Lutein and β-Carotene Characterization in Free and Nanodispersion Forms in Terms of Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity

Abstract Purpose Carotenoids are potent natural antioxidants with many important applications. Their nanodispersion formulations can solve problems that may limit their usage. In this study, we produced carotenoid nanodispersions from extracted lutein (nano-Lut), β-carotene (nano-EBc), and synthetic (nano-SBC). Methods The present study has quantitatively emphasized the physicochemical, antioxidant, cytotoxic properties of free nanodispersed β-carotene. were characterized by spectral absorption, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential. Antioxidant cytotoxicity assays conducted for forms. carotenoids was on HSF, VERO, BNL cell lines. Results Nano-Lut smallest mean particle size (185.2 ± 40.5 nm, PDI 0.183 0.01, potential −28.6 6.4 mV). Nano-SBc showed monomodal distribution (220.5 30.09 0.318 0.03, −12.1 5.9 mV), while nano-EBc a bimodal (with 498.3 88.9 0.65 0.08, −39.7 1.3 All prepared less than 20% loss during formulation process. most active least. Cells higher tolerance its or either in Conclusions proved form possesses size, highest antioxidant activity, lowest among tested formulations.