2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Carvacrol is a natural phenolic compound that has received great attention due to its high antimicrobial activity. However, the applications of this compound are limited for its high volatility and low water solubility. In this research, the use of food grade polymers for microencapsulation of carvacrol in a pectin-alginate matrix using spray drying method was studied. The physical properties, encapsulation efficiency, stability, and the microstructure of the microcapsules were analyzed as well as the products’ antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

The microcapsules were regularly spherical particles with 4.51% moisture content, 0.33 g/cm³ bulk density, 4.55 min wettability, and a hygroscopicity at 34.44 g water absorbed/100 g powder. The microcapsules also showed high encapsulation efficiency (76.98%) and stability. The microencapsulation process did not significantly affect the antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli K12 (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 0.25 mg/mL) and antioxidant activity (DPPH percentage inhibition (PI) = 89.96%) of carvacrol. The results indicated that the microcapsules may have important applications in postharvest for the protection of fruit and vegetables from microbial contamination. It may also be suitable for the application in foods and nutraceuticals processing industry.