Abstract
Functional foods like probiotics offer health benefits against various diseases, and plant bioactive compounds can enhance their growth. Zein, a protein, shows biological activity upon hydrolysis, and encapsulating it in nanoparticles improves bioavailability. This study examined chitosan-coated nanoliposomes as carriers for hydrolyzed and unhydrolyzed maize zein to fortify kashk. Combining chitosan and hydrolyzed zein in a 1:2 ratio achieves the highest encapsulation efficiency, antioxidant activity, smallest particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. FTIR and XRD analyses confirm hydrolyzed zein's entrapment and crystalline nature post-encapsulation. Optimized nanoliposomes release hydrolyzed zein faster in simulated intestinal fluid than in gastric fluid, indicating high bioavailability and stability. When used to fortify kashk, these nanoliposomes slightly lower acidity but maintain standard pH over 60-day cold storage, improve elastic properties, and enhance probiotic viability. At the same time, sensory attributes remain comparable to the control, highlighting their functional food potential.