Astaxanthin Encapsulation By Mpeg-PCL Self-Assembled Polymeric Micelle

Astaxanthin is a lipid soluble compound widely used as a food colorant, nutritional supplement, antioxidant, and therapeutic agent. The poor water solubility has limited the bioavailability and application of astaxanthin. The purpose of this study is to increase the aqueous solubility of astaxanthin by encapsulation into self-assembled methoxypolyethylene glycol-poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (MPEG-PCL) polymeric micelle. Astaxanthin loaded MPEG-PCL diblock copolymer was directly dissolved in water assisted by ultrasound. The obtained astaxanthin encapsulated micelle solution was characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, dynamic light scattering, and gel permeation chromatography. The release profile of astaxanthin-loaded MPEG-PCL was also evaluated. As a result, astaxanthin was successfully encapsulated into biocompatible MPEG-PCL micelles. It can be concluded that encapsulation into MPEG-PCL micelle can be used as an effective strategy to enhance the bioavailability and delivery of astaxanthin.