The chitosan-coated lycopene-alginate beads were more stable than alginate immobilized lycopene without chitosan. Lycopene release from the beads was affected by pH and temperature. The release rate was much faster at higher pH levels (such as in the intestine) than at lower pH levels (such as in the stomach). Release was also faster at 37°C (normal human body temperature) than that at 24°C (room temperature)