Synthesis and characterization of zinc ion-integrated quercetin delivery system using areca nut seeds nanocellulose

This research introduces an innovative approach utilizing waste-derived cellulose from areca nut seeds. A novel quercetin-loaded cellulose nanofiber (CNF-Zn-QT) composite was synthesized by integrating zinc ions into a cellulose nanofiber-quercetin complex. With a high loading capacity (17.48%) and encapsulation efficiency (90.42%), the optimized CNF-Zn-QT composite exhibited superior antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS+ radicals compared to quercetin alone. Furthermore, the CNF-Zn-QT composite demonstrated a slower in vitro release rate of quercetin, indicating its potential for sustained release applications. Notably, the composite also displayed enhanced antibacterial properties, attributed to the antibacterial nature of zinc ions. In terms of storage, the CNF-Zn-QT composite outperformed the CNF-QT composite in stability, underscoring its promise for long-term applications. This research not only offers a novel perspective on the utilization of areca nut seeds waste but also emphasizes the multifunctional capabilities of the CNF-Zn-QT composite, making it a promising candidate for various applications, including antioxidant and antibacterial products, controlled release systems, and stable storage solutions.