Encapsulation of Phycocyanin-Alginate for High Stability and Antioxidant Activity

The aim of this study was to obtain optimal condition of phycocyanin-alginate encapsulation, encapsulation efficiency and phycocyanin load, physicochemical properties of beads, in vitro release study, stability and antioxidant activity. The result product with alginate content 1,5% (w/v) and 2% (w/v) produced were in spherical shape than product with alginate content 2,5% (w/v) by ratio of phycocyanin 1:1. Increasing alginate content on encapsulation process will increase of encapsulation efficiency and phycocyanin load. In vitro released study showed that phycocyanin-alginate beads were more resistant in simulated gastric fluid, while rapidly release in simulated intestinal fluid. The antioxidant activity showed that phycocyanin antioxidant activity decreased after encapsulation process due to duration of storage and the possibility of a cracking which will cause reduced stability of phycocyanin.