Formulation and optimization of astaxanthin nanoemulsions with marine phospholipids derived from large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) roe

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate the emulsifying capacity of marine phospholipids derived from large yellow croaker roe (LYCRPLs). Initially, conditions for preparing astaxanthin (1% w/w) nanoemulsions with LYCRPLs were optimized based on single-factor experiments, including homogenization pressure, homogenization cycle, emulsifier concentration and corn oil concentration via the response surface methodology. The optimal homogenization pressure was 60 MPa, the optimal number of homogenization cycles was nine, the optimal emulsifier concentration was 4.7%, and the optimal oil concentration was 20%. Under these conditions, the stability, particle size and polydispersity index of nanoemulsions were 0.018 ± 0.0016, 247 ± 4.5 nm and 0.215±0.019, respectively. The droplets of nanoemulsions were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, which revealed that all the droplets were more or less spherical and nonaggregated. In addition, the storage experiments indicated that the nanoemulsions were stable at different temperatures. Therefore, LYCRPLs could be explored as carriers for the delivery of insoluble bioactive compounds in the food industry.