Co-delivery system based on multilayer structural nanoparticles for programmed sequential release of fucoxanthin and curcumin

Multilayer structural nanoparticles (MSNPs) fabricated by gliadin (Gli), carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (CMK) and chitosan hydrochloride (CHC) were used to co-encapsulate fucoxanthin (FUC) and curcumin (Cur), and the effect of CHC level on the physiochemical properties of MSNPs (FUC-Gli-CMK-Cur-CHC) was evaluated. The prepared FUC-Gli-CMK-Cur-CHC had a particle size of about 628.1 nm and showed a spherical shape with high zeta potential (+27.1 mV) and maximal encapsulation efficiency of FUC (96.3%) and Cur (72.8%). Lyophilized FUC-Gli-CMK-Cur-CHC exhibited excellent water redispersibility after the addition of CHC. Furthermore, the physical stability, storage stability and thermal stability of MSNPs were dramatically improved by CHC coating. FUC-Gli-CMK-Cur-CHC were shown to be effective at retarding the photo-and thermal-degradation of the encapsulated FUC and Cur. In addition, in vitro release and in vivo gastrointestinal distribution studies demon-strated that the prepared MSNPs exhibited programmed sequential release properties, which enabled the delivery of Cur and FUC in the small intestine and colon, respectively. This research provides new insights for MSNPs in constructing co-delivery systems and programmed sequential release of active substances.