Nanoencapsulation of Turmeric Bioactive Compounds in Zein Nanoparticles: Optimization, Characterization, and Anticancer Potential

Turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) is a rich source of bioactive compounds, particularly curcuminoids, known for their potent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, their hydrophobic nature limits bioavailability. This study aimed to encapsulate turmeric extract in zein nanoparticles coated with sodium caseinate and chitosan to enhance stability and bioactivity. The extract demonstrated high antioxidant activity: (DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl): 94.15%, ABTS: 82.46%, Fe(II) chelation: 57.05%) and contained significant phenolic (1737.13 mg GAE (equivalent of gallic acid)/100 g) and flavonoid (5548.77 mg RUE (mg of rutin 100 g−1 of the sample)/100 g) content. Nanoparticles were optimized at a 1:0.8 zein/sodium caseinate ratio (183.53 nm), with 10% extract loading (229.32 nm) and 0.050% chitosan coating (226.51 nm). Encapsulation efficiency reached 66%, with a loading capacity of 6.6%. Cytotoxicity assays revealed potent activity against renal (786‐0) and liver (HUH7.5) tumor cells, suggesting therapeutic potential, respectively. This study highlights the efficacy of nanoencapsulation in improving the delivery of turmeric bioactives for pharmaceutical applications.