Physical-chemical characterization, controlled release, and toxicological potential of galactomannan-bixin microparticles

Abstract In this study, a spray drying technique was used to encapsulate bixin in the galactomannan polymer to give greater stability to this carotenoid. The microparticles were characterized using physical-chemical techniques, quantum chemical calculations, and evaluated the particle sizes, encapsulation efficiency, stability, controlled release, and toxicological potential. The bixin was successfully encapsulated, with an average size of 5.55 ± 0.50 μm, and infrared spectroscopy showed no chemical reaction between bixin and galactomannan during the encapsulation process. The values for the encapsulation efficiency were higher than 90 %, indicating that galactomannan was a good encapsulating agent. A stability test revealed that microencapsulation provides significant protection for bixin. It was observed that the microparticles were capable of releasing the pigment homogeneously and gradually. The absence of toxicity of these materials allows for their use within the food industry, since there is a need for new products that combine low toxicity, efficiency, and low cost.