Stabilization of β-carotene embedded in a silica matrix and study of its physical properties

This work reports on the behavior of β-carotene within a silica matrix prepared by the sol-gel method. Results show that highly pure β-carotene integrates with the silica to form a silica-based composite. The interaction exhibited between the inorganic matrix and the β-carotene results in a π-d conjugated system that guarantees the development of the protective mechanism of the β-carotene and stabilizes the organic molecule, allowing its preservation at high calcination temperature. The spectroscopic analysis, made through fluorescence emission and infrared spectroscopy, shows the presence of β-carotene within the silica matrix after the composite was calcined at 1000 °C. Furthermore, the structural interactions of the β-carotene with the silica and the protective function of the β-carotene change the crystallization route naturally followed by the silica when exposed to increasing temperature. In this case, the amorphous silica matrix is preserved after high-temperature calcination, which is beneficial for biomedical applications as it allows the release and transport of the β-carotene to take full advantage of its health benefits. (paper)