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Effect of oil loading on microspheres produced by spray drying
L H Tan1, L W Chan, P W S Heng
1National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Journal of Microencapsulation
|July 16, 2005
Summary
This study on fish oil microencapsulation found that higher oil loadings yielded larger, rounder microspheres but reduced production efficiency. Optimal oil loading is key for effective fish oil delivery systems.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Fish oil is a valuable source of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Microencapsulation protects sensitive oils and improves handling.
- Modified starch is a common carrier for oil-based actives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying fish oil concentrations on microencapsulation using modified starch.
- To characterize the physical properties and efficiency of the resulting oil-loaded microspheres.
- To determine the relationship between oil loading, emulsion stability, and microsphere characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Emulsions of fish oil and modified starch were prepared at different oil loadings.
- Spray drying was employed to produce the microspheres.
- Emulsion stability (droplet size), microsphere size, morphology, yield, and microencapsulation efficiency were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Increased oil loading led to larger oil droplets in the emulsion.
- Higher oil loadings resulted in microspheres with larger mean diameters and a rounder morphology.
- Conversely, elevated oil concentrations decreased production yield and negatively impacted microencapsulation efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Modified starch is suitable for fish oil microencapsulation via spray drying.
- Oil loading significantly influences microsphere properties and process efficiency.
- Careful optimization of oil loading is necessary to balance microsphere characteristics with production yield and encapsulation effectiveness.