Development of redispersible phytoglycogen and zein nanocomplexes for encapsulation of bioactive phytochemicals and their antimicrobial activities

In this study, hydrophobically modified phytoglycogen and hydrolyzed zein were utilized to develop biodegradable and redispersible nanocomplexes for encapsulation of various bioactive phytochemicals, including eugenol, thymol, carvacrol, trans-cinnamaldehyde, and their mixtures. Comprehensive physicochemical and colloidal characterizations of these nanocomplexes were performed using dynamic light scattering, and Fourier transform infrared and atomic force microscopy, which evaluated their colloidal stability and redispersibility after freeze-drying. In addition, the antioxidant capacities and antimicrobial activities of these various nanoparticles were investigated methodically. The results revealed that the phytochemical-encapsulated nanocomplexes exhibited a particle size ranging from 60 to 70 nm, displaying a uniform distribution. Additionally, these nanocomplexes demonstrated sustained morphological and colloidal stability over 30-day storage, and after freeze-drying and subsequent redispersion processing. Furthermore, significant improvements in antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in the aqueous phase were observed. These redispersible nanocomplexes from phytoglycogen and zein hold the promising potential to address the limitations and offer practical solutions for expanding their applications in the pharmaceutical and food fields.