Abstract: β-cyclodextrin was used as the host to prepare lutein-β-cyclodextrin inclusion by means of ultrasonic. The structure of lutein-β-cyclodextrin inclusion was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. The results indicated that the optimal inclusion conditions were lutein-to-β-cyclodextrin ratio of 1:1, ultrasonic power of 400 W, and ultrasonic treatment time of 40 min. Under the optimal inclusion conditions, the yield of lutein-β-cyclodextrin was 75.8%. The spectral characteristics of the product revealed that lutein and β-cyclodextrin could form inclusion with a ratio of 1:1 and the inclusion constant was 346.97 L/mol. The stability and water solubility of lutein was significantly increased through the inclusion reaction.

Key words: lutein, β-cyclodextrin, inclusion compound, inclusion constant