(P26-006-25) 3D-Printed Lutein Formulations: Investigating Effects on Antioxidant Activity and In Vitro Bioavailability

Objectives: Lutein, a dietary bioactive compound found in green leafy vegetables, fruits, and egg yolks, has been shown to protect and improve eye function, particularly macular degeneration. It has also been demonstrated to have significant antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and anticancer potential in both in vitro and in vivo studies. However, its limited bioavailability hinders its application in functional foods and nutraceuticals. This study aims to improve lutein's antioxidant activity and bioavailability by encapsulating it in starch-zein hydrogels using 3D printing as a delivery system.

Methods: Lutein was encapsulated in starch-zein hydrogels using coaxial extrusion 3D printing. The lutein incorporated into 3D-printed structures (3DL) was compared with controls - standard lutein (SL) and a crude mix of starch, zein and lutein (CM). Static in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was used to assess bioaccessibility of lutein in the samples, while bioavailability was determined using Caco-2 cells - intestinal absorption model. Antioxidant capacity was measured pre- and post-digestion using radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Results were statistically analyzed JMP Pro 18.

Results: 3DL showed a significantly higher release rate in the intestinal phase compared to the control samples SL and CM. 3D printing significantly increased the bioaccessibility of lutein by 75% compared to control free lutein (p < 0.05). In addition, cellular uptake of lutein by CaCO-2 was significantly higher for 3DL than the control samples SL and CM. For the antioxidant activity, 3DL had a significantly higher radical scavenging activity (24-153%) compared to the control samples SL and CM respectively; however, the ferric reducing antioxidant power of 3DL was not significantly different at (p < 0.05) from the control samples.

Conclusions: 3D-printing has shown promising results in encapsulating lutein, enhancing its bioaccessibility, antioxidant activity, and cell uptake, suggesting potential applications in nutraceutical formulations.

Funding Sources: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture