Lycopene

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 3

A team of researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, has developed a nano-biosensor for detecting ‘lycopene’, a phytochemical with high commercial value. 

• The sensor uses a portable smartphone-based upconverting reusable fluorescent paper strip.
• This transparent Upconversion Nanoparticles (UCNP) strip has been found to be sensitive to lycopene with a detection limit as low as 10 nM. 
• A simple smartphone camera can be used for detection.
• Upconversion is a process where light can be emitted with photon energies higher than the light generating the excitation.

Lycopene

• Lycopene is a carotenoid found in tomatoes, grapefruit, watermelons and papaya. 
• It is also synthesised by plants and microorganisms but cannot be synthesised by the human body and can only be obtained via diet.
• It is a potent antioxidant that helps prevent cancer and heart diseases. 
• Several epidemiologic studies have suggested a strong association between a high intake of lycopene-rich foods and a reduced risk of several cancers, notably prostate cancer.
• However, there are not many well-designed clinical trials conducted and the data remain inconclusive. 
• As lycopene has potent antioxidant effects, it may interfere with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. 
• Cancer patients are therefore suggested to use lycopene supplements with caution.

Natural Sources of Lycopene

• Tomato and tomato-based products are the major dietary sources of lycopene and account for approximately 80% of the consumption of lycopene in western countries.
• It is also present in a high amount in watermelon, guava, pink grapefruit, rosehips, papaya, and apricot.