Encapsulation of fucoxanthin in binary matrices of porous starch and halloysite

Abstract The present study aimed to develop suitable carrier based on porous starch (PS) and halloysite nanotube (HNT) for improving the stability of fucoxanthin. Fucoxanthin was encapsulated with PS, HNT and also by incorporating the fucoxanthin loaded-HNT into the PS (double encapsulation). The prepared samples were evaluated for the encapsulation efficiency (EE), stability, morphology, thermal behavior and in vitro release. In particular, the best EE (94.05±0.29%) and DL (2.76±0.01%) was obtained from the fucoxanthin loaded-PS because of its porous structure as depicted with scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed well encapsulation of fucoxanthin into the HNT lumen and PS. The stability evaluation exhibited the heat and light sensitivity of fucoxanthin that were attenuated by the protecting effect of double encapsulation with HNT/PS at different temperatures (4, 25, 50 °C) and light illuminations. Moreover, thermogravimetry analysis curve showed higher thermal stability of HNT compare with HNT/PS. The double encapsulation of fucoxanthin with HNT/PS also showed a more sustained release (27.09±0.17 % release in 6 h) than others.