Fabrication of starch/zein-based microcapsules for encapsulation and delivery of fucoxanthin

•Starch-based carrier was successfully developed for oral delivery of fucoxanthin.•Zein nanoparticles served as an intermediate vector for fucoxanthin encapsulation.•Starch-based carrier effectively protected fucoxanthin against photodegradation and oxidation.•In vitro controlled release of fucoxanthin was achieved by this starch-based carrier.