Formulation and Physicochemical Characterization of Lycopene-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Pharmacology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Lycopene, a carotenoid, possesses significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.
• Poor aqueous solubility limits lycopene's systemic absorption and bioavailability upon oral administration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop stable lycopene-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to enhance lycopene's bioavailability.
• To characterize the physicochemical properties of the developed lycopene-SLNs.

Main Methods:

• Lycopene-loaded SLNs were prepared using a modified hot homogenization method with Precirol® ATO5, Compritol 888 ATO, and myristic acid.
• Nanoparticle characterization involved Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphology, zeta sizer for size, zeta potential, and dispersity index (DI).
• Encapsulation efficiency (EE%), drug loading (DL), and cumulative drug release were quantified.

Main Results:

• SLNs prepared with Precirol® demonstrated smaller particle size and DI compared to those made with Compritol.
• SEM and particle size analysis confirmed spherical SLNs (125 ± 3.89 nm) with monodispersed distribution and a zeta potential of -10.06 ± 0.08 mV.
• High encapsulation efficiency (98.4 ± 0.5%) and drug loading (44.8 ± 0.46 mg/g) were achieved. The formulation showed excellent stability over 2 months at 4 °C.

Conclusions:

• Stable lycopene-loaded SLNs with desirable physicochemical characteristics were successfully prepared.
• The developed lycopene-SLNs are suitable candidates for further in vivo studies in the nutraceutical industry.