Microcapsule Formulations Research Articles

Gastrointestinal and colonic bioaccessibility of calcium and ferulic acid from microcapsules made with brewer spent grain arabinoxylans.

Three microcapsule formulations with 2.7, 5.5 and 10.9 g calcium 100 g solids-1 (C1, C2, and C3, respectively) were developed using brewer spent grain arabinoxylan concentrate as wall material. The intestinal and colonic bioaccessibility of calcium and phenolic compounds were determined after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The level of calcium and the formation of Ca:AX complexes mediated by electrostatic interactions contributed to the construction of the microcapsule wall. It was observed that the higher calcium content increased the total calcium bioaccessibility (27.0 ± 2.4, 29.8 ± 0.2, 37.1 ± 1.0 % for C1, C2, and C3, respectively). However, the calcium level of the microcapsules decreased the total bioaccessibility of the phenolic compounds from 45 to 27 % for ferulic acid, and from 90 to 66 % for p-coumaric acid for C1 and C3, respectively. Also, the secondary metabolites of these phenolics were detected in the colonic fractions. Suitable microcapsules intendant for the supplementation of people with a calcium deficient diet, with the supply of fermentable fibres and phenolic compounds were developed.

Formulation and Evaluation of Colon Specific Meloxicam Microcapsules for the Treatment of Arthritis

Objective: The main objective of the current study was to formulate and evaluate meloxicam-loaded microcapsules for colon-specific drug delivery using pH-dependent polymers. The emerging need for developing sustained release NSAIDs to minimize the dosing frequency was the main concern. Consequently, creating an oral sustained release formulation for the treatment of arthritis may be one method to get around this. Methods: Eudragit RS/RL-100 polymers were used in emulsion solvent evaporation processes to create Meloxicam (MLX) microcapsules. Compatibility tests (FTIR), surface morphology by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), yield, drug content, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro dissolution studies were performed on the produced MLX microcapsules. Results: There was no interaction between the polymer and MLX, according to the IR spectra. The microcapsules were spherical in nature, which was confirmed by SEM. Normal frequency distribution MLX microcapsules were produced. The maximum drug entrapment efficiency of 94% was attained. The in vitro performance of MLX microcapsules demonstrated that the polymer concentration influenced sustained release. Furthermore, it was observed that the amount of polymer utilized regulated the release of the drug. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it was concluded that one of the most promising formulation methods for creating colon specific drug delivery systems for the treatment of arthritis is the production of MLX microcapsules.

Chitin nanocrystal Pickering emulsions for sustainable release pesticide microencapsulation with superior leaf adhesion and enhanced safety

Traditional pesticides often exhibit high non-target toxicity, poor stability, short persistence, and susceptibility to wash-off by rain. Pesticide microencapsulation represents a significant advancement in formulation strategies, addressing safety and sustainability concerns associated with conventional pesticides. This study explores the utilization of biodegradable chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs), prepared via acid hydrolysis, for the development of pesticide microcapsules. Specifically, ChNCs were employed to emulsify molten pesticides, followed by interfacial polymerization to fabricate pesticide-loaded microcapsules. Using molten emulsification and Pickering emulsion templates offer a simple and solvent-free approach for microcapsule preparation, eliminating the need for conventional surfactants. The microcapsules displayed a size distribution ranging from hundreds of nanometers to several micrometers, which could be tuned by adjusting the ChNCs content. These microcapsules demonstrated remarkable properties, including a high pesticide loading capacity (reaching 78.7% for lambda-cyhalothrin), excellent storage stability, and enzyme-responsive release behavior. Furthermore, the abundant positive charges enhanced the interaction between the microcapsules and leaf surfaces, leading to improved pesticide retention. Microencapsulation reduces acute insecticidal activity of pesticides due to the slow-release effect; however, field experiments provide compelling evidence that microcapsule formulations significantly prolong pesticide efficacy compared to conventional formulations. Additionally, microencapsulation significantly improved the safety of pesticides, with the LC50 increasing from 0.0116 mg/L to 3.75 mg/L. Overall, this study introduces a promising method for pesticide microencapsulation using ChNCs Pickering emulsion, highlighting its potential advantages and providing valuable insights for the development of environmentally friendly and novel pesticide formulations.

Physicochemical and bioactive characterization of pink guava pulp microcapsules prepared by freeze-drying using coffee mucilage as a wall material

This study investigated the potential of coffee mucilage (CM), a readily available coffee industry byproduct, as a wall material for the microencapsulation of pink guava pulp via freeze-drying (FD). Microcapsules with varying wall compositions incorporating powdered coffee mucilage, maltodextrin (MD), or a combination of both (FD-CM/MD) were developed and characterized using techniques such as FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, TGA/DSC, and zeta potential analysis. The retention of bioactive compounds was assessed using total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and carotenoid analyses. Results revealed that the incorporation of powdered coffee mucilage significantly influenced the physicochemical properties of the microcapsules, resulting in larger particle sizes and less rough surface morphologies compared with maltodextrin-based formulations. Notably, FD-CM microcapsules exhibited a thermal stability (Tg ≈ 50 °C) and retention total polyphenols of 30.19 ± 5.26 mg GAE/g dry weight (DW) and carotenoids of 5.50 ± 0.29 mg β-carotene/100 g DW, which can be attributed to the protective effects and inherent antioxidant capacity of 91.85 ± 9.93 μmol Trolox Equivalents/g DW in the coffee mucilage matrix. While influencing the color attributes, all microcapsule formulations retained a commercially appealing (hab = 79.80 ± 0.06) red-yellow hue. This study demonstrated the potential of powdered coffee mucilage as a sustainable and effective encapsulating wall material for enhancing the stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds in food products.

Enhancing UV radiation protection of Bacillus thuringiensis formulations using sulfur quantum dots: synthesis and efficacy evaluation

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a widely used microbial insecticide, but its effectiveness is limited due to the degradation of Bt spores and crystals under UV radiation from sunlight. The objective of this study was to develop a novel Bt formulation with improved UV protection by utilizing sulfur quantum dots (SQDs) as stabilizing agents in a Pickering emulsion. The SQDs were comprehensively characterized using FTIR, XRD, TEM, HRTEM, UV, and fluorescence analyses, which confirmed the formation of well-dispersed, spherical SQDs. The microcapsule formulation with SQDs demonstrated superior UV stability, as it maintained 57.77% spore viability after 96 h of UV exposure, in comparison to 33.74% and 31.25% for the SQDs formulation (non-microcapsules) and unprotected Bt formulations (free spore, as a control), respectively. Furthermore, the microcapsule formulation exhibited higher insecticidal activity, resulting in a larval mortality of 71.22%, as opposed to 42.34% and 38.42% for the other formulations. These findings emphasize the effectiveness of microcapsule formulation with SQDs in safeguarding Bt spores and crystals against UV radiation, thereby enhancing their practical application in pest control. This approach presents a promising strategy for the development of biopesticides that are more resilient and have a longer shelf life.

Novel eco-friendly nanodiamonds@chitosan hybrid microcapsules via facile electrospraying for self-healing and anticorrosion coating

Nanodiamonds were immobilized into chitosan biopolymer to fabricate hybrid microcapsules via electrospraying technique. Previously optimized electrospraying parameters for the formulation of chitosan microcapsules were adjusted to accommodate the immobilized nanodiamonds and maintain a suitable capsule size for the novel hybrid. The yield and entrapment efficiency of the composite microcapsules, including capsule strength were analyzed. The chemical structure, elemental composition, crystalline phases, size distribution, surface morphology, and thermal stability of microcapsules were assessed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. The results demonstrated a 39 % reduction in the size of composite microcapsules and sphericity improvement after the adjustment. There was a general observation of good yield and immobilization efficiency with the maximum at 96.2 % and 93.8 % for yield and entrapment efficiency, respectively. Characterized composite microcapsules showed desirable morphology, good thermal stability and enhanced mechanical strength, and overall successful fabrication of the hybrid microcapsules. The hybrid microcapsules were subsequently loaded in epoxy resin and coated on a steel substrate to assess their self-healing and anticorrosion abilities. Cross-scratched coating samples were monitored visually for healing efficiency and further analyzed with EIS and potentiodynamic polarization. The self-healing coating showed efficient self-healing and anticorrosion capabilities with a healing efficiency of 97.3 % and a protection efficiency of 99.4 %, confirming the unique feature of the hybrid chitosan-nanodiamonds microparticles for self-healing and anticorrosion purposes.

Microencapsulation of gamma oryzanol using inulin as wall material by spray drying: optimization of formulation and characterization of microcapsules.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-05988-0.

Quality by Design Enabled Formulation Optimization of Rabeprazole Sodium Mucoadhesive Microcapsules for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Aims: The present research describes the implementation of quality by-design principles for developing the mucoadhesive microcapsules of rabeprazole sodium for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease conditions. Background: In addition, a holistic QbD-based product development strategy was implemented, where the target product profile was defined based on desired product quality of mucoadhesive microcapsules. Based on TPP, the critical quality attributes were identified. The identification of CMAs was carried out with the help of risk assessment and factor screening exercises, which indicated drugpolymer ratio (X1), temperature (X2), and stirring speed (X3) as the influential factors. Methods: The mucoadhesive microcapsules of rabeprazole sodium were prepared by a solvent evaporation method, and 33 Box-Behnken optimization design was used for the optimization of the selected factors, and mucoadhesive microcapsules formulations were evaluated for particle size (μm), drug entrapment efficiency (%), mucoadhesion (%), and in vitro drug release (Q18h) in percentage characteristics. Mathematical data analysis was performed to fit the two-factor interaction model, and optimized mucoadhesive microcapsules formulation was selected. Results: The optimized mucoadhesive microcapsules indicated desired formulation characteristics with smaller particle size, good entrapment efficiency, better mucoadhesion, and sustained drug release characteristics. Conclusion: In a nutshell, the studies vouch for the successful development of mucoadhesive microcapsules for oral delivery of rabeprazole sodium which could be used to manage gastroesophageal reflux disease condition.

Eucalyptol-loaded microcapsules combined with Cynanchum komarovii extracts provide long-term and low-risk management of Chinese wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.)

Realizing eco-friendly, long-term, and low-risk aphid control on Lycium barbarum (medicinal cash crop) using a Cynanchum komarovii extracts and eucalyptus oil-loaded microcapsules (EOMCs) formulation compositions is viable. In this study, the aim is to optimize the composition of Cynanchum komarovii extracts and EOMCs formulation for effective control of aphids, the release of EOMCs was controlled by changing the cross-linking degree of the shell to match the aphid control characteristics of Cynanchum komarovii extracts. Four types of polyamines were used as cross-linking agents for the preparation of EOMCs by interfacial polymerization. The bioactivity, wettability, and field application efficacy of Cynanchum komarovii extracts and different EOMCs formulation compositions were evaluated. These EOMCs exhibited an encapsulation efficiency exceeding 85 %. The control efficiency of the formulation compositions of microcapsules with a moderate release rate and Cynanchum komarovii extracts on aphids remained at 62.86 %, while the control efficiency of the combination of microcapsules with the fastest and slowest rates with Cynanchum komarovii extracts was only 48.62 % and 57.11 %, respectively. The formulation compositions of Cynanchum komarovii extracts with all four types of EOMCs were found to be safe for Chinese wolfberry plants. Overall, by selecting appropriate polyamines during fabrication, the release rate can be effectively controlled to achieve sustainable and low-risk aphid control in Lycium barbarum through compounding with selected microcapsules.

One Factor at a Time and factorial experimental design for formulation of l-carnitine microcapsules to improve its manufacturability

l-carnitine is an essential dietary supplement of physiological importance. Handling and manufacture of l-carnitine is difficult due to its hygroscopic nature, resulting in impairing its flow properties, as well as solid dosage form stability. The study aimed at reducing l-carnitine hygroscopicity through its encapsulation within a hydrophobic, pH-insensitive polymer. A solid in oil in oil (s/o/o) emulsion solvent evaporation technique for microencapsulation was adopted to exclude the possibility of water uptake. The polymers used were two ethyl cellulose (EC) grades with different viscosities. The chosen solvent for the polymer was acetone, and liquid paraffin was the dispersion medium in which both the drug and polymer were insoluble. Sixteen formulations were developed, and evaluated to study the formulation parameters as anti-coalescent type, mixing speed, surfactant type and polymer ratio, and viscosity grade. A “One Factor at A Time” (OFAT) design of experiment, and a factorial design were utilized. Study results revealed that successful microencapsulation occurred by using Aerosil 200 (0.1 %) as anti-coalescent, a mixing speed of 1000 rpm, and Ethocel Std 20 at a 3:1 drug-to-polymer ratio. Microcapsule formulation containing l-carnitine base, successfully compressed into tablets, showed acceptable water content, disintegration time, hardness, and dissolution. Moreover, it showed acceptable stability upon storage at 40 °C at 75 % RH for six months compared to l-carnitine tablets prepared by wet granulation.

Preparation and performance assessment of high-strength polyurea microcapsules

Formulation of microcapsules with high mechanical strength holds great significance for their application in high-pressure scenarios. In this study, polyurea (PU) was employed as the shell material to encapsulate perfume oil through interfacial polymerization. Subsequently, a systematic assessment of mechanical strength was conducted. The results indicated that the protective colloid, triethylenediamine (TEDA) concentration, core/shell ratio (perfume oil to polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate (PAPI)), and reaction temperature, significantly influenced the mechanical strength of PU microcapsules. Notably, employing a concentration of 1.5 wt% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), 0.5 wt% TEDA, a core/shell ratio of 10:1, and a reaction temperature of 70 °C resulted in PU microcapsules boasting an average rupture force of 1.92 ± 0.22 mN and a Young's modulus of 0.0195 ± 0.0013 GPa. Impressively, when contrasted with melamine-formaldehyde microcapsules, those with PU shells exhibited markedly enhanced mechanical properties.

Novel Zinc/Silver Ions-Loaded Alginate/Chitosan Microparticles Antifungal Activity against Botrytis cinerea.

Addressing the growing need for environmentally friendly fungicides in agriculture, this study explored the potential of biopolymer microparticles loaded with metal ions as a novel approach to combat fungal pathogens. Novel alginate microspheres and chitosan/alginate microcapsules loaded with zinc or with zinc and silver ions were prepared and characterized (microparticle size, morphology, topography, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and swelling behavior). Investigation of molecular interactions in microparticles using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy exhibited complex interactions between all constituents. Fitting to the simple Korsmeyer-Peppas empirical model revealed the rate-controlling mechanism of metal ions release from microparticles is Fickian diffusion. Lower values of the release constant k imply a slower release rate of Zn2+ or Ag+ ions from microcapsules compared to that of microspheres. The antimicrobial potential of the new formulations against the fungus Botrytis cinerea was evaluated. When subjected to tests against the fungus, microspheres exhibited superior antifungal activity especially those loaded with both zinc and silver ions, reducing fungal growth up to 98.9% and altering the hyphal structures. Due to the slower release of metal ions, the microcapsule formulations seem suitable for plant protection throughout the growing season. The results showed the potential of these novel microparticles as powerful fungicides in agriculture.

Enzyme-sensitive soybean protein isolate/cinnamaldehyde antibacterial microcapsules triggered by blueberry proteases

In this study, enzyme-sensitive microcapsules using soybean protein isolate as the wall material, and cinnamaldehyde as an antimicrobial core material, were prepared by vacuum freeze-drying. The results showed that a 4% solution of soybean protein isolate with cinnamaldehyde added at a 4:1 (w/w) ratio provided an effective microcapsule formulation, with an embedding rate of 62.63 ± 0.95% and a particle size of 347.00 ± 31.18 nm. After lyze-drying, SPI-CA microcapsules showed uneven morphology, sag and agglomeration, but the microcapsules had small particle size and good dispersion stability. The 4%SPI/CA-4:1 microcapsules provided protection for cinnamaldehyde for 12 days. The release of cinnamaldehyde was slow from the 6th day, and the cumulative release was 79.08 ± 3.0% after 12 days. In addition, infrared spectroscopy, XRD and DSC prove that the hydration of soybean protein isolate, electrostatic repulsion charges, and the creation of cinnamaldehyde essential oil nanodroplets resulted in stable microcapsules. The microcapsules produced were successful in providing the controlled release of its antibacterial substance when exposed to natural protease concentrations triggered by fungal growth on blueberries. The release of cinnamaldehyde from SPia-Ca microcapsules was triggered by protease, which was secreted from blueberry by microbial contamination. The developed microcapsule has wide applications, and the results of this study provide new ideas for future food preservation technology development.

Nutmeg Essential Oil, Red Clover, and Liquorice Extracts Microencapsulation Method Selection for the Release of Active Compounds from Gel Tablets of Different Bases.

The current study presents the most suitable method for encapsulating nutmeg essential oil with liquorice and red clover. Two widely used methods, spray-drying and freeze-drying, were employed to find the most suitable for essential oil volatile compounds' protection. Results showed that freeze-dried capsules (LM) had a higher yield (85.34%) compared to the exact formulation of spray-dried microcapsules (SDM)-45.12%. All the antioxidant and total phenolic compounds' results obtained with the LM sample were significantly higher compared with SDM. LM microcapsules were incorporated in two different bases with no additional sugar (gelatin and pectin) for targeted release. Pectin tablets had firmer and harder texture properties, while gelatin tablets had a more elastic texture. There was a significant impact on texture changes caused by microcapsules. Microencapsulated essential oil with extracts can be used alone or in a gel base (pectin or gelatin, depending on user preferences). It could be an effective product to protect the active volatile compounds and regulate the release of active compounds and give a pleasant taste.

Effect of gelatin and acacia gum on anthocyanin coacervated microcapsules using double emulsion and its characterization

The present study was aimed to develop a stable microencapsulated anthocyanin from black rice bran using double emulsion complex coacervation technique. Nine microcapsule formulations were prepared using gelatin, acacia gum and anthocyanin at ratios of 1:1:0.5, 1:1:0.75 and 1:1:1 respectively. The concentration of gelatin and acacia gum used were 2.5, 5 and 7.5 % w/v. Subsequently, the coacervated microcapsules were obtained at different pH (3, 3.5 and 4), freeze-dried and evaluated for their physicochemical properties, morphology, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), thermal behaviour and stability of anthocyanin. The results obtained for encapsulation efficiency of anthocyanin with high values (72.70 to 83.65 %) indicated that the encapsulation process was effective. The morphology of the microcapsule powder was analysed and exhibited round, hard, agglomerated structures and relatively smooth surface. The thermal degradation behaviour of microcapsules displayed endothermic reaction confirming the thermostability of the microcapsules where the peak ranged from 83.7 to 97.6 °C. The stability studies in terms of retention of total anthocyanin content were observed at different storage conditions; both under refrigerated condition (7 °C) and at room temperature (37 °C). The results indicated that the microcapsules obtained through coacervation can be an alternative source to develop stable nutraceuticals.

THE EFFECT OF BROMELAIN MICROCAPSUL FORMULATION ON LEUKOCYTE AND TNF-α LEVEL IN MALE WHITE MICE INDUCED BY H5N1 VACCINE

Objective: Bromelain is a sulfhydryl proteolytic enzyme extracted from the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus. L), which has various activities, including as an immunomodulator. Microencapsulation of bromelain is a process by which a layer surrounds bromelain to produce microcapsules to increase its activity. This research intends to see the effect of bromelain microcapsule formulation on total leukocytes count, leukocyte percentage, and the levels of TNF-α in male white mice exposed to the H5N1 Vaccine.
 Methods: Experimental animals were divided into three groups, specifically a negative control group given Na CMC 0.5%, the comparison group given 200 mg/kgBW bromelain enzyme, and the test group given 200 mg/kgBW bromelain microcapsules for seven days orally. On the eighth day, the total amount and the percentage of leukocytes and the levels of TNF-α were counted. The data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range test (p<0.05).
 Results: The study showed that the administration of 200 mg/kgBW bromelain microcapsule group significantly reduced total leukocyte count and increased the segmented neutrophil compared to the bromelain group (p<0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between the two groups in reducing monocyte, lymphocyte, eosinophil, and TNF-α levels (p>0.05).
 Conclusion: It can be concluded that providing bromelain microcapsules can reduce the total amount of leukocytes and increase the segmented neutrophil in male white mice exposed to the H5N1 Vaccine.

Intestinal absorption of DHA microcapsules with different formulations based on ex vivo rat intestine and in vitro dialysis models.

Intestinal permeability is a key factor affecting the bioavailability and physiological efficacy of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) encapsulated in microcapsules. However, how the DHA microcapsules are transformed and the components absorbed across the small intestinal membrane has seldom been examined previously. In this study, an ex vivo absorption model based on the permeability of the rat small intestine was established to evaluate the intestinal absorption of DHA microcapsules with five formulations after gastrointestinal digestion in vitro. For pure glucose solutions, the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) increased from 5.70 ± 0.60 × 10-6 cm s-1 at 5 mg mL-1 to 20.25 ± 0.88 × 10-6 cm s-1 at 30 mg mL-1 and decreased to 15.73 ± 0.91 × 10-6 cm s-1 at 100 mg mL-1. The Papp values obtained using the ex vivo model are comparable to those reported in the human jejunum. For algal oil DHA microcapsules with whey protein as the wall material (A-WP-DHA) after in vitro digestion, the Papp of glucose released was 3.81 × 10-6 cm s-1 with an absorption ratio of 59.55% in the ex vivo model, significantly lower than that from the in vitro porcine casing model. The Papp and absorption ratio varied little among the in vitro dialysis models with different molecular weight cut-off values. A similar trend was observed for the absorption of amino acids. However, the absorption ratio (26.6%) was the highest in the ex vivo model for free fatty acids (FFAs) released from the microcapsules due to the rapid accumulation of compounds on the inner wall of the intestinal sac. In addition, the DHA microcapsules with algal oil as the DHA source (36.40%) exhibited a higher absorption ratio of FFAs than that from tuna oil (14.26%) in the ex vivo model. The wall material compositions seemed to have little effect on FFA absorption. The present study is practically meaningful for the future formulation of DHA microcapsules with enhanced absorption.

Electrospraying of Bio-Based Chitosan Microcapsules Using Novel Mixed Cross-Linker: Experimental and Response Surface Methodology Optimization

Chitosan microcapsules draw attention due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, antibacterial behavior, low cost, easy processing, and the capability to be used for different applications. This study utilized the electrospraying technique for the chitosan microcapsules formulation. As a novel cross-linking agent, a mixture of oxalic acid and sodium phosphate dibasic was utilized as a collecting solution for the first time in the electrospraying of chitosan microcapsules. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was utilized to optimize the spherical morphology and size of the experimentally obtained microcapsules. The different parameters, including chitosan concentration, applied voltage, flow rate, and tip-to-collector (TTC) distance, affecting the microcapsules' size, sphericity, yield, and combined effects were optimized using Surface Responses Methodology (RSM). The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was utilized to obtain the impact of each parameter on the process responses. Accordingly, the results illustrated the significant impact of the voltage parameter, with the highest F-values and least p-values, on the capsule size, sphericity, and yield. The predicted optimum conditions were determined as 5 wt% chitosan concentration, 7 mL/h flow rate, 22 kV, and 8 cm TTC distance. The predicted responses at the optimized conditions are 389 µm, 0.72, and 80.6% for the capsule size, sphericity, and yield, respectively. While the validation of the model prediction was conducted experimentally, the obtained results were 369.2 ± 23.5 µm, 0.75 ± 0.04, and 87.3 ± 11.4%, respectively. The optimization process was successfully examined for the chitosan microcapsules manufacturing.

Efficacy of Talaromyces flavus microcapsule in controlling cotton important fungal diseases

Purpose: Evaluation of efficacy of Talaromyces flavus microcapsule in controlling cotton important fungal diseases and introducing Talaromyces flavus for using in the cotton fields. Methods: In this research focused on the application and efficiency evaluation of two new formulations of T. flavus microcapsules (TF-Co-G-1: Isolate 1 obtained from the Gorgan cotton farm) in suspension and powder forms, which were compared with the fungicide Talaromin® in farmers' fields. In this research, two cotton farms (Karkandeh and Hashemabad) with a history of infection with VW and DO were selected in two different regions of Golestan province. Each of the fields with an area of 1000 m2 was divided into seven equal parts. In each part, the treatments were applied separately, including microcapsule suspension with soil application, microcapsule suspension as seed impregnation, microcapsule powder with soil application, microcapsule suspension as seed impregnation, Talaromin® fungicide with soil application, Talaromin® as seed impregnation, and a control. The efficiencies of different treatments in terms of controlling the studied diseases and strengthening different growth indicators were evaluated by comparing the means of nine measured traits, including three traits for disease indicators (the percentage healthy seedlings for DO and the incidence rate and severity percentage of VW). To this end, the mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was first performed for two regions using the MS TAT C software, and the ANOVA of means was performed for each region separately with the significant effect of treatment × location. Results and conclusion: The results showed that among the studied formulations, powder microcapsules with seed impregnation by 32% and Talaromin® with soil application by 59% were respectively the most effective treatments for a significant increase in the percentage of healthy seedlings and a significant decrease in the severity of VW. Therefore, the obtained results indicate that the technical knowledge to produce T. flavus microcapsule formulations with two forms of suspension and powder can be transferred to manufacturing companies to carry out the commercialization and mass production process. Originality/value: Production of Talaromyces flavus microcapsule.

Effect of a Bifidobacterium-Containing Acid-Resistant Microcapsule Formulation on Gut Microbiota: A Pilot Study.

Approximately 10 Bifidobacterium species are known to inhabit the human intestinal tract. Bifidobacteria have been reported to possess a variety of probiotic benefits. However, when bifidobacteria are consumed internally as probiotics, the bacteria are killed by gastric acid. Therefore, we developed acid-resistant microcapsules containing Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and B. longum BB536, which are unaffected by gastric acid, and evaluated whether the microcapsule formulation increased the amount of bifidobacteria in the stool after administration compared with the powder formulation. The results revealed no significant difference in the percentage or number of B. longum between before and after administration of the powder or microcapsule formulation in children. By contrast, the bacterial count of B. breve was significantly increased after microcapsule formulation administration (1.5 × 105 copies/g after administration versus 2.8 × 104 copies/g before administration, p = 0.013). In addition, the increase in the bacterial count of B. breve in stools after administration of microcapsule formulation was approximately 1000-fold higher than that after powder formulation administration (p = 0.018). In conclusion, the results indicate that the microcapsule formulation is efficiently transferred to the large intestine without the adverse effects of gastric acidity in children.