Coencapsulation of xylitol and menthol by double emulsion followed by complex coacervation and microcapsule application in chewing gum

- Xylitol can be encapsulated using the double emulsion technique followed by complex coacervation.
- Menthol can be encapsulated using the complex coacervation process.
- The obtained microcapsule characteristics are desirable for application in food (small size and low solubility).
- The microencapsulation process can control menthol and xylitol release, thus prolonging the cooling sensation.
- Microcapsules were able to regulate the gradual release of menthol and xylitol when apply in chewing gum.

Coencapsulation of two or more core materials in one system can improve the functionality of individual components and maximize their performance. Xylitol and menthol are cooling agents that are widely applied in the food industry, and studies have reported that xylitol enhances the cooling effects of mint-flavored products. Thus, xylitol and menthol were coencapsulated using the double emulsion method followed by complex coacervation with the aim of intensifying the cooling sensation and to control the release of these components. Two formulations were developed by varying the concentration of menthol (2 and 6 g per 100 g simple emulsion). The concentration of xylitol was the same for both formulations (50 g per 100 g simple emulsion). The microcapsules were characterized in terms of median particle size, morphology (optical, confocal, and scanning electron microscopy), sorption isotherms, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal behavior (by differential scanning calorimetry [DSC]), and encapsulation efficiency. These microcapsules were then applied in chewing gums. The chewing gums were characterized by texture profile analysis (TPA) and time-intensity (TI) sensory analysis. The microcapsules showed a spherical shape with a completely encapsulated core and high encapsulation efficiency, demonstrating the success of the technique. The analysis of TI in chewing gum confirmed that the microcapsules were able to promote the gradual release of xylitol and menthol, thereby prolonging the cooling effect. The treatment with the highest concentration of menthol showed high encapsulation efficiency and provided a long duration of flavor when applied in the chewing gum.