Co-delivery of curcumin and resveratrol through electrosprayed core-shell nanoparticles in 3D printed hydrogel

In this study, the possibility of improving the bioavailability of two potent synergistic nutraceuticals, curcumin and resveratrol, using core-shell nanoparticles and its delivery through 3D printed gelatin hydrogel in a customized structure was examined. The co-axial electrospraying technique was adopted for core-shell nano-particles formation co-encapsulating both the bioactives in zein core protected by polyethylene glycol (PEG) or ethyl cellulose (EC) as a shell. Biopolymer composition and electrospraying conditions were optimized for core-shell nanoparticle formation. Zein-PEG nanoparticles (-300 nm) provided 68% and 83% and zein-EC nano-particles (-344 nm) provided 54% and 71% efficiency for curcumin and resveratrol encapsulation, respectively. Improved antioxidant activity and transition of both bioactives to amorphous form in the obtained nanoparticles were confirmed. The bioaccessibility of both bioactives was significantly improved in zein-PEG core-shell nanoparticles followed by zein-EC core-shell and simple zein nanoparticles, compared to native bioactives. The maximum bioaccessibility of 79% for curcumin and 82% for resveratrol was observed in zein-PEG core-shell nanoparticles, which is 3.6-fold and 1.7-fold higher than its native form. These nanoparticles also supported intestinal permeability enhancement by 3.5-fold and 2.2-fold for encapsulated curcumin and resveratrol, compared to its native form. To deliver these nanoparticles in consumer-preferred customized structures, 3D printing conditions were optimized to fabricate nanoparticle incorporated gelatin hydrogel 3D structures stable at room temperature. Comparatively, zein-PEG core-shell nanoparticles maintained their structural stability and uniform distribution in the hydrogel matrix for the effective protection of encapsulated bioactives. This 3D printed hydrogel model food loaded with nanoparticles will be a potent nutraceutical oral delivery system with the benefits of shape customization.