Optimization of Encapsulation by Ionic Gelation Technique of Cryoconcentrated Solution: A Response Surface Methodology and Evaluation of Physicochemical Characteristics Study

María Guerra-Valle, Guillermo Petzold*, Patricio Orellana-Palma*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the optimal conditions to encapsulate cryoconcentrate solutions via ionic gelation technique. Hydrogel beads were prepared using alginate (1%, 2% and 3% (w/w)) and cornstarch (0.5%, 1% and 2% (w/w)). Later, a sucrose/acid gallic solution was concentrated through block freeze concentration (BFC) at three cycles. Thus, each solution was a mixture with the respective combination of alginate/cornstarch. The final solution was added drop-wise on a CaCl2 solution, allowing the formation of calcium alginate-cornstarch hydrogel beads filled with sucrose/acid gallic solution or cryoconcentrated solution. The results showed that alginate at 2% (w/w) and cornstarch at 2% (w/w) had the best efficiency to encapsulate any solution, with values close to 63.3%, 90.2%, 97.7%, and 75.1%, and particle sizes of approximately 3.09, 2.82, 2.73, and 2.64 mm, for initial solution, cycle 1, cycle 2, and cycle 3, respectively. Moreover, all the samples presented spherical shape. Therefore, the appropriate content of alginate and cornstarch allows for increasing the amount of model cryoconcentrated solution inside of the hydrogel beads. Furthermore, the physicochemical and morphological characteristics of hydrogel beads can be focused for future food and/or pharmaceutical applications, utilizing juice or extract concentrated by BFC as the solution encapsulated.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1031
JournalPolymers
Volume14
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics

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