Gelled microemulsions as encapsulation matrix

Abstract

Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable and translucent systems composed by droplet in nano or micrometric scales and low interfacial tension. These properties allow their application as delivery and encapsulation systems of bioactive compounds. For hydrophobic compounds, oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsions can be used due to the presence of oil in the dispersed phase. However, microemulsions show low viscosity, which limit their use. This problem can be solved by adding gelling biopolymers in the aqueous phase or by production of microgels from the extrusion process. Thus, the purpose of this project is to produce microgels from the gelation of microemulsions containing gelling biopolymers, in order to develop a new system for the encapsulation of hydrophobic compounds. (AU)