Astaxanthin, as a fat-soluble carotenoid, has strong antioxidant properties. However, its application is limited due to the poor water solubility, extreme sensitivity to temperature, light and oxygen, and low bioavailability. Nowadays, new nano drug delivery systems have advantages in improving the aforementioned defects. In this paper, the current research status and application of astaxanthin nano preparations based on lipid, polysaccharide and protein are reviewed. Then, the directions of research on astaxanthin nano delivery systems are generalized and contemplated, hoping to provide references for the future clinical application of astaxanthin. © 2023 Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry. All rights reserved.