Fabrication and Standardization of Lycopene-Loaded Nanoemulsion Using Heiyai (Elaeagnus Latifolia L.) Lycopene Extract and its Application
摘要
This study aimed to develop, optimize, and characterize a lycopene-loaded lipid nanoemulsion (LLN) and evaluate its application in gummy formulation. A Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) was employed to optimize the effects of glyceryl monostearate (GMS), medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, and Tween 80 on droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), and encapsulation efficiency. The optimized formulation containing 4.5% GMS, 3% MCT oil, and 3% Tween 80 exhibited desirable characteristics with a particle size of 156.21 nm, a PDI of 0.25, and an encapsulation efficiency of 91.76%, showing good agreement between predicted and experimental values. The optimized LLN demonstrated stability up to 15 days at 25 °C without phase separation, though slight changes in particle size and separation were observed beyond 30 days. FT-IR analysis confirmed the absence of chemical interactions between lycopene and other nanoemulsion components, while TEM imaging revealed spherical to oval droplets under 100 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis further validated the presence of all key ingredients in the formulation. In vitro digestion studies indicated sustained lycopene release across all phases, with the highest release in the intestinal phase. LLN was subsequently incorporated into gooseberry-based gummies at varying concentrations (5–30%). Sensory evaluation identified the gummy with 20% LLN (LG3) as the most acceptable, exhibiting balanced textural attributes, enhanced redness, and improved lycopene content. These findings emphasize both the potential of LLN as a delivery system for lycopene and its successful application in developing value-added functional gummies with improved sensory and nutritional properties.