Microencapsulation of capsaicin by the complex coacervation of gelatin, acacia and tannins

With gelatin and acacia as walls and capsaicin as the core substance, microcapsules were prepared through the mixing of two solutions of oppositely charged polymers and were then treated with tannins. The processing factors included the stirring rate and the types and dosages of the surfactants used in the preparation of the microcapsules. The morphology and size distribution of the microcapsules were analyzed with optical microscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy, and laser particle size analysis. The microcapsules had a mean diameter of 20-30 mum, a maximal drug loading content of 19.84%, and an encapsulation efficiency of 88.21% with a good dispersion, even distribution, and round shape. The influence of the tannins on the morphology and structures of the microcapsules was also investigated, and their interaction mechanism was examined. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.