Formation of microparticles of limonene in polysaccharides using supercritical CO2

Author(s)

Luciana Cristina Machado

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Pirassununga.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Zootecnica e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZE/BT)
• Defense date: 2014-06-27

Examining board members

Alessandra Lopes de Oliveira; Reinaldo Camino Bazito; Samantha Cristina de Pinho

• Advisor: Alessandra Lopes de Oliveira

Abstract

This study aimed to use the technology that employs CO2 in supercritical state to study the formation of microparticles encapsulated essential oils in polysaccharides. The supercritical technology has been used in impregnating particles, mostly of solid solutes, but has not been applied to the encapsulation of essential oils. The studied processes RESS (Rapid Expansion of a Supercritical Solution) or PGSS (Particles Solutions or Suspensions in Saturated Gas) involving low temperatures, not allowing degradation of volatile and polymers that are normally used in the conventional process of \"aroma powder\" were used in this study. Even though it is insoluble or partially soluble in supercritical CO2 proven in order to take advantage of the stability studies of encapsulated essential oils in these materials and still keep the cost of the product as polysaccharides have relatively low value when compared to the polymers that are employed in studies using these processes. Preliminary tests were performed with different polymers : modified starch, dextrin, maltodextrin and Purity Gum Ultra ®, ( kindly provided by Corn Products, Current Ingredion Incorporated, Mogi, SP, BR ) in order to select the most appropriate material for wall microencapsulation of essential oil, represented by limonene. Preliminary results showed that there was possible impregnation and microencapsulation of limonene, observed and recorded through analysis of microscopy (optical, electron and confocal) especially for Purity Gum Ultra ®, which showed desirable behavior such as dispersion and stability of primary morphology compared to other polysaccharides tested (dextrin, modified starch and maltodextrin). Subsequent tests (particle sizing, scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy in the presence of fluorescein, thermic stability and quantification of the limonene content microencapsulated definitely determined the efficiency of Purity Gum Ultra ® as the most appropriate polymer as agent encapsulating and it has been demonstrated the efficiency of the proposed technique for this purpose. The technique employed for microencapsulation (PGSS) showed significant amounts of limonene retention of up to 86% when the suspension was prepared using ethanol (EtOH) and soy lecithin as surfactant. Being indicative of a material that microencapsulation by PGSS provided efficient retention of limonene, besides other advantages over conventional microencapsulation processes used in the food industry. The microencapsulation process that uses CO2 supercritical is considered \"clean technology \" due to the low toxicity of CO2 besides this solvent is considered abundant, inexpensive and environmentally safe. In this study it was found that, in addition to using low temperature process ( 50 - 60º C ), there was no need for the use of water in suspension. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/01221-8 - Study of the particle formation of limonene in matodextrin using RESS (rapid expansion of supercritical solutions)
• Grantee: Luciana Cristina Machado
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master