Quality Control for Lignin and Gelatin Microcapsules Loaded with Orange Essential Oil

Abstract

Sustainable natural product-based microstructured systems and biopolymers are strong candidates for use in crop protection. Lignin and gelatin microcapsules loaded with orange essential oil were developed with spray-drying in order to enhance its potential. We evaluated the microparticle controlled release mechanisms, biological effects, structural and thermal properties. A quantitative method using headspace-gas chromatography was developed and evaluated for the controlled release of the essential oils. Controlled release studies showed a linear relationship between the biopolymer and essential oil concentrations when retaining volatile compounds. Thermal analyses demonstrated increases in essential oil stability when microencapsulated, especially for lignin as a biopolymer. These results showed that biopolymer type was the main factor influencing quality analysis parameters. Finally, microcapsules loaded with orange essential oil were applied in a bioassay, and showed gains in toxicity against Spodoptera frugiperda compared to non-encapsulated oil.

Can Essential Oils Be a Natural Alternative for the Control of Spodoptera frugiperda? A Review of Toxicity Methods and Their Modes of Action

“…In contrast, Cymbopogon citratus (LC 50 = 0.19 μL/cm 2 ) was the most effective EO when applied on the ventral part of the leaf [ 71 ], with Citrus limon revealing the highest toxic effect when the EO was mixed with the artificial diet (98.29 ppm) [ 81 ]. As no toxicity was observed in the artificial diet mixed with C. sinensis EO, its LC 50 could not be calculated [ 82 ].…”