Abstract:Fucoxanthin solid lipid-core microcapsules (FX-MC) were prepared and subsequently characterized in this study. The conditions for the preparation of the microcapsules were optimized through a single factor experiment using the response surface methodology (RSM). Physiochemical properties of the microcapsules were then characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), particle-size zeta potential analyzer, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), and a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The results revealed that the best microencapsulation process conditions were: Palm stearin: cholesterol 60:40 (m/m), FX:lipid 0.2:1 (m/m), wall-to-core ratio 25:1 (m/m), pH 4.5, and ultrasonic condition 240 W/3 min. The resultant encapsulation rate of the microcapsules was 96.24%, with a drug loading rate of 0.85% After freeze-drying the samples, the average particle size of the FX-MCs was 1 154 nm, with a PDI value of 0.27, and potential of -20.71 mV. A uniform particle size distribution and relatively stable solution was obtained. FT-IR analysis showed that fucoxanthin was successfully encapsulated within the microcapsule wall shell. DSC analysis confirmed that the highest enthalpy was required for FX-MC during phase change, and thermal stability showed a remarkable improvement. The results of this study can provide a reference for the further development and application of fucoxanthin in the food and healthcare industries.
