Preparation of alginate nanocapsules containing turmeric oil

To encapsulate turmeric oil, a model oily compound, with an alginate biopolymer coating, alginate nanocapsules were prepared in a three-step procedure using emulsification, crosslinking with calcium chloride, and solvent removal. The type of solvent, concentration of turmeric oil, sonication, and oil/alginate mass ratio affected the characteristics of the nanocapsules in terms of average size, zeta potential, morphology, loading capacity, and stability at 4 °C and 25 °C. Dissolution of turmeric oil in ethanol and presence of Tween 80® in the formulation were found to be optimal in the preparation process. An increase in the oil concentration or oil/alginate mass ratio resulted in an increase in the average size of the nanocapsules. To obtain uniform-sized nanocapsules, sonication is required. In addition, alginate nanocapsules show good physical stability in long-term storage at 4 °C and data on loss of oil in key steps in the process may facilitate improvement in the procedure to produce an increased loading capacity.