Fabrication, characterization and properties of DHA-loaded nanoparticles based on zein and PLGA

This study focused on the feasibility of delivering docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) via zein/ Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid stabilized nanoparticles (ZPDNPs). ZPDNPs with good encapsulation efficiency, water solubility, and chemical instability were prepared by the antisolvent precipitation method. The structure and interaction force of ZPDNPs was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy, circular dichroism, X-ray powder diffraction, and FTIR. The stabilities of ZPDNPs for heating, pH, NaC1 aqueous solution were also investigated. The results showed that ZPDNPs can improve the water solubility (750-fold), salt tolerance, and heat-resistant processing stability of DHA. The ZPDNPs had high encapsulation efficiency (84.6%) and stability after 35 days of storage. The simulated digestion of the gastrointestinal tract can change particle size, interface potential, and aggregation state of different DHA nanoparticles. The bioavailability of ZPDNPs was 4.2 similar to 5.6-folds higher than free DHA. Overall, a useful method for ZPDNPs formulation was developed for the delivery of DHA.

Automated summary

This study successfully developed a useful method for formulating ZPDNPs for the delivery of DHA. ZPDNPs showed high encapsulation efficiency and stability, improved water solubility and heat-resistant processing stability of DHA, and exhibited higher bioavailability compared to free DHA during simulated digestion of the gastrointestinal tract.