Combination of carotenoids from Spirulina and PLA/PLGA or PHB: New options to obtain bioactive nanoparticles

The use of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is an alternative polymer that can be considered environment friendly and renewable to prepare nanoparticles of carotenoids. This study aimed to develop and characterize aqueous dispersion nanoparticles and lyophilized nanoparticles of carotenoid extract obtained from Spirulina sp. LEB 18 by nanoprecipitation, using poly D,L-lactic acid (PLA)/poly D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) (75:25 w/w) or PHB as encapsulants. The samples were characterized for the particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, apparent viscosity, pH, color parameters, ultraviolet-visible (UV/Vis) spectrophotometry, carotenoid profile, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, and thermal analysis. Nanoparticles containing microalgae carotenoid extract showed average particle diameter on a nanoscale (200 nm), high homogeneity and stability, high thermal stability, and encapsulation efficiency carotenoid (80%) when compared to nanoparticles containing beta-carotene synthetic. PHB or PLA/PLGA as encapsulating material in the production of nanoparticles from microalgae carotenoids can be a polymeric alternative capable of promoting greater stability and application of carotenoids.

Automated summary

The study found that PHB or PLA/PLGA as encapsulating materials can be used to prepare nanoparticles from microalgae carotenoids, which exhibit high stability and applicability.