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Updated: Nov 7, 2025
Extraction of Plant-based Capsules for Microencapsulation Applications
Published on: November 9, 2016
Electrosprayed cashew gum microparticles for the encapsulation of highly sensitive bioactive materials
Y Vázquez-González1, C Prieto2, M F Filizoglu3
1Novel Materials and Nanotechnology Group, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), Calle Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980, Paterna, Spain; Laboratorio Integral de Investigación en Alimentos, Tecnológico Nacional de México - Instituto Tecnológico de Tepic, Av. Tecnológico de Tepic, Av. Tecnológico # 2595, C.P. 63195, Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico.
Cashew gum (CG) microparticles were created using electrospraying to encapsulate beta-carotene. These CG microparticles offer protection for beta-carotene, showing potential for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Food Science
Background:
- Cashew gum (CG) is a natural, non-toxic polysaccharide from Anacardium occidentale.
- Beta-carotene is a vital bioactive compound with antioxidant properties.
- Effective encapsulation methods are crucial for preserving bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To produce and characterize electrosprayed cashew gum microparticles encapsulating beta-carotene.
- To evaluate the encapsulation efficiency and stability of beta-carotene within CG.
- To assess the potential of CG as a carrier for bioactive compounds.
Main Methods:
- Electrospraying technique using two different water:oil emulsion ratios (80:20 and 90:10 v/v).
- Characterization of microparticle size, morphology, and surface properties.
- Analysis of beta-carotene loading capacity and extractability.
- Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to confirm component interactions.
- Assessment of thermal and photoprotection properties.
Main Results:
- Spherical CG microparticles with sizes ranging from 3 to 6 μm were successfully produced.
- The 90:10 (v/v) emulsion yielded particles with a loading capacity of 0.075 ± 0.006%.
- Minimal extractable beta-carotene (10.75 ± 2.42%) indicated good encapsulation.
- ATR-FTIR confirmed no adverse interactions between CG and beta-carotene.
- Cashew gum provided short-term thermoprotection and photoprotection.
Conclusions:
- Electrosprayed cashew gum is a suitable matrix for beta-carotene encapsulation.
- CG microparticles offer protection against degradation, enhancing stability.
- This method is promising for incorporating bioactive compounds in agricultural, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
