Chitosan/β-lactoglobulin core-shell nanoparticles as nutraceutical carriers

Chitosan (CS)/beta-lactoglobulm (beta lg) core-shell nanoparticles (CS-beta lg nanoparticle) were successfully prepared with the aim of developing a biocompatible carrier for the oral administration of nutraccuticals. The effects of pH and initial concentrations (C-beta lg) of native and denatured beta lg on the properties of the nanoparticles were investigated. Uniform nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). The surface charge of the particles was positive, with a zeta potential of 20-60mV. Pig loading efficiency (LE) spanned a broad range (1-60%); and was highly sensitive to formulation pH. This adsorption can be mainly attributed to electrostatic, hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding between beta lg and CS. Brilliant blue (BB) release experiments showed that the nanoparticles prepared with native beta lg had favorable properties to resist acid and pepsin degradation in simulated gastric conditions unlike those prepared with denatured beta lg or denatured beta lg crosslinked with Ca2+. When transferred to simulated intestinal conditions, the flig shells of the nanoparticles were degraded by pancreatin. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.