Research

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7 pages, 1028 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Monocaprin Enhances Bioavailability of Fucoxanthin in Diabetic/Obese KK-A^y Mice

by Kodai Nagata, Naoki Takatani, Fumiaki Beppu, Aya Abe, Etsuko Tominaga, Tomohisa Fukuhara, Makoto Ozeki and Masashi Hosokawa

Mar. Drugs 2022, 20(7), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/md20070446 - 07 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1649

Abstract

Fucoxanthin is a marine carotenoid found in brown seaweeds and several microalgae. It has been reported that fucoxanthin has health benefits such as anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. To facilitate fucoxanthin applications in the food industry, it is important to improve its low bioavailability. [...] Read more.

Fucoxanthin is a marine carotenoid found in brown seaweeds and several microalgae. It has been reported that fucoxanthin has health benefits such as anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. To facilitate fucoxanthin applications in the food industry, it is important to improve its low bioavailability. We attempted the combined feeding of fucoxanthin-containing seaweed oil (SO) and monocaprin in a powder diet and analyzed the fucoxanthin metabolite contents in the liver, small intestine and serum of diabetic/obese KK-A^y mice. After 4 weeks of feeding with the experimental diets, the serum fucoxanthinol concentrations of the mice fed 0.2% SO and 0.5% monocaprin were higher than those of the 0.2% SO-fed mice. Furthermore, fucoxanthinol accumulation in the liver and small intestine tended to increase in a combination diet of 0.2% SO and 0.125–0.5% monocaprin compared with a diet of 0.2% SO alone, although amarouciaxanthin A accumulation was not different among the 0.2% SO-fed groups. These results suggest that a combination of monocaprin with fucoxanthin-containing SO is an effective treatment for improving the bioavailability of fucoxanthin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoxanthin and Astaxanthin—Production, Biofunction, and Application)

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12 pages, 2652 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improved Productivity of Astaxanthin from Photosensitive Haematococcus pluvialis Using Phototaxis Technology

by Kang Hyun Lee, Youngsang Chun, Ja Hyun Lee, Chulhwan Park, Hah Young Yoo and Ho Seok Kwak

Mar. Drugs 2022, 20(4), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/md20040220 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2737

Abstract

Haematococcus pluvialis is a microalgae actively studied for the production of natural astaxanthin, which is a powerful antioxidant for human application. However, it is economically disadvantageous for commercialization owing to the low productivity of astaxanthin. This study reports an effective screening strategy using [...] Read more.

Haematococcus pluvialis is a microalgae actively studied for the production of natural astaxanthin, which is a powerful antioxidant for human application. However, it is economically disadvantageous for commercialization owing to the low productivity of astaxanthin. This study reports an effective screening strategy using the negative phototaxis of the H. pluvialis to attain the mutants having high astaxanthin production. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic device irradiated with a specific light was developed to efficiently figure out the phototactic response of H. pluvialis. The partial photosynthesis deficient (PP) mutant (negative control) showed a 0.78-fold decreased cellular response to blue light compared to the wild type, demonstrating the positive relationship between the photosynthetic efficiency and the phototaxis. Based on this relationship, the Haematococcus mutants showing photosensitivity to blue light were selected from the 10,000 random mutant libraries. The M1 strain attained from the phototaxis-based screening showed 1.17-fold improved growth rate and 1.26-fold increases in astaxanthin production (55.12 ± 4.12 mg g⁻¹) in the 100 L photo-bioreactor compared to the wild type. This study provides an effective selection tool for industrial application of the H. pluvialis with improved astaxanthin productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoxanthin and Astaxanthin—Production, Biofunction, and Application)

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13 pages, 1830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fucoxanthin Pretreatment Ameliorates Visible Light-Induced Phagocytosis Disruption of RPE Cells under a Lipid-Rich Environment via the Nrf2 Pathway

by Yunjun Liu, Zixin Guo, Shengnan Wang, Yixiang Liu and Ying Wei

Mar. Drugs 2022, 20(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/md20010015 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2520

Abstract

Fucoxanthin, a special xanthophyll derived from marine algae, has increasingly attracted attention due to its diverse biological functions. However, reports on its ocular benefits are still limited. In this work, the ameliorative effect of fucoxanthin on visible light and lipid peroxidation-induced phagocytosis disruption [...] Read more.

Fucoxanthin, a special xanthophyll derived from marine algae, has increasingly attracted attention due to its diverse biological functions. However, reports on its ocular benefits are still limited. In this work, the ameliorative effect of fucoxanthin on visible light and lipid peroxidation-induced phagocytosis disruption in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells was investigated in vitro. Marked oxidative stress, inflammation, and phagocytosis disruption were evident in differentiated RPE cells following their exposure to visible light under a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-rich environment. Following pretreatment with fucoxanthin, however, the activated nuclear factor erythroid-derived-2-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway was observed and, furthermore, when the fucoxanthin -pretreated RPE cells were irradiated with visible light, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and inflammation were obviously suppressed, while phagocytosis was significantly improved. However, following the addition of Nrf2 inhibitor ML385, the fucoxanthin exhibited no ameliorative effects on the oxidative stress, inflammation, and phagocytosis disruption in the RPE cells, thus indicating that the ameliorative effect of fucoxanthin on the phagocytosis of RPE cells is closely related to the Nrf2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, these results suggest that fucoxanthin supplementation might be beneficial to the prevention of visible light-induced retinal injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoxanthin and Astaxanthin—Production, Biofunction, and Application)

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11 pages, 5268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibitory Effect of Astaxanthin on Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats

by Liping Wang, Yiwen Hou, Rong Wang, Qi Pan, Debao Li, Han Yan and Zuyue Sun

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(12), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19120652 - 23 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3183

Abstract

This study investigates the inhibitory effect of astaxanthin (AST) on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in rats. Except for the sham operation, BPH model rats were randomly assigned to five groups: the BPH model control rats, AST-treated BPH model rats (20 mg/kg, 40 [...] Read more.

This study investigates the inhibitory effect of astaxanthin (AST) on testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in rats. Except for the sham operation, BPH model rats were randomly assigned to five groups: the BPH model control rats, AST-treated BPH model rats (20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 80 mg/kg), and epristeride (EPR)-treated BPH model rats. After treatment, as compared with the BPH model control rats, the prostate and ventral prostate weights of the AST-treated rats decreased, while there was a marked decline in the 80 mg/kg AST-treated rats. The same effect was also observed in the prostate index and ventral prostate index. The proliferation characteristics of epithelia observed in the BPH model control group were gradually alleviated in the AST-treated rats. As compared with the BPH model control rats, lower epithelial thicknesses of prostates and fewer secretory granules in epithelia were observed in the AST-treated rats. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of prostates increased in all the AST-treated rats with a significant increase in the 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg AST-treated rats. The testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels of prostates in the AST-treated groups were lower than those in the BPH model control group, and a significant decline was found in the T level of prostates in the 40 g/kg and 80 mg/kg AST-treated rats and the DHT level of prostates in the 40 mg/kg AST-treated rats. These results indicate that AST might have an inhibitory effect on T-induced BPH in rats, possibly due to SOD activity regulation and T and DHT levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoxanthin and Astaxanthin—Production, Biofunction, and Application)

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19 pages, 3188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of Fucoxanthin from Phaeodactylum tricornutum Using High Performance Countercurrent Chromatography Retaining Its FOXO3 Nuclear Translocation-Inducing Effect

by Daniela Bárcenas-Pérez, Antonín Střížek, Pavel Hrouzek, Jiří Kopecký, Marta Barradas, Arantzazu Sierra-Ramirez, Pablo J. Fernandez-Marcos and José Cheel

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(9), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19090517 - 11 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3337

Abstract

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a rich source of fucoxanthin, a carotenoid with several health benefits. In the present study, high performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) was used to isolate fucoxanthin from an extract of P. tricornutum. A multiple sequential injection HPCCC method was developed [...] Read more.

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a rich source of fucoxanthin, a carotenoid with several health benefits. In the present study, high performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) was used to isolate fucoxanthin from an extract of P. tricornutum. A multiple sequential injection HPCCC method was developed combining two elution modes (reverse phase and extrusion). The lower phase of a biphasic solvent system (n-heptane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water, ratio 5/5/6/3, v/v/v/v) was used as the mobile phase, while the upper phase was the stationary phase. Ten consecutive sample injections (240 mg of extract each) were performed leading to the separation of 38 mg fucoxanthin with purity of 97% and a recovery of 98%. The process throughput was 0.189 g/h, while the efficiency per gram of fucoxanthin was 0.003 g/h. Environmental risk and general process evaluation factors were used for assessment of the developed separation method and compared with existing fucoxanthin liquid-liquid isolation methods. The isolated fucoxanthin retained its well-described ability to induce nuclear translocation of transcription factor FOXO3. Overall, the developed isolation method may represent a useful model to produce biologically active fucoxanthin from diatom biomass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoxanthin and Astaxanthin—Production, Biofunction, and Application)

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7 pages, 1186 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

A Method of Solubilizing and Concentrating Astaxanthin and Other Carotenoids

by Kiyotaka Y. Hara, Shuwa Yagi, Yoko Hirono-Hara and Hiroshi Kikukawa

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(8), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19080462 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2530

Abstract

The valuable marine carotenoid, astaxanthin, is used in supplements, medicines and cosmetics. In this study, crustacyanin, an astaxanthin-binding protein, was used to solubilize and concentrate astaxanthin. The recombinant crustacyanin of European lobster spontaneously formed an inclusion body when it was over-expressed in Escherichia [...] Read more.

The valuable marine carotenoid, astaxanthin, is used in supplements, medicines and cosmetics. In this study, crustacyanin, an astaxanthin-binding protein, was used to solubilize and concentrate astaxanthin. The recombinant crustacyanin of European lobster spontaneously formed an inclusion body when it was over-expressed in Escherichia coli. In this study, fusing the NusA-tag to the crustacyanin subunits made it possible to express in a soluble fraction and solubilize astaxanthin in aqueous solution. By cutting off the NusA-tag, the crustacyanin subunits generated the pure insoluble form, and captured and concentrated astaxanthin. Overall, the attaching and releasing NusA-tag method has the potential to supply solubilized carotenoids in aqueous solution and concentrated carotenoids, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoxanthin and Astaxanthin—Production, Biofunction, and Application)

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17 pages, 5659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analyses Provide Novel Insights into Glucose-Induced Trophic Transition of the Marine Diatom Nitzschia laevis

by Xuemei Mao, Mengdie Ge, Xia Wang, Jianfeng Yu, Xiaojie Li, Bin Liu and Feng Chen

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(8), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19080426 - 27 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2487

Abstract

Diatoms have important ecological roles and are natural sources of bioactive compounds. Nitzschia laevis is a member of marine diatoms that accumulates high-value products including fucoxanthin and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). In this study, physiological data showed that comparing to autotrophic growth, mixotrophic cultivation [...] Read more.

Diatoms have important ecological roles and are natural sources of bioactive compounds. Nitzschia laevis is a member of marine diatoms that accumulates high-value products including fucoxanthin and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). In this study, physiological data showed that comparing to autotrophic growth, mixotrophic cultivation with glucose supplementation led to a decrease of chlorophyll and fucoxanthin content in N. laevis, and an increase of biomass density and EPA yield. To further examine the metabolic barriers for fucoxanthin and EPA biosynthesis, comparative transcriptomic and metabolome analyses were conducted, with a focus on the genes related to carotenoids biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism. The results indicated that phytoene desaturase (PDS) and zeta-carotene isomerase (ZISO) could be the rate-limiting enzymes in carotenoid biosynthesis. The transcription regulation of 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase (KCS) and elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein (EVOVL) are important contributors associated with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) accumulation. Furthermore, we also investigated the glucose-associated regulatory genes using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and identified potential hub genes linked with cell cycle, carbohydrate metabolism, purine biosynthesis, and lipid metabolism. This study offers a high-quality transcriptome resource for N. laevis and provides a molecular framework for further metabolic engineering studies on fucoxanthin and EPA production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoxanthin and Astaxanthin—Production, Biofunction, and Application)

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14 pages, 3127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution of the Water-Soluble Astaxanthin Binding Carotenoprotein (AstaP) in Scenedesmaceae

by Hiroki Toyoshima, Ami Miyata, Risako Yoshida, Taichiro Ishige, Shinichi Takaichi and Shinji Kawasaki

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(6), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19060349 - 20 Jun 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2507

Abstract

Photooxidative stress-inducible water-soluble astaxanthin-binding proteins, designated as AstaP, were identified in two Scenedesmaceae strains, Coelastrella astaxanthina Ki-4 and Scenedesmus obtusus Oki-4N; both strains were isolated under high light conditions. These AstaPs are classified as a novel family of carotenoprotein and are useful for [...] Read more.

Photooxidative stress-inducible water-soluble astaxanthin-binding proteins, designated as AstaP, were identified in two Scenedesmaceae strains, Coelastrella astaxanthina Ki-4 and Scenedesmus obtusus Oki-4N; both strains were isolated under high light conditions. These AstaPs are classified as a novel family of carotenoprotein and are useful for providing valuable astaxanthin in water-soluble form; however, the distribution of AstaP orthologs in other microalgae remains unknown. Here, we examined the distribution of AstaP orthologs in the family Scenedesmaceae with two model microalgae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Chlorella variabilis. The expression of AstaP orthologs under photooxidative stress conditions was detected in cell extracts of Scenedesmaceae strains, but not in model algal strains. Aqueous orange proteins produced by Scenedesmaceae strains were shown to bind astaxanthin. The protein from Scenedesmus costatus SAG 46.88 was purified. It was named ScosAstaP and found to bind astaxanthin. The deduced amino acid sequence from a gene encoding ScosAstaP showed 62% identity to Ki-4 AstaP. The expression of the genes encoding AstaP orthologs was shown to be inducible under photooxidative stress conditions; however, the production amounts of AstaP orthologs were estimated to be approximately 5 to 10 times lower than that of Ki-4 and Oki-4N. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoxanthin and Astaxanthin—Production, Biofunction, and Application)

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8 pages, 1961 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NaCl Promotes the Efficient Formation of Haematococcus pluvialis Nonmotile Cells under Phosphorus Deficiency

by Feng Li, Ning Zhang, Yulei Zhang, Qingsheng Lian, Caiying Qin, Zuyuan Qian, Yanqi Wu, Zhiyuan Yang, Changling Li, Xianghu Huang and Minggang Cai

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(6), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19060337 - 13 Jun 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3128

Abstract

Natural astaxanthin helps reduce the negative effects caused by oxidative stress and other related factors, thereby minimizing oxidative damage. Therefore, it has considerable potential and broad application prospects in human health and animal nutrition. Haematococcus pluvialis is considered to be the most promising [...] Read more.

Natural astaxanthin helps reduce the negative effects caused by oxidative stress and other related factors, thereby minimizing oxidative damage. Therefore, it has considerable potential and broad application prospects in human health and animal nutrition. Haematococcus pluvialis is considered to be the most promising cell factory for the production of natural astaxanthin. Previous studies have confirmed that nonmotile cells of H. pluvialis are more tolerant to high intensity of light than motile cells. Cultivating nonmotile cells as the dominant cell type in the red stage can significantly increase the overall astaxanthin productivity. However, we know very little about how to induce nonmotile cell formation. In this work, we first investigated the effect of phosphorus deficiency on the formation of nonmotile cells of H. pluvialis, and then investigated the effect of NaCl on the formation of nonmotile cells under the conditions of phosphorus deficiency. The results showed that, after three days of treatment with 0.1% NaCl under phosphorus deficiency, more than 80% of motile cells had been transformed into nonmotile cells. The work provides the most efficient method for the cultivation of H. pluvialis nonmotile cells so far, and it significantly improves the production of H. pluvialis astaxanthin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoxanthin and Astaxanthin—Production, Biofunction, and Application)

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13 pages, 2996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Protective Effects of Fucoxanthin on Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Calcification of Heart Valve Interstitial Cells

by Yi-Fen Chiang, Chih-Hung Tsai, Hsin-Yuan Chen, Kai-Lee Wang, Hsin-Yi Chang, Yun-Ju Huang, Yong-Han Hong, Mohamed Ali, Tzong-Ming Shieh, Tsui-Chin Huang, Ching-I Lin and Shih-Min Hsia

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(6), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19060307 - 26 May 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4478

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and aortic valve sclerosis involve inflammatory reactions triggered by various stimuli, causing increased oxidative stress. This increased oxidative stress causes damage to the heart cells, with subsequent cell apoptosis or calcification. Currently, heart valve damage or heart valve [...] Read more.

Cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and aortic valve sclerosis involve inflammatory reactions triggered by various stimuli, causing increased oxidative stress. This increased oxidative stress causes damage to the heart cells, with subsequent cell apoptosis or calcification. Currently, heart valve damage or heart valve diseases are treated by drugs or surgery. Natural antioxidant products are being investigated in related research, such as fucoxanthin (Fx), which is a marine carotenoid extracted from seaweed, with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of Fx on heart valves under high oxidative stress, as well as the underlying mechanism of action. Rat heart valve interstitial cells under H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress were treated with Fx. Fx improved cell survival and reduced oxidative stress-induced DNA damage, which was assessed by cell viability analysis and staining with propidium iodide. Alizarin Red-S analysis indicated that Fx has a protective effect against calcification. Furthermore, Western blotting revealed that Fx abrogates oxidative stress-induced apoptosis via reducing the expression of apoptosis-related proteins as well as modulate Akt/ERK-related protein expression. Notably, in vivo experiments using 26 dogs treated with 60 mg/kg of Fx in combination with medical treatment for 0.5 to 2 years showed significant recovery in their echocardiographic parameters. Collectively, these in vitro and in vivo results highlight the potential of Fx to protect heart valve cells from high oxidative stress-induced damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoxanthin and Astaxanthin—Production, Biofunction, and Application)

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13 pages, 3285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fucoxanthin Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis via Modulation of MAP Kinase and Nrf2 Signaling

by You-Jung Ha, Yong Seok Choi, Ye Rim Oh, Eun Ha Kang, Gilson Khang, Yong-Beom Park and Yun Jong Lee

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(3), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19030132 - 27 Feb 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3119

Abstract

Fucoxanthin (FX), a natural carotenoid present in edible brown seaweed, is known for its therapeutic potential in various diseases, including bone disease. However, its underlying regulatory mechanisms in osteoclastogenesis remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of FX on osteoclast differentiation [...] Read more.

Fucoxanthin (FX), a natural carotenoid present in edible brown seaweed, is known for its therapeutic potential in various diseases, including bone disease. However, its underlying regulatory mechanisms in osteoclastogenesis remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of FX on osteoclast differentiation and its regulatory signaling pathway. In vitro studies were performed using osteoclast-like RAW264.7 cells stimulated with the soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand or tumor necrosis factor-alpha/interleukin-6. FX treatment significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption ability, and downregulated the expression of osteoclast-specific markers such as nuclear factor of activated T cells 1, dendritic cell-specific seven transmembrane protein, and matrix metallopeptidase 9. Intracellular signaling pathway analysis revealed that FX specifically decreased the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 kinase, and increased the nuclear translocation of phosphonuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Our results suggest that FX regulates the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases and Nrf2. Therefore, FX is a potential therapeutic agent for osteoclast-related skeletal disorders including osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoxanthin and Astaxanthin—Production, Biofunction, and Application)

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Review

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25 pages, 4764 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Critical Studies of Fucoxanthin Research Trends from 1928 to June 2021: A Bibliometric Review

by Yam Sim Khaw, Fatimah Md. Yusoff, Hui Teng Tan, Nur Amirah Izyan Noor Mazli, Muhammad Farhan Nazarudin, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin and Abdul Rahman Omar

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(11), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19110606 - 26 Oct 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4168

Abstract

Fucoxanthin is a major carotenoid in brown macroalgae and diatoms that possesses a broad spectrum of health benefits. This review evaluated the research trends of the fucoxanthin field from 1928 to June 2021 using the bibliometric method. The present findings unraveled that the [...] Read more.

Fucoxanthin is a major carotenoid in brown macroalgae and diatoms that possesses a broad spectrum of health benefits. This review evaluated the research trends of the fucoxanthin field from 1928 to June 2021 using the bibliometric method. The present findings unraveled that the fucoxanthin field has grown quickly in recent years with a total of 2080 publications. Japan was the most active country in producing fucoxanthin publications. Three Japan institutes were listed in the top ten productive institutions, with Hokkaido University being the most prominent institutional contributor in publishing fucoxanthin articles. The most relevant subject area on fucoxanthin was the agricultural and biological sciences category, while most fucoxanthin articles were published in Marine Drugs. A total of four research concepts emerged based on the bibliometric keywords analysis: “bioactivities”, “photosynthesis”, “optimization of process’’, and “environment”. The “bioactivities” of fucoxanthin was identified as the priority in future research. The current analysis highlighted the importance of collaboration and suggested that global collaboration could be the key to valorizing and efficiently boosting the consumer acceptability of fucoxanthin. The present bibliometric analysis offers valuable insights into the research trends of fucoxanthin to construct a better future development of this treasurable carotenoid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoxanthin and Astaxanthin—Production, Biofunction, and Application)

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17 pages, 1084 KiB

Open AccessReview

Astaxanthin Delivery Systems for Skin Application: A Review

by Sarah Giovanna Montenegro Lima, Marjorie Caroline Liberato Cavalcanti Freire, Verônica da Silva Oliveira, Carlo Solisio, Attilio Converti and Ádley Antonini Neves de Lima

Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(9), 511; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19090511 - 09 Sep 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6297

Abstract

Astaxanthin (AST) is a biomolecule known for its powerful antioxidant effect, which is considered of great importance in biochemical research and has great potential for application in cosmetics, as well as food products that are beneficial to human health and medicines. Unfortunately, its [...] Read more.

Astaxanthin (AST) is a biomolecule known for its powerful antioxidant effect, which is considered of great importance in biochemical research and has great potential for application in cosmetics, as well as food products that are beneficial to human health and medicines. Unfortunately, its poor solubility in water, chemical instability, and low oral bioavailability make its applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical field a major challenge for the development of new products. To favor the search for alternatives to enhance and make possible the use of AST in formulations, this article aimed to review the scientific data on its application in delivery systems. The search was made in databases without time restriction, using keywords such as astaxanthin, delivery systems, skin, cosmetic, topical, and dermal. All delivery systems found, such as liposomes, particulate systems, inclusion complexes, emulsions, and films, presented peculiar advantages able to enhance AST properties, among which are stability, antioxidant potential, biological activities, and drug release. This survey showed that further studies are needed for the industrial development of new AST-containing cosmetics and topical formulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fucoxanthin and Astaxanthin—Production, Biofunction, and Application)

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