Elaboration and characterization of barley protein nanoparticles as an oral delivery system for lipophilic bioactive compounds

Abstract

This is the first report in which barley protein nanoparticles were prepared with the aim of developing a delivery system for lipophilic bioactive compounds at ambient temperature using high pressure homogenization. No organic solvents or crosslinking reagents were involved in the nanoparticle preparation. Effects of processing conditions and formulae on particle size and size distribution were investigated. Optimal nanoparticles with regular spherical shape, small size (90-150 nm) and narrow size distribution (PDI < 0.3) could be achieved at a protein weight concentration of up to 5% when the oil/protein ratio was maintained within a range of 1 to 1.5. These nanoparticles exhibited high zeta-potential (about -35 mV), high payload (51.4-54.5%) and good stability without the use of surfactants. As shown by the release test, though the bulk protein matrices of nanoparticles were degraded in the simulated gastric tract, even smaller nanoparticles were released and bioactive compounds were protected by a layer of barley protein. Then, complete release occurred in the simulated intestinal environments due to pancreatin degradation. In vitro studies showed that barley protein nanoparticles are relatively safe and could be internalized by Caco-2 cells and accumulated in the cytoplasm.

Specifically designed peptide structures effectively suppressed oxidative reactions in chemical and cellular systems

“…Monolayers of Caco-2 cells were applied to simulate the intestinal epithelial cells where orally administered nutrients are absorbed, metabolized or trans-located across cells (Yang, Zhou, & Chen, 2014). After the nutrients are absorbed, they enter the portal venous circulation where they pass through the liver for hepatic metabolism.…”

Protein-Based Structures for Food Applications: From Macro to Nanoscale

“…Other authors produced barley protein nanoparticles (90-150 nm) using only high-pressure homogenization (i.e., without surfactants or organic solvents). The nanoparticles demonstrated high β-carotene loading capacity (50%) and excellent stability (Yang et al, 2014).…”

Plant protein-based delivery systems for bioactive ingredients in foods

“…84 However, gliadin nanoparticles produced by antisolvent precipitation were only stable over a narrow range of pH, salt concentrations and temperatures, even after the strengthening with glutaraldehyde, which might limit their commercial applications in the food and beverage industry. 89 Interestingly, these nanoparticles were degraded by pepsin into smaller particles (20-50 nm), which could provide sufficient protection of the nutrient (β-carotene) in the simulated gastric fluid. 86 Cyclophosphamide was gradually released from the gliadin nanoparticles for 48 h, and the breast cancer cells became apoptotic after being cultured with cyclophosphamide-loaded 7% gliadin nanoparticles for 24 h. 86 Recently, Chen and co-workers developed barley proteinbased microparticles by a pre-emulsifying process followed by microfluidizing without using organic solvents or cross-linking reagents.…”

“…85 In another study, Gulfam et al synthesized gliadin-based nanoparticles for delivery and controlled release of cyclophosphamide anti-cancer drug by using the electrospray deposition system. 89 87,88 The obtained microparticles (1-5 µm) have a spherical shape and porous inner structure with high encapsulation efficiency (92.9-100.2%) and oil loading efficiency (around 50%).…”