Abstract

This study presents preliminary evaluations for the potential use of Oil Bodies (OBs), spherical intracellular organelles that store lipids in the rapeseed Brassica napus, as a dietary supplement in aquaculture feeds. Objectives are straightforward: to evaluate OBs capacity to microencapsulate the highly valued but liable lipid-soluble pigment astaxanthin, used as feed supplement for appropriate coloration and to promote the health of aquatic animals. Likewise, to test the ability of Artemia, the biological model for micronutrient encapsulation, to safely uptake OBs and maintain astaxanthin stability over time in different Artemia bioencapsulation trials. Finally, to evaluate OBs qualitative lipid contribution. Oil bodies were extracted from rapeseeds with over 99% astaxanthin encapsulation efficiency. Astaxanthin was already visible one hourafter being encapsulated by Artemia, peaked at 24 hours, and remained non-metabolized into canthaxanthin for 48 hours. Significant differences were observed between the control group encapsulating astaxanthin-free OBs, and experimental groups, i.e., OBs enriched with four astaxanthin concentrations. Basal lipid content of Artemia increased qualitatively over time. It is concluded that OBs offer promise as a renewable and cost-effective agricultural carrier of astaxanthin and as a lipid source to be potentially transferred to fish larvae via the live diet Artemia.