Carbopol-Gelatin Coacervation: Influence op Some Variables

Abstract

The extent and integrity of microencapsulation is hypothesized to be dependent on the optimization of sediment weight and volume. This led to the investigation of the effects of the type of gelatin or carbopol, the ratios of the coacervate materials, the total colloid concentrations, the starting pH of gelatin sol and the stirring rate. Investigation showed that gelatin, type A, at pH 6.8 together with carbopol 941 gave best results. Optimum carbopol-gelatin ratio was found to be 1/10, above which the sediment weight and volume decreased significantly. Increase in the total colloid concentration results in a parallel increase in sediment weight till concentration of 1.1% w/v above which the increase in sediment weight was less pronounced. A stirring rate of 300-350 r.p.m. gave an almost spherical, uniform coacervates with average diameter of 59u.