Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan-Based Core-Shell Microcapsules Containing Clove Oil

The biodegradable microcapsules based on chitosan for a controlled delivery of clove oil were prepared by the single coagulation process. The effect of chitosan concentration, core to shell ratio, types of emulsifier, flocculating agent and hardening agent on the microcapsule diameter and the particle size distribution of microcapsule were investigated. The optimized conditions for the preparation of microcapsules with well-defined structure and narrow dispersibility were under that (1) the concentration of chitosan was 1.0 wt%, (2) clove oil to chitosan ratio was 75:25, (3) OP-10 and 10 wt% sodium sulfate were used as emulsifier and flocculating agent respectively, and (4) the concentration hardening agent glyoxal was 1 wt% based on the weight of chitosan. The uniform spherical structures with smooth surfaces with a particle size distribution of 1-15 μm were evidenced by SEM images of microcapsules. Core-shell, hetero-structures were confirmed by optical micrograph. The chemical component of the microcapsules was determined by FTIR. Thermal analysis showed the microcapsules were thermally stable below 150 degrees C. It was found that the pH value and temperature play important roles on the release rate of clove oil from the microcapsules. The release volume of clove oil from microcapsules at pH = 7, and pH = 10 were smaller than that at pH = 2. And the release volume of Clove oil from microcapsules at 60 degrees C was smaller than that at 20 degrees C and 40 degrees C, which showed a sustained and prolonged release.