Genipin crosslinked microcapsules of gelatin A and κ-carrageenan polyelectrolyte complex for encapsulation of Neem (Azadirachta Indica A.Juss.) seed oil

Microcapsules containing neem seed oil (NSO) were prepared using complex coacervation technique and employing gelatin A and kappa-carrageenan polyelectrolyte complex. The yield of the coacervate was dependent on the ratio of the two polymers and on the pH of the medium. Viscosity and turbidity measurements were carried out in order to support the ratio of the two polymers that produced the highest yield. The encapsulation efficiency and the release rates of NSO were dependent on the amount of crosslinker, oil loading and polymer concentration. Scanning electron micrographs showed the formation of free flowing spherical microcapsules. The size of microcapsules increased with the increase of the concentration of the polymer. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry study showed that there was no significant interaction between NSO and carrageenan-gelatin complex.