Influence of surface morphology and structure of alginate microparticles on the bioactive agents release behavior

Abstract

The structure-property relationship in alginate microparticles (microspheres and microcapsules prepared with or without Trichoderma viride spores (Tv) was investigated. Surface morphology, structure and release behavior from alginate microparticles strongly depend on calcium concentration and presence of Tv and chitosan layer. All microparticles exhibited a granular surface structure with substructures consisting of abundant smaller particles. In vitro active agents release study revealed that the increase in calcium cation concentration reduced the release rate of Tv (˜84% for microspheres;˜57% for microcapsules) and calcium cations (˜20% for microspheres;˜23% for microcapsules). The average decrease in k values due to chitosan layer addition is 41% for Tv and 93% for calcium ions, respectively. The underlying Tv release mechanism from microspheres is anomalous transport kinetics, whereas from microcapsules is controlled by Type II transport. The differences in microparticle surface properties did not affect the mechanism controlling calcium ions release detected as diffusion through microparticles.

The enhancement of plant secondary metabolites content in Lactuca sativa L. by encapsulated bioactive agents

“…In accordance with our previous research [29][30][31][32][33] after the optimization, eight different types of microparticles (microspheres and microcapsules) have been prepared and used in this research. Microspheres (Fig.…”

“…Even though Cu 2+ is a micro-constituent of growth media and is known to be essential for several biochemical and physiological pathways 27 at higher concentrations it becomes toxic 28 . Therefore it is important to control the dosage of copper ions over the plant maturation time and to minimize the release into the environment which can be achieved by encapsulation.Encapsulation results with more efficient use of chemicals and a convenient way of nutrients delivery for ecological and sustainable plant production [29][30][31][32][33] . Optimization of the encapsulation process is important to obtain microparticles with desirable traits.…”

“…Encapsulation results with more efficient use of chemicals and a convenient way of nutrients delivery for ecological and sustainable plant production [29][30][31][32][33] . Optimization of the encapsulation process is important to obtain microparticles with desirable traits.…”

Synthesis, Characterization and Encapsulation of Novel Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) in Biopolymer Matrices

“…3a). In comparison with the microspheres, the microcapsules' surface porosity was reduced 21 . Loading of CS/(ALG/Ca) with PGR resulted in the appearance of locally aggregated PGR (nubs) (aggregated nubs marked by black lines , Figs.…”

Polyphenol-Based Microencapsulated Extracts as Novel Green Insecticides for Sustainable Management of Polyphagous Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys Stål, 1855)

“…Encapsulation in biopolymeric matrices via the ionic gelation method has been recognized as an effective method in preserving functionality, stability, and bioavailability of polyphenols allowing their controlled release [30]. Furthermore, this method is sustainable, economical, and uses nontoxic biodegradable natural materials, like sodium alginate [31][32][33][34][35]. To suppress the initial repellent properties of polyphenolic compounds, the encapsulation method represents a convenient way of targeted delivery to invasive pests.…”