# Innovative Controlled-Release Systems for Fucoxanthin: Research Progress and Applications

## TL;DR

This review explores new controlled-release systems that improve the stability and effectiveness of fucoxanthin, a marine carotenoid with health benefits.

## Contribution

The paper introduces innovative bioinspired delivery systems, such as extracellular vesicles, to enhance fucoxanthin's bioavailability and therapeutic potential.

## Key findings

- Controlled-release systems using nanoparticles and emulsions improve fucoxanthin's stability and solubility.
- Bioinspired systems like cell-membrane-derived vesicles offer superior immunocompatibility and barrier penetration.
- These advancements enhance fucoxanthin's bioavailability and therapeutic performance in disease models.

## Abstract

Fucoxanthin, a marine-derived carotenoid primarily sourced from algae and microalgae, holds significant potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. However, its highly unsaturated structure presents critical challenges, including structural instability, poor aqueous solubility, and limited bioavailability. These restrict its application despite its abundant natural availability. Recently, various controlled-release nanotechnologies have been applied to improve the properties of fucoxanthin formulations. In this review, we systematically summarized the bioactivities of fucoxanthin and highlighted recent advancements in controlled-release systems designed to address the limitations. These controlled-release systems mainly use natural or synthetic organic materials and are employed to develop various formulations, including emulsions, nanoparticles, nanofibers, and nanostructured lipid carriers. In addition, the emerging bioinspired drug delivery systems, particularly extracellular vesicles and cell-membrane-derived biomimetic systems, have gained prominence for their immunocompatibility and ability to penetrate physiological barriers, which is regarded as superior encapsulation vesicles for fucoxanthin. Focusing on innovations, we discussed the state-of-the-art delivery systems for fucoxanthin encapsulation and emphasized their roles in improving biosafety, enhancing bioavailability, preserving bioactivity, and optimizing therapeutic performance across various disease models. These insights will provide promising guidance for engineering controlled-release platforms and will aim to unlock fucoxanthin’s full potential in drug development and dietary supplement formulations.