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Oral administration of combinations of specific nutrients and nutraceuticals can provide synergistic health benefits to humans. In this work, zein/carboxymethyl cellulose composite nanoparticles were successfully prepared using antisolvent precipitation methods. Zein/carboxymethyl cellulose nanoparticles with the smallest size (204.6 nm) were formed when the mass ratio of zein to CMC was 2 : 1. Hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions were dominant binding forces to stabilize the composite nanoparticles. Quercetin and resveratrol were then encapsulated within these nanocarriers, which improved their resistance to both light and thermal degradation. Encapsulation of the nutraceuticals was shown to delay their release under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, which may be beneficial for some applications. Moreover, encapsulation increased the in vitro bioaccessibility of the quercetin and resveratrol. Our results indicate that zein/carboxymethyl cellulose nanoparticles can be used to co-deliver combinations of bioactive compounds, which may be useful for the development of functional foods, supplements, and pharmaceuticals.

Nanotechnology is being used to create innovative food packaging systems that can inhibit the oxidation of foods, thereby improving their quality, safety, and shelf life. These nano-enabled antioxidant packaging materials may therefore increase the healthiness and sustainability of the food supply chain. Recent progress in the application of nanotechnology to create antioxidant packaging materials is reviewed in this paper. The utilization of nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanocrystals, and nanoemulsions to incorporate antioxidants into these packaging materials is highlighted. The application of nano-enabled antioxidant packaging materials to preserve meat, seafood, fruit, vegetable, and other foods is then discussed. Finally, future directions and challenges in the development of this kind of active packaging material are highlighted to stimulate new areas of future research. Nanotechnology has already been used to create antioxidant packaging materials that inhibit oxidative deterioration reactions in foods, thereby prolonging their shelf life and reducing food waste. However, the safety, cost, efficacy, and scale-up of this technology still needs to be established before it will be commercially viable for many applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. • Zein and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was used in delivery systems. • A co-delivery system for resveratrol and quercetin was developed. • The physical stability of the composite nanoparticles was investigated. • The interactions between quercetin, resveratrol, zein, and CMC were studied. • The nanoparticles can keep nutraceuticals from external environment stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]