Encapsulation of Astaxanthin with Microcapsule and Its Application( I )

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid and has strong antioxidant capacity. However, astaxanthin is sensitive to light, heat and oxygen. As a terpene, astaxanthin is difficult to dissolve in water, increasing its use in food industry. This research will focus on the encapsulation of astaxanthin using chitosan, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylserines, polysorbate, and cholesterol, etc. We will develop a process, which can improve not only the production of algaculture and the preservation of astaxanthin, this process will be used in industry in the near future in dietary supplement and cosmetics. This project aims to establish a complete astaxanthin production supply chain. It will not only enhance the competitiveness of Taiwan's biotechnology industry, but also link up with the international astaxanthin market. This project includes the research of liposome-encapsulated astaxanthin. We will use the natural food grade materials such as chitosan, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylserines, polysorbate, cholesterol, etc. as the encapsulating material.