Core-shell nanofiber-mediated delivery of fucoxanthin enhances its bioavailability and alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains a major health challenge, and although fucoxanthin (Fx) shows therapeutic potential, its poor stability and low bioavailability limit clinical application. In this study, a novel delivery system for Fx, a marine-derived xanthophyll carotenoid with anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective properties, was developed by encapsulating it within coaxial electrospun nanofibers. GZ12/ZFx exhibited uniform morphology with a distinct core–shell structure and superior encapsulation efficiency, coaxial electrospinning increased the Fx encapsulation by 1.17 times. In a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model, GZ12/ZFx significantly outperformed free fucoxanthin and uniaxial nanofibers in improving metabolic parameters, reducing hepatic lipid accumulation, and modulating gut microbiota. The GZ12/Fx group limited weight increase to 3.64 g, while GZ12/ZFx performed only 3.02 g gain. The measurement results of lipid-related indicators in the serum indicated that the intervention of GZ12/ZFx was much more effective than that of GZ12/Fx. The reduction rates of TC and TG were 1.17 times and 1.75 times higher, respectively. The advanced delivery systems significantly enhanced the bioactivity of Fx, demonstrating improved metabolic outcomes and favorable safety profiles. These findings provide insights into designing effective food-grade delivery systems for hydrophobic bioactives and their potential in the intervention of NAFLD.