Preparation of ll-lactoglobulin/gum arabic complex nanoparticles for encapsulation and controlled release of EGCG in simulated gastrointestinal digestion model

In this work, the ll-lactoglobulin/gum arabic (ll-Lg-GA) complexes were prepared to encapsulate epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), forming ll-Lg-GA-EGCG complex nanoparticles with an average particle size of 133 nm. The ll-LgGA complexes exhibited excellent encapsulation efficiency (84.5%), and the antioxidant performance of EGCG in vitro was improved after encapsulation. It was recorded that 86% of EGCG could be released in simulated intestinal fluid after 3 h of digestion, much faster than that in simulated gastric fluid, indicating that the ll-Lg-GA complexes were effective in enhancing EGCG stability, which was confirmed using SDS-PAGE and SEM. Further spectrum results demonstrated that various intramolecular interactions including electrostatic, hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions contribute to the formation of ll-Lg-GA-EGCG complex nanoparticles. Also, XRD experiments indicated that EGCG was successfully encapsulated by ll-Lg-GA complexes. Therefore, the ll-LgGA complexes hold great potentials in the protective delivery of sensitive bioactives.

Automated summary

The ll-LgGA complexes were prepared to encapsulate EGCG, forming stable nanoparticles with improved encapsulation efficiency and antioxidant performance. The complexes showed faster release in simulated intestinal fluid and were formed through various intramolecular interactions. XRD experiments confirmed the successful encapsulation of EGCG by ll-LgGA complexes, indicating great potential for protective delivery of sensitive bioactives.