Encapsulation Conditions Research Articles

Fabrication of curcumin encapsulated in casein-ethyl cellulose complexes and its antibacterial activity when applied in combination with blue LED irradiation

Casein and ethyl cellulose (Cas + EC) complexes were fabricated and used for encapsulation of curcumin (Cur). Physicochemical properties of Cas + EC/Cur along with its antibacterial activity when used in combination with blue LED irradiation were investigated. Encapsulation efficiency of microparticles at Cas:EC of 1:1 was the highest at 92.4%, with average particle size of 1.47 μm and ζ-potential of −21.40 mV. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that Cur was well encapsulated in Cas + EC by electrostatic interactions; more hydrogen bonds were also formed. At optimal encapsulation condition, Cur exhibited good thermal stability; its water solubility improved 69 folds, while its release rate in oily food mimic reached 76%. Cas + EC/Cur in combination with blue LED irradiation could rapidly inactivate Escherichia coli ATCC 43894, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 23235 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MCC-208. Such desirable activities are attributed to the production of reactive oxygen species, which caused increased membrane permeability and reduced bacterial cell integrity.

High effective proteinaceous α-amylase inhibitors from grains and control release

Plant-derived α-amylase inhibitors exhibit great capacity in glycaemic control by restraining dietary starch digestion. However, natural α-amylase inhibitors with strong inhibitory activity and good stability are still scarce. In this study, the inhibitory activity and stability of proteinaceous α-amylase inhibitors derived from eleven grains were examined, and microencapsulation was carried out to protect the inhibitors in gastric fluid. We found that the highland barley protein extract (HBPE) showed the most potent α-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 1.11 mg/mL). HBPE is a reversible noncompetitive α-amylase inhibitor and displayed good stability across various pH and temperatures. It showed high trypsin tolerance but low pepsin tolerance. Thus HBPE-encapsulated microspheres were prepared by the composite of sodium alginate/gellan gum with the internal ionic gelation method. The optimum encapsulation condition was determined, and the prepared microspheres displayed discrete, uniform and regular sphericities with diameters around 53 μm, and better mechanical strength with more than 81% activity retention rate. Moreover, the microspheres protected the HBPE in gastric fluid and extended HBPE release in the small intestinal fluid, revealing excellent control release of HBPE in simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Our study provides a new and effective strategy for the management of postprandial blood glucose.

Continuous Encapsulation of Vitamin E Using Polycaprolactone and Tween 20 in a Micro-Channel

Encapsulation of vitamin E is the preservation of the biological activities of vitamin E for various applications. In the first part of this research, factors affecting the batch encapsulation of vitamin E, including PCL concentration, the concentration of Tween 20, and the volumetric ratio of aqueous phase to organic phase were experimentally investigated. The Box-Behnken experimental design and response surface methodology were implemented to determine the optimal operating conditions of the batch encapsulation. At the optimal conditions, the percentage of vitamin E encapsulation (%EC) was 98.69%, using the PCL concentration, the Tween 20 concentration, and the volumetric ratio of aqueous phase to organic phase of 3.6 g/L, 0.6 g/L, and 0.9 mL: 1 mL, respectively. The second part is to enhance the productivity by applying the optimized formulation of vitamin E encapsulation in a continuous process using a micro-channel encapsulator. The effect of residence time was investigated. At the residence time of 1 s, the percentage of vitamin E encapsulation of 97.28% and the productivity of 153.61 mg/(mL∙min) were achieved.

Spaces of exposure: Re-thinking ‘publicness’ through public transport

Developing thoughts on exposure in cultural geography, literary studies, and mobilities research, this article aims to provide a more comprehensive account towards the publicness of public space. What would happen if we assessed publicness not by degrees of openness and inclusion, but through the nexus of vulnerability and complicity that is fundamental to the notion of exposure? To grasp such an intrinsic dualism, our perspective goes towards public transport, where experiences of exposure are intensified by its specific conditions of encapsulation and movement. We illustrate this perspective drawing from the autobiographical chronicles of the Chilean writer Pedro Lemebel, in order to then propose a ‘learning from’ the case of public transport for a rethinking of publicness. Specifically, we argue that exposure provides new insights on agency, power and vulnerability as part of a more processual notion of public space.

Microencapsulation of Osmanthus essential oil by interfacial polymerization: Optimization, characterization, release kinetics, and storage stability of essential oil from microcapsules.

In this paper, the interface polymerization method was used to prepare Osmanthus essential oil microcapsules. The optimal preparation process of Osmanthus essential oil microcapsules was explored as follows: the dosage ratio of Osmanthus essential oil to N100 was 6:1, the reaction temperature was 70°C, and the reaction time was 2h. The encapsulation efficiency of Osmanthus essential oil microcapsules could reach 80.31%. The particle size distribution, morphology, chemical structure, and thermal stability of the obtained microcapsules were characterized by laser particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The release kinetics and storage stability experiments of the microcapsules were studied. The results showed that the average volume diameter of the microcapsules was 101.2µm. The microcapsules were in the shape of full spheres, with a smooth surface, low viscosity, and high elasticity. Microencapsulation improved the thermal stability of Osmanthus essential oil and promoted the slow release of essential oil. The synthesized microcapsules showed good storage stability under refrigerated and dark conditions, which indicated that microcapsules had broad application prospects in food, medicine, and other fields. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this study, we prepared a polyurea membrane to encapsulate Osmanthus essential oil microcapsules by interfacial polymerization. The encapsulation conditions of the microcapsules were optimized and the structure of the microcapsules was characterized in this study. The results showed that microcapsules had a full spherical shape with a smooth surface, high elasticity, good sustained-release ability, good thermal stability, and storage stability. These properties indicated that microcapsules have good application prospects and can be used as a high-quality flavor with a long residual effect and high thermal stability for food and cosmetic scope.

Optimising Conditions for Encapsulation of Salacia chinensis Root Extract enriched with Phenolic Compounds

Background: S. chinensis extract contains bioactive compounds, which exhibit high antioxidant activities. However, for commercial uses, it is necessary to encapsulate the extract to protect it from degradation. Objective: This study aimed to optimise spray-drying conditions and then compare spray-drying with freeze-drying to identify the most suitable conditions for the encapsulation of Salacia chinensis L. root extract. Method: Three factors of spray-drying encapsulation, including maltodextrin concentration, inlet temperature, and feed rate, have been tested for the impacts on the physical and phytochemical properties of S. chinensis root extract. Based on the optimal conditions, the spray-drying was then compared with freeze-drying. Results: The results showed that maltodextrin concentration, inlet temperature, and feed rate had significant impacts on recovery yield, phenolics, mangiferin, and antioxidant activity of the spraydried extract. The optimal spray-drying encapsulation conditions were maltodextrin concentration of 20%, inlet temperature of 130ºC, and a feed rate of 9 mL/min. Under these optimal conditions, the encapsulated extract had comparable solubility, total phenolics, mangiferin, antioxidant activity, lower bulk density, moisture content, and water activity as compared to encapsulated extract made using the freeze-drying technique. These optimal spray-drying conditions are recommended to encapsulate the extract of S. chinensis root. Conclusion: Spray-drying was found to be more effective for the encapsulation of S. chinensis root extract than freeze-drying. Therefore, spray-drying is recommended for further applications.

Optimal encapsulation of maroon bush (Scaevola spinescens R. Br.) extract enriched with bioactive compounds

Scaevola spinescens is endemic to Australia and traditionally used as a medicinal plant. Current research has linked the plant with antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, however, its use is limited due to the instability of bioactive compounds and inconvenience of the extract. Therefore, encapsulation is required to improve its physicochemical properties and widen its scope in food and pharmaceutical applications. This study investigated the influence of major spray drying conditions and common carrier materials on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of S. spinescens extract to identify the most suitable encapsulation conditions. The results showed that different carrier material concentrations had significant impacts on total phenolic compounds (TPC), flavonoids, saponins, as well as antioxidant activities of the powder, but had less impact on saponins. Increasing carrier material concentration decreased recovery yield and increased moisture content. Inlet air temperature did not greatly affect bioactive compound concentrations and antioxidant activity, however, significantly affected recovery yield, moisture content, water activity, bulk density and colour attributes of the powder. The feed rate did not affect concentrations of flavonoids and saponins, but higher TPC was observed at lower feed rates. The type of carrier material significantly affected TPC, flavonoids, and saponins, as well as antioxidant activities. Samples using whey protein had highest concentrations of TPC, but also lowest levels of flavonoids and recovery yield. Samples using acacia gum displayed highest concentrations of saponins. Whey protein showed significantly higher moisture content and conversely, low hygroscopicity. Maltodextrin of dextrose equivalent 4, 10 and 18 also showed low hygroscopicity, as well as high recovery yields. Overall, the most suitable encapsulating conditions were recommended as a carrier concentration of 10 g/100 mL, inlet air temperature of 140 °C, feed rate of 12 mL/min, and with carrier material consisting of maltodextrin (dextrose equivalent 10 or 18) for overall encapsulation performance, or acacia gum for maximum retention of TPC and saponins. Encapsulated powder prepared using the recommended conditions produces an optimal product with strong physical, phytochemical and antioxidant properties allowing for further utilization in food or pharmaceutical applications.

Encapsulation of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil in β‐cyclodextrins

The aim of this study was to investigate the encapsulation process of R. officinalis (rosemary) essential oil (REO) in beta cyclodextrin (β-CD), by co-precipitation, using response surface methodology (RSM), specifically the face-centered central composite design (FCCCD). Solid-to-solid (β-CD/REO) and liquid-to-liquid (ethanol/water) ratios were selected as independent variables and their influence on the dependent variables was assessed. The recovered powder was characterized by different techniques, such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD). Moreover, the release of REO from the β-CD complexes was investigated at different temperatures and pH values. The responses were affected by the concentration of ethanol in the reaction mixture and the amount of REO used. The optimal responses set by the RSM model (p-value < 0.05) were obtained for the optimal parameters ranging from 1.25:1 to 1.7:1 and 16.25:83.75 to 17.5:82.5 for ethanol/water and β-CD/REO ratios, respectively. The size of the inclusion complexes from the experimental condition 1:1 ethanol/water and 10:90 β-CD/REO ratios was the highest, with a value of 2.735 ± 0.192 µm. Furthermore, the FTIR spectra of inclusion complexes revealed a band downshift relative to the spectrum of β-CD, attributable to hydrogen bonding between REO components and β-CD, as well as a new band at 1,747 cm−1, revealing the presence of oil components, while the XRD patterns of β-CD recorded before and after the inclusion process indicate a change from a cage-type packing to a channel-type packing of cyclodextrin, which, in turn, indicates a successful inclusion process. Practical applications The encapsulation of EOs into cyclodextrins can enhance their biological properties, which include antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant activities. Nevertheless, a careful evaluation of the encapsulation conditions should be carried out in order to ensure the highest encapsulation yield without quality loss. In this way, pH and temperature, among other conditions, must be considered for evaluation since food or other matrices may present diverse pH values and be subjected to different temperatures. The present work may contribute to the use of rosemary EOs, with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, in food and cosmetic industries, avoiding the sometimes-unpleasant flavor and aroma characteristics.

A Gelatin-Hyaluronic Acid Double Cross-Linked Hydrogel for Regulating the Growth and Dual Dimensional Cartilage Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Owing to its unique physiochemical properties similar to the extracellular matrix (ECM), three-dimensional (3D) crosslinked hydrogels are widely studied materials for tissue engineering. In this study, to mimic the ECM microenvironment, a two-step covalent cross-linking with hyaluronic acid and gelatin was performed to form an interpenetrating polymer network structure. Gelatin as the first network greatly improved the mechanical strength of the hydrogels, while a hyaluronic acid network as the second network improved the tenacity and biological activity. Compared with a single network hydrogel, the interpenetrating hydrogel system can further regulate the mechanical properties of the hydrogel by adjusting the ratio of the two components, thereby changing the proliferation, activity, and direction of cartilage differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Not only that, with two culture methods for BMSCs on the surface and 3D wrapped in the double cross-linked hydrogels, they exhibited their potential to induce BMSCs to cartilage differentiation under the condition of 3D encapsulation of BMSCs and contact with BMSCs on its surface. As a scaffold material for cartilage tissue engineering, this double cross-linked hydrogel demonstrated its high feasibility and applicability in delivering BMSCs in vivo and repairing defects.

Protogenetic sulfide inclusions in diamonds date the diamond formation event using Re-Os isotopes

Sulfides are the most abundant inclusions in diamonds and a key tool for dating diamond formation via Re-Os isotopic analyses. The manner in which fluids invade the continental lithospheric mantle and the time scale at which they equilibrate with preexisting (protogenetic) sulfides are poorly understood yet essential factors to understanding diamond formation and the validity of isotopic ages. We investigated a suite of sulfide-bearing diamonds from two Canadian cratons to test the robustness of Re-Os in sulfide for dating diamond formation. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) allowed determination of the original monosulfide solid-solution (Mss) composition stable in the mantle, indicating subsolidus conditions of encapsulation, and providing crystallographic evidence supporting a protogenetic origin of the inclusions. The results, coupled with a diffusion model, indicate Re-Os isotope equilibration is sufficiently fast in sulfide inclusions with typical grain size, at mantle temperatures, for the system to be reset by the diamond-forming event. This confirms that even if protogenetic, the Re-Os isochrons defined by these minerals likely reflect the ages of diamond formation, and this result highlights the power of this system to date the timing of fluid migration in mantle lithosphere.

Optimization Model of Phenolics Encapsulation Conditions for Biofortification in Fatty Acids of Animal Food Products.

The nutritional quality of animal products is strongly related to their fatty acid content and composition. Nowadays, attention is paid to the possibility of producing healthier foods of animal origin by intervening in animal feed. In this field, the use of condensed tannins as dietary supplements in animal nutrition is becoming popular due to their wide range of biological effects related, among others, to their ability to modulate the rumen biohydrogenation and biofortify, through the improvement of the fatty acids profile, the derivate food products. Unfortunately, tannins are characterized by strong astringency and low bioavailability. These disadvantages could be overcome through the microencapsulation in protective matrices. With this in mind, the optimal conditions for microencapsulation of a polyphenolic extract rich in condensed tannins by spray drying using a blend of maltodextrin (MD) and gum Arabic (GA) as shell material were investigated. For this purpose, after the extract characterization, through spectrophotometer assays and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight (UHPLC-QTOF) mass spectrometry, a central composite design (CCD) was employed to investigate the combined effects of core:shell and MD:GA ratio on the microencapsulation process. The results obtained were used to develop second-order polynomial regression models on different responses, namely encapsulation yield, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and tannin content. The formulation characterized by a core:shell ratio of 1.5:5 and MD:GA ratio of 4:6 was selected as the optimized one with a loading capacity of 17.67%, encapsulation efficiency of 76.58%, encapsulation yield of 35.69%, and tannin concentration of 14.46 g/100 g. Moreover, in vitro release under varying pH of the optimized formulation was carried out with results that could improve the use of microencapsulated condensed tannins in animal nutrition for the biofortification of derivates.

Synthesis of Retinol-Loaded Lipid Nanocarrier via Vacuum Emulsification to Improve Topical Skin Delivery.

Retinol has been widely used as an anti-wrinkle active ingredient in cosmetic fields. However, the oxidation of retinol by air was one of the critical problems for application in the skincare field. In this study, Retinol-loaded lipid nanocarriers were prepared via the vacuum emulsification method to increase the stability of retinol vulnerable to air and optimized encapsulation conditions and to increase the penetration efficiency into skin. Optimizing the components of lipid nanocarriers, gradients of carbon chain C8-22 using various lipid species which made the amorphous structure and enough spaces to load retinol inside the capsules were estimated from the lower enthalpy change and peak shift in DSC analysis. The vacuum-assisted lipid nanocarriers (VLN) could help suppress oxidation, which could have advantages to increase the thermal stability of retinol. The retinol-loaded VLN (VLN-ROL) had narrow size distribution under 0.3 PDI value, under 200 nm scaled particle size, and fully negative surface charge of about -50 mV for the electrostatic repulsion to avoid aggregation phenomenon among the lipid nanoparticles. It maintained 90% or more retinol concentration after 4 weeks of storage at 25, 40 and 50 °C and kept stable. The VLN-ROL-containing cream showed improved penetration efficiency applied to porcine skins compared to the commercial retinol 10S from BASF. The total amount of retinol into the skin of VLN-ROL (0.1% of retinol) was enhanced by about 2.2-fold (2.86 ± 0.23 μg) higher than that in 0.1% of bare retinol (about 1.29 ± 0.09 μg). In addition, applied on a 3D Human skin model, the epidermal thickness and the relative percentage of dermal collagen area effectively increased compared to the control and retinol, respectively. Additionally, the level of secreted IL-1α was lower and epidermal damage was weaker than commercial product A. This retinol-loaded lipid nanocarrier could be a potentially superior material for cosmetics and biomedical research.

Optimized preparation of eugenol microcapsules and its effect on hepatic steatosis in HepG2 cells

This study was aimed at evaluating the potential of peach gum (PG) and gelatin in the microencapsulation of eugenol and the intervention of eugenol microcapsules on hepatic steatosis in vitro. Response surface method (RSM) was used to optimize the encapsulation conditions of eugenol microcapsules. The microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and release behavior in vitro was determined. The effect of eugenol microcapsules on free fatty acids (FFA) treated hepatocellular cells (HepG2) cells was evaluated by oil red O staining and intracellular total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) determination. The results showed that the optimal encapsulation conditions were as follows: the PG-gelatin ratio was 1.6:1.4, the core-wall ratio was 1.6:1.4, the pH was 4 and the emulsification speed was 9000 r/min. The optimized microcapsules were smooth spherical with a size of about 3.09 ± 0.58 μm and the encapsulation was confirmed by FT-IR. In vitro release behavior showed that eugenol microcapsules could be released stably in a neutral environment for 72 h. Oil red O staining showed that 50 and 100 μM eugenol microcapsules could significantly inhibit the lipid accumulation and reduce the TC and TG in steatotic HepG2 cells induced by FFA. Therefore, PG and gelatin can be used as excellent carriers for the microencapsulation of volatile compounds in the field of biomedical industry, and eugenol microcapsules is a promising preparation for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

MICROENCAPSULATION of grapefruit oil with sodium alginate by gelation and ionic extrusion: optimization and modeling of crosslinking and study of controlled release kinetics.

Essential grapefruit oil with high concentrations of limonene is used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries due to its antimicrobial properties, fragrance, and flavor. To facilitate its manipulation and protect it from adverse environmental factors, the microencapsulation is used. The objective of this work was to optimize the microencapsulation process of grapefruit oil using external ionic gelation coupled to extrusion with sodium alginate and calcium chloride. We achieved the best encapsulation conditions with calcium chloride concentration at 7.4% w/v and a crosslinking time of 58 minutes, obtaining a yield of 62% and an efficiency of 100% with an oil loading capacity of 10% w/w. The chemical adsorption of calcium as well during the crosslinking process was studied, observing a significant fit with the Elovich equation. And an adjustment of the controlled release of the oil was obtained to the empirical kinetic model of Korsmeyer and Peppas.

Microparticles of yellow-orange cactus pear pulp (Opuntia ficus-indica) with cladode mucilage and maltodextrin as a food coloring in yogurt

There is an increasing interest in the use of natural food colorants to substitute synthetic dyes that are health harmful. In this study, encapsulation conditions of yellow-orange cactus pear Opuntia ficus-indica pulp (P), were determined using maltodextrin (MD) as the encapsulating agent (EA). The effect of three encapsulating agents (cactus mucilage (M), MD, and mucilage-maltodextrin (M+MD) blend) on microparticle's characteristics, stability, and performance as a colorant in yogurt was assessed at optimal conditions determined by Response Surface Methodology. Optimal conditions for encapsulation with MD were inlet air temperature 150 °C and a 3:1 ratio, where pulp:encapsulating agent ratio had more influence than the temperature in the yield during encapsulation. Indicaxanthin encapsulation efficiency and yield were 100% and 51.2% (P-MD), 87% and 7% (P-M), and 93% and 11% (P-M+MD), respectively. P-MD system showed higher indicaxanthin stability and less color change stored at 60 °C. However, P-MD and P-M+MD microparticles were successfully tested as colorants in yogurt, and both colorants showed similar performance and stability (over 80% indicaxanthin retention). Cactus cladode mucilage with the addition of maltodextrin could be the encapsulating agent for yellow-orange cactus pear pulp, thus providing pigment protection as a yellow colorant for yogurt.

Simulation of the processes of carbon atom and nanographene interaction with a molecule of fullerene C60

The results of numerical simulation of the processes of adsorption of a fullerene molecule by the nanographene edge is presented. It has been found that, as a result of adsorption, the spherical symmetry of the C60 fullerene molecule is broken and this symmetry violation depends on a method of adsorption on the graphene surface. The results of numerical simulation of scattering of carbon atoms and dimers by a C60 fullerene molecule have been also considered. The main goal is to determine the qualitative conditions for encapsulation of carbon atoms inside the fullerene molecule. It has been found that the predominant processes are scattering and adsorption of scattered carbon atoms with a minimal quantity of encapsulated atoms.

Microencapsulation and accelerated stability testing of bioactive compounds of Hibiscus sabdariffa

The aim of this study was to encapsulate hibiscus aqueous extract, which has valuable content in anthocyanins with antioxidant activity. For this purpose, assays were realized using whey protein isolate and polydextrose and a mixture of both as carriers by spray-drying and freeze-drying encapsulation. Statistical analysis indicated that the powder containing only polydextrose by freeze-drying presented the best condition of encapsulation, with retentions of phenolic, anthocyanin and antioxidant activity measured by ABTS, DPPH, and HRSA of 86, 77, 76, 90 and 74%, respectively. Accelerated stability tests (75 and 90% relative humidity, at 40 and 60 °C) performed for 30 days in the powders, showed two periods of losses for polyphenols and antioxidant capacity: a significant decrease (p < 0.05) and its posterior stabilization in all storage conditions. In order to predict the degradation kinetic of anthocyanins encapsulated was used the first-order kinetic model, whose degradation rate constants ranged from 0.0259 to 0.2910 d−1, and increased with the temperature and relative humidity, with the Q10 temperature coefficient values from 1.1 to 2.1. FTIR and TGA assays indicated that the encapsulation occurred by physical incorporation, as well as up to 210 °C, powders presented high thermal stability. The results suggested that the powders may be used as a bioactive ingredient due to its high solubility and thermal stability.

Anti-Streptococcus mutans and anti-biofilm activities of dextranase and its encapsulation in alginate beads for application in toothpaste.

BackgroundThe accumulation of plaque causes oral diseases. Dental plaque is formed on teeth surfaces by oral bacterial pathogens, particularly Streptococcus mutans, in the oral cavity. Dextranase is one of the enzymes involved in antiplaque accumulation as it can prevent dental caries by the degradation of dextran, which is a component of plaque biofilm. This led to the idea of creating toothpaste containing dextranase for preventing oral diseases. However, the dextranase enzyme must be stable in the product; therefore, encapsulation is an attractive way to increase the stability of this enzyme.MethodsThe activity of food-grade fungal dextranase was measured on the basis of increasing ratio of reducing sugar concentration, determined by the reaction with 3, 5-dinitrosalicylic acid reagent. The efficiency of the dextranase enzyme was investigated based on its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against biofilm formation by S. mutans ATCC 25175. Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to study the three factors affecting encapsulation: pH, calcium chloride concentration, and sodium alginate concentration. Encapsulation efficiency (% EE) and the activity of dextranase enzyme trapped in alginate beads were determined. Then, the encapsulated dextranase in alginate beads was added to toothpaste base, and the stability of the enzyme was examined. Finally, sensory test and safety evaluation of toothpaste containing encapsulated dextranase were done.ResultsThe highest activity of the dextranase enzyme was 4401.71 unit/g at a pH of 6 and 37 °C. The dextranase at its MIC (4.5 unit/g) showed strong inhibition against the growth of S. mutans. This enzyme at 1/2 MIC also showed a remarkable decrease in biofilm formation by S. mutans. The most effective condition of dextranase encapsulation was at a pH of 7, 20% w/v calcium chloride and 0.85% w/v sodium alginate. Toothpaste containing encapsulated dextranase alginate beads produced under suitable condition was stable after 3 months of storage, while the sensory test of the product was accepted at level 3 (like slightly), and it was safe.ConclusionThis research achieved an alternative health product for oral care by formulating toothpaste with dextranase encapsulated in effective alginate beads to act against cariogenic bacteria, like S. mutants, by preventing dental plaque.

Performance of polypropylene textile encased stone columns

This paper explores the potential use of a woven polypropylene textile for encapsulating stone columns and improving performance of a local soft soil in Warangal city of India. A series of axial load tests were performed on stone columns of various diameters and under various encapsulation conditions that include single and double layers and other combinations. Load carrying capacity of stone column increased twice its original capacity when encapsulated with different geofabric materials. Performance enhancement strongly correlated to the tensile strength of encasement material and encapsulation condition. In addition, the influence of lateral thrust on group of stone columns arranged in square and triangular patterns were investigated. Irrespective of the material used, lateral displacement reduced by half for encased stone columns. Apart from tensile strength of encasing material, the amount of material used for encasement in the form of additional encasement layer was found to be crucial. The cost of using the polypropylene encasing material is only a third of the commercial geotextiles; however, the performance is inferior to woven geotextiles but far superior to non-woven geotextiles.

Application of encapsulating lavender essential oil in gelatin/gum-arabic complex coacervate and varnish screen-printing in making fragrant gift-wrapping paper

The applicability of making a gift-wrapping paper fragrant by screen-printing with a varnish that contained microencapsulated fragrance were assessed. Experiments were conducted on a commercially available, general use, Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) essential oil. The encapsulation was made by a complex coacervating technique, with gelatin and gum-arabic as the wall materials. Factors in the encapsulating process were studied with the attempts to control the strength, the release and the morphologies of microcapsule. The statistical tools including the analysis of variance, the main effect plot, and the rolled throughput yield were used in identifying the controlling factors and the best performing conditions for encapsulation. Fragrant varnishes made by mixing the microcapsule into a commercially available UV-curable varnish were evaluated and optimized for the essential oil loading capacity, the release by rubbing with fingers, the protection against untimely release, and the load withstanding in handling, storage and transportation. All the practices specifically required to produce a fragrant gift-wrapping paper were done without the need to modify or to interfere with the actual screen-printing process. The overall results signified its potential in applications like special ordered or customized, small volume gift-wrapping papers, and the likes.