Encapsulation of indole-3-carbinol and 3,3′-diindolylmethane in zein/carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles with controlled release property and improved stability

► Complex nanoparticles have spherical shape with particle size around 100 nm. ► Carboxymethyl chitosan coating improves encapsulation and controlled release. ► Encapsulation inhibits the oligomerization of indole-3-carbinol. ► Encapsulation significantly enhanced thermal- and photo-stabilities of I3C and DIM.