Characterisation of gelatin nanoparticles encapsulated with Moringa oleifera bioactive extract

This study describes the preparation and characterisation of nanoparticles with gelatin as the wall matrix to encapsulate Moringa oleifera (MO) extract using an electrospraying technique. The electrospraying conditions for voltage, flow rate and emitter/collector distance were 20kV, 0.5mLh(-1) and 10cm, respectively. Nanoparticles with encapsulated MO extract (1-5%, w/w) were successfully produced and characterised in relation to spectroscopic, morphological and thermal properties. Increasing amounts of MO extract resulted in a significant decrease in the nanocapsule size (ranging from 140 and 179nm) produced. Spectroscopic analysis indicated no chemical interactions between core and wall materials. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of MO extract-loaded nanocapsules obtained was 83.0 +/- 4.0%. Surface analysis showed that roughness decreased from 91nm (empty beads) to 57.5nm with addition of 3% MO extract. The thermal stability of encapsulated nanoparticles slightly increased and the glass transition temperature (T-g) disappeared due to increase in crystallinity.