Research progress of Astaxanthin nano-based drug delivery system: Applications, prospects and challenges?

Abstract

Astaxanthin (ASX) is a kind of carotenoid widely distributed in nature, which has been shown to extremely strong antioxidative effects and significant preventive and therapeutic effects on cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc. However, its application in the medical field is greatly limited due to its poor water solubility, unstable chemical properties and other shortcomings. In recent years, the nano-based drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, nanodispersions, and polymer micelles, have been used as Astaxanthin delivery carriers with great potential for clinical applications, which have been proved that they can enhance the stability and efficacy of Astaxanthin and achieve targeted delivery of Astaxanthin. Herein, based on the pharmacological effects of Astaxanthin, we reviewed the characteristics of various drug delivery carriers, which is of great significance for improving the bioavailability of Astaxanthin.

Extraction and Purification of Highly Active Astaxanthin from Corynebacterium glutamicum Fermentation Broth

“…To be economically competitive, not only must the bacterial cultivation be optimized, but also the downstream process for product recovery [20,21]. The recovery of astaxanthin is particularly challenging as the molecule is incorporated within the biomass [22,23], as well as being susceptible to heat, light and oxygen [44]. Since dehydration of the biomass is costly [9], this step should be avoided.…”

“…Furthermore, free astaxanthin shows a reduced stability compared to the esterified version [68]. These limitations could be overcome by different delivery systems, e.g., liposomes, emulsions and nanoparticles [11,44]. Compared to other astaxanthin downstream processes from algae or yeast [64], this study provides a fast and simple workflow, without the need for extensive equipment or expensive chemicals (Figure 4).…”

“…Furthermore, free astaxanthin shows a reduced stability compared to the esterified version [68]. These limitations could be overcome by different delivery systems, e.g., liposomes, emulsions and nanoparticles [11,44].…”

Effects of Dietary Components on Mast Cells: Possible Use as Nutraceuticals for Allergies?

“…Due to the poor water solubility of astaxanthin [157], the liposomal formulation improves water solubility by conjugation with phospholipid structures [158]. However, the efficacy of nano-based astaxanthin delivery systems has not yet been clinically tested [159]. Furthermore, the new lipid-based nanocarrier phytosome has been used to encapsulate quercetin for the treatment of AR [138].…”

A Review of Recent Developments in Biopolymer Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems with Antioxidative Properties: Insights into the Last Five Years

“…Astaxanthin has great potential in the prevention and treatment of clinically related diseases due to its antioxidant activity. So far, various nanoforms of particles with astaxanthin have been synthesized (Figure 6) [138,139]. Recently, Sun et al, in their review, provided some ideas on the research trends and applications of astaxanthin delivery systems [140].…”