One-step assembly of fucoxanthin delivery system based on kelp nanocellulose with improved environmental stability and bioavailability

Fucoxanthin (FX) has very interesting biological activities, but its low water solubility, stability, and bioavailability limit its applications. This study developed the one-step manufacturing strategy for FX delivery system based on 2, 2, 6, 6-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized kelp nanocellulose (TKNC), which significantly improved the environmental stability of the hydrophobic substance FX, as well as its intestinal retention ability and bioavailability. TKNC was successfully prepared by TEMPO oxidation and showed good water dispersibility, high specific surface area, and high FX loading capacity. Compared with free FX, this delivery system significantly improved the stability of FX under ultraviolet irradiation, high temperature, and gastrointestinal digestion conditions. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that this system can significantly reduce the level of reactive oxygen species induced by lipopolysaccharides, and significantly inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory factors, showing its excellent anti-inflammatory ability. In vivo biodistribution experiments further presented that TKNC prolonged the residence time of the Nile Red in the intestine and enhanced its ability to penetrate the intestinal barrier, ultimately significantly increasing the enrichment in the liver of mice. These findings provide a new strategy for improving the stability and bioavailability of hydrophobic active substances.