Preparation Process Optimization and Performance Characterization of Feed Plant Essential Oil Microcapsules

Area of Science:

• Animal Husbandry
• Food Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Antibiotic use in animal husbandry is a growing concern.
• Plant essential oils show promise as safe alternatives to antibiotics.
• Effective delivery systems are needed to maximize the benefits of plant essential oils in animal feed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize blended plant essential oil (BEO) microcapsules using sodium alginate and chitosan.
• To optimize the preparation conditions for BEO microcapsules.
• To evaluate the physicochemical properties and in vitro release mechanism of the BEO microcapsules.

Main Methods:

• Sharp-hole condensation method for microcapsule preparation.
• Response surface methodology for optimizing preparation conditions.
• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field scanning electron microscopy (FSEM) for characterization.
• Simulated gastrointestinal sustained-release experiment for release mechanism study.

Main Results:

• Optimal preparation conditions yielded BEO microcapsules with an encapsulation efficiency of 80.33 ± 2.35%.
• FTIR and FSEM analysis confirmed uniform size, complete structure, and compact nature of the microcapsules.
• In vitro release studies showed higher release in simulated intestinal fluid compared to simulated gastric fluid.

Conclusions:

• Sodium alginate and chitosan are effective wall materials for creating stable BEO microcapsules.
• The developed microcapsules possess desirable physicochemical properties for feed application.
• The in vitro release profile aligns with animal digestive processes, suggesting potential for improved nutrient absorption and efficacy.