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Zein-Pectin Nanoparticles for Luteolin Delivery: Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Activity, and
Natália Valendolf Pires1, Ariane Krause Padilha Lorenzett1, Rossana Gabriela Del Jesus Vásquez Marcano1
1Laboratory of Nanostructured Formulations, Midwest State University (UNICENTRO), Guarapuava, Paraná, Brazil.
Journal of Food Science
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Zein-pectin nanoparticles effectively encapsulate luteolin (LUT), enhancing its antioxidant activity and solubility for food applications. These nanoparticles show good stability and improved bioaccessibility, overcoming limitations of free LUT.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Materials Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Luteolin (LUT), a hydrophobic flavonoid, possesses significant antioxidant properties but suffers from poor solubility and bioavailability.
- These limitations hinder its effective application in food and nutraceutical products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize luteolin-loaded zein-pectin nanoparticles (ZPEC/LUT NP) for improved physicochemical properties.
- To evaluate the stability, bioaccessibility, and antioxidant activity of ZPEC/LUT NP.
Main Methods:
- Antisolvent precipitation was used to create zein-pectin nanoparticles encapsulating luteolin.
- Nanoparticle characterization included size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency.
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and thermal analyses confirmed LUT encapsulation.
- Colloidal stability and simulated gastrointestinal digestion were assessed.
- Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ABTS assay.
Main Results:
- ZPEC/LUT NP exhibited a mean diameter of 345 nm, PDI of 0.206, and high encapsulation efficiency (87%).
- LUT was physically encapsulated in an amorphous state within the zein-pectin matrix.
- Nanoparticles demonstrated good colloidal stability over 60 days.
- Apparent bioaccessibility reached approximately 16% after 6 hours of simulated digestion.
- ZPEC/LUT NP showed enhanced radical scavenging activity compared to free LUT.
Conclusions:
- Zein-pectin nanoparticles are a promising food-grade delivery system for hydrophobic flavonoids like luteolin.
- This platform improves the solubility, stability, and antioxidant efficacy of luteolin.
- Further research is needed to assess long-term stability and in vivo performance.
