1.D.243. The Soy Protein NanoParticle (SPNP) Family.
Enhanced curcumin transport across epithelial barriers by mucus-permeable soy protein nanoparticles has been reported to be mediated by dual transcytosis pathways. Nanocarrier-delivered bioactive compounds are desirable because of their improved stability and applicability, but their bioavailability is limited due to strong mucus and epithelial cell barriers. A series of self-assembled soy protein nanoparticles (SPNPs) with different mucus permeabilities were prepared, and their delivery efficiency upon Curcumin (Cur) encapsulation was evaluated (Yuan et al. 2024). The formed SPNPs-Cur exhibited high compatibility and cellular antioxidant accessibility. SPNPs enhanced the cellular uptake and transmembrane permeation of Cur, and this especially promoted the transport of proto-Cur in addition to Cur metabolites. The SPNPs with the rapid mucus diffusion capacity presented more efficient transcytosis across the Caco-2 cell monolayer, which was mediated by a combination of paracellular and transcellular pathways. Thus, mucus-permeable soy protein nanoparticles provide a promising delivery system for improving the bioavailability of bioactive compounds such as curcumin..