According to our previous research (Yuan et al., 2008), mixing
astaxanthin with HPCD, an orange, clear water solution was
achieved. Then, the solution was freeze-dried, a pink solid state
sample was obtained. Fig. 2 shows the aqueous solution and freezedried
sample of astaxanthin/HPCD complex. The aqueous solubility
of astaxanthin was highly enhanced (>1.0 mg/mL) after complexation.
The result is similar to that of other carotenoids/cyclodextrin
complexes (Pfitzner, Francz, & Biesalski, 2000). Astaxanthin should
show a good antioxidant activity under this concentration. Moreover,
the complex also has fine tinctorial power for food or cosmetic
products