Protection and targeted delivery of β-carotene by starch-alginate-gelatin emulsion-filled hydrogels

Encapsulation systems present the potential to protect bioactive compounds and may promote targeted delivery to the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, β-carotene was incorporated into emulsion-filled hydrogels composed of alginate, gelatin, and starch (native and gelatinized). The oxidative stability of encapsulated and free oil and the stability of β-carotene were tested under accelerated storage conditions (65 °C for 6 days). The impact of in vitro digestibility on the morphology and microstructure of microgels was also evaluated and correlated with β-carotene stability. The results indicate that encapsulation reduced oil oxidation and improved β-carotene stability, compared with free oil with β-carotene, highlighting the potential of starch-based microparticles to increase the shelf life of β-carotene. Regarding the digestibility assay, both microparticles were resistant to simulated oral and stomach fluids. However, native starch-filled empty spaces of the biopolymer network protected the bioactive from the action of oxygen, acidity, pro-oxidants, and free radicals, consequently ensuring greater β-carotene stability in the digesta.