Preparation and characterization of alginate and alginate-resistant starch microparticles containing nisin

Delivery systems with sustained release of nisin have been proposed to improve stability and long-term effectiveness of this bacteriocin in foods. In this study, nisin was encapsulated in alginate (Alg) and alginate-resistant starch (Alg-RS) microparticles and its release was investigated. Studies found that the nisin concentration has significant influence on encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity (LC) and size of both microparticles. Furthermore, encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity values were more increased by the addition of resistant starch to the alginate formulation. The highest encapsulation efficiency was obtained with Alg-RS microparticles prepared using initial nisin to alginate weight ratio of 25% w/w (59.77 ± 2.26%). Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results confirmed the presence of nisin in the microparticles. The in vitro nisin release from these microparticles followed a controlled-release pattern consistent with a Fickian diffusion mechanism. The release rate from Alg-RS microparticles was less than that from the Alg microparticles.