The potency of hydrophobic modification of alginate for a self-assembly matrix in fish oil encapsulation

Abstract

To act as an emulsifier and a matrix for fish oil encapsulation, alginate is required to be modified due to its hydrophilicity. The purpose of this study was to modify alginate using dodecenyl succinic anhydride (DSA) under pH-controlled conditions and to apply it for stabilizing emulsion and encapsulating fish oil. The modification that followed the first-order reaction improved the hydrophobic properties of alginate as shown by the reduction of surface tension but improving the water contact angle, with CMC of 0.18 mg/l. A higher concentration of modified alginate was better in stabilizing fish-oil emulsion than the native one, as supported by the results of zeta potential, viscosity, and droplet size of the emulsion. Freeze-dried particle of this modified alginate emulsion showed better encapsulation efficiency and oxidation protection ability. Thermal properties of alginate were changed after hydrophobic modification and oil encapsulation. The freeze-dried particles of this modified alginate emulsion showed better encapsulation efficiency and protection ability. This study confirmed the protective ability of the modified alginate using DSA as an oil-based active ingredient encapsulant.