Fabrication of heat-treated soybean protein isolate-EGCG complex nanoparticle as a functional carrier for curcumin

• Published in: Food science & technology 2022-04, Vol.159, p.113059, Article 113059
• Main Authors: Li, Juming, Chen, Zhong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Capacity for loading curcumin; Characterization; Fabrication; Functional carrier; Heat-treated soybean protein isolate-EGCG complex
• ISSN: 0023-6438; 1096-1127
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2021.113059

In this study, soybean protein isolate (SPI) was first heat-treated to yield modified SPI (HSPI). Then SPI- and HSPI-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) biopolymers (SPI-E and HSPI-E) were fabricated using an alkali covalent crosslinking method and their abilities to function as novel delivery carriers to load curcumin (Cur) were investigated. The particle size of loaded-Cur SPI-E and HSPI-E complex nanoparticles (SPI-E-C and HSPI-E-C) were all reduced and the zeta-potentials were all negative. FTIR and fluorescence spectra analysis indicated the presence of hydrogen bondings, hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic interactions were the driving force for the formation of the carrier-Cur complex. Moreover, compared with SPI-E, HSPI-E had a high loading rate of Cur, improved bioaccessibility and scavenging capacity, smaller size, thinner sheet shape morphology, and stronger binding affinity. In its protective capacity as a delivery carrier, HSPI-E significantly improved the thermal stability, acid stability and controlled release characteristics of Cur, thereby overcoming the instability of a single protein carrier and possessing superior properties. These findings indicate that the HSPI-E polymer is a favorable carrier for delivering Cur and suit for development as a delivery polymer carrier to protect hydrophobic nutraceuticals and drugs with high-loading rate-performance and health-related functions without the use of crosslinkers. •Heat-treated soybean protein isolate-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (HSPI-E) as a carrier.•HSPI-E possessed strong forces with curcumin and high loading rate.•HSPI-E exhibited excellent stability and protect capacity for curcumin.•HSPI-E biopolymer might provide novel carrier for medical materials.