This study aimed to investigate the effects of phospholipid composition on the properties and bioavailability of astaxanthin-loaded liposomes using cell culture. Two mixtures of phospholipids with different proportions of phosphatidylcholine (PC, 23% and 70%) were used at various concentrations (0.8, 1.6, and 2.0% w/v) to prepare astaxanthin-loaded liposomes, which were investigated for entrapment efficiency (EE), antioxidant activity, morphology and changes in astaxanthin properties during a storage period of 8 weeks at 4 °C. Furthermore, Caco-2 human colon adenocarcinoma cells were employed to examine the cellular uptake of astaxanthin-loaded liposomes. The highest EE was observed with astaxanthin-loaded liposomes containing 70% PC, and used at the concentration of 2.0% w/v. Liposomes maintained the antioxidant activity of astaxanthin. All liposomal preparations were non-toxic. Cellular uptake of astaxanthin-loaded liposomes containing 70% PC was significantly higher than that of 23% PC-containing liposomes (p < 0.05).
Keywords: Antioxidant activity; Bioavailability; Encapsulation; Natural products; Shrimp.