In this study, a novel nanoparticle complex using two biopolymers, zein and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), was prepared to encapsulate vitamin D3 (VD3). VD3 was first encapsulated into zein nanoparticles using a low-energy phase separation method, and coated with CMCS simultaneously. Then, calcium was added to crosslink the CMCS molecules to achieve thinker and denser coatings. The fabricating parameters were systematically investigated and optimized. The particle size of complex was from 86 to 200 nm, depending on the polymer concentration and CMCS/calcium ratio. The encapsulation efficiency of VD3 was greatly improved up to 87.9% after CMCS coating, compared with 52.2% of that using zein as a single encapsulant. The nanoparticle complex had a spherical structure and a smooth surface, with zeta potential around �10 to �30 mV. Differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated successful encapsulation of VD3 into the complex, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated hydrogen bond and electrostatic interaction as the driving forces for the complex formation. Nanoparticle complex provided better controlled release of VD3 in both PBS medium and simulated gastrointestinal tract with enzymes, compared with zein nanoparticles. The photochemical stability against UV-light was significantly improved after VD3 was encapsulated. Some possible underlying mechanisms were also discussed. Encapsulating of hydrophobic nutrients in zein/CMCS nanoparticle complex is expected to be a promising approach to achieve enhanced chemical stability and controlled release property.

Development of zein - carboxymethyl chitosan complex nanoparticles for encapsulation and controlled release of vitamin D3

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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