Nanoestruturas obtidas a partir de amido desramificado para liberação controlada de extratos padronizados de Curcuma longa

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and characterize debranched cassava starch nanoparticles containing standardized Curcuma longa extract, providing a safe nanostructured system for the delivery of bioactive compounds. Cassava starch was debranched by acid hydrolysis, and the nanoparticles were synthesized using dialysis. Analyses included structural and thermal characterization of the starch by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); morphological evaluation of the nanoparticles by scanning electron microscopy (SEM); physicochemical analyses by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); and toxicity tests using Artemia salina. The system containing only starch exhibited a smaller hydrodynamic diameter and greater colloidal stability compared to nanoparticles loaded with the extract. The incorporation of the proven extract resulted in an increase in average size and polydispersity index, as well as a reduction in the zeta potential modulus, which is attributed to the chemical complexity of the extract. FTIR analyses showed intermolecular interactions between the starch matrix and the extract constituents, while DSC indicated structural reorganization of the polymeric matrix. XRD showed an increase in starch crystallinity after acid hydrolysis. Toxicity assays did not indicate toxic effects at the evaluated concentrations. Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of debranched starch as a promising polymeric matrix for the safe and functional nanoencapsulation of Curcuma longa extract