International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences (ISSN 2226-9614)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

VOLUME 26(20) (2024)

Effect of Sonication on Improving Curcumin Encapsulation Quality: Preparation and Characterization

Aji Prasetyaningrum, Aulia D. Ashianti, Nur Rokhati, Mohamad Djaeni, and Bakti Jos

Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Semarang 50275, Indonesia

Abstract

                This study investigates the enhancement of curcumin encapsulation through ultrasound-assisted techniques, addressing its inherent challenges of low aqueous solubility and instability. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound with significant health benefits, was encapsulated using a combination of alginate and chitosan biopolymers. The encapsulation process employed ultrasonication to improve efficiency and material properties. Optimum encapsulation efficiency (89.86%) and swelling ratio (1.78 g/g) were achieved at 9 minutes of sonication. The results were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which revealed surface cracks on the encapsulated particles caused by ultrasound-induced cavitation. Ultrasound treatment enhanced the interaction between core and shell materials, reducing particle size and increasing stability. However, excessive sonication led to adverse effects such as droplet recoalescence and structural degradation. The swelling ratio initially increased with sonication time but declined after reaching an optimal duration, reflecting changes in intermolecular interactions and hydrophilicity due to cavitation effects. This study highlights ultrasound as a promising method for optimizing curcumin encapsulation by enhancing bioavailability and environmental stability. The combination of ultrasound with ionic gelation offers a scalable approach to developing functional food and pharmaceutical products. Future research should explore optimized ultrasound parameters and alternative biopolymers to further improve encapsulation outcomes. These findings pave the way for innovative applications in nutraceuticals and drug delivery systems, emphasizing the potential of ultrasound technology in addressing the limitations of bioactive compound delivery.

Keywords: Curcumin; Ultrasonication; Encapsulation; Alginate; Chitosan

Full length article    *Corresponding Author, e-mail: aji.prasetyaningrum@che.undip.ac.id          https://doi.org/10.62877/29-IJCBS-24-26-20-29