Abstract
β-carotene is one of the most common pigments in nature. β-carotene formulations provide protection against oxidation and degradation processes. They are very attractive as natural colorants because they add value to the product due to their antioxidant and pro-vitamin activities. This work presents a study of the formulation of β-carotene with poly-(ε-caprolactone) by Particles from Gas Saturated Solutions (PGSS) process. Particle sizes in the range of 270–650μm with a β-carotene content of up to 340ppm were obtained using polycaprolactone with a molecular weight of 10000gmol−1, while using a polycaprolactone with a molecular weight of 4000gmol−1 the particle size was reduced to 110–130μm. The influence of several process parameters on particle size and β-carotene content was studied, including pressure, temperature, time of contact between CO2 and polymer melt for mixture homogenization, and molar ratio β-carotene:polymer.
β-carotene was encapsulated in polycaprolactones precipitated with a particles from gas saturated solutions (PGSS) process. Particle size and morphology depended on the molecular weight of the polymer, which can be due to the lower viscosity and higher CO2 solubility in polymers with a lower molecular weight. [Display omitted]
► β-carotene was encapsulated in polycaprolactone precipitated by a PGSS process. ► Particles of 100–600μm with β-carotene contents up to 340ppm were obtained. ► Small and regular particles were obtained with a low molecular weight polymer. ► Differences can be related to the viscosity and CO2 solubility in the polymer melt.