Microencapsulation by complex coacervation, though highly effective and achievable at the bench-scale, is challenging to scale-up because of the complexity of the process. An industrially scalable microencapsulation process by <i>in situ</i>complex coacervation during spray drying (‘CoCo process’) is developed.This novel process forms dry complex coacervate microcapsules in one step using a low-cost spray drying approach. Results showed that insoluble complex coacervation microcapsules were formed without additional cross-linking by this process and they were within optimal size micrometer size ranges. The complex coacervated matrix exhibited excellent barrier property to protect volatile cargo (e.g. d-limonene) against losses during spray drying and increase the stability of the cargo during storage. As the formation of complex coacervates is based on electrostatic interaction between polymers, the release of the cargo is pH sensitive. Overall, the matrix microcapsules formed by this novel industrially scalable process have the potential to stabilize bioactive components and control the release of the bioactive components for various applications.

Industrially scalable complex coacervation process for microencapsulation: Robust protection and effective delivery

2019 Fall National Meeting

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