New β-carotene-xylan complexes: preparation and characterization

The study aimed to propose a new system based on xylan for β-carotene delivery into aqueous environments. The xylan fraction of low molecular weight of 9020 ± 185 g/mol was purified from the commercial production of beechwood xylan. β-Carotene-xylan complexes were prepared by the mechanochemical method, i.e., shaking and the following freeze-drying. The formation of the complex was demonstrated by spectroscopic methods. The optimal β-carotene/xylan mass ratio for the complexation was 1/1. The loading capacity, size, and solubility of the complex were 0.22 ± 0.01 mg/mg, 205 ± 2 nm, and 39.2 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the complexes exhibited antioxidant activity tested by two methods, i.e., ferric reducing antioxidant power and free radical scavenging assays. The new system could serve for β-carotene incorporation into functional foods, especially into water-based ones. Graphical abstract