Abstract
The aim of this research was to study the structural and textural characteristics of maize bran arabinoxylan (MBAX) microspheres. The laccase-induced cross-linking process was monitored by storage (G') and loss (G'') moduli changes in a 4% (w/v) MBAX solution. The G' and G'' values at the plateau region were 215 and 4 Pa, respectively. After gelation, the content of ferulic acid dimers decreased from 0.135 to 0.03 µg/mg MBAX, suggesting the formation of ferulated structures unreleased by mild alkaline hydrolysis. MBAX microspheres presented an average diameter of 531 µm and a swelling ratio value (q) of 18 g water/g MBAX. The structural parameters of MBAX microspheres were calculated from equilibrium swelling experiments, presenting an average mesh size of 52 nm. Microstructure and textural properties of dried MBAX microspheres were studied by scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, respectively, showing a heterogeneous mesoporous and macroporous structure throughout the network.
Highlights
Microencapsulation of bioactive agents has recently become a relevant alternative to develop novel oral delivery systems
The tan δ value decreased during maize bran arabinoxylan (MBAX) gelation (Figure 2a) indicating the presence of an elastic covalent system
The high G’ value of MBAX gel has been attributed to the covalent cross-linking content and to the physical entanglement of MBAX
Summary
Microencapsulation of bioactive agents has recently become a relevant alternative to develop novel oral delivery systems. While a variety of devices have been used as a carrier material for bioactive agents, biopolymer-based microspheres offer several advantages. Due to their attractive biodegradable, biocompatible, non-toxic and hydrophilic properties and their mild cross-linking conditions, natural polysaccharides such as chitosan, alginate, dextran, among others, have received increasing attention as oral delivery systems [2,3,4,5,6,7]. In the form of microspheres, have been extremely useful in the controlled release of bioactive agents and their targeting to selective sites [8,9].
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