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Published on: February 19, 2016
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Salmon and krill phospholipids: Two nanocarriers with interesting physico-chemical properties
Maureen Gerlei1, Louis Pruvost1, Michel Linder1
1Laboratoire d'Ingénierie des Biomolécules (LIBio), Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, F-54500, France.
Biochimie
|September 20, 2025
Summary
Salmon heads and krill offer sustainable omega-3 phospholipids for liposome formulation. These marine sources provide essential fatty acids like EPA and DHA, crucial for developing advanced nutraceutical and health delivery systems.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biotechnology
- Lipid Science
- Nutraceutical Development
Background:
- Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are vital for health.
- Liposomes are effective carriers for bioactive compounds.
- Sustainable sourcing of marine lipids is increasingly important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare salmon heads and krill as sources of omega-3 phospholipids for liposome formulation.
- To evaluate the physicochemical properties and stability of liposomes derived from these marine sources.
- To assess the potential of these marine by-products for nutraceutical and health applications.
Main Methods:
- Green extraction of oils from salmon heads and krill.
- Acetone fractionation to isolate lipid classes.
- Analysis of fatty acid composition (EPA, DHA) and lipid profiles.
- Characterization of liposome properties (particle size, zeta potential, PDI) using DLS and NTA.
- Evaluation of nutritional and health-related indices.
Main Results:
- Both salmon and krill yielded lipid fractions rich in omega-3 phospholipids (EPA, DHA).
- Krill polar lipids showed higher EPA content (12.96%) than salmon (5.36%), while salmon had higher DHA (13.90%) than krill (7.26%).
- Salmon-derived liposomes (∼86.56 nm) were smaller than krill-derived ones (176.22 nm), with both exhibiting excellent colloidal stability and homogeneity.
- Marine by-products contained astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant.
Conclusions:
- Salmon heads and krill are viable, sustainable sources of omega-3 phospholipids for liposome formulation.
- Liposomes derived from these sources possess favorable physicochemical properties for delivery systems.
- These marine resources offer significant potential for functional foods, nutraceuticals, and health applications due to their lipid content and antioxidant properties.
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