Designing a nanoliposome loaded with provitamin A xanthophyll β-cryptoxanthin from K. marina DAGII to target a population suffering from hypovitaminosis A

Abstract

β-cryptoxanthin (β-crx) is a provitamin A carotenoid, ideal for targeting Vitamin A deficiency (VAD); however, its instability and uncontrolled release limit its biological properties. β-crx encapsulated soy phosphatidylcholine nanoliposome was designed to target VAD, and it showed good entrapment efficiency (96.11 ± 0.79%) and desirable size (64.34 ± 1.42 nm), zeta-potential (−17.5 ± 1.70 mV) and polydispersity index (0.288 ± 0.004), suggesting a stable and efficient encapsulation. The spherical nanoliposome was characterized through Field emission scanning electron microscope, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The nanoliposome retained 74.12 ± 2.08% of β-crx at 4 °C after 30 days of storage at pH 7.4. Bioaccessibility study showed the release of β-crx was less in the gastric medium (5.93 ± 0.68%) compared to intestinal digestion (54.63 ± 0.11%), coinciding with the site of vitamin A metabolism. The residual scavenging activity (67.05 ± 1.53%) increased in the intestinal digestion. The DPPH radical scavenging activity was 82.59 ± 0.43% and inhibited 55.73 ± 0.48% protein oxidation. The TBARS value of 0.493 ± 0.02 mg/L was obtained after 30 days of storage, preventing lipid peroxidation. No chromosomal aberration was observed in the genotoxicity study. It prevented the lysis of erythrocytes, confirmed by the haemolytic assay. The study helps in designing a liposome for the delivery of β-crx to generate new fortified food to prevent VAD.