Carrier design for astaxanthin delivery

Abstract

Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid pigment with powerful antioxidant capacity which has been reported for beneficial effects on human health to prevent cancers and anti-degenerative diseases. Bioavailability of astaxanthin is however limited due to insoluble and instable properties of its lipophilic nature. This study describes the cytotoxicity and astaxanthin delivery using a surfactant (tween 80) and penetration enhancers (methyl β-cyclodextrin and liposome) to enhance astaxanthin bioavailability in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. Toxicity of tween 80 and methyl β-cyclodextrin increased with concentration. Liposome did not alter cell viability relative to untreated controls, regardless of concentration tested. Cellular uptake among delivery vehicles was compared at 24 hours and was found to be higher than that of astaxanthin without a vehicle. The cellular uptake rate was highest when liposome was used as the delivery vehicle. This finding aids in the development of design criteria for vehicles for delivery of antioxidants to cells. © (2010) Trans Tech Publications.