Fabrication of zein–carboxymethyl cellulose nanoparticles for co-delivery of quercetin and resveratrol

Composite nanoparticles composed of zein and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) designed for the co-delivery of resveratrol and quercetin were prepared using antisolvent precipitation. At a mass ratio of zein-to-CMC of 2:1, composite nanoparticles with small average diameters (217 nm) could be formed. These nanoparticles had good thermal stability and did not aggregate or sediment when stored at pH 3.0–6.0. Encapsulation of quercetin and resveratrol simultaneously within the composite nanoparticles significantly improved their antioxidant activities. This study suggests that composite nanoparticles may have good physical and chemical stability, which may increase their application as co-delivery systems for bioactive components. As a result, they may be useful for personalized nutritional applications where combinations of bioactive compounds need to be orally administered.