Chitosan/β-lactoglobulin core–shell nanoparticles as nutraceutical carriers

Chitosan (CS)/β-lactoglobulin (βlg) core–shell nanoparticles (CS-βlg nanoparticle) were successfully prepared with the aim of developing a biocompatible carrier for the oral administration of nutraceuticals. The effects of pH and initial concentrations (Cβlg) of native and denatured βlg on the properties of the nanoparticles were investigated. Uniform nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). The surface charge of the particles was positive, with a zeta potential of 20–60 mV. βlg loading efficiency (LE) spanned a broad range (1–60%); and was highly sensitive to formulation pH. This adsorption can be mainly attributed to electrostatic, hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding between βlg and CS. Brilliant blue (BB) release experiments showed that the nanoparticles prepared with native βlg had favorable properties to resist acid and pepsin degradation in simulated gastric conditions unlike those prepared with denatured βlg or denatured βlg crosslinked with Ca2+. When transferred to simulated intestinal conditions, the βlg shells of the nanoparticles were degraded by pancreatin.