Enhancing lutein delivery through chitosan/alginate nanoparticles: A study on improved stability, bioaccessibility and biological activity

Lutein-loaded chitosan/alginate nanoparticles (LT-CS/ALG-NPs) were developed via o/w emulsification and ionotropic gelation, designed and optimized using Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology. The nanoparticles exhibited a particle size of 219±14nm, zeta potential of -30.7±0.6mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 85.6±1.7%. TEM confirmed their spherical, dense, and uniform structure. LT-CS/ALG-NPs demonstrated a rapid initial release of LT, followed by sustained release under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Stability tests under UV and heat exposure indicated robustness, with stability maintained for up to three months at 4°C. In vitro studies revealed that LT bioaccessibility from these nanoparticles was 3.6 times higher compared to unencapsulated LT. Moreover, enhanced biological activities, including radical scavenging and hemolysis protection, were observed. These findings highlight the potential of LT-CS/ALG-NPs for applications in nutraceuticals, functional foods, dietary supplements, and therapeutics.