The characterization of the pectin/alginate nanoparticle for encapsulation of hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin-complexed naringin and its effects on cellular uptake and oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells

Naringin (NR) and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPCD) can form a water-soluble complex, but it is unstable. This study aimed to investigate the characterization of the pectin/alginate hydrogel nanoparticles (HNPs) loading HPCD-complexed naringin. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of the HNPs for NR were found to be 79.23 % +/- 1.31 % and 23.79 % +/- 0.67 %, respectively. HNPs had an average diameter of 409.5 +/- 8.5 nm, a PDI of 0.237 +/- 0.014, and a zeta-potential of -33.5 +/- 0.2. FTIR, XRD, and DSC analysis confirmed that the NR-HPCD complex was embedded into the HNPs. In simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the HNPs exhibited a lower cumulative release rate compared to free NR. In Caco-2 cells, the HNPs were more efficiently transported into the cells. Consequently, the HNPs resulted in a greater decrease in ROS levels, more recovery of mitochondrial membrane potential and higher content of glutathione. This study provided a carrier for encapsulating NR, making it possible for use in food or functional food.