Encapsulating Salmo salar byproduct-derived protein hydrolysate in chitosan/alginate nanoparticles

Abstract

Byproducts-derived protein hydrolysates are known to have different bioactivities such as antioxidative, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, and antiproliferative activities that help improve human health. Low bioavailability, stability, heterogenous nature, interaction with food matrix, and hydrophobicity limit their applications. Hence, nanocarriers could be an effective method of delivering these hydrolysates. This study aimed to develop and optimize chitosan/alginate nanoparticles (CS/AL NPs) to deliver Salmo salar by-product-derived protein hydrolysates (SPH). The optimized nanoparticle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency (EE) were 536.7 nm, -30.2 mV, and 29.8 %, respectively. XRD and FTIR results proved the incorporation of SPH into the CS/AL NPs. Moreover, the release of SPH in the salivary phase is higher due to the high amount of free SPH in the nanoparticle suspension. Encapsulated SPH was protected in the gastric phase and showed a controlled release in the intestinal phase. The ultimate goal of utilizing these nanoparticles is to fabricate functional food products, and thereby offer consumers greater health benefits through the bioactive properties of hydrolysates.