Tapioca starch nanoparticles loaded with astaxanthin extend the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans by activating DAF ‐16

Abstract BACKGROUND Astaxanthin (ASTA) has anti‐aging properties but is limited by poor oral bioavailability. Nanostarch has emerged as a promising carrier to enhance the delivery of bioactive compounds, attracting growing interest in functional food research. This study prepared ASTA‐loaded tapioca starch nanoparticles and characterized their structure. Meanwhile, Caenorhabditis elegans was used as a model to study the anti‐aging activity of nanostarch–astaxanthin (NS‐ASTA). RESULTS The resulting NS‐ASTA exhibited an average particle size of 187.13 ± 10.24 nm with an improved polydispersity index of 0.398, compared to 0.559 for the carrier. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analyses confirmed the successful formation of a composite via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Furthermore, in the C. elegans model, NS‐ASTA treatment significantly extended the maximum lifespan from 20 to 26 days under identical culture conditions. Compared with ASTA, NS‐ASTA enhanced the worm's resistance to heat and ultraviolet stress, improved motility, and reduced intestinal lipofuscin accumulation. A 42.46% reduction in accumulation was observed in the NS‐ASTA‐treated (0.8 mg mL −1 ) group compared to the ASTA group. The lifespan‐extending effect of NS‐ASTA was absent in the short‐lived daf‐16 mutant strain, and NS‐ASTA promoted nuclear translocation of DAF‐16 transcription factors. CONCLUSION NS‐ASTA exhibits superior anti‐aging activity over free ASTA, and extends lifespan and improves health in C. elegan s via the DAF‐16 pathway. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing novel ASTA formulations and anti‐aging products. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.