Lycopene/arabinoxylan gels: rheological and controlled release characteristics

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Food Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Arabinoxylan is a polysaccharide with potential applications in drug delivery.
• Controlling the release of bioactive compounds like lycopene is crucial for effective delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of arabinoxylan concentration on gel rheology and lycopene transport.
• To evaluate arabinoxylan gels as potential carriers for controlled biomolecule delivery.

Main Methods:

• Arabinoxylan gels were prepared with concentrations ranging from 3 to 4% (w/v).
• Rheological properties and lycopene diffusion coefficients were measured.
• Lycopene release kinetics were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Increasing arabinoxylan concentration from 3% to 4% (w/v) decreased the apparent lycopene diffusion coefficient.
• A low amount of lycopene was released via diffusion from the arabinoxylan gels.
• The study demonstrated tunable lycopene release based on gel concentration.

Conclusions:

• Arabinoxylan gels exhibit tunable rheological and lycopene transport properties.
• These gels show potential as carriers for targeted lycopene delivery.
• The ability to modulate release suggests their utility in controlled delivery systems for biomolecules.