Preparation of astaxanthin-loaded liposomes: characterization, storage stability and antioxidant activity

Abstract

Astaxanthin-loaded liposomes were prepared by employing a thin-film ultrasound method with the utilization of soy phosphatidylcholine. The preparation conditions of astaxanthin-loaded liposomes were optimized through response surface methodology. Under the optimum preparation conditions, the observed experimental results showed the vesicle size of astaxanthin-LL was 80.62 ± 4.52 nm with the polydispersity index of 0.20 ± 0.03, while the zeta potential was −31.80 ± 1.85 mV with the highest encapsulation efficiency of 97.68 ± 0.34%. The successful encapsulation of astaxanthin in liposomes was demonstrated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Retention rate of 82.29% was obtained after 15 days of storage at 4°C in the stability study, which confirmed that the liposome membrane could retain astaxanthin effectively, especially at low storage temperature. Encapsulation could enhance significantly the antioxidant activity of astaxanthin. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of astaxanthin after encapsulation in liposomes was correlated with the incorporation efficiency of astaxanthin.Preparación de liposomas llenos de astaxantina: caracterización, capacidad de almacenamiento y actividad antioxidante RESUMEN En este estudio se prepararon liposomas llenos de astaxantina empleando el método de ultrasonido de capa fina y utilizando fosfatidilcolina de soya. Las condiciones de preparación de los liposomas llenos de astaxantina fueron optimizadas mediante la metodología de superficies de respuesta. Bajo estas condiciones óptimas de preparación, los resultados experimentales observados mostraron que el tamaño vesicular de la astaxantina-LL fue 80,62 ± 4,52 nm, registrando un índice de polidispersidad de 0,20 ± 0,03; además, el potencial zeta fue −31,80 ± 1,85 mV, y la mayor eficiencia de encapsulación registró un valor de 97,68 ± 0,34%. La exitosa encapsulación de la astaxantina en los liposomas se comprobó empleando la espectroscopía infrarroja transformada de Fourier. En lo que se refiere al estudio de estabilidad, al transcurrir 15 días de almacenamiento a una temperatura de 4°C se obtuvo una tasa de retención de 82,29%, lo que confirma que la membrana del liposoma puede retener eficazmente a la astaxantina, sobre todo a bajas temperaturas de almacenamiento. Por lo que, la encapsulación podría mejorar significativamente la actividad antioxidante de la astaxantina. Asimismo, se constató que después de la encapsulación en los liposomas dicha actividad se correlaciona con la eficiencia de incorporación de astaxantina.

Nanoliposomes as Vehicles for Astaxanthin: Characterization, In Vitro Release Evaluation and Structure

“…These results are accordant with that of above particle size measurement using DLS. On the whole, these advantages of astaxanthin-LN could be found in comparison to the previous studies in the aspects of less particle size with a remarkably homodisperse size distribution [ 23 ].…”

Astaxanthin inhibits hallmarks of cancer by targeting the PI3K/NF‐κΒ/STAT3 signalling axis in oral squamous cell carcinoma models

“…The lack of consistency has been largely ascribed to the low bioavailability and weak targeting ability of AXT . Despite extensive physiological activities, the poor bioavailability of AXT has restricted clinical translation . Nanoencapsulation of AXT was found to improve its antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects .…”

“…35 Despite extensive physiological activities, the poor bioavailability of AXT has restricted clinical translation. 13,36,37 Nanoencapsulation of AXT was found to improve its antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. 38 The protective effect of nanoAXT against UV-induced photokeratitis was attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.…”

Effect of Membrane Surface Modification Using Chitosan Hydrochloride and Lactoferrin on the Properties of Astaxanthin-Loaded Liposomes

“…The standard calibration curve of astaxanthin was obtained (y = 76.186x + 0.0676, R 2 = 0.998). The EE of astaxanthin in the sample was measured by centrifugal extraction and chemical colorimetry [12]. Briefly, 400 µL of astaxanthin liposomes and 5 mL of petroleum ether were gently mixed and stirred at 30 • C for 5 min, the mixture was centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 5 min, and the supernatant was collected.…”

“…In recent years, increasing studies have confirmed that liposome encapsulation could improve the water solubility, antioxidant activity and cellular uptake of astaxanthin [12,13]. However, since liposomes are thermodynamically unstable, they may be susceptible to aggregation, fusion, and oxidation, leading to the destruction of their integrity, which in turn leads to the leakage of the encapsulated material.…”