Preparation and Stability of Nanoparticles Containing Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis

In order to improve the stability and water solubility of astaxanthin, the snailase was used for the wall-breaking extraction of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis, and gum arabic and whey protein powder (rich in milk fat globule membrane) were used as wall materials to prepare astaxanthin nanoparticles using a complex coacervation method, in addition, the stability of the nanoparticles was investigated. The results showed that the optimum conditions for the preparation of astaxanthin nanoparticles were pH4.0, protein/gum arabic mass ratio of 2:1 and astaxanthin concentration of 60 μmol/L. The encapsulation rate of astaxanthin under these conditions was 92.93%±0.19%. The average particle size was 265.71±0.55 nm and the Zeta potential was −13.44±0.14 mV. The nanoparticles showed good storage stability with only 6.1% increased in size, 90.78%±0.25% retention of astaxanthin and 79.31%±0.18% clearance of DPPH after 15 d storage at 4 ℃. This study would improve the stability and water solubility of astaxanthin and provide technical support for the efficient utilization of astaxanthin.