Novel rutin-loaded zein-sodium caseinate nanoparticles (ZP) that release slowly in simulated gastric/intestinal solutions with antioxidant activity in aqueous medium were investigated. The results showed that the sodium caseinate concentrations, dosages of rutin and ethanol volume fractions significantly affected the zein nanoparticles' characteristics. A slower rutin cumulative release (14.8-19.8%) in simulated gastric solutions and a relatively faster one (19.8-26.1%) in simulated intestinal solutions for 3 h from rutin loaded ZP with different dosages (0.05-0.20 g) were observed. Concerning the antioxidant properties, the highest values of rutin loaded ZP obtained using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging and 2 and 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) decolourisation assays were 52.7% and 71.2%, respectively, and the total antioxidant capacity was 0.40nmol g-1. The results suggest that zein-sodium caseinate nanoparticles can be used as a new nano delivery system for rutin or other water insoluble active ingredients for a controlled release.