Vitamin C and β-carotene co-loaded in marine and egg nanoliposomes

Abstract

Marine phospholipids (MPL) are attracting increasing attention due to their health benefits and good stability. Vitamin C (Vc) and β-carotene (Bc) were concurrently encapsulated in MPL nanoliposomes by thin-film evaporation as a mean to overcome the limitations precluding their utilization in food. Therefore, the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activities and storage stability of MPL nanoliposomes were assessed against those of traditional egg phospholipids (EPC). The mean size of nanoliposomes was 154.43–253.3 nm and zeta potential from – 55.58 to – 42.74 mV. The highest entrapment efficiency recorded for Vc was 63.33% and 87.8% for Bc. MPL nanoliposomes showed higher DPPH scavenging, hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation inhibition capacity as well as a superior stability at 4 °C for 42 days. Overall, MPL nanoliposomes encapsulating Vc and Bc displayed better results compared to EPC. As a result, MPL nanoliposomes could be used as promising carriers for simultaneous delivery of food bioactive compounds. • Vitamin C and β-carotene co-loaded marine and egg phospholipids nanoliposomes. • Marine phospholipids nanoliposomes display lower mean size and polydispersity index. • Marine phospholipids nanoliposomes have better antioxidant activity. • Leakage ratios of marine phospholipids nanoliposomes are lower. • Overall, marine nanoliposomes exhibit better stability at 4 °C for 42 days.