Self-assembled 8-shogaol/curcumin nanoparticles via hydrogen bonding: enhanced stability and sustained release in vitro.

This study synthesized curcumin/polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)/8-shogaol nanoparticles (PCS-NPs) loaded with 8-shogaol using hydrogen bonding self-assembly. Firstly, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H NMR spectrometer and other techniques were used to characterize the size and molecular structure of PCS-NPs. The optimized PCS-NPs exhibited a particle size of 82.58 nm, a zeta potential of -22.4 mV, an encapsulation efficiency of 81.4%, and a loading capacity rate of 15.08%. Molecular dynamics simulations elucidated the mode of hydrogen bonding interactions within the PCS-NPs. Stability analysis revealed that PCS-NPs possessed superior storage stability and demonstrated remarkable stability under temperature and UV irradiation conditions. PCS-NPs exerted higher release efficiency in the intestine as well as higher intestinal transport efficiency. This study laid the theoretical foundation for enhancing the solubility, stability, and bioaccessibility of 8-Shogaol.