Lipid nanoparticles based on omega-3 fatty acids as effective carriers for lutein delivery. Preparation and in vitro characterization studies

This study aimed at exploring the behavior of fish oil enriched with omega-3 fatty acids in order to obtain stable lipid nanocarriers (NLCs) with improved characteristics as effective delivery systems for lutein. The particle size of optimized lutein-NLCs was below 200 nm. The less ordered arrangement of lipid core revealed by scanning calorimetry and the high entrapment efficiency of 88.5% clearly indicated the appropriate role of fish oil in obtaining effective lipid nanocarriers. The evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity has demonstrated a significant blocking effect of NLCs, scavenging up to 98% oxygen free radicals. The in vitro release profile has shown that NLCs are able to ensure a better, in vitro sustained release of lutein as compared to conventional nanoemulsions. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.