Inulin as a carrier of β-carotene: Particle preparation and characterisation

Inulin, a linear polysaccharide consisting of fructose units linked by β-(2→1) glycosylic bonds, has applications in the food, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The study aims to encapsulate β-carotene using inulin as a food grade material. β-Carotene is a well-known antioxidant and has health-promoting properties. However, it is sensitive to visible/UV light, degrades in the presence of oxygen and is insoluble in water. β-Carotene-inulin particles were fabricated by the complexation method using different β-carotene/inulin ratios. Raman and 1 H NMR spectroscopy and the differential scanning calorimetry method were used to confirm the formation of the complex. Based on complexation yield, encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity, the β-carotene/inulin ratios of 1:10 and 1:20 (w/w) were found to be suitable for particle preparation. The water solubility of the complexes was 45-50 mg/mL. The applicability of newly prepared β-carotene-inulin particles was demonstrated in a real food system, that is, apple juice and birch sap. • β-Carotene was complexed with inulin. • The complexation increased β-carotene solubility in water. • A new β-carotene formulation exhibited antioxidant activity. • A new formulation will expand the use of β-carotene as an additive.