Microencapsulation of Peony Oil

[Objective] The aim of this study was to explore the microencapsulation of peony oil. [Method] Using [5-cyclodextrin, Arabic gum and soy protein as the wall materials and by the preparation technology of peony oil through spray drying, we conducted single factor experiments and orthogonal experiment analysis of the tech- nical parameters of peony oil microencapsulation. [Result] The optimal parameters of peony oil microcapsule preparation were acquired. The ratio of three wall materials （~5-cyclodextrin, Arabic gum, and soy protein） is 3：1：2, the solid content is 35%, the ratio of core-wall material is 3：1, emulsifier dosage is 0.2%, and the embedding rate of peony oil reaches 92%. [Conclusion] This technology produced the highest em- bedding rate and it laid the foundation for further development of peony oil.

Microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate by polyurethane with segment of dipentaerythritol and its application in flame retardant polypropylene

Dipentaerythritol(DPER),4,40-diphenylmethanediisocyanate(MDI)and melamine(MEL)are used as raw materials to microencapsulate ammonium polyphosphate(MAPP)in situ polymerization.The MAPP is characterized by Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and thermal gravimetric analysis(TGA).The results show that the coating operation can effectively improve water resistance of ammonium polyphosphate(APP),and MAPP has higher residual rate than that of APP after combustion.The flame retardant action of MAPP and APP in polypropylene(PP)is investigated by the limited oxygen index(LOI),vertical burning test(UL-94),TGA,SEM,and cone calorimeter test(CCT).The LOI value of the PP/MAPP composite at the same loading is higher than that of PP/APP composite.UL 94 ratings of PP/MAPP composites are raised to V-0 at 20 wt%loading.The results of CCT also show that MAPP is more efficient than APP.The morphological structures observed by digital photos and SEM demonstrated that MAPP could be promoted to form the continuous and compact intumescent char layer.The flame retardant mechanism of PP/MAPP is also discussed.

Transplantation of microencapsulated umbilical-cord-blood-derived hepatic-like cells for treatment of hepatic failure

AIM: To investigate intraperitoneal transplantation of microencapsulated hepatic-like cells from human umbilical cord blood for treatment of hepatic failure in rats. METHODS: CD34+ cells in umbilical cord blood cells were isolated by magnetic cell sorting. In the in vitro experiment, sorted CD34+ cells were amplified and induced into hepatic-like cells by culturing with a combination of fibroblast growth factor 4 and hepatocyte growth factor. Cultures without growth factor addition served as controls. mRNA and protein levels for hepatic-like cells were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. In the in vivo experiment, the hepatic-like cells were encapsulated and transplanted into the abdominal cavity of acute hepatic failure (AHF) rats at 48 h after D-galactosamine induction of acute hepatic failure. Transplantation with PBS and unencapsulated hepatic-like cells served as controls. The mortality rate, hepatic pathological changes and serum biochemical indexes were determined. The morphology and structure of microcapsules in the greater omentum were observed. RESULTS: Human albumin, alpha-fetoprotein and GATA-4 mRNA and albumin protein positive cells were found among cultured cells after 16 d. Albumin level in culture medium was significantly increased after culturing with growth factors in comparison with culturing without growth factor addition (P < 0.01). Compared with the unencapsulated group, the mortality rate of the encapsulated hepatic-like cell-transplanted group was significantly lower (P < 0.05). Serum biochemical parameters, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin in the encapsulated group were significantly improvement compared with the PBS control group (P < 0.01). Pathological staining further supported these findings. At 1-2 wk post-transplantation, free microcapsules with a round clear structure and a smooth surface were observed in peritoneal lavage fluid, surviving cells inside microcapsules were found by trypan blue staining, but some fibrous tissue around microcapsules was also detected in the greater omentum of encapsulated group by hematoxylin and eosin staining. CONCLUSION: Transplantation of microencapsulated hepatic-like cells derived from umbilical cord blood cells could preliminarily alleviate the symptoms of AHF rats.

Controlled-release Properties of Microencapsulated Disperse Dyes

Some disperse dyes were microencapsulated by means of in- situ polymerization. These microencapsulated disperse dyes was extracted respectively by ethanol under certain conditions. The controlled-release properties of disperse dyes through the shell of microcapsules were measured by spectrophotometer. According to the results, it was drawn that the type of disperse dyes, the auxiliaries contained in disperse dyes, the quantity of system controlling medium used and the core/shell ratio of microcapsules play important roles in controlling the release properties of microcapsules. The different controlled- release properties of microcapsules, which were prepared under given conditions, however, would in turn influence the performance of microcapsules in multiple-transfer printing.

Effects of Microencapsulated Compound Acidifier on Acidity and Development of Gastrointestinal Tract in Weaning Piglets

The effects of different types of compound acidifiers （encapsulated and non-encapsulated） in maize-soybean basic diets on acidity and development of the gastrointestinal tract in weaning piglets were investigated in this study. 64 28-day-old weaned Landrace x Yorkshire hybrid piglets with average weight of （7.00 ±0.10） kg were selected and grouped into four treatments with four pigs （ half boars and half sows） in each repeat of four repeats in each treatment based on single-factor test design principles, and the pre-test period was 3 days but the test period was 35 days. The results showed that compared with acid-free diet group, encapsulated compound acidifier could reduce pH of stomach and intestinal in weaning piglets significantly （P 〈 0.01 ）, while Test group 1 could also increase the relative weight of stomach and intestinal in piglets significantly （P 〈 0.05 ）. Compared with non-encapsulated acidifier, encapsulated compound acidifier could greatly decrease pH in jejunum and ileum of weaning piglets （ P 〈 0.05） or relative weight of stomach in piglets （ P〈0.05）, while Test group 1 could also enhance the relative weight of intestinal in piglets significantly （ P 〈0.01 ）. In addition, encapsulated compound acidifiers significantly increased the ratio between the villus height and crypt depth of jejunum （ P 〈0.01 ）. Accordingly, the microencapsulated compound acidifier in diets of weaning piglets can promote the development of gastrointestinal tracts for piglets by reducing pH of gastrointestinal tracts.

Effect of addition of inulin and fenugreek on the survival of microencapsulated Enterococcus durans 39C in alginate-psyllium polymeric blends in simulated digestive system and yogurt

The use of biopolymers for probiotic microencapsulation has been investigated in this paper.The objectives are to enhance its survival rate,colonic release,and stability of these probiotic cultures in digestive condition during storage time.Nine types of biopolymers(alginate-psyllium)blend with different concentration of prebiotic;(inulin or fenugreek)were used as candidate for microencapsulation matrix.One strain of probiotic candidates,namely;Enterococcus durans 39C was used in this study.The microencapsulation of this strain with the respective polymer blend was performed by using a simple extrusion method.All blend of formulations have recorded high encapsulation efficiency at value>98%.The survival rate of viable probiotic cells under simulated digestive conditions was also high with value above 47%as compared to non-microencapsulated cells.These nine gel formulations also displayed the high survival rate of viable probiotic cells during storage time(28 d).Their release occurred after 2 h in colonic condition and sustained until 12th h of incubation period.An increase of prebiotic effect value added was observed in incorporated inulin and fenugreek formulations.In short,this study revealed that a new herbal-based psyllium and fenugreek polymers have suitable potential as a matrix for probiotic microencapsulation.

Microencapsulated Schwann cell transplantation inhibits P2X3 receptor expression in dorsal root ganglia and neuropathic pain

Schwann cell transplantation is a promising method to promote neural repair, and can be used for peripheral nerve protection and myelination. Microcapsule technology largely mitigates immune rejection of transplanted cells. We previously showed that microencapsulated olfactory ensheathing cells can reduce neuropathic pain and we hypothesized that microencapsulated Schwann cells can also inhibit neuropathic pain. Rat Schwann cells were cultured by subculture and then microencapsulated and were tested using a rat chronic constriction injury（CCI） neuropathic pain model. CCI rats were treated with Schwann cells or microencapsulated Schwann cells and were compared with sham and CCI groups. Mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14 days postoperatively. The expression of P2X3 receptors in L4-5 dorsal root ganglia of the different groups was detected by double-label immunofluorescence on day 14 after surgery. Compared with the chronic constriction injury group, mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency were higher, but the expression of P2X3 receptors was remarkably decreased in rats treated with Schwann cells and microencapsulated Schwann cells, especially in the rats transplanted with microencapsulated Schwann cells. The above data show that microencapsulated Schwann cell transplantation inhibits P2X3 receptor expression in L4-5 dorsal root ganglia and neuropathic pain.

Prevalence of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Infants and Children and Treatment with Microencapsulated Iron II Fumarate and Supplied Ascorbic Acid as “Sprinkles”

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children and infants is a common nutritional problem all over the world. Infants and young children have a high risk for developing iron deficiency (ID) because they have high demand for iron during the period of rapid growth. This is aggravated by the insufficiency of iron in their diet. Iron supplementation programs using pediatric tablets or drops have not been successful in the control of anemia amongst infants and children in some countries. “Sprinkles” is an innovative multi-micronutrient home fortification strategy to control iron deficiency and anemia to be more useful. Objective: The objective was to estimate the prevalence ID and IDA in infants and children in Ibb City, Yemen Republic;evaluate the use of a new form of iron and determine the hematologic response to different doses and forms of iron in Sprinkles and iron drops. Design: Using a prospective, randomized, controlled design, we studied 337 randomly children aged 24 - 48 months and infants aged 6 - 24 months in Ibb City (hemoglobin: 70 - 99 g/L). One group received a daily sachet of microencapsulated ferrous fumarate (80 mg elemental Fe) in powder form plus ascorbic acid to be sprinkled onto any complementary food eaten (sprinkles group);a control group received ferrous sulfate drops 3 times/d for 2 months (total dose: 40 mg elemental Fe). Hemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations were measured at baseline and at the end of treatment. Results: Successful treatment of anemia (hemoglobin > 100 g/L) occurred in 58% of the sprinkles group and in 56% of the drops group, with minimal side effects in both groups. Geometric mean ferritin concentrations increased significantly in each group from baseline to the end of treatment (P Conclusion: Use of ferrous sulfate drops or a single daily dose of microencapsulated ferrous fumarate sprinkles plus ascorbicacid resulted in a similar rate of successful treatment of anemia without side effects. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the use of microencapsulated iron sprinkles to treat anemia in this area. Improved ease of use may favor the use of sprinkles to deliver iron.

Preparation and in vitro studies of microencapsulated cells releasing human tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2

Objective： To prepare microencapsulated cells releasing human tissue inhibitor ofmetalloproteinase-2 （TIMP-2）, and investigate their biological characteristics in vitro. Methods： Chinese hamster ovary （CHO） cells were stably transfected with a human TIMP-2 expression vector, encapsulated in barium alginate microcapsules and cultured in vitro. Morphological appearance of the microcapsules was observed under a light microscope. Cell viability was assessed using MTT （3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide） assay. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and reverse zymography were used to confirm the release of biologically active TIMP-2 from the microcapsules. Cryopreservation study of the microencapsulated cells was carried out using dimethyl sulfoxide （DMSO） as preservative agent. Results： The microcapsules appeared like a sphere with diameter of 300-600 ~tm. The surface of the capsule wall was clearly smooth. The microencapsulated cells survived well and kept proliferating over the 6 weeks observed. No significant difference in TIMP-2 secretion was found between encapsulated and unencapsulated cells. Reverse zymography confirmed the bioactivity of MMP （matrix metalloproteinase） inhibition of TIMP-2. The cryopreservation process did not damage the microcapsule morphology nor the viability of the cells inside. Conclusion： Microencapsulated engineered CHO cells survive at least 6 weeks after preparation in vitro, and secrete bioactive TIMP-2 freely from the microcapsules.

Microencapsulation of Banana Passion Fruit (<i>Passiflora tripartita Var. Mollissima</i>): A New Alternative as a Natural Additive as Antioxidant

Banana passion fruit (P. tripartita var. Mollissima) is one of the most promising tropical fruits giving its antioxidant activity (AOA) to replace synthetic additives. Despite this property, there are no studies about the metabolites responsible for its biological function or proposals for the application of technologies, such as microencapsulation by spray drying, to improve its properties and ease its incorporation in several food matrices. The aim of this study is to microencapsulate the pulp of banana passion fruit with several mixtures of encapsulants and identify which one of these mixtures is better to preserve its AOA. The antioxidant activity values for the banana passion fruit pulp were as follows: DPPH: 6630.2 ± 91 μMtrolox/100g;ABTS: 18764.3 ± 270.4 μMtrolox/100g;FRAP: 1703.6± 938.2 mgAA/100g, ORAC: 8105.4 ± 424.2 μmol TEAC/100g of sample;Total phenols: 8862.2 ± 451.4 gallic ac. mg/100g. The concentrations of the bioactive compounds expressed in mg of gallic acid per 100 g of the pulp on a dry base were 13.9 ± 0.004;5.9 ± 0.001 and 126.3 ± 0.004 for caffeic, p-coumaric and ferulic acids, respectively. The best shelf-life followed by ABTS in eight assays was between 28.8 and 31.5 weeks using maltodextrin and modified starch, MD:MS (1/4:3/4) and MD:MS (0:1), respectively. In conclusion, ABTS is the best method to measure the AOA in banana passion fruit because it correlated with the phenolic compounds better than DPPH and FRAP methods. Additionally, two options were found to protect the AOA and to extent the shelf-life of the passion fruit by spray-drying, with mixtures of encapsulants widely used in the food industry.

Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Microencapsulated Polyethylene Glycol Particles

The microenapsulated polyethylene glycol （PEG） with different molecular weight by a fluidized coating method has been prepared and the crystallization behaviors of PEG particles in three-dimensional confined vohume were investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） measurement. The results showed that the width of the crystallization peak of PEG increases and its height gradually diminishes in case that the PEG particles are microencapsulated. Compared with the non-microencapsulated PEG particles, the proportion of the first crystallization peak of microencapsulated PEG particle increases, and that of the second one decreases. The reason for the difference maybe is that the crystallization process of microencapsulated PEG particles is uniform and the crystallization ends when the spherulites touch the wall, thus the opportunity of producing the second crystallization peak was relatively reduced.

Microencapsulation improves inhibitory effects of transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells on pain after sciatic nerve injury

Olfactory bulb tissue transplantation inhibits P2X2/3 receptor-mediated neuropathic pain. However, the olfactory bulb has a complex cellular composition, and the mechanism underlying the action of purified transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells（OECs） remains unclear. In the present study, we microencapsulated OECs in alginic acid, and transplanted free and microencapsulated OECs into the region surrounding the injured sciatic nerve in rat models of chronic constriction injury. We assessed mechanical nociception in the rat models 7 and 14 days after surgery by measuring paw withdrawal threshold, and examined P2X2/3 receptor expression in L4–5 dorsal root ganglia using immunohistochemistry. Rats that received free and microencapsulated OEC transplants showed greater withdrawal thresholds than untreated model rats, and weaker P2X2/3 receptor immunoreactivity in dorsal root ganglia. At 14 days, paw withdrawal threshold was much higher in the microencapsulated OEC-treated animals. Our results confirm that microencapsulated OEC transplantation suppresses P2X2/3 receptor expression in L4–5 dorsal root ganglia in rat models of neuropathic pain and reduces allodynia, and also suggest that transplantation of microencapsulated OECs is more effective than transplantation of free OECs for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Microencapsulation of stearic acid with polymethylmethacrylate using iron(Ⅲ) chloride as photo-initiator for thermal energy storage

Aiming to identify the validity of fabricating microencapsulated phase change material(PCM) with polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA) by ultraviolet curing emulsion polymerization method using iron(III) chloride as photoinitiator,SA/PMMA microcapsules were prepared and various techniques were employed to determine the ignition mechanism,structural characteristics and thermal properties of the composite.The results shown that the microcapsules containing SA with maximum percentage of 52.20 wt% formed by radical mechanism and only physical interactions existed in the components both in the prepared process and subsequent use.The phase change temperatures and latent heats of the microencapsulated SA were measured as 55.3 °C and 102.1 J·g^(-1) for melting,and 48.8 °C and 102.8 J·g^(-1) for freezing,respectively.Thermal gravimetric analysis revealed that SA/PMMA has good thermal durability in working temperature range.The results of accelerated thermal cycling test are all shown that the SA/PMMA have excellent thermal reliability and chemical stability although they were subjected 1000 melting/freezing cycles.In summary,the comparable thermal storage ability and good thermal reliability facilitated SA/PMMA to be considered as a viable candidate for thermal energy storage.The successful fabrication of SA/PMMA capsules indicates that ferric chloride is a prominent candidate for synthesizing PMMA containing PCM composite.

Effect of Biscuit Baking Conditions on the Stability of Microencapsulated 5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid and Their Physical Properties

Among the folate compounds, 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-CH3THF) is regarded as one of the most bioactive forms of folate. It is regarded as the better source of folate to humans as compared to folic acid, a synthetic form of folate, which is used for fortifying foods to prevent the incidence of neural tube defects in the new born babies. The use of 5-CH3THF as an alternative fortificant, in place of folic acid, has been explored by various researchers. However, fortification of 5-CH3THF is problematic due to its lower stability. This study investigated the stability of microencapsulated 5-CH3THF in biscuits baked at various temperatures and times as well as changes in their physical properties. Microcapsule with pectin and alginate ratio of 80:20, prepared by spray drying, gave the highest retention (68.6%) of the 5-CH3THF, therefore, chosen for fortification. The encapsulated and unencapsulated 5-CH3THF were mixed separately with flour and biscuit ingredients and baked at 180℃, 200 and 220℃, each for 5, 9 and 12 min. The inclusion of encapsulated and unencapsulated 5-CH3THF in the biscuit formulation and subsequent baking at various temperatures and times resulted in retention of 5-CH3THF from 19.1% to 1.7%. Microencapsulation of 5-CH3THF slightly improved the retention of 5-CH3THF over unencapsuated biscuits at 180℃ for 5 min, but almost no such effect was achieved under baking temperatures of 200℃ and 220℃. Physical analysis showed darker colour, harder texture and lower moisture content for biscuits baked at higher test temperatures. It seems intense heating condition that caused “over baking” of the biscuit likely to be responsible for the loss of the vitamin as well as less desirable physical properties of the biscuits.

Preparation and Application of Microencapsulated Disperse Dyes

Microcapsules containing disperse dyes were prepared by means of in-situ polymerization. Polyester fabrics were multiple-transfer printed and color-mix printed using those microencapsulated dyes under different process conditions. By color measurement instrument, it can be seen that the times of multiple-transfer printing are up to ten while under appropriate conditions, especially when the transfer printing time is 50 seconds and the transfer printing temperature is 180°C. On the other hand, the K/S value of each transfer printing can keep almost constant. Meanwhile, the visual effect of color- mix printing with microencapsulated disperse dyes is special in the varicolored exhibiting if compared with conventional disperse dyes.

Characteristics of Microencapsulated Nutritional Oil for Infant Formula Food

Nutritional oil for infant formula food was microencapsulated by the spray drying method with coating materials including maltodextrin （MD）, soy protein isolate （SPI）, and emulsifier （soy lecithin）. Vegetable oil blend was prepared by mixing coconut oil, safflower oil and soybean oil at a ratio to achieve a fatty acid profile comparable to human milk fat （HMF）. The fatty acid composition of the product was determined by capillary gas chromatograph. As a result, the composition was as close as possible to that of HMF, it could be used for infant fomular food to make up some deficiencies of milk powder in nutrition and functional properties. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature （Tg） of the wall material was determined by DSC and its Tg was 66.42℃. It provided a theoretical basis for the storage of the product at the normal temperature.

Reversibly photochromic wood constructed by depositing microencapsulated/polydimethylsiloxane composite coating

Photochromic wood was fabricated by coating microencapsulated photochromic material(MP)/polydimethylsiloxane composites onto wood using a simple drop-coating method.Urea-melamine–formaldehyde resin was used to microencapsulate the photochromic material(PM)via in situ polymerization.The concentration of the MP affected the photochromic property of the wood surface.The total color change(ΔE*)reached 82.2 when the concentration of the composite coating is 8%.Adhesion tests confirmed that the composite coating adhered firmly to the wood.This method is potentially useful for the production of functional wooden products,such as anti-counterfeiting materials and aesthetic wood.

Microencapsulation of Mixed Fetal Pituitary-Hypothalamic-Nigral Cells

With the microencapsulation technique for immunoisolation of transplanted tissues, a study on pituitary transplantation was performed in our lab. Mixed fetal pituitary hypothalamic nigral cells were microencapsulated and cultured to investigate the secretion of growth hormone (GH), prolactin(PRL) and PRL releasing function stimulated by thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) in the medium. Rabbits were immunized with the encapsulated cells for 50 days. The results revealed that: ①GH, PRL could be secreted into medium through the capsules; ②PRL concentration augmented when TRH was added to the medium; ③No antibody against the fetal brain tissue could be detected in rabbit serum. These indicated that the material and the procedure of microencapsulation did not disturb the viability and function of encapsulated cells; the membrane of the microencapsulation was permeable to the pituitary hormones and hypothalamic factors, and had the function of immunoisolation.

Microencapsulation by Spray Drying of Vitamin A Palmitate from Oil to Powder and Its Application in Topical Delivery System

Vitamin A palmitate (VAP) contains retinol and palmitic acid which is easily absorbed by body and widely used in skin care products. But, it is a hydrophobic and oxidation sensitive molecule which undergoes rapid degradation especially in an aqueous environment. The purpose of this study was to prepare microcapsules of VAP using combination maltodextrin and modified starches. Emulsion of VAP was prepared using cremophore RH 40 with Tween 80 in a homogenizer and formed emulsion was spray-dried. The spray process was optimized using a central composite design for two variables to obtain microcapsules with desirable characteristics. Microcapsules containing 30% of VAP were produced using different concentration of wall materials. The prepared microcapsules were evaluated for their physical, morphological, in-vitro drug release and SEM study. The results showed that obtained microcapsules are nearly spherical in shape with a particle size ranged from 1 to 12 μm. The drug content and encapsulation efficiency (53% - 63%) of different batches were found within acceptable range. These stabilized drug loaded microcapsules were incorporated into silicone cream based formulation for convenient topical application and evaluated for its physicochemical parameters. The drug release study showed 80.18% to 83.43% of drug release from VAP microcapsules while topical formulations prepared by VAP microcapsules showed 67.09% to 71.45% drug release at the end of 24 hrs. The formulations were kept for 3 months stability study as per ICH guidelines and found to be stable.

Palm Oil Microencapsulation by Coacervation, Thin Layer Drying, and Silica Dioxide Absorption Technique

Indonesia is the largest palm oil producer in the world. The content of β-carotene in palm oil, which can act as pro-vitamin A, is relatively high, so it has great potential for overcoming cases of vitamin A deficiency. By microencapsulation process of palm oil, β-carotene content in palm oil will be more stable and have a longer shelf life. There are three methods of microencapsulation used in this study, namely coacervation, thin-layer drying, and SiO2 absorption technique, which theoretically are suitable for encapsulating β-carotene in palm oil. The aim of this research is to compare and find the most suitable method of microencapsulation process of palm oil to obtain the highest β-carotene content and retention. Results show that those three methods are significantly different in affecting water absorption, solubility in water, yield, microencapsulation efficiency, β-carotene content, and retention of microencapsulated palm oil. The microencapsulated palm oil made from thin layer drying method has the highest β-carotene content at 200.16 μg/g and β-carotene retention of 68.89%. It also has low water absorption and high water solubility, so it can be applied as a powder premix in food as vitamin A supplement.