LĂCRĂMIOARA POPA, MIHAELA VIOLETA GHICA

Department of Physical-Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia str., Bucharest, Romania

Abstract. The objective of this study was to perform preformulation assays (solubilization and stability) addressed to β-carotene, aiming for a further immediate-release solid oral dosage form. The carotenoidic pigment was solubilized in water by linear water-soluble macromolecules. There was formed solid dispersion of β-carotene with different polymers. The kinetics of β-carotene oxidation in the aqueous solutions resulted were determined in the presence and in the absence of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as antioxidant. The influence of polymer species was established. A factorial 32 experimental design completed with graphical analysis of response surface was developed in order to determine the protective action of ascorbic acid against β-carotene degradation and to optimize the solid dispersion formulation.

Full text: PDF