Zein-Alginate-Phosphatidylcholine Nanocomplex Efficiently Delivers Lycopene and Lutein over Dietary-Derived Carotenoid Mixed Micelles in Caco-2 Cells

This study evaluated the potency of zein-alginate-phosphatidylcholine nanoparticles (NPs) on bioaccessibility/intestinal uptake of encapsulated lycopene (LY) and lutein (LT) versus dietary absorption using simulated digestion and human intestinal Caco-2 cells. LY-zein-alginate-PC (LYZAP) and LT-zein-alginate-PC (LTZAP) NPs yield desired properties, which exhibit sustained release and are suitable for oral administration. Interestingly, co-treatment of LYZAP + LTZAP showed better release of carotenoids instead of individual treatment at intestinal pH. Bioaccessibility, cellular uptake, and basolateral secretion of LY and LT from NPs were significantly enhanced than micellar carotenoids (dietary mode of absorption). The increased absorption of carotenoids from NPs correlated with triglyceride levels. The intestinal cell uptake of carotenoids by nanoencapsulation may be due to endocytosis, paracellular, and SRB-1 protein-mediated transport. Overall, LYZAP and LTZAP NPs possess superior properties to control the release and cellular uptake of unique or distinct carotenoids. The inclusion of alginate and phosphatidylcholine in zein-based nanoencapsulation could be a promising strategy to improve carotenoid bioavailability.