Effect of different concentrations of xanthan and alginate on the quality of encapsulated fish oil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate encapsulation efficiency of fish oil using different combinations of xanthan and sodium alginate (core-wall ratio of 1:2). Experimental treatments were consisted of xanthan 1%, Alginate 1%, xanthan 0.75% + Alginate 0.25%, xanthan 0.5% + Alginate 0.5% and xanthan 0.25% + Alginate 0.75% of the wall material. These experimental combinations of xanthan and sodium alginate were mixed with the other wall components. Afterward, the mixture were homogenized and subsequently freeze-dried to obtain encapsulated powder. Results revealed that encapsulated fish oil with xanthan 0.75% + Alginate 0.25% had the lowest particle size, moisture content and surface oil content as compared to the others (P<0.05). In addition, it showed the highest encapsulation efficiency, wettability and water absorption index. Treatment prepared using 1% xanthan had the lowest emulsion stability with the highest particle density which was the same as that of the treatment prepared with xanthan 0.25% + alginate 0.75%. The highest water absorption index (2.09%) was observed in the treatment containing xanthan 0.5% + alginate 0.5%. Using 1% of alginate lead to the highest lightness (75.23) for encapsulated fish oil as compared to the others (P<0.05). According to the results of the present investigation, the use of xanthan 0.75% + alginate 0.25% is suggested for the production of encapsulated fish oil with optimal properties.