Preparation and Comparative Characterization of Alginate-Made Microcapsules and Microspheres Containing Tomato, Seabuckthorn Juices and Pumpkin Oil

Abstract

Recent studies have shown the benefits of tomatoes, seabuckthorn juices and pumpkin oil, rich in bioactives with antioxidant capacity, in the prevention of prostate diseases. To stabilize their antioxidant activity, microencapsulation represent a good technological alternative, improving the stability and bioavailability of bioactive molecules ( phenolic derivatives, carotenoids, phytosterols, vitamins). The aim of the study was to prepare and characterize microspheres and microcapsules based on emulsions made of natural polymers like Natrium alginate mixed with tomato and/or seabuckthorn juices, with or without pumpkin oil. The viscosity of emulsions, the morphology of microcapsules and microspheres were characterized comparatively and the bioactives were monitored by UV-Vis spectrometry. In the lipophilic extract there were identified, before and after encapsulation, different classes of compounds, from lipids, to phenolic acid derivatives, flavonoids and carotenoids. Carotenoids were the major components having concentrations from 9.16 up to 19.71 mg/100 g sample. The viscosity of each emulsion including juices, oil and natrium alginate 2%, before encapsulation, showed differences, dependent on the oil addition and speed of homogenization. The macroscopic and microscopic structure of microspheres and microcapsules were comparatively evaluated. Both microspheres and microcapsules had external diameters ranging from 750 to 900 μm and the microcapsules' oily core of 150-180 μm. The results obtained from emulsion's viscosity will be correlated with the rigidity and optimal release rate of bioactive molecules from microcapsules and microspheres. Further studies are directed towards these aspects.

Characterization of Water Hyacinth Powder Using FTIR Spectroscopy and the Adsorption Behaviour of Pb2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, Ni2+ and Cr2+ in Aqueous Solution

“…The sample was mixed with KBr and pressed to form a pellet and examined with FTIR spectrometer (Model: IR Afinity IS Class 1) according to standard procedures. The scanning was performed in the range of 4000-400cm- 1 wave numbers to determine the functional groups responsible for metal ion adsorption.…”

“…FTIR spectroscopy is a powerful technique that can be used in diagnostic analysis of water hyacinth powder before and after adsorption of metal ions It is a rapid and non-destructive technique that has been used to characterize the functional groups responsible for adsorption of heavy metal ions [1,2]. This is because the peaks in the spectral regions are characteristic of specific bonds that can be used to identify the presence of a particular functional group or changes in that particular functional group.…”