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

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 beta-carotene (beta C). After measuring solubility, recovery, encapsulation rate and loading rate, the optimum ratio of CA to beta C in the composite (CA-beta C) was 5:1. The solubility of beta C in the optimal composite reached a maximum value of 179.1 mu g/mL and was significantly higher than that of raw beta c. Structural characterizations showed that the beta C crystals were successfully entrapped into the hydrophobic cavity of CA, resulting in a composite with an amorphous state. A higher stability of beta C to light or chemical oxidation was observed. Additionally, in-silico simulations showed that the partially unsaturated fatty acid chain of the beta C 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.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to explore the encapsulation potential of cyclic amylopectin (CA) as a delivery carrier for enhancing the solubility and environmental stability of beta-carotene (beta C). The results showed that beta C crystals were successfully encapsulated in the hydrophobic cavity of CA, resulting in an amorphous composite. The solubility of beta C significantly increased in the optimal composite and showed improved stability to light or chemical oxidation.