- Developed a technological process for the extraction and purification of astaxanthin with a purity of over 95% from Haematococcus pluvialis biomass.
- Successfully fabricated nano-powder products containing astaxanthin, such as nano astaxanthin, nano astaxanthin/kaempferol, and nano astaxanthin/curcumin… with excellent water dispersibility, particle sizes smaller than 100 nm, and high stability. Investigated the morphology, structure, properties, and biological activities of the nano products.

- Technological results:
+ Established a technological process for extracting pure astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis biomass.
+ Developed a method for fabricating nano-powder containing astaxanthin.
- Theoretical results:
+ Astaxanthin was successfully extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis biomass using the Soxhlet method with dichloromethane as the organic solvent and purified using ethanol. The extraction process was scaled to 15 g per batch, yielding approximately 50 g of astaxanthin per kilogram of dry algae biomass. The obtained astaxanthin exhibited high purity of over 96%.
+ Nano products containing astaxanthin with excellent water dispersibility and particle sizes under 100 nm were successfully fabricated. Four nano-systems were prepared, including nano-astaxanthin, nano-astaxanthin/kaempferol, nano-astaxanthin/pycnogenol, and nano-astaxanthin/curcumin. The resulting nano-powders were fine, free-flowing, and red in color, with excellent self-dispersibility in water. The nanoparticles had spherical morphology, uniform size distribution, and high stability.
+ The nano-powder containing astaxanthin exhibited superior bioactivity. Nanoastaxanthin significantly enhanced cellular uptake, with an absorption rate 35 times higher than that of free astaxanthin. The nano-systems demonstrated strong antioxidant activity and effectively protected HepG2 cells from apoptosis induced by oxidative stress using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Notably, the nano-systems showed exceptional efficiency in controlling intracellular lipid accumulation, contributing to the prevention of lipid-related metabolic disorders
- Applied results:
+ Successfully extracted 104 g of astaxanthin.
+ Successfully fabricated 110 g of nanoastaxanthin.
+ The astaxanthin and nanoastaxanthin powder demonstrate significant potential for applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and commercial industries.

- Development of a novel nano system fabrication method: This project successfully developed a method for fabricating nano systems containing astaxanthin combined with high-value bioactive compounds (kaempferol, pycnogenol, curcumin). The process is simple, safe, and scalable for industrial production, meeting practical manufacturing requirements.
- Nano powder products: The nano systems are produced in a fine powder form, facilitating drug formulation and enabling versatile applications in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
- Outstanding properties and biological efficacy: The resulting products exhibit excellent physicochemical properties that meet established standards, along with superior biological activities such as antioxidant capacity, cell protection, and lipid metabolism regulation. These products represent a valuable and promising resource to meet the demands of domestic pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies.

- Patents (list): 1
+Patent No. 41855, “Method for producing astaxanthin/kaempferol nano systems with antioxidant effects and lipid metabolism disorder reduction”, Hoang Mai Ha, Ho Thi Oanh, Hoang Thi Minh Hien, Hac Thi Nhung, Doan Tien Dat, Nguyen Van Tuyen, and Ngo Quoc Anh, granted under Decision No. 127058/QĐ-SHTT on November 1, 2024.
- Scientific papers in referred journals (list): 02
+ Ho Thi Oanh, Hac Thi Nhung, Nguyen Hong Tham, Doan Tien Dat, Nguyen Duc Tuyen, Nguyen Thi Sang, Nguyen Yen Thanh, Truong Cong Doanh, Hoang Mai Ha, Preparation of astaxanthin/pycnogenol nanoparticles: A delivery system with improved astaxanthin stability and bioavailability, Journal of Science and Technology - Hanoi University of Industry, 8(60), 128-136, 2024.
+ Ho Thi Oanh, Hac Thi Nhung, Doan Tien Dat, Quach Thi Quynh, Nguyen Yen Thanh, Hoang Mai Ha, Preparation of a nanoparticle system containing astaxanthin and curcumin: enhancing dispersion, stability, and antioxidant activity of active ingredients, Journal of Chemistry & Applications, 3B(71), 191-196, 2024.
- International Conference Report: 01
+ Ho Thi Oanh, Hac Thi Nhung, Doan Tien Dat, Nguyen Duc Tuyen, Hoang Mai Ha, Fabrication, Characterization, and Bioactivity of Astaxanthin Nanoparticles, International Scientific Conference on “Current Prospects and Challenges in Chemistry,” pp. 69-70, 2023.
- Training: 01
+ Supervised 01 undergraduate student from the VNU University of Engineering and Technology, who successfully defended their graduation thesis in 2023.
- Technological products (describe in details: technical characteristics, place):

Astaxanthin, a carotenoid, is renowned for its potent antioxidant properties and exceptional biological activities. Extracted astaxanthin achieves a high purity exceeding 96%. Nano-powder formulations containing astaxanthin have been developed, characterized by particle sizes below 100 nm, uniform size distribution, and excellent water dispersibility. These systems enhance absorption, alleviate lipid metabolism disorders, and improve cellular protective effects. Such formulations hold significant potential for applications in pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and cosmetics. Therefore, the research team respectfully proposes that Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology continue to prioritize, provide strategic direction, and support advanced studies on the development and practical application of astaxanthin-based nano-systems.