Preparation and stability of astaxanthin solid lipid nanoparticles based on stearic acid

Abstract

Astaxanthin (ASTA), a natural pigment carotenoid, is endowed with remarkable antioxidant activity in food and cosmetic products. However, the utilization of ASTA is limited due to its poor water-solubility, low bioavailability, and the decomposition under light, heat, and oxygen. In order to overcome these drawbacks, ASTA was encapsulated within solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). ASTA-SLNs, composed of lipid nucleation (ASTA, soybean oil, solid lipid matrix) and external water phase (Tween 20, deionized water), were prepared by high pressure homogenization (HPH). The contents of three different solid matrixes (stearic acid, glycerin monostearate, and glycerol distearates) and the preparation conditions (pressure and number of cycles) were optimized. Stearic acid (1 wt%) was selected on the basis of physico-chemical properties of ASTA-SLNs, such as mean particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersivity index (PDI). Moreover, ASTA-SLNs exhibited good long-term stability at 4 and 25°C, with no significant modification in the particle size. Comparative with the free ASTA, the chemical stability of ASTA in SLNs was significantly enhanced. Finally, the release experiments of ASTA-SLNs showed that SLNs could provide prolonged release of ASTA in simulated gastric and intestinal juices.Practical application: SLNs, a promising submicron drug delivery system, could be widely applied in food, cosmetics, drugs, and health products. In the fields of targeted delivery and controlled release of drugs, SLNs have attracted increasing attention. ASTA-SLNs can be prepared into various pharmaceutical dosage forms, such as oral tablet, intravenous infusion, and percutaneous absorption, thus achieving a long-time and stable therapeutic effect in small dosage. More importantly, based on the high pressure homogenization technology, ASTA-SLNs can be produced in large-scale.

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.…”

Improved antibacterial function of Rifampicin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles on Brucella abortus

“…Before measuring, SLN dispersion was diluted by water (Q-water) 1:30. Results which were obtained here were an average of measurements done for three times (triplicate) [9,16,20,21].…”

Critical review of encapsulation methods for stabilization and delivery of astaxanthin

“…Similarly, solid lipid nanoparticles can be produced using high pressure homogenization by melting the lipid at low temperature below its melting point. Li et al (2016) encapsulated astaxanthin in solid lipid nanoparticles using stearic acid, glycerin monostearate, and glycerol distearates in soybean oil as the dispersed phase, while deionized water containing Tween 20 was used as the continuous phase. The different phases were mixed together using high pressure homogenization.…”