DEVELOPMENT OF NANOEMULSION CONTAINING LYCOPENE FROM RED GUAVA TARGETING THE INFLAMMATION–CANCER AXIS

Abstract

Research Objectives: Chronic inflammation is a well-established contributor to carcinogenesis and an important therapeutic target. Lycopene, a natural carotenoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has shown potential anticancer effects; however, its application is limited by poor solubility and bioavailability. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of a nanoemulsion containing lycopene from red guava (Psidium guajava L.) in inflammation-related cancer cell models.

Methodology: Lycopene (LPG) was extracted from highly mature red guava and characterized by UV–Vis spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A lycopene nanoemulsion (NanoLPG) was produced and physicochemically characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and squamous carcinoma cells (SCC-9) were cultured as 2D monolayers and 3D spheroids. Cell viability was assessed by a luciferase-based assay following exposure to LPG or NanoLPG at concentrations ranging from 200 to 6.25 µg/mL. Morphological analyses were performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Findings: LPG exhibited an absorption spectrum and chromatographic profile consistent with lycopene standards. NanoLPG presented mean particle diameter of 256.90 ± 3.50 nm, polydispersity index of 0.25 ± 0.02, and zeta potential of −44.30 ± 1.17 mV. In viability assays, LPG did not affect HaCaT cells in 2D or 3D models, while reductions in SCC-9 viability were observed from 6.25 µg/mL. NanoLPG reduced cancer cell viability in both cell models, without evidence of toxicity in normal cells. SEM analyses showed that inflammatory stimulation with TNF-α altered epithelial integrity, evidenced by surface exfoliation and the presence of apoptotic cells, whereas treatment with LPG or NanoLPG was associated with attenuation of alterations.

Research Outcomes: These outcomes highlight the relevance of integrating natural bioactive compounds with nanostructured delivery systems for biotechnological research in inflammation-associated models.

Future Scope: Future studies will incorporate advanced TEM and AFM analyses, alongside molecular biology approaches, to further characterize cellular responses associated with inflammation-related cancer processes.