Formulation of Nanoencapsulated Catechin with Chitosan as Encapsulation Material

Gambier is one of Indonesian superior estate crop. Among several chemical compounds in gambier, catechin from polyphenols group has the greatest benefit for health. However, catechin has a limitedness of stability that causes a low bioavailability property. One way to maintain and improve the stability of catechin is the application of nanotechnology. The objective of this study is to obtain the best formulation in producing a solution of catechin nanoparticles with particle droplet size <300 nm as an antioxidant material. Observations were conducted to the formulations of the concentration of the solution of chitosan (0.2 and 0.4%), sodium tripolyphosphate (Na-TPP) (0.1 and 0.2%), catechin extract (0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6%) and the ratio of chitosan solution with catechin solution in Na-TPP (5: 1 and 7: 1) in order to determine one that yields the best solution. Observations were carried on the stability and characteristics of catechin nanoparticle solution including particle size, particle surface topography and internal structure. Catechin nanoparticles with best particle size was found in formula with 0.2% chitosan solution, 0.4% catechin solution, 0.1% Na-TPP solution and ratio of chitosan solution with withcatechin in Na-TPP solution 7: 1, that is 137.6 nm. Physically, the best formulation of catechin nanoparticleshas good particle surface topography, internal particle structure and emulsion stability.