This study examined the capabilities of zein-based nanoparticles for the co-delivery of quercetin and α-tocopherol. The results demonstrated an optimal encapsulation efficiency of 96% with an average particle size of 50–320 nm, highlighting the proficiency of the method. Over 60 days, the retention release profiles showed gradual reductions, with the Zein/Que/Toc (20:1:1) and Zein/Que/Toc (20:1:25) formulations exhibiting distinct dynamics. In vitro analyses revealed controlled release, with quercetin reaching 79.7% and α-tocopherol reaching 60.4% after 8 h. The Zein/Que/Toc (20:1:5) combination exhibited a notable release of 73.1% over the same span, indicating a synergistic or stabilizing interplay between the co-encapsulated agents, which is beneficial for digestion. ATR-FTIR, rheology, and fluorescence spectroscopy investigations demonstrated key molecular interactions, including hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic forces. The integration of surfactants enhanced the photostability and retention of both bioactive compounds. This study emphasizes the vast potential of zein-based nanoparticles for bioactive co-delivery, with the Zein/Que/Toc (20:1:5) formulation emerging as a viable candidate. These findings have implications for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical supplement, drug, and functional food domains.

中文翻译：

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槲皮素和 α-生育酚生物活性物质在玉米醇溶蛋白纳米颗粒中的共封装：协同相互作用、稳定性和控释

这项研究检验了基于玉米醇溶蛋白的纳米粒子共同递送槲皮素和 α-生育酚的能力。结果表明，平均粒径为 50-320 nm 的最佳封装效率为 96%，凸显了该方法的熟练程度。 60 天内，保留释放曲线显示逐渐减少，其中 Zein/Que/Toc (20:1:1) 和 Zein/Que/Toc (20:1:25) 配方表现出明显的动态变化。体外分析显示控释，8小时后槲皮素达到79.7%，α-生育酚达到60.4%。 Zein/Que/Toc (20:1:5) 组合在同一时间段内表现出 73.1% 的显着释放，表明共包封药物之间存在协同或稳定相互作用，这有利于消化。 ATR-FTIR、流变学和荧光光谱研究证明了关键的分子相互作用，包括氢键和疏水力。表面活性剂的整合增强了两种生物活性化合物的光稳定性和保留性。这项研究强调了基于玉米醇溶蛋白的纳米粒子在生物活性共同递送方面的巨大潜力，其中玉米醇溶蛋白/Que/Toc (20:1:5) 配方成为可行的候选者。这些发现对制药、营养补充剂、药物和功能性食品领域具有重要意义。