Microencapsulation of Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil by Using Simple Coacervation Method

Abstract

Glutaraldehyde (GA) crosslinked gelatin (G) microcapsules containing tea tree oil (TTO) were prepared by the simple coacervation technique. The effects of variations in concentrations of the G, TTO and GA used during the microencapsulation process, on the oil load of the microcapsules, the oil content, the encapsulation efficiency and the release rate of oil were determined. The size distribution and the morphology of the microcapsules were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. It was determined by FTIR studies that there was no evidence for any significant interaction between G and TTO

Key Word Index:

• Melaleuca alternifolia
• microencapsulation
• coacervation
• release rate
• gelatin