Novel Encapsulation of Lycopene in Niosomes and Assessment of its Anticancer Activity

Lycopene is a major carotenoid pigment present in ripe tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum) having characteristic red color and has been the focus of considerable attention for its potential health benefits. The lycopene is a polyunsaturatedhydrocarbon (an unsubstituted alkene), and structurally it is a tetra-terpene assembled from eight isoprene units. It has eleven conjugated double bonds give it its deep red color and is responsible for its antioxidant activity. It reduces oxidative DNA damage and results in the lower prostate-specific antigen, which prevents the cancer. Results from epidemiological and experimental studies support the view that lycopene may provide protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer. 

However, the presence of unsaturated bonds in the molecular structure of lycopene, make it susceptible to oxidants, light, and heat, which can be easily deteriorated when exposed to such factors. Therefore, the free lycopene must be protected from chemical damage before itsapplication. To overcome such problems various drug delivery systems like liposome, niosome, etc., have been found promising for better and effective with various degree of success.