Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Mammalian Cell Encapsulation in Alginate Beads Using a Simple Stirred Vessel
Published on: June 29, 2017
Ultrasound-Enhanced Ionotropic Gelation of Pectin for Lemon Essential Oil Encapsulation: Morphological
Rofia Djerri1, Salah Merniz2, Maria D'Elia3,4,5
1The Biotechnology and Food Quality Research Laboratory (BIOQUAL), INATAA, University of the Brothers Mentouri-Constantine 1, Constantine 25017, Algeria.
Abstract:
The growing demand for natural preservatives in the food industry has highlighted the importance of essential oils (EOs), despite their limitations related to volatility and oxidative instability. This study addresses these challenges by developing pectin-based microcapsules for encapsulating lemon essential oil (LEO) using ultrasound-assisted ionotropic gelation. The EO, extracted from Citrus limon (Eureka variety), exhibited a high limonene content (56.18%) and demonstrated significant antioxidant (DPPH IC50: 28.43 ± 0.14 µg/mL; ABTS IC50: 35.01 ± 0.11 µg/mL) and antifungal activities, particularly against A. niger and Botrytis spp. Encapsulation efficiency improved to 82.3% with ultrasound pretreatment, and SEM imaging confirmed spherical, uniform capsules. When applied to fresh-cut apples, LEO-loaded capsules significantly reduced browning (browning score: 1.2 ± 0.3 vs. 2.8 ± 0.2 in control), microbial load (4.9 ± 0.2 vs. 6.5 ± 0.4 log CFU/g), and weight loss (4.2% vs. 6.4%) after 10 days of storage at 4 °C. These results underscore the potential of ultrasound-enhanced pectin encapsulation for improving EO stability and efficacy in food preservation systems.
Related Concept Videos
Methods of Controlling Food Spoilage
Principles of Food Preservation
Pasteurization and Food Preservation

