Desenvolvimento e caracterização de nanocápsulas poliméricas contendo luteína e óleo vegetal de andiroba

Abstract

Carotenoids are lipophilic pigments that are present in many colors in nature. Lutein is the second largest carotenoid in human serum, and has biological activities, acting as an antioxidant, blue light filter and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. However, it has low water solubility and low bioavailability. Andiroba vegetable oil, which is extracted from the seed of Carapa guianensis (Aublet), has antioxidant, antiprotozoal, healing and anti-inflammatory action. However, this oil can easily undergo oxidation reactions. Therefore, the present study developed polymeric nanocapsules carrying lutein and andiroba vegetable oil, in order to improve the physicochemical properties of both substances and allow their therapeutic use. Lutein nanocapsules were developed by the technique of interfacial polymer deposition with poly-e-caprolactone, and subsequently characterized. The results showed a monomodal size distribution with an average polydispersity of 0.834, average diameter of 361 nm, and encapsulation efficiency of 99,56%. Thus, the nanoencapsulation of the actives took place in a promising way, with particles of adequate and homogeneous size and high lutein encapsulation levels. In this way, it was possible to prepare an innovative lutein formulation, which can be used in the future for therapeutic purposes.