A Review of the Extraction and Closed-Loop Spray Drying-Assisted Micro-Encapsulation of Algal Lutein for Functional Food Delivery

In this study, the physical and chemical properties and bioavailability of lutein have been summarized, with the novelty of this work being the review of lutein from production to extraction, through to preservation and drying, in order to deliver a functional food ingredient. The potential health functions of lutein have been introduced in detail. By comparing algae and marigold flowers, the advantages of algae extraction technology have been discussed. In this article, we have introduced the use of closed-loop spray drying technology to microencapsulate lutein to improve its stability and solubility. Microencapsulation of unstable substances by spray drying is a potentially useful direction that is worth exploring further.

Automated summary

This study summarizes the physical and chemical properties and bioavailability of lutein, focusing on the production, extraction, preservation, and drying processes to create a functional food ingredient. The potential health functions of lutein are introduced and the advantages of algae extraction technology are discussed. The use of closed-loop spray drying technology to microencapsulate lutein for improved stability and solubility is also presented as a promising direction for further exploration.