Preparation and characterization of Ocimum seed mucilage nanoparticle loaded with lutein.

Carotenoids are lipophilic compounds found in nature that give a yellow-orange-red color to different kinds of fruits, vegetables, flowers, algae, fungi, and microorganisms. Out of the various types of carotenoids, lutein is a notable member of the xanthophyll class of pigment molecules with diverse physiological effects. Lutein is essential for proper eye function as it can prevent the occurrence of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. In addition, lutein is a potent antioxidant that can eliminate free radicals to reduce oxidative stress, which is one of the main causes of many diseases. However, despite the potential health advantages, the application of lutein is quite limited, that it exhibits poor water solubility, low chemical stability, and reduced bioavailability. Thus, the current study aimed at enhancing the bioavailability and stability of lutein by employing nanoencapsulation technique using the natural mucilage of Ocimum seeds as an encapsulation agent. Mucilage of Ocimum seeds was chosen based on its excellent swelling and water-holding capacity along with natural biocompatibility and functional attributes. The physicochemical and functional attributes of Ocimum seeds' mucilage like swelling index, water-holding capacity, solubility, bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index, Hausner’s ratio, and angle of repose were determined. Lutein obtained after purification was characterized by HPLC and TLC analysis. The analysis confirmed the quality and purity of purified lutein. Monosaccharide composition of Ocimum seed mucilage was analyzed using TLC, and results revealed the presence of several sugars. Nanocarriers containing lutein were synthesized by utilizing the 50mg of Ocimum seed mucilage followed by 0.75% of oleic acid and 10μl of tween 80. The obtained lutein-loaded nano carriers were characterized using DLS and particle size analyzer for determining their particle size and zeta potential. The particle size ranges from 160.5 nm with desired zeta potential was found to be -35.5.8 mV.