Synergistic Solubilization of Mixed Nutraceuticals in Modified Discontinuous Micellar Cubic Structures - Food Colloids: Self-Assembly and Material Science - page 89

Figure 1 Chemical structures of (a) various phytosterols and (b) lycopene (C 40 H 56 ).
Phytosterol key: cholesterol, R ¼ H; b -sitosterol, R ¼ CH 2 CH 3 ; stigmasterol,
R ¼ CH 2 CH 3 and additional double bond at C 22 ; campasterol, R ¼ CH 3 ; bras-
sicasterol, R ¼ CH 3 and additional double bond at C 22
particles - or, better still, solubilized in a proper liquid vehicle. A complication,
however, is that lycopene in its molecular form is highly sensitive to oxidation
and so requires oxidative protection.
The aim of this study was to develop technology for making water-based
concentrates enriched with free sterols (and/or lycopene). The new formula-
tions (nano-sized vehicles) are aimed at being more efficient in reducing
cholesterol levels in humans since the vehicles onto which they are loaded are
excellent carriers for molecularly solubilized nutraceuticals. 31 Lyotropic liquid
crystals have been proposed as potential carriers for drugs and nutraceuticals.
Lyotropic cubic phases have a high solubilization capacity, yet they form
relatively large microcrystalline domains. The guest molecules are easily
entrapped within the domains; but, depending on their nature and concentra-
tions, they may induce mesophase transformations from cubic to hexagonal or
lamellar, or even to micellar structures.
We report here on the solubilization capacity of lycopene and phytosterols
into our newly discovered Q L phase, both alone and together, and including
any synergistic effects. We also report on the phase transformation that may
occur in the presence of these solubilizates.
6.2 Experimental
GMO was purchased from Riken Vitamin (Japan); it contained > 98.5%
monoesters of oleic acid. Crystalline lycopene was obtained from Lycored