LAUSR

BACKGROUND In this study the potential of liposomes as vitamin E (VE) and β-carotene (βC) delivery system was examined. The co-encapsulated liposomes of βC and VE (L-VE-βC) were prepared and characterized. Their antioxidant properties were evaluated by free radical scavenging activities of DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation assay. Then the in vitro sustained release behavior were investigated and discussed. RESULTS VE and βC were co-encapsulated in liposomes with high encapsulation efficiency up to 92.49% and 86.16% for βC and VE respectively. The antioxidant activities of L-VE-βC samples were significantly higher than that of single loaded liposome. Among different ratio of VE/βC, L-VE-βC at 5: 3 exhibited the highest radical scavenging rates, with 66.80%, 56.58% and 34.39% for DPPH, ABTS and OH radical, respectively. L-VE-βC samples also had a good ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation, especially the sample with the ratio of VE/βC at 5: 3 and 3: 1. In simulated gastrointestinal release, L-VE-βC exhibited an excellent sustained release behavior in SGF with the accumulated rate at about 20%, while the release rate in SIF increased to over 80%, where they should be absorbed. The release kinetics analysis indicated that βC was released in the Higuchi model in stomach, and the Korsmeyr-Peppas model in intestine. CONCLUSION Compared to single loaded liposomes, the combined-loaded liposomes exhibited higher antioxidant activity and bioavailability, suggesting the potential applications in functional foods. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.