Curcumin loaded and protective system based on complex of κ-carrageenan and lysozyme

A facile approach to fabricate micro-complex in moderate condition via self-assembly of κ -carrageenan (CRG) and lysozyme (Lys) was investigated for the first time to encapsulate and protect curcumin . The interaction between CRG and Lys, size and morphology were studied by zeta potential, UV–vis spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A tentative interactive model was proposed for polysaccharide and protein. The results indicated that the spherical shaped CRG/Lys complex with 1   μm diameter was spontaneously formed by one spot incubating. Both CRG and Lys were participated in forming the shell of micro-complex synthesized through physical interactions. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of curcumin for the CRG/Lys complex prepared with CRG/Lys ratio 2:1 were 71   ±   0.02% and 50.71   ±   0.71   μg   ml −   1 respectively. The stability of curcumin loaded in complex was improved about 2.7   fold, 2   fold and 1.7   fold when disposed with 80   °C treatment for 1   min, 60   °C treatment for 30   min and ultraviolet radiation for 2   h. DPPH measurement verified the protection of bioactivity as encapsulated. The worthwhile endeavor elucidated proteins/polysaccharides complex was feasible to solubilize and protect sensitive amphiphilic bioactive compounds and has extensive potential in food and medicinal application with various purposes.