Extraction Methods, Encapsulation Techniques, and Health Benefits of Astaxanthin

Ioannis Panagiotakopoulos and Constantina Nasopoulou ()
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Ioannis Panagiotakopoulos: Laboratory of Food Chemistry and of Technology and Quality of Animal Origin Food, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, Metropolitan Ioakeim 2, 81400 Lemnos, Greece
Constantina Nasopoulou: Laboratory of Food Chemistry and of Technology and Quality of Animal Origin Food, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, Metropolitan Ioakeim 2, 81400 Lemnos, Greece

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 24, 1-25

Abstract: Astaxanthin, a red carotenoid pigment found in marine species like microalgae, shrimp, and salmon, is a powerful bioactive molecule with several health effects. Astaxanthin, despite its potential, is highly vulnerable to degradation from external elements, including light, oxygen, and temperature, requiring meticulous extraction and stabilization methods. Astaxanthin can be extracted using solvent extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and enzymatic extraction. Additionally, encapsulation methods that improve the stability and bioavailability of astaxanthin are examined, highlighting their efficacy in maintaining the chemical in unfavorable conditions. This review discusses the extensive range of astaxanthin’s medicinal capabilities, encompassing its antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and skin-protective activities. This research seeks to emphasize the significance of astaxanthin as a functional bioactive component with substantial potential in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications by describing the extraction and encapsulation techniques and their health-promoting attributes.

Keywords: astaxanthin; xanthophyll; carotenoids; marine bioactive; extraction methods; encapsulation; health benefits; marine by-products (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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