Identifying and quantifying the beneficial molecules contained in nutraceuticals is essen-tial to predict the effects derived from their consumption. This study explores a cheap and rapid method for quantifying lycopene content from a semi-solid matrix. In addition, it compares the in vitro effects of the extracts obtained from different tomato sauces available on the local market with Osteocol®, a patented tomato sauce from southern Italy. We performed a liquid extraction of lyco-pene using suitable solvents. The lycopene extracted was encapsulated in surfactant micelles and finally tested in vitro on Saos-2 cells. The effects exerted by lycopene on ALP and Wnt/β-catenin pathways were investigated by Western blotting. Hexane was found to be the best solvent for lyco-pene extraction. Spectrophotometrical and HPLC analyses showed similar trends. Osteocol® contained 39 ± 4 mg lycopene per 100 g of sauce, while the best commercial product contained 19 ± 1 mg/100 g. The Osteocol® lycopene extract increased ALP and β-catenin protein expressions in a dose-dependent manner, also showing statistically significant results (p < 0.05 respectively). In con-clusion, despite both techniques showing similar final results, UV/VIS spectrophotometer is prefer-able to HPLC due to its cheap, rapid, and accurate results, as well as for the opportunity to analyze lycopene-loaded micelles. The extraction and release of lycopene to bone cells positively influences the differentiation of osteoblasts and increases the expression of the ALP and β-catenin proteins. As a consequence, as a lycopene-rich sauce, Osteocol® represents a useful supplement in the prevention of osteoporosis compared to its commercial competitors.
A Rapid and Cheap Method for Extracting and Quantifying Lycopene Content in Tomato Sauces: Effects of Lycopene Micellar Delivery on Human Osteoblast-like Cells
Mare R.;Maurotti S.;Ferro Y.;Galluccio A.;Arturi F.;Romeo S.;Procopio A.;Musolino V.;Mollace V.;Montalcini T.
;Pujia A.
2022-01-01
Abstract
Identifying and quantifying the beneficial molecules contained in nutraceuticals is essen-tial to predict the effects derived from their consumption. This study explores a cheap and rapid method for quantifying lycopene content from a semi-solid matrix. In addition, it compares the in vitro effects of the extracts obtained from different tomato sauces available on the local market with Osteocol®, a patented tomato sauce from southern Italy. We performed a liquid extraction of lyco-pene using suitable solvents. The lycopene extracted was encapsulated in surfactant micelles and finally tested in vitro on Saos-2 cells. The effects exerted by lycopene on ALP and Wnt/β-catenin pathways were investigated by Western blotting. Hexane was found to be the best solvent for lyco-pene extraction. Spectrophotometrical and HPLC analyses showed similar trends. Osteocol® contained 39 ± 4 mg lycopene per 100 g of sauce, while the best commercial product contained 19 ± 1 mg/100 g. The Osteocol® lycopene extract increased ALP and β-catenin protein expressions in a dose-dependent manner, also showing statistically significant results (p < 0.05 respectively). In con-clusion, despite both techniques showing similar final results, UV/VIS spectrophotometer is prefer-able to HPLC due to its cheap, rapid, and accurate results, as well as for the opportunity to analyze lycopene-loaded micelles. The extraction and release of lycopene to bone cells positively influences the differentiation of osteoblasts and increases the expression of the ALP and β-catenin proteins. As a consequence, as a lycopene-rich sauce, Osteocol® represents a useful supplement in the prevention of osteoporosis compared to its commercial competitors.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.