Enhancing quercetin bioavailability for alzheimer's treatment with zein nanoparticles
This innovative solution co-encapsulates quercetin with HP-β-CD in zein nanoparticles, significantly improving its oral bioavailability to nearly 60% and sustaining high plasma levels for up to two days. This platform offers potential for treating Alzheimer's disease via enhanced compound delivery.
Overview
This solution addresses the challenge of quercetin's low oral bioavailability by using an advanced delivery system involving zein nanoparticles co-encapsulated with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD). This approach significantly increases quercetin's bioavailability to nearly 60% and maintains high plasma concentrations for up to two days, offering a promising strategy for Alzheimer's treatment. By improving absorption and prolonging gut contact, this method enhances the therapeutic potential of quercetin and could be applied to other active compounds.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Zein nanoparticles: Provide mucoadhesive properties for prolonged gut contact, enhancing absorption.
- HP-β-CD: Inhibits intestinal efflux pumps and cytochrome P450 enzymes, further improving bioavailability.
- Enhanced delivery: Achieves sustained plasma levels, significantly improving the efficacy of quercetin.
- Versatile platform: Potential to enhance the delivery of various active compounds beyond quercetin.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at a TRL 4, having been validated at laboratory, pilot, and industrial scales. Future steps include further encapsulation tasks, evaluation of physicochemical characteristics, animal model testing, and potential patent or publication preparation.
About NUCAPS Nanotechnology
NUCAPS Nanotechnology is a Spanish biotechnology company that specializes in a proprietary protein-based microencapsulation technology. Founded in 2017, the company designs and produces functional ingredients by encapsulating bioactives and probiotics within microscopic, food-grade protein matrices. This technology acts as a biovector, protecting sensitive ingredients from degradation while enabling controlled release, targeted delivery, and significantly enhanced bioavailability—up to 30 times higher than conventional methods. By using natural proteins such as casein, zein, or soy, the company offers a sustainable, clean-label solution that is free from synthetic polymers, fats, or additives, and is industrially scalable for various production needs.
The company operates as a B2B partner for manufacturers across the food, beverage, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Its solutions address critical industry challenges, such as improving the stability and shelf life of ingredients, masking unpleasant odors and flavors, and reducing production costs. By facilitating the oral delivery of nutrients and microorganisms, NUCAPS aims to create a tangible impact on human health. With a strong focus on R&D, the company has secured multiple international patents and is recognized for its innovation in functional ingredients, supporting global nutritional objectives through science-driven, scalable technology.
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