Alginate/starch composites as wall material to achieve microencapsulation with high oil loading.

Alginate/starch blends were used as wall material to encapsulate fish oil by spray-drying. The effects of alginate type and content on microsphere morphology, yield and microencapsulation efficiency were investigated. The ability of microspheres to confer protection to the microencapsulated fish oil on storage under stress was also determined. The results showed that the addition of alginate to the wall component resulted in rounder microspheres with higher oil encapsulation efficiencies. Microencapsulated oil was found to be more stable to degradation compared to unencapsulated oil.