The incorporation of water-soluble Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin-Lycopene inclusion complex in biopolymer chitosan nanoparticles: Physicochemical characteristics and in-vitro release

Abstract

Lycopene (Lyc) from Gac fruit is a potent antioxidant, but its poor water solubility limits its applications. To address this, Lyc was complexed with Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) and encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles via ionic gelation. The optimal 1:1 Lyc-HPCD mole ratio achieved 63.0 ± 3.1% encapsulation, while chitosan-loaded complexes (127.6 nm, +21.38 mV) reached 68.79 ± 3.75%. Characterization by UV-Vis, FTIR, DSC, and SEM confirmed the structure, and the system showed sustained release over 24 hours at varying pH. This nanocarrier offers an efficient platform for lycopene delivery in food and cosmetic applications.