Orthogonal Optimization and Physicochemical Characterization of Water-Soluble Gelatin-Chitosan Nanoparticles with Encapsulated Alcohol-Soluble Eugenol

This study aimed to develop self-assembled gelatin-chitosan (Gel-CS) nanocapsules as a water-soluble delivery system for alcohol-soluble compounds. Eugenol (Eug) selected as the model molecule for its high solubility in alcohol and insolubility in water. The study also examined different reaction conditions and reagent loading ratios to optimize eugenol-embedded gelatin-chitosan nanocapsules (Eug-Gel-CS NPs) formation. The optimal loading ratio of Gel, CS, and Eug was 3:1:2, which yielded an average particle size of 229.09 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 50.69%. The morphological characteristics of Eug-Gel-CS NPs were further demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy. The prepared Eug-Gel-CS NPs also exhibited potential controlled-release properties in aqueous phase with the in vitro release percentage of 69.47 +/- 1.24% over 36 h. This nanocapsule system may provide a platform to expand the potential applications of Eug in food and nutrition.