Coating of DNA and DNA complexes on zein particles for the encapsulation and protection of kaempferol and α-tocopherol

Zein particles are potential for the encapsulation of bioactive compounds . Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) shows good pH stability and can complex with antioxidants. In this study, DNA and DNA-quercetin complexes was used as the coating layer of zein particles. Zein particles had a size of 85.10 nm and ζ-potential of −30.73 mV at 1 mg/mL DNA. Zein/DNA particles were stable at pH 4–9. Encapsulation efficiency of kaempferol and α-tocopherol in complex particles reached 92.90% and 97.02%, respectively. The potential use of zein/DNA particles was evaluated for protecting kaempferol. Moreover, DNA-quercetin complex coating was investigated to discuss the protection of α-tocopherol in zein particles. The DNA coating improved the storage stability of kaempferol or α-tocopherol by strengthening physical barrier. DNA-quercetin complexes further improved the stability of α-tocopherol by acting as antioxidant barrier. The retention of kaempferol and α-tocopherol was about 58% in zein/DNA and zein/DNA-quercetin particles at 45 °C after 28 days.