Understanding the synergistic antioxidant mechanism of a layered double hydroxide–lycopene composite by spectroscopic techniques.

Abstract

Lycopene is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants with demonstrated capacity to protect and reduce risks against some diseases. It has also been used as additive in polymers for packaging. Hydrophobicity is the main disadvantage of this compound, especially to prepare edible formulations and assimilation in the body; to improve this, emulsions have been formulated although they provide a low content of lycopene. For this study, we prepared a hybrid composite material with layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and 54% of lycopene. The composite is easily dispersed in water and when subjected to aqueous media to simulate a pass through stomach (pH 1.2), small intestine (pH 6.8) and large intestine (pH 7.4), where the composite released 84.5%, 92.8 and 96.7% of lycopene, respectively. The composite was analyzed in each step. The antioxidant capacity of the composite was similar to that of pure lycopene, although the content of lycopene was partial. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the cations from LDH particles also contribute to capture unpaired electrons, thus producing a synergy in the antioxidant activity. Further, UV–vis and infrared spectroscopies demonstrated that the lycopene molecule was protected within along the pass through the three simulated media. This composite is an alternative vehicle to prepare lycopene supplements for oral consumption, maximizing the stability, and enhancing the release and therapeutic profle. This composite is also an alternative antioxidant additive for polymers or biofuels.