Preparation and characterization of novel nanocarriers containing krill oil for food application

• Nanostructure lipid carriers (NLCs) containing high content of krill oil were prepared to expand its application in foods.
• The EE and DL of DHA, EPA, astaxanthin were determined to be high in the prepared NLC.
• The developed NLCs were feasible for pasteurization and lyophilization.
• Lipid nanocarriers provided bioactives of krill oil potent protection against photooxidation.

The encapsulation of krill oil high in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and astaxanthin as a multifunctional dietary supplement for the purpose of enhancing its physical and chemical stability and to expand its application in aqueous-based food was attempted. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) containing high content of krill oil were successfully prepared using palm stearin as a solid lipid and lecithin as a surfactant. The results demonstrated that the developed NLC had spherical or ovoid structure with small size (<150 nm), narrow polydispersity index (<0.2) and high entrapment efficiency (>96%). DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) result showed a less-ordered crystalline structure leading to high loading capacity. NLC was found to offer bioactives in krill oil significant protection against photooxidation upon exposure to UV light. Good physical and chemical stabilities were revealed by long-term storage at different temperatures. Feasibilities of pasteurization and lyophilization were also demonstrated, showing promise for application in functional drinks and milk powder fortification.