Curcumin-loaded electrospun peanut protein isolate/ poly-l-lactic acid nanofibre membranes: Preparation and characterisation and release behaviour

Curcumin (Cur) is a natural polyphenol with well-established health benefits. However, its rapid degradation and metabolism limit its use. In this study, Cur was successfully incorporated into peanut protein isolate/poly-l-lactic acid (PPI/PLLA) nanofibres with different loading amounts (5, 10, and 15 g/100 g) for functional ingredient delivery by electrospinning. As determined by SEM, the average diameter of the composite nanofibres decreased as the Cur concentration increased. The diameter of Cur(10 g/100 g)/PPI/PLLA nanofibres was 132 ± 46 nm and the distribution of nanofibre diameters was highly concentrated. Cur was uniformly dispersed in the PPI/PLLA nanofibre and showed excellent compatibility, as evidenced by FTIR and X-ray diffraction. TGA showed that Cur did not decrease the thermal stability of the PPI/PLLA nanofibre membranes. The contact angle decreased gradually; however, when the Cur content was 15 g/100 g, θ = 127.5° still showed hydrophobicity. The Cur release behaviour from the Cur/PPI/PLLA nanofibre membrane revealed an initial sudden release, and the total amount of Cur released in the first hour could reach up to 49.76%. The release mechanism conformed to Fick diffusion. The research improves the bioavailability of insoluble drugs and opens up a new way for active substances to protect carrier materials.