Quercetagetin-Loaded Composite Nanoparticles Based on Zein and Hyaluronic Acid: Formation, Characterization, and Physicochemical Stability

Zein and hyaluronic acid (HA) composite nanoparticles were self-assembly fabricated using antisolvent coprecipitation (ASCP) method to deliver quercetagetin (Que). FTIR, CD, and FS results revealed that electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic effect were the dominant driving forces among zein, Que, and HA. With the increasing of HA level, the morphological structure of zein-Que-HA complex was changed from nanoparticle (from 100:5:5 to 100:5:20) to microgel (from 100:5:25 to 100:5:30). The encapsulation efficiency of Que has significantly increased from 55.66% (zein-Que, 100:5) to 93.22% (zein-Que-HA, 100:5:20), and Que in the zein-Que-HA composite nanoparticles exhibited obviously enhanced photochemical, thermal, and physical stability. After 8 months of storage (4 °C), the retention rate of Que also up to 77.93%. These findings interpreted that zein-HA composite nanoparticle would be an efficient delivery system for encapsulating and protecting bioactive compounds.