Fabrication of “Lysine modified Zein- Punica granatum peels’ purified ellagitannin nanoconjugates (Ly-M-Z-PE NCs)” and in-vitro bio-accessibility, antiproliferative activity, and biosafety studies

Pomegranate (punica garanatum) peels' ellagitannins exhibit remarkable health-beneficial properties. In the current work, lysine-modified, zein-based, pomegranate peels’ purified ellagitannin nanoconjugates were fabricated. The dynamic light scattering and field emission scanning electron microscopy findings demonstrated that pH (3, 5, 7, 9, and 11) has a significant effect on particle size, zeta potential, and shape of the nanoconjugates. It was found that a near-neutral pH (6.8–7) was ideal for fabricating the conjugated nanoparticles with reduced particle sizes (174.33 nm), homogeneous size distribution (0.1), and a good net charge (−25.53 mv). In these conditions, it demonstrated good particle production (83.83%) and binding effectiveness (83.23%) of total hydrolysable tannins. Transmission electron microscopy showed evenly dispersed spherical particles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed conjugations between pure ellagitannins, and protein nanoparticles involving hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction, and electrostatic contact. The synthesized nanoconjugates exhibited strong antioxidant scavenging capacity. Thermal stability, antibacterial activity, in vitro gastrointestinal bioaccessibility, and antiproliferative activity (liver cancer cells) were all improved by conjugation. The cytotoxic study of Lysine modified zein purified ellagitannin nanoconjugates showed no deleterious impact on normal Vero cell lines. Overall, our work shows that adding pure ellagitannin from pomegranate peels to protein nanoparticles is a cost-effective way to meet customer demand for safer, newer, healthier foods with better quality and uses. •Lysine-modified zein-based purified ellagitannin nanoconjugates were successfully fabricated.•Near to neutral pH (6.8–7) exhibited non-aggregated, spherical and small particles.•Nano-conjugation with purified ellagitannin improved the antioxidant activity and thermal stability of zein and lysine.•Nanoconjugation improves the in-vitro gastrointestinal stability of antioxidant compounds.•Fabricated nanoconjugates exhibited good antiproliferative effects against liver cancer (Hep G2) cells and nontoxic to normal vero cells.