Effect of Curcumin-Loaded Zein/Polysaccharides Nanoparticles on Fatigue Stress Injury

Abstract

In this study, we prepare core–shell nanoparticles as a delivery system for curcumin (Cur). The nanoparticles are composed of Zein and two polysaccharides, namely gum arabic (GA) and flaxseed gum (FG). Furthermore, we investigate the effect of Cur-loaded nanoparticles on fatigue stress injury using an animal fatigue stress model. Furthermore, we design a microneedle patch to enhance the delivery and sustained release of these nanoparticles. The results demonstrated that compared to the model group, all treatment groups exhibited significantly prolonged exhausted swimming and running times (P < 0.001), with the high-dose treatment group showing the longest running time. Moreover, our findings revealed that Cur-loaded nanoparticles possessed superior anti-fatigue stress activation properties compared to free Cur and Cur mixed with blank nanoparticles. Additionally, by enhancing drug penetration into the stratum corneum of the skin, our microneedle carrier greatly improved drug delivery efficiency.