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Formation, Structural Characterization, and Functional Properties of Corn Starch/Zeaxanthin Composites
Songnan Li1,2,3, Duo Feng1,2,3, Enpeng Li1,2,3
1Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2023
Summary
Zeaxanthin, a key macular pigment, shows improved stability and bioavailability when encapsulated in corn starch granules. This novel starch-based carrier enhances zeaxanthin
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Zeaxanthin is a vital macular pigment protecting against oxidative damage.
- Poor stability and low bioavailability limit zeaxanthin's effectiveness.
- Starch granules offer potential as carriers to enhance zeaxanthin properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize the incorporation of zeaxanthin into corn starch granules.
- To improve zeaxanthin's stability and controlled release characteristics.
- To create effective starch-based carriers for zeaxanthin delivery.
Main Methods:
- Optimization of reaction temperature (65 °C), starch concentration (6%), and reaction time (2 h).
- Characterization using polarized-light microscopy, X-ray diffraction, DSC, and FTIR.
- Assessment of zeaxanthin stability (half-life) and in vitro intestinal release.
Main Results:
- Achieved high zeaxanthin content (2.47 mg/g) and encapsulation efficiency (74%).
- Confirmed formation of corn starch/zeaxanthin composites with zeaxanthin trapped in granules.
- Increased zeaxanthin half-life to 43 days (vs. 13 days alone) and demonstrated rapid in vitro intestinal release.
Conclusions:
- Corn starch effectively encapsulates zeaxanthin, enhancing its stability and bioavailability.
- Optimized starch-based carriers show promise for improved delivery of zeaxanthin.
- Findings support the development of advanced starch carriers for bioactive ingredients.
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