Formation of alginate/ Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum (AHSG) microgels through electrospraying technique to encapsulate and release curcumin

This study aimed to produce microgels by electrospraying of alginate/AHSG (Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum) dispersions at different mixing ratios (1:0, 3:1, 1:1) for encapsulation of curcumin. Addition of AHSG to alginate increased the ζ-potential while it reduced the viscosity of the dispersions. Increased alginate to AHSG ratio resulted in smaller microgels and more uniform morphology. Results confirmed that curcumin was physically entrapped within the microgels matrix. As the alginate to AHSG ratio decreased, the microgel's encapsulation efficiency and thermal stability (∆H) increased from 87.76 to 95.85 % and 23.84 to 40.33 (J/g), respectivly. The lowest curcumin release rate during storage was for 3:1 alginate:AHSG microgel (41.4 %). The microgels provided more protection for curcumin against UV irradiation. The release profiles of curcumin from microgels during in vitro digestion were controlled by the Fickian diffusion phenomenon. Overall, these results indicated that electrosprayed alginate/AHSG microgels enhanced the photostability and improved the controlled release of curcumin throughout the gastrointestinal tract.