Fabrication and characterizations of cyclic amylopectin-based delivery system incorporated with β-carotene

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate the encapsulation potential of cyclic amylopectin (CA) as a novel delivery carrier for fortifying the solubility and environmental stability of β-carotene (βC). After measuring solubility, recovery, encapsulation rate and loading rate, the optimum ratio of CA to βC in the composite (CA-βC) was 5:1. The solubility of βC in the optimal composite reached a maximum value of 179.1 μg/mL and was significantly higher than that of raw βC. Structural characterizations showed that the βC crystals were successfully entrapped into the hydrophobic cavity of CA, resulting in a composite with an amorphous state. A higher stability of βC to light or chemical oxidation was observed. Additionally, in-silico simulations showed that the partially unsaturated fatty acid chain of the βC molecule was bound into the hydrophobic core of CA through hydrophobic interaction. Results indicate that CA is a suitable compound to encapsulate and improve the functionality of lipophilic phytochemicals. • CA-based delivery system significantly enhanced the water solubility of βC. • Composite showed the higher stability of βC against light and chemical oxidation. • Crystal βC was successfully entrapped into the hydrophobic cavity of CA. • CA is an attractive platform to improve the functionalities of phytochemicals.