Egg Yolk Granule Nanoparticles as Bioactive Nanocarriers for Curcumin Delivery: Intrinsic Hypolipidemic Activity and Combined Efficacy in Obese Mice

Previous studies have focused on modifying native egg yolk granules (EYGs) into nanoparticles for bioactive delivery, while underestimating their intrinsic bioactivity. This study investigated the intrinsic hypolipidemic activity of EYG nanoparticles (EYG NPs) and their combined effects with the loaded ingredient. EYGs were treated with (NaPO₃)₆ and ultrasonication to prepare EYG NPs for curcumin encapsulation, producing EYG/curcumin nanoparticles (EYG/Cur NPs). <i>In vivo</i> studies indicated that EYG NPs exhibited significant hypolipidemic effects in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. EYG NPs reduced serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels by 21.3, 38.4, and 36.4% compared to the model group, respectively. EYG/Cur NPs showed an enhanced hypotriglyceridemic effect, reducing serum TG levels by 50.7%, likely attributable to the combined action of curcumin and EYGs. Additionally, EYG/Cur NPs significantly reduced body weight gain, white adipose tissue weight and hepatic lipid levels. This work provides a novel strategy for developing nanocarriers with both bioactivity and carrier functions.