Preparation and Characterization of Citrus Aurantifolia Lime Oils Microcapsules by Complex Coacervation Technique

The Lime oil of Citrus aurantifolia was microencapsulated by coacervation technique employing gelatine and alginates as the shells, and calcium chloride as cross linker. Optimization of core/shell ratio, speed and temperature of stirring was carried out. Structure and shape of the microcapsules were characterized by particle size analyzer (PSA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) respectively. The properties of microcapsules such as, yield, particle size distribution, oil content, oil load, and encapsulation efficiency were also determined. Upon condition of ratio core/shell 0.49, speed and temperature of stirring at 600 rpm and 35 °C respectively, the microcapsules of LOs with improved performance were achieved with efficiency of 46% and oil content of 78%.