Effect of the Emulsifier Used in Dunaliella salina‐Based Nanoemulsions Formulation on the β‐Carotene Absorption and Metabolism in Rats

Abstract

Scope: Microalgae such as Dunaliella salina are a potential sustainable source of natural 𝜷-carotene due to their fast growth and high adaptability to environmental conditions. This work aims to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of 𝜷-carotene from this alga into different emulsifier-type nanoemulsions (soybean lecithin [SBL], whey protein isolate [WPI], sodium caseinate [SDC]) on its absorption, metabolization, and biodistribution in rats. Methods and results: Nanoemulsions formulated with different emulsifiers at 8% concentration are obtained by five cycles of microfluidization at 130 mPa, then expose to an in vitro digestion or orally administer to rats. Feeding rats with nanoemulsions improves 𝜷-carotene uptake compared to control suspension, especially using SDC and WPI as emulsifiers. A greater presence of 𝜷-carotene and retinol in the intestine, plasma, and liver is observed, being the liver the tissue that shows the highest accumulation. This fact can be a consequence of the smaller droplets that protein-nanoemulsions present compared to that with SBL in the intestine of rats, which promote faster digestibility and higher 𝜷-carotene bioaccessibility (35%-50% more) according to the in vitro observations. Conclusions: Nanoemulsions, especially those formulated with protein emulsifiers, are effective systems for increasing 𝜷-carotene absorption, as well as retinol concentration in different rat tissues.

Preventive Action of Beta-Carotene against the Indoxyl Sulfate-Induced Renal Dysfunction in Male Adult Zebrafish via Regulations of Mitochondrial Inflammatory and β-Carotene Oxygenase-2 Actions

“…Mitochondrial BCO2 activity is essential for the conversion of natural carotenoids by different carotenoid oxygenase enzymes, i.e., β-carotene oxygenase-1 (BCO1; located in the cytoplasm) and BCO2 (located in the inner mitochondrial membrane) [64]. BCO1 and BCO2 contribute to the metabolic conversion of BC, whereas BCO2 contributes to BC catabolism in the excessive doses of BC presence [65,66]. BCO2 is also reported to produce protective action against carotenoid-induced mitochondrial inflammation [67].…”