Extraction Methods, Encapsulation Techniques, and Health Benefits of Astaxanthin
Ioannis Panagiotakopoulos, Constantina Nasopoulou
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.