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As an essential nutrient, lutein (LUT) has the ability to aid in the prevention of eye diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. However, the application of LUT is largely restricted by its poor solubility and susceptibility to oxidative degradation. Thus, in this study, LUT-loaded nanogel (OVM-COS-LUT) was prepared by a self-assembly of ovomucin (OVM) and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) to enhance the effective protection and bioavailability of LUT. The nanogel had excellent dispersion (PDI = 0.25) and an 89.96% LUT encapsulation rate. XRD crystal structure analysis confirmed that the encapsulated LUT maintained an amorphous morphology. In addition, the nanogel showed satisfactory stability with pH levels ranging from 2 to 9 and high ionic strengths (>100 mM). Even under long-term storage, the nanogel maintained an optimistic stabilization and protection capacity; its effective retention rates could reach 96.54%. In vitro, digestion simulation showed that the bioaccessibility and sustained release of OVM-COS-LUT nanogel was superior to that of free LUT. The nanogel provided significant antioxidant activity, and no significant harmful effects were detected in cytotoxicity analyses at higher concentrations. In summary, OVM-COS-LUT can be utilized as a potential safe oral and functional carrier for encapsulating LUT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of alkalis on C3S hydration with and without incorporating aluminate phases. Pastes of 100% C3S and 90% C3S+10% metakaolin (MK) were prepared at 1%, 2%, and 3% Na2O content. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the solid phase assemblages, and then the hydration degree of C3S. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to analyze the aqueous composition of pore solution. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) was used to measure the porosity of the hydrated pastes. The results highlighted the promoting effect of Na and the inhibiting effect of Al in pore solution on C3S hydration after a period of curing (90 days). Without incorporating metakaolin, the hydration degree of C3S continuously increased with the increase of Na concentration. Incorporating metakaolin into C3S can generate aluminate hydrates (carboaluminates, in this study), and the increased Na concentration can increase the dissolution or instability of carboaluminates and elevate the equilibrium Al concentration. Under this condition, the hydration degree of C3S fluctuated depending on the combined effect of Na and Al concentrations in pore solution on C3S hydration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]