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Extraction of Plant-based Capsules for Microencapsulation Applications
Published on: November 9, 2016
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Advances in protein based microencapsulation: from encapsulation materials to functional applications and future
Sulaiman Ahmed1, Gan Hu2, Zahra Batool3
1International Genome Center, School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
Food Chemistry
|February 12, 2026
Summary
Protein microencapsulation utilizes proteins as wall materials for bioactive compounds. This review covers protein types, methods, parameters, and applications in food and delivery systems.
Area of Science:
- Food Science and Technology
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Proteins possess excellent emulsifying, structural, and biocompatible properties, making them ideal for microencapsulation.
- Both animal-derived (whey, casein, gelatin, egg albumin) and plant-derived (zein, soy, pea, legume) proteins, and their complexes, exhibit amphiphilic and self-assembling characteristics suitable for encapsulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of protein-based microencapsulation.
- To analyze various encapsulation techniques, critical parameters, and applications of protein microcapsules.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on protein sources, encapsulation techniques (spray drying, complex coacervation, ionic gelation, electrospraying, electrospinning, ultrasonication), and influencing parameters.
- Critical analysis of protein physicochemical properties, interactions, crosslinking, composites, emulsion stability, and core-to-wall ratios.
Main Results:
- Different proteins and techniques yield microcapsules with varying structures, stability, and release profiles.
- Key parameters significantly influence the performance and characteristics of protein-based microcapsules.
- Protein microcapsules demonstrate significant applications in food stabilization, delivery of antimicrobials and probiotics, and nutrient fortification.
Conclusions:
- Protein-based microencapsulation is a versatile technology with broad applications.
- Future research should focus on enhancing stability, controllability, and multifunctionality for wider industrial adoption.
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