Influence of formulation parameters on Chitosan- Gum Arabic microcapsules for aloe vera oil delivery

Abstract

This study focused on the production of Aloe vera oil (AEO) microcapsules using chitosan (Ch) and arabic gum (AG) as biopolymers to produce microcapsules. The variation of the components, such as the type of surfactant (Tween 20 or Span 80) and the molecular mass of chitosan, resulted in different characteristics in the final particles. Microcapsules produced with Tween 20 showed larger size and lower uniformity than those produced with Span 80. High molecular mass chitosan resulted in smaller microcapsules. Optical microscopy confirmed the formation of the microcapsules, and the stability of the microcapsules was influenced by particle size and zeta potential, with an inverse relationship between these properties. Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis (FTIR) analyses confirmed the functionalization of the microcapsules in 100% cotton half-mesh fabrics, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), evidenced the formation of covalent bonds between the microcapsules and the cotton fibers. This bond ensures greater stability and encapsulation efficiency. The controlled release of the encapsulated AEO in the cotton fabric was influenced by the type of crosslinking agent and the molecular mass of chitosan. Microcapsules crosslinked with 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) showed a more consistent release, while those crosslinked with glutaraldehyde provided a slower and more controlled release, ideal for applications that require the gradual release of the active ingredient. This study demonstrated the feasibility of producing AEO microcapsules using chitosan and gum arabic. The properties of the microcapsules can be adjusted by varying the formulation components, allowing the development of controlled release systems with applications in various segments, such as the textile industry.