Fish oil encapsulation with chitosan using ultrasonic atomizer

An encapsulation technique was developed using an ultrasonic atomizer and three processing steps: emulsification, ultrasonic atomization, and freeze drying. Emulsion preparation variables such as concentration of wall materials [chitosan (CS), maltodextrin (MD) and whey protein isolate (WPI)] and tuna oil were optimized. The size and stability of the emulsion droplet and the properties of the encapsulated powders after freeze drying were characterized. At 20 g/100 g tuna oil, the optimum ratios of CS to MD and of CS to WPI were 1:10 and 1:1, respectively. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the emulsion particle sizes when the preparation conditions were varied. The combination of CS and MD giving the smallest particle size had the highest emulsion stability. The EPA and DHA content (240 mg/g) of the encapsulated powder were slightly higher than commercial specification (100 mg/g) and they had low moisture content and water activity, acceptable appearance and encapsulation efficiency. The ultrasonic technology used in this study could lead to application in the food industry improving the stability of tuna and other oils.