Physicochemical Properties and Bioavailability of Lutein Microencapsulation(LM)

This study was performed to investigate the physicochemical properties of lutein microencapsulation (LM) and to assess its bioavailability (BA). LM was prepared with advanced spray and starch-catching drying technology. Its physicochemical properties (characterization, storage stability and dissolution) and BA were evaluated. The BA study of LM was performed using SD rats following a single oral administration of lutein equivalent to 100 mg, and were compared with commercial reference sample (RS). LM was nearly sphericity, its mean particle size was 214.7 nm. It can be free-flowing. Solubility of lutein was increased and it could be directly dissolved in water to form a homogeneity of solution. The storage stability of lutein was enhanced under accelerated and long-term storage conditions. More than 85% lutein could be released from LM after 15 min during the dissolution test. The relative BA of lutein was 139.1% in comparison to RS. The results would be helpful to conduct the application of LM in food industry.