Astaxanthin-loaded chitosan oligosaccharide/alginate nanoparticles: Exploring the anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential as a therapeutic nutraceutical: An In vitro study

Astaxanthin (ATX), a member of the xanthophyll carotenoid family, possesses various bioactive properties. However, its incorporation into functional foods, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements is challenging due to its low water solubility, limited bioaccessibility, and constrained bioavailability. To address this, a nanostructure with chitosan oligosaccharide/alginate nanoparticles (COANPs) was designed. Optimization relied on the Box-Behnken design (BBD) and was evaluated with the response surface methodology (RSM). Upon encapsulating ATX within COANPs, the synthesized ATX-COANPs displayed enhanced in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, these nanoparticles inhibited protein denaturation and demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Based on these findings, ATX-COANPs emerge as a promising oral delivery mechanism for ATX, suitable for integration into nutraceutical and functional food formulations.