Encapsulation of β-carotene in alginate-based hydrogel beads: Impact on physicochemical stability and bioaccessibility

Abstract

24Delivery systems are needed to protect carotenoids in foods, but release them at an 25 appropriate location within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In this study, β-carotene was 26 incorporated into three different delivery systems: free lipid droplets; filled hydrogel 27 beads formed using 0.5% alginate ("0.5% beads"); and, filled hydrogel beads formed 28 using 1% alginate ("1% beads'). Hydrogel beads were fabricated by injecting an alginate 29 solution into a calcium ion solution using an extrusion device (Encapsulator). Light 30 scattering and confocal microscopy measurements indicated that the 0.5% beads had 31 much smaller diameter (285 μm) than the 1% beads (660 μm). β-carotene encapsulated in 32 free lipid droplets (nanoemulsions) was highly unstable to chemical degradation when 33 stored at elevated temperatures. Conversely, incorporation of the β-carotene-loaded 34 lipid droplets into hydrogel beads greatly improved its chemical stability. Simulated GIT 35 studies indicated that the rate and extent of lipid digestion decreased in the following 36 order: free lipid droplets >0.5% beads > 1% beads. The encapsulated β-carotene had a 37 higher bioaccessibility in free lipid droplets than in hydrogel beads, whereas its chemical 38 stability within the GIT was higher in the hydrogel beads, with the 1% beads giving 39 better protection against degradation than the 0.5% beads, which was attributed to 40 differences in hydrogel pore size. Overall, our results provide valuable information for 41 the rational design and development of nutraceutical delivery systems for utilization in 42 functional food products. 43

Development and characterization of controlled released polyphenol rich micro‐encapsulate ofMurraya koenigiibark extract

“…Sample (50 mg) was treated with activated SGF gastric fluid followed by adjusting pH 2.5 using 1 M NaOH and incubated at 37ºC for 2 hr at 50 rpm in incubator shaker. Aliquots were further analyzed for phenolic estimation and release determination using UPLC (Mao & McClements, 2012; Zhang, Zhang, & McClements, 2016).…”

Nanostructuring Biopolymers for Improved Food Quality and Safety

“…Being the bioaccessibility of carotenoids one of their main limitations to exert their bioactivities, this feature should be carefully addressed when selecting a wall material for encapsulation. For instance, alginate has been proposed as a desirable encapsulation matrix for its ability to protect carotenoids from the acidic conditions during gastric digestion, and indeed, Zhang et al (2016) have recently shown that it effectively protected β-carotene from degradation during digestion. However, the encapsulation within alginate beads caused a reduction in β-carotene bioaccessibility due to insufficient release.…”

Citric‐acid modified banana starch nanoparticles as a novel vehicle for β‐carotene delivery

“…Among carotenoids, the most important is β ‐carotene (BC) due to its relative abundance and pro‐vitamin A activity . β ‐Carotene is also known for its high antioxidant activity and for reducing certain cardiovascular and eye diseases . Although diets rich in BC are recommended, its inclusion in processed foods is limited due to its low water solubility and chemical instability, which reduce its bio‐accessibility.…”

“…18 -Carotene is also known for its high antioxidant activity and for reducing certain cardiovascular and eye diseases. 19,20 Although diets rich in BC are recommended, its inclusion in processed foods is limited due to its low water solubility and chemical instability, which reduce its bio-accessibility. -Carotene also undergoes several transformations along the gastrointestinal tract, which lead to a reduction in its health benefits.…”

“…-Carotene also undergoes several transformations along the gastrointestinal tract, which lead to a reduction in its health benefits. 19 Nanoencapsulation has become one of the most promising tools for increasing stability and bioavailability of bioactive molecules, such as -carotene. 21,22 Recently, we reported that native and acetylated banana starch nanoparticles can potentially be used as bioactive molecule carriers in the gastrointestinal route, due to the banana starch resistance to enzymatic and acid hydrolysis.…”