POTATO PROTEIN BASED NANOVEHICLES FOR HEALTH PROMOTING HYDROPHOBIC BIOACTIVES

Vitamin D (VD) is a fat soluble nutraceutical of great importance for multi-system function: calcium and bone metabolism, insulin reactivity, the immune system and more. However its deficiency is a pandemic problem, necessitating fortification of staple foods and popular beverages with this vital micronutrient. Fortifying clear beverages in particular, with hydrophobic nutraceuticals like VD, poses tough challenges especially due to low aqueous solubility, and sensitivity to environmental conditions during processing and shelf life. Most food grade surfactants, which may be used for the task, are synthetic, e.g. the Tween series, and thus preclude an “all-natural ingredients” labeling. Other emulsifying/encapsulating agents are either expensive, allergenic, or are of variable quality and availability.

Herein we introduce the possibility of using potato protein as protective nanovehicle for delivery of hydrophobic nutraceuticals in clear beverages and other foods, using VD as a model. Potato protein is a highly functional non-allergenic and inexpensive plant protein, suitable for vegan and KOSHER-PARVE products. The encapsulation process is simple and requires no special equipment. VD – potato protein nanoparticles were formed at pH 2.5 forming transparent solutions, unlike pure VD dispersions. The nanocomplexation provided significant protection and reduced VD losses during pasteurization, and during simulated shelf life tests under several different storage conditions.