This invention discloses a method for preparing
proanthocyanidin microcapsules through complex coagulation self-
assembly, belonging to the field of microcapsule preparation technology. It aims to solve problems such as the easy degradation and inactivation of proanthocyanidins, the high-temperature degradation of activity in existing preparation methods, and cumbersome processes. The method uses proanthocyanidins as the core material and
sodium alginate and
whey protein as the
wall material. The product is obtained through a four-step process:
wall material solution preparation, core material solution preparation, complex coagulation self-
assembly reaction, and
proanthocyanidin encapsulation and solidification. The
wall material solution consists of a 1-3% (w / w)
sodium alginate solution and a 1.0-5.0% (
whey protein) solution. The core material solution is prepared by dissolving proanthocyanidins in
anhydrous ethanol and ultrasonically dispersing them. The pH of the complex coagulation reaction is adjusted to 3.5-7.5, and the reaction is carried out with stirring at 30-50°C. Finally, the microcapsules are obtained by
calcium chloride cross-linking solidification and vacuum freeze-
drying. The preparation conditions of this invention are mild, without high-temperature and long-term treatment, and the core material encapsulation rate reaches 85% to 95%. The product has strong
antioxidant activity and good stability. Moreover, the process steps are few, no organic solvents or additional excipients are required, the raw materials are readily available, and the production cost is low. It can also be applied to the encapsulation of other polyphenols and
flavonoid active ingredients, and has broad application prospects in the fields of
medicine, food, and
cosmetics.