LycoSOL represents different benefits, (Health benefits, encapsulation protection from UV light and decomposition, cost savings and waste reduction):
1) Extraction of lycopene or other carotenoids requires the use solvent combinations such as hexane, ethanol, acetone, etc. which have adverse effects on human health. Process based on extraction of a naturally present component, lycopene, with fully benign chemistries.
2) Lycopene extract is prone to degradation when exposed to heat or UV light for extended periods of time. This makes lycopene to have a shorter shelf life compared to carmine. A formulation that can keep the lycopene protected against UV light and carotenoids from decomposition, hence allowing for effectively store the extract and long-term usage.
3) With the current existing methods, protected by patents and lycopene prone to decomposition when exposed to UV light, costs are extremely high. Products used for the extraction are expressly produced, contributing to increase the costs of the process. LycoSOL will enable to cut down costs thanks to 1) use of tomato peel from waste-products; 2) use of more effective bioactive reagents that increase the lycopene extraction; 3) effective storage ability that reduces costs.
LycoSOL allows food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical manufacturers to use a natural component with no toxic residues to colour end products. The method ensures their competitiveness thanks to a low-cost process and healthier final output able to compete with carmine and meet end users’ needs and kosher/halal requirements even at the pharmaceutical grades. LycoSOL is a resource-efficient, 100% natural and eco-innovative method for production of natural coloring based on bio- refinery, whose concept stands for creating added value from waste generated along the value-chain.
