Preparation of functional supplement powder using nanoliposome-containing marine bioactive compounds

The demand for marine bioactive compounds as therapeutic agents in supplements or functional foods has increased. However, their instability, bitter taste, and potential degradation during digestion have hindered their widespread use. To overcome these problems, a functional supplement powder was produced using the encapsulation technique of nanoliposomes containing shrimp lipid extract, fish oil (FO), and fish protein hydrolysate. Chitosan and whey protein concentrate (WPC) were used to coat the nanoliposomes in mono/bilayer and composite forms, followed by freeze-drying for 72 h. The physicochemical characteristics, nutritional, in vitro release, and sensory evaluation were investigated. The WPC-monolayer treatment exhibited the highest solubility (28.83 mg/100 g), encapsulation efficiency (97.67%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Although the mono/bilayer treatments of whey protein showed lower docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid than FO, they presented a favorable amino acid profile. Compared to acidic stomach conditions, the release in the intestine was higher. Incorporating 1.5 g of the supplement powder per 100 g of milk can meet an individual's daily nutritional needs for essential amino acids and PUFAs. Therefore, encapsulating marine bioactive compounds in liposomal carriers could be a beneficial approach to their direct use as a nutritious powder.