Carnauba Wax Particles: Investigation of Dripping and Cold-Extrusion Processes

Solid lipids are commonly used as carrier systems for encapsulation processes. However, formulations containing only solid lipids tend to form a highly ordered crystal lattice, which can expel the active compound during long-term storage, due to the dynamics of polymorphic transitions. Regarding the aspects of particle production, the cooling step of the melted lipid is essential for determining the type of formed crystals. This work aimed to analyze the effects of the crystallization step on the physicochemical properties of lipid particles. Carnauba wax (CW) particles with a relatively high melting point (T-m = 78 degrees C) were produced by the dripping method, based on melting-crystallization steps, and by cold extrusion, which uses temperatures lower than the melting point of the lipid. Then, the physical properties, thermal behavior, and X-ray of CW particles were analyzed. The particles obtained by dripping and extrusion presented mean sizes of 3.7 and 1.5 mm, respectively. All particles presented a similar thermal behavior (T-m = 78 degrees C;.H = 200 J g(-1)) and crystalline arrangement of the lipids. However, the dripping system presented an operational problem of clogging, requiring efficient thermal insulation, whereas the extrusion is a cost-effective, time-saving, and eco-friendly method. (AU)