic anhydride chain lengths offers tunable properties.
• These modified nanoparticles show promise as pH-responsive nanocarriers.
• The study provides a basis for using modified PG as carriers for lipopolysaccharide and other hydrophobic compounds.