Zein-Resin Composite Nanoparticles With Coencapsulated Carvacrol

This paper evaluated the potential of zein-resins nanoparticles to act as a carrier for water-insoluble oil carvacrol. The rosin and shellac were used as natural resins in different mass ratios to plant protein zein. Rosin is one of the natural gums. Shellac is a resinous secretion of the insect. The influence of nanoparticle composition on colloidal properties, encapsulation efficiency, and release of oil was studied. Zeta potential and size of thus prepared nanoparticles were studied. Carvacrol encapsulation efficiency and release were determined by the HPLC method developed for these compounds. Results showed that the resin type and share affect encapsulation efficiency and release of carvacrol. It was also shown that the addition of resins enhanced release from nanoparticles, compared to plain zein nanoparticles. Findings in the present work will help further understanding the interaction between alcohol-soluble biopolymers and provide new insight into the development of natural carriers for bioactive compounds. Novelty impact statement Natural polymers derived from food are considered desirable materials for constructing delivery systems to encapsulate, protect, and release bioactive components in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and food. Therefore, this paper is approached to fabricate the carvacrol-loaded zein/rosin (Z/R) and zein/shellac (Z/S) composite nanoparticles (NPs). Findings in the present work will help further understanding of the interaction between alcohol-soluble biopolymers (e.g., zein, rosin, and shellac) and provide new insight into the development of natural carriers for bioactive compounds.