Encapsulation of carotenoids in emulsion-based delivery systems: Enhancement of β-carotene water-dispersibility and chemical stability

beta-carotene is a lipophilic micronutrient that is important for maintaining human health and wellbeing. However, the utilization of beta-carotene in functional foods and dietary supplements is currently limited due to its poor water-dispersibility and chemical stability. A beta-carotene-enriched delivery system was therefore developed to overcome these problems using a microfluidizer to produce an oil-in-water emulsion. The fabrication process was optimized to enhance the water-dispersibility and chemical stability of the encapsulated beta-carotene. A sonication-assisted method was more effective (1.73 +/- 0.27%, w/w) in dissolving beta-carotene in the lipid phase than commonly used heating method (1.21 +/- 0.16%, w/w). Powdered versions of the beta-carotene-enriched emulsion were produced using either spray or freezedrying. Higher beta-carotene retention was obtained in freeze-dried powders than spray dried ones (95% vs 15%-28%). Moreover, the freeze-dried powder had better water-dispersibility and lower moisture content. In conclusion, sonication-assisted dissolving method together with freeze drying might be an effective method to prepare beta-carotene-enriched functional foods and dietary supplements. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.