Beta-carotene-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers

Area of Science:

• Food science and technology
• Colloid and surface chemistry
• Materials science

Background:

• Hydrophobic compounds like beta-carotene are challenging to incorporate into aqueous food systems.
• Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) offer a potential solution for encapsulating and stabilizing such compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using NLC for dispersing beta-carotene in aqueous systems.
• To evaluate the physical stability and potential application of NLC in beverages.

Main Methods:

• NLC were prepared using a melt-emulsification technique with a blend of solid and liquid lipids.
• Particle size analysis was performed using photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and laser diffractometry (LD).
• Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) assessed lipid solid-state behavior, and photospectrometry measured beta-carotene stability.

Main Results:

• NLC exhibited mean particle sizes around 0.3 micrometers, remaining below 1 micrometer for extended storage periods (9 weeks at 20°C, 30 weeks at 4-8°C).
• Propylene glycol monostearate (PGMS) within the NLC recrystallized significantly (up to 98%) but showed no polymorph transitions over 7 months.
• Beta-carotene stability was assessed concerning NLC concentration and tocopherol content.

Conclusions:

• NLC technology is a viable method for incorporating hydrophobic beta-carotene into aqueous phases.
• The NLC demonstrated good physical stability, suggesting their potential as functional ingredients in beverages.
• Further studies on beta-carotene stability within NLC in beverage matrices are warranted.