Improving the Pharmaceutical Potential of Lycopene Using Hot-Melt Extrusion
Source abstract
Abstract
Background: Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant, classified as a carotenoid. Numerous studies confirm its beneficial effects in both the prevention and treatment of various diseases. However, its therapeutic application is significantly limited due to its poor water solubility and low bioavailability from natural sources. Developing a formulation with improved therapeutic characteristics could enhance the effectiveness of lycopene, making it more suitable for medical and nutritional use. The objective of this work was to apply hot-melt extrusion to produce extrudates containing an acetone-based lycopene extract combined with selected polymers, aiming to enhance its dissolution properties. Methods: Lycopene-rich extracts were prepared using ultrasound-assisted extraction with acetone. The obtained extract was processed via hot-melt extrusion together with PVP VA64 and Soluplus. The resulting extrudates were characterized using attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Dissolution behavior was assessed using a paddle apparatus, and collected samples were quantified by HPLC. Antioxidant capacity was determined via DPPH radical-scavenging analysis. Results: The polymers PVP VA64 and Soluplus improve lycopene’s dissolution in acidic environments while showing its antioxidant potential. Conclusions: The formulation combining lycopene obtained through hot-melt extrusion with PVP VA64 and Soluplus polymers will enable its wider and more effective application.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Antioxidant Activity and Oxidative Stress · Microencapsulation and Drying Processes · Nuts composition and effects
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Pharmacognosy and Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 3, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Bukowska 70, 60-812 Poznań, Poland
Phytopharm Klęka S.A., Klęka 1, 63-040 Nowe Miasto nad Wartą, Poland
Department of Food Science and Engineering, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
Department of Pharmacology and Phytochemistry, Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants, Wojska Polskiego 71b, 60-630 Poznań, Poland
Funding
Ministry of Science and Higher Education
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