Lycopene-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Preparation, Characterization, ROS-Scavenging, and In vitro Anti-Melanogenesis Evaluations

Background: Lycopene, a natural antioxidant from carotenoids, is produced by plants and microorganisms. It has been investigated in many studies in relation with potential health effects. Objective: Due to the high lipid-solubility of lycopene, its skin penetration is challenged. Therefore, in the present study, lycopene was loaded into lipid nanoparticles to improve penetration and pharmacological properties. Methods: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing lycopene were prepared and anti-tyrosinase properties were studied in the present study. The formulation was investigated in terms of drug release and antityrosinase properties. Determination of encapsulation efficiency was performed directly. Electron microscopy was used to examine the shape of the nanoparticles. Subsequently, the rate of drug release was investigated by the cell diffusion method. The present study applied cytotoxicity tests, cellular tyrosinase inhibition, melanin content, and free radical level to evaluate the effect of formulations on melanogenesis inhibition, and western blot assay was used to determine tyrosinase and MITF levels. Results: The results from particle size investigation for LYC-SLNs were 151.1 ± 2.3, and exploring the data of electron microscopy showed that the shapes of nanoparticles were spherical, and the encapsulation efficiency was 85.76 ± 2.75%. In determining the anti-tyrosinase effects of LYC-SLNs, a significant reduction in cellular tyrosinase activity and melanin and ROS levels were observed; It is also worth noting that LYC-SLNs reduced melanin production with minimal toxicity against melanoma cells. Conclusion: In general, the results confirm that SLNs can be an efficient delivery platform for the topical delivery of lycopene as a natural anti-oxidant and anti-melanogenic agent.