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.
Optimization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for the Encapsulation of Carotenoids from Cucurbita moschata Pulp
Pinna, Nicola;Blasi, Francesca;
2023
Abstract
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.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
