Microencapsulation Of Rough Extracts Of Folic Acid From The Chayote (sechium Edule Jacq. Swartz) With The Ionic Stretch Method

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Optimizing the Content of Folic Acid in the Chayote with Microencapsulation Technology

Introduction

Folic acid is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including the formation of red blood cells and DNA. However, folic acid is prone to degradation due to temperature and light exposure, which can significantly reduce its effectiveness. The chayote (Sechium Edule Jacq. Swartz) is a plant that contains a high amount of folic acid, approximately 93 mcg per 100 grams. This study aims to explore the potential of microencapsulation technology to enhance the stability and bioavailability of folic acid from chayote extracts.

Background

Microencapsulation is a technique that involves encapsulating active ingredients, such as folic acid, within a matrix material to protect them from environmental factors and enhance their stability. The ionic gelation method is a widely used technique for microencapsulation, which involves the use of sodium alginate and calcium chloride (CaCl2) to form a gel-like matrix around the active ingredient. This study focuses on optimizing the microencapsulation of folic acid from chayote extracts using the ionic gelation method.

Methodology

This study was conducted in four stages:

1. Making Folic Acid Extract

Folic acid extract was prepared using the maceration method with 70% alcohol at pH 6. The extract was then filtered and stored at 4°C for further use.

2. Making Microcapsules

Microcapsules were prepared using the ionic gelation method with sodium alginate, pectin, and folic acid extract. The ratio of alginate to pectin was varied at three levels: 65%: 35% (A1), 70%: 30% (A2), and 75%: 25% (A3). The CaCl2 concentration was also varied at three levels: 0.05 M (m1), 0.1 M (m2), and 0.5 M (m3).

3. Analysis of Folic Acid Content

The folic acid content in microcapsules was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique.

4. Analysis of Folic Acid Stability

Microcapsules were stored at room temperature for one week, and the folic acid content was analyzed again to determine its stability.

Results

The results showed that the folic acid extract from chayote had antioxidant activity of 98.1% with a folic acid content of 0.16 mg/kg.

Microcapsule Analysis

The analysis showed that the ratio of alginate to pectin was 70%: 30% and the CaCl2 concentration was 0.1 M (A2M2) produced the highest antioxidant activity, which was 62.77%. This treatment was also expected to have high folic acid content due to its antioxidant properties.

Folic Acid Content

The analysis showed that the A2M2 treatment had the highest folic acid content, which was 3.06 mg/kg. After being stored for one week at room temperature, the content of folic acid in the A2M2 treatment decreased to 2.39 mg/kg.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the microencapsulation method with ionic gelation can be used to increase the stability of folic acid from chayote extract. The comparison of 70% alginate with 30% pectin and CaCl2 concentration of 0.1 M (A2M2) produced microcapsules with the highest antioxidant activity and more stable folic acid content during storage.

Recommendation

Further research is needed to examine the potential use of folic acid extract microcapsules from chayote as food supplements or functional foodstuffs. The development of microcapsules formulas with the addition of release modifiers can also be done to control the release of folic acid and increase its bioavailability in the body.

Future Directions

The use of microencapsulation technology to enhance the stability and bioavailability of folic acid from chayote extracts has significant potential for the development of functional foodstuffs and food supplements. Future studies should focus on optimizing the microencapsulation process, exploring the use of different matrix materials, and investigating the potential health benefits of folic acid extract microcapsules.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including the use of a small sample size and the lack of control over environmental factors that may affect the stability of folic acid. Future studies should aim to address these limitations and provide more comprehensive data on the effectiveness of microencapsulation technology for enhancing the stability and bioavailability of folic acid from chayote extracts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of microencapsulation technology to enhance the stability and bioavailability of folic acid from chayote extracts. The results show that the microencapsulation method with ionic gelation can be used to produce microcapsules with high antioxidant activity and stable folic acid content. Further research is needed to explore the potential use of folic acid extract microcapsules from chayote as food supplements or functional foodstuffs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Microencapsulation of Folic Acid from Chayote

Q: What is microencapsulation, and how does it work?

A: Microencapsulation is a technique that involves encapsulating active ingredients, such as folic acid, within a matrix material to protect them from environmental factors and enhance their stability. The ionic gelation method is a widely used technique for microencapsulation, which involves the use of sodium alginate and calcium chloride (CaCl2) to form a gel-like matrix around the active ingredient.

Q: What is the purpose of microencapsulating folic acid from chayote?

A: The purpose of microencapsulating folic acid from chayote is to enhance its stability and bioavailability. Folic acid is prone to degradation due to temperature and light exposure, which can significantly reduce its effectiveness. Microencapsulation can help protect folic acid from these environmental factors and increase its stability.

Q: What are the benefits of using microencapsulated folic acid from chayote?

A: The benefits of using microencapsulated folic acid from chayote include:

  • Enhanced stability and bioavailability of folic acid
  • Increased shelf life of folic acid
  • Improved delivery of folic acid to the body
  • Potential use as a food supplement or functional foodstuff

Q: How is microencapsulated folic acid from chayote produced?

A: Microencapsulated folic acid from chayote is produced using the ionic gelation method. This involves mixing sodium alginate, pectin, and folic acid extract with calcium chloride (CaCl2) to form a gel-like matrix around the active ingredient.

Q: What are the potential applications of microencapsulated folic acid from chayote?

A: The potential applications of microencapsulated folic acid from chayote include:

  • Food supplements
  • Functional foodstuffs
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Cosmetics

Q: What are the limitations of microencapsulated folic acid from chayote?

A: The limitations of microencapsulated folic acid from chayote include:

  • Limited shelf life
  • Potential for degradation during storage
  • Limited availability of raw materials
  • High cost of production

Q: How can microencapsulated folic acid from chayote be stored and handled?

A: Microencapsulated folic acid from chayote should be stored in a cool, dry place and handled with care to prevent degradation. It is recommended to store the product in airtight containers and to avoid exposure to light and heat.

Q: What are the potential health benefits of microencapsulated folic acid from chayote?

A: The potential health benefits of microencapsulated folic acid from chayote include:

  • Prevention of birth defects
  • Prevention of anemia
  • Support of immune function
  • Support of cardiovascular health

Q: How can microencapsulated folic acid from chayote be used in food products?

A: Microencapsulated folic acid from chayote can be used in a variety of food products, including:

  • Energy bars
  • Granola
  • Yogurt
  • Smoothies
  • Baked goods

Q: What are the regulatory requirements for microencapsulated folic acid from chayote?

A: The regulatory requirements for microencapsulated folic acid from chayote vary depending on the country and region. It is recommended to consult with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.

Q: How can microencapsulated folic acid from chayote be marketed and sold?

A: Microencapsulated folic acid from chayote can be marketed and sold through a variety of channels, including:

  • Online sales
  • Retail stores
  • Wholesale distributors
  • Foodservice providers

Q: What are the potential challenges and opportunities for microencapsulated folic acid from chayote?

A: The potential challenges and opportunities for microencapsulated folic acid from chayote include:

  • Competition from existing folic acid products
  • Limited availability of raw materials
  • High cost of production
  • Potential for increased demand due to growing interest in natural and organic products.