Stability enhancement of lycopene in Citrullus lanatus extract via nanostructured lipid carriers

Lycopene is one of naturally occurring carotenoids in plants including watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). Heat, light, and oxygen effect on lycopene isomerization and degradation. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are drug delivery system which can enhance the stability of active compound. Therefore, this study aimed to develop watermelon extract loaded in NLCs for lycopene stability improvement. The NLCs were prepared using a hot homogenization technique. Cocoa butter was used as solid lipid. Grape seed oil was used as liquid lipid. Span(®) 80 and Plantasens(®) HE20 were used as an emulsifier. The selected unloaded NLCs contained solid lipid to liquid lipid at the ratio of 3:1 and 10% (w/w) of total lipid. The particle size of watermelon extract‐loaded NLCs (WH‐loaded NLCs) was 130.17 ± 0.72 nm with low PDI and high zeta potential. It also presented high entrapment efficiency. For stability study, the WH‐NLC3 could enhance stability and maintain lycopene content after stability test. It exhibited the highest values of lycopene content (83.26 ± 2.30%) when stored at 4°C. It also possessed a prolonged release pattern over 48 hr. Therefore, the NLCs could improve stability and release profile of lycopene from watermelon extract.