Optimization of Astaxanthin microencapsulation in hydrophilic carriers using response surface methodology

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Astaxanthin (AST), a xanthophyll, is a potent antioxidant with poor aqueous solubility, limiting its oral bioavailability.
• Developing oral formulations for poorly soluble compounds like AST is challenging due to bioavailability concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the solubility and oral bioavailability of astaxanthin (AST) through microencapsulation.
• To apply Quality by Design (QbD) principles and Design of Experiments (DOE) to optimize the microencapsulation process.

Main Methods:

• Microencapsulation of AST using spray drying with soluble polymers.
• Utilizing QbD and DOE to investigate the impact of formulation variables (carrier ratio, solubilizer concentration, homogenizer speed).
• Characterization of the optimized formulation using DSC, XRD, and SEM; assessment of release rate and cell growth inhibition.

Main Results:

• An optimized microencapsulated AST formulation with a consistent release rate was developed.
• Characterization studies confirmed the properties of the optimized formulation.
• The optimized formulation exhibited increased percent cell growth inhibition compared to plain AST.

Conclusions:

• Microencapsulation via spray drying effectively improved astaxanthin's solubility and bioavailability.
• The QbD approach provided a systematic method for optimizing the formulation.
• This study provides a foundation for large-scale development of oral AST formulations with enhanced bioavailability.