Preparation and stability of fucoxanthin-loaded microemulsions

Oil-in-water microemulsions (MEs) containing fucoxanthin were prepared. The stability of MEs stored at 4 degrees C was investigated for 4 weeks in terms of droplet size change and phase separation. The ME having the oil content of 2% was stable throughout the experiment. As the oil content increased to 3% and 4%, the sizes increased with time for the last 3 weeks. Further increase to 5% led to the phase separation at the 4th week. About 95% of fucoxanthin was maintained for 4 weeks once no phase separation took place soon after the preparation. (C) 2013 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.