Lutein nanocrystals could be produced by high pressure homogenization with a size as low as about 400 nm just applying the pre-milling procedure. This opens the perspective of a fast production of cosmetic and pharmaceutical lutein nanocrystals, in contrast to many drugs requiring additionally 20 cycles of high-pressure homogenization. Compared to the poorly water-soluble powder, the lutein nanocrystals had manifold higher saturation solubility. This increases release from oral dosage forms, as shown for pellet-filled capsules, and will promote oral uptake of class III compounds of the biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS).
Lutein nanocrystals as antioxidant formulation for oral and dermal delivery