Fabrication and characterization of cold-gelation whey protein-chitosan complex hydrogels for the controlled release of curcumin

In this study, cold-gelation whey protein isolate (WPI)-chitosan (CS) complex hydrogels were fabricated by crosslinking with genipin (GP), which was a naturally occurring crosslinking agent. The effect of variable CS concentrations on the structure and physical/chemical properties of the complex hydrogels was probed. Curcumin release rates from WPI-CS complex hydrogels were lower in simulated gastric and colon solution. DSC results indicated that the WPI-CS complex hydrogel showed higher stability (endothermic peak at 93.7 °C) than that of WPI (endothermic peak at 80.3 °C). These results demonstrated that cold-gelation WPI-CS complex hydrogel could be a new material to encapsulate and deliver bioactive substance or drugs, with potential applications in functional foods and drugs. [Display omitted] •Whey protein-chitosan polymeric hydrogel was developed by cold-set gelation.•DSC results indicated that the WPI-CS hydrogel showed higher stability than WPI.•WPI-CS complex hydrogel had huge advantages in continuously releasing curcumin.