Fabrication of soy protein isolate/cellulose nanocrystal composite nanoparticles for curcumin delivery

In this study, we developed novel complex nanoparticles as carriers for curcumin (Cur) delivery by using soy protein isolate (SPI) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as polymer matrices. We found that the SPI-to-CNC mass ratio influenced the stability and physical properties of the SPI-CNC complex nanoparticles. Moreover, SPI-CNC complex nanoparticles had a relatively small size (197.7 ± 0.2 nm) and low polydispersity index (0.14) at a 6:1 mass ratio. The nanosystem was relatively stable at different pH values (3–9), temperatures (30–90 °C), and salt concentrations (0–40 mmol/L). Furthermore, the complex nanoparticles exhibited a high encapsulation efficiency (88.3%) and sustained release during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Therefore, SPI-CNC complex nanoparticles are a promising delivery system for hydrophobic bioactive compounds.