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Encapsulation of quercetin in pullulan-coated zein nanoparticles
Jialin Sun1, Megan Povey1, Wing-Fu Lai1
1School of Food Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|July 17, 2026
Summary
Zein-pullulan composite nanoparticles effectively encapsulate quercetin, enhancing its water solubility and stability for antioxidant applications. This novel delivery system shows great potential for functional food and film development.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Quercetin, a potent antioxidant flavonoid, suffers from poor water solubility and instability, limiting its use in aqueous systems.
- Developing effective delivery systems is crucial for harnessing quercetin's health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize zein-pullulan composite nanoparticles for encapsulating and protecting quercetin.
- To improve quercetin's aqueous compatibility, stability, and antioxidant delivery.
Main Methods:
- Zein nanoparticles (Z NPs) were prepared via antisolvent-induced self-assembly.
- Quercetin-loaded zein nanoparticles (ZQ NPs) were formed, followed by surface coating with pullulan (PUL) to create ZQP NPs.
- Nanoparticle characterization included morphology, encapsulation efficiency, hydrophilicity (water contact angle), thermal stability, and storage stability.
Main Results:
- Optimized ZQP NPs displayed a core-shell structure, high encapsulation efficiency, and spherical morphology.
- Pullulan coating significantly enhanced nanoparticle hydrophilicity and improved thermal and storage stability.
- ZQP NPs maintained an 88.10% quercetin retention rate after 12 days of storage at 4°C.
- Both ZQ NPs and ZQP NPs demonstrated strong antioxidant activity.
Conclusions:
- Zein-pullulan composite nanoparticles offer a promising delivery system for hydrophobic bioactives like quercetin.
- The developed nanoparticles enhance quercetin's aqueous compatibility and stability, preserving its antioxidant properties.
- This system holds significant potential for applications in water-soluble antioxidant films and functional foods.
