Enhancing the oral bioavailability of hydrophobic nutraceuticals and protecting bioactive components through encapsulation systems has gained significant attention in food science. This study explored the preparation and characterization of kafirin (Kaf)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composite nanoparticles for encapsulating andrographolide (AG) using the antisolvent precipitation method. The optimal Kaf to CMC mass ratio was identified as 4:1, resulting in nanoparticles with an average diameter of 146.4 nm. CMC markedly improved the water dispersibility of the nanoparticles compared to Kaf alone. The formation of these composite nanoparticles was mainly driven by hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic interactions. Compared to Kaf nanoparticles, the Kaf/CMC nanoparticles showed enhanced encapsulation efficiency, gastrointestinal release characteristics, and stability. Additionally, AG-loaded composite nanoparticles showed exhibited superior biological safety and anti-cancer effects, highlighting their potential for therapeutic applications. In conclusion, Kaf/CMC composite nanoparticles present a promising delivery system for hydrophobic nutraceuticals and drugs, contributing to advancements in drug delivery technologies and nutraceutical formulations.
Keywords: Andrographolide; Hydrophobic nutrient carriers; Kafirin/carboxymethyl cellulose composite nanoparticles.
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