Encapsulation Techniques to Enhance Astaxanthin Utilization as Functional Feed Ingredient.

Area of Science:

• Aquaculture Nutrition
• Biotechnology
• Food Science

Background:

• Astaxanthin (AX) is a valuable carotenoid with antioxidant properties, but its application as a functional feed ingredient is limited by poor stability and bioavailability.
• Encapsulation technologies offer a promising approach to overcome these limitations and enhance AX efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of spray-drying and liposome entrapment in enhancing the stability and bioavailability of astaxanthin (AX) from natural and synthetic sources.
• To assess the physico-chemical properties, thermal stability, and in vitro performance of encapsulated AX formulations using a rainbow trout cell line.

Main Methods:

• Natural and synthetic astaxanthin (AX) were encapsulated using spray-drying and liposome entrapment.
• Encapsulated AX formulations were characterized for encapsulation efficiency, physico-chemical properties, and thermal stability.
• In vitro studies were conducted using RTL-W1 cells to evaluate cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

Main Results:

• Both spray-drying and liposome entrapment achieved high encapsulation efficiencies (73-89%) and excellent thermal protection for AX.
• Encapsulated AX maintained stability at 80 °C for 2 hours and 100 °C for 30 minutes.
• In vitro tests showed improved cell viability and reduced ROS production in RTL-W1 cells treated with encapsulated AX.

Conclusions:

• Encapsulation significantly enhances astaxanthin (AX) stability and bioavailability, making it a more effective functional ingredient for fish feed.
• Spray-drying and liposome entrapment are viable methods for optimizing AX utilization in aquaculture.
• Further research can leverage these findings to develop improved fish feed formulations with enhanced nutritional and health benefits.