Changes of physicochemical properties and bioactivities of resveratrol-loaded core–shell biopolymer nanoparticles during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

Resveratrol loaded nanoparticles (nano-resveratrol) containing a zein core surrounded by surfactant (Tween-NPs) or carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS-NPs) shell were fabricated with different particle sizes, surface charges and colloidal stabilities. Changes of physicochemical properties for the two nano-resveratrols, as well as their antioxidant potentials and cytotoxicity were investigated during a static in vitro gastrointestinal tract (GIT) digestion. Results showed that the Tween-NPs had a much higher bioaccessibility (84.1 ± 19.2%) than that of CMCS-NPs (36.6 ± 4.2%) after the GIT digestion, which was expected due to the steric barrier of the CMCS coating. Both nano-resveratrols could sustained their antioxidant activities after digestion. However, the Tween-NPs had a significantly higher cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells than CMCS-NPs and free resveratrol, while a reduction in cytotoxicity of Tween-NPs was observed after the digestion. The bioactivities results were well correlated with the physicochemical properties and dissolution of resveratrol under environmental stress.