Natural products belonging to a class of generally-recognized-as-safe biomaterials have exceptional biocompatibility and biodegradability and can be used as delivery vehicles for a variety of functional foods. Adlay (Coix lacryma-jobi), is a nutritious food, rich in various bioactive ingredients. Coix seed oil extract (CSO) is also bioactive but it is sensitive to oxidation. In this study, a bioactive delivery system based on homologous polysaccharides and proteins was developed to deliver coix seed oil. The results show that the CSO nanoparticles have high encapsulation efficiency, narrow particle size distribution, and good stability. Moreover, the fusion of the nanoparticles with the membrane enabled the transport of CSO through the Caco-2 cell monolayer and improved the intestinal permeability. These findings could provide useful information for designing homologous polysaccharide and protein-based delivery systems to increase the bioavailability of lipophilic nutraceuticals in the food industry. • CSO bioactive delivery system was prepared by homologous polysaccharide and protein • CSO-load particles keep better microstructure and thermal stability during spray drying • CSO-load nanoparticles transported CSO through the Caco-2 cells monolayer and improved intestinal permeability [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]