Characterization, Bioactivity and Application of Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles in a Food Emulsion Model

Abstract

In this study, chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared by the ionic gelation technique with tripolyphosphate (TPP), and the effect of CNP composition and physicochemical characteristics were evaluated. After the synthesis optimization, CNPs were used as carriers for a fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) with bioactive properties (CNPH). The physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial, antihypertensive and emulsifier properties of unloaded and loaded CNPs in a food system model were studied. CNPH showed a uniform particle distribution, size ~200 nm, high stability (zeta potential around 30 mV), radical scavenging activity and increased antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella sonnei and Aeromonas hydrophila. Additionally, CNPH showed an angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity of 63.6% and, when added to a food emulsion model, this system containing CNPs, with or without FHP, exhibited improved food emulsion stability. Thus, CNPs were able to carry the FPH while maintaining their bioactive properties and can be an alternative to the delivery of bioactive peptides with potential as an emulsion stabilizer for food applications.

Development and Characterization of Nano-Chitosan-Polyvinyl Alcohol-Glycerol -Chlorhexidine Films for Wound Healing Applications

“…Chitosan, being a polycationic electrolyte with amino groups, imparts a positive zeta potential to the chitosan nanoparticles due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between the amino and hydroxyl groups and the hydroxyl groups or oxygen atoms in water. The presence of STPP decreases the zeta potential of the nanoparticles, as increased crosslinking occurs, leading to the neutralization of protonated amino groups by STPP anions [26].In the nanochitosan film-forming solution, the cationic chlorhexidine is affixed through TPP, a poly anionic electrolyte with phosphate groups. Upon addition of chlorhexidine, the positive charge on the chitosan particle surface diminishes gradually (as evidenced from the Table 1).…”

Evaluation of Physically and/or Chemically Modified Chitosan Hydrogels for Proficient Release of Insoluble Nystatin in Simulated Fluids

“…Among these, chitosan (CS) cationic polysaccharide arouses interest in development of pharmaceutical hydrogels for mucocutaneous (buccal, vaginal) drug delivery [ 21 ]. Obtained by alkaline or enzymatic degradation of chitin, the polycation structure consists of d -glucosamine units (deacetylated) and N -acetyl- d -glucosamine units (acetylated) connected by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds [ 22 ]. The abundant presence of functional groups (–NH 2 at C2 and –OH at C3 and C6) provides both chemical reactivity and bioactivity to the chitosan chains [ 23 ].…”