Optimization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for the Encapsulation of Carotenoids from Cucurbita moschata Pulp

This work aimed to optimize the production of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) for the future encapsulation of carotenoid-rich extracts obtained from pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) pulp by ultrasound-assisted extraction. The extracts were characterized by in vitro spectrophotometric assays and by high-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with a diode array detector. Hot highpressure homogenization was the method selected for SLN production, and β-carotene was used as a model molecule for optimization. This choice was supported by chemical–analytical characterization, which identified β-carotene as the main carotenoid of the pumpkin extracts. SLN loaded with 1% β-carotene showed dimensions compatible with increased intestinal absorption. Furthermore, antioxidant assay results showed that the technological process did not alter the antioxidant capacity of β-carotene.