PREPARATION OF ASTAXANTHIN/PYCNOGENOL NANOPARTICLES: A DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED ASTAXANTHIN STABILITY AND BIOAVAILABILITY

Abstract

Astaxanthin (AST) and pycnogenol (PYC) are natural bioactive compounds commonly used in pharmaceuticals and functional foods due to their highly
antioxidant activity and potential health benefits. However, the widespread application of astaxanthin is hindered by its poor water solubility and highly
unsaturated structure. In this study, nanoparticles co-delivering astaxanthin and pycnogenol (NAP) were fabricated to enhance the dispersibility, stability, and
bioavailability of astaxanthin. The particle size, dispersion index, zeta potential (ζ), and morphology of the nanoparticles were characterized, revealing that the
NAP were spherical, had a negative surface charge, and an average particle size in the range of 70 - 91nm with a narrow size distribution. X-ray diffraction (XRD)
demonstrated that AST existed in an amorphous form within the NAP. Notably, the excellent water dispersibility and high stability of the astaxanthin/pycnogenol
nanoparticles significantly enhanced cellular uptake, with absorption efficiency being 12 times higher than that of pure astaxanthin. Furthermore, the
antioxidant activity was notably improved. These findings suggest that the astaxanthin/pycnogenol nanoparticles is an ideal formulation of astaxanthin, offering
potential for the development of new functional foods.