| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2087099 | Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies | 2011 | 6 Pages |
Use of gums for microencapsulation has increased in the nutraceutical industry. Microcapsule behavior and properties differ between gums and description of non-conventional sources is needed to identify their potential applications. Flamboyant tree Delonix regia seed is not currently used as a commercial gum source, but carboxymethylated flamboyant seed gum (CFG) has properties similar to those of carboxymethylated guar gum. The effectiveness of CFG in microencapsulating papain was evaluated with a 23 factorial design and 4 central points. The CFG microcapsules were analyzed with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to evaluate particle size, morphology, flow capacity and in vitro papain release. The CFG effectively captured papain. Microcapsule morphology was amorphous when using 2% CFG and spherical when using 3% CFG. Concentration had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on microcapsule behavior with the higher concentration providing better protection in a gastric pH. In an intestinal pH, papain release was higher in the lower concentration CFG microcapsules. This model is a potential controlled delivery system for bioactive substances with several possible industrial applications.Industrial RelevanceFlamboyant (Delonix regia) is most commonly used as an ornamental tree, although its seeds are a potential gum source. This gum has no ionic charge, making it possible to chemically modify it by carboxymethylation and broaden its technological functionality. One possible application is as an encapsulating agent for covering active substances, a technique increasingly used in the food industry. This application is particularly important in nutraceuticals as it provides the option of protecting an active agent and controlling its release. For their potential health benefits, consumer interest is burgeoning in functional foods and nutraceuticals. The growing market for these products and updating of legislation regulating their sale will lead to a boom in novel technologies and ingredients for development of new products and their preservation.
Research Highlights► Carboxymethylated flamboyant gum is effective in encapsulating papain. ► The system could be an effective delivery system for preventative treatment ulcers. ► We obtain a model system which could be used in several industrial applications.
