Microencapsulation of lutein extracted from marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta L.) using full factorial design

Lutein (LUT), is one of the most important carotenoids having prominent antioxidant activity. However, its use is limited due to poor solubility and instability under adverse conditions. LUT was microencapsulated with soluble polymers using spray drying to improve its solubility and bioavailability. Maltodextrin (polysaccharide base) and copovidone (polyvinyl pyrrolidone vinyl acetate based copolymer) were evaluated as hydrophilic carriers for encapsulation of LUT. Design of Experiments (DOE) was utilized and microencapsulation process was optimized using full factorial design. Copovidone proved to be better carrier compared to maltodextrin and showed enhanced dissolution and antioxidant characteristics of LUT. Microencapsulated LUT powder was characterized by dissolution study, DSC, XRD and SEM. This study can be used as a guideline for optimization of microencapsulation of similar bio-actives with hydrophilic carriers to improve solubility and subsequent bioavailability.

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