Abstract:In this paper, zein-arabic gum (AG) nanoparticles loaded with tocopherol (TOC) were prepared by antisolvent method. The effects of different zein ∶ AG ratios and the stirring speeds on the stability of zein-AG nanoparticles were investigated, and the effects of different pH and the different concentrations of salt were also investigated. The experimental results showed that the nanoparticles with zein ∶ GA ratio of 1 ∶ 1.5 and the stirring speed of 200 r/min were stable, and the particle size was 125.4 nm, the polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.19 and the zeta-potential was -32.8 mV. When the pH=3~9, and the concentration of salt ion was less than 20 mmol/L, the zein-AG nanoparticles were stable which proved that zein and AG were bound effectively and had a certain charge shielding effect. The stability of zein-AG nanoparticles loaded with TOC was significantly improved, and the removal capacity of DPPH, ABTS and superoxide anions were higher than that of zein-AG nanoparticles. Moreover, zein/AG-TOC nanoparticles could achieve slow-release in gastrointestinal simulation experiments.