Microchannel emulsification: A promising technique towards encapsulation of functional compounds

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2018;58(14):2364-2385. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1323724. Epub 2017 Aug 16.

Abstract

This review provides an overview of microchannel emulsification (MCE) for production of functional monodispersed emulsion droplets. The main emphasis has been put on functional bioactives encapsulation using grooved-type and straight-through microchannel array plates. MCE successfully encapsulates the bioactives like β-carotene, oleuropein, γ-oryzanol, β-sitosterol, L-ascorbic acid and ascorbic acid derivatives, vitamin D and quercetin. These bioactives were encapsulated in a variety of delivery systems like simple and multiple emulsions, polymeric particles, microgels, solid lipid particles and functional vesicles. The droplet generation process in MCE is based upon spontaneous transformation of interfaces rather than high energy shear stress systems. The scale-up of MCE can increase the productivity of monodispersed droplets >100 L h-1 and makes it a promising tool at industrial level.

Keywords: Microchannel emulsification; delivery systems; emulsification; encapsulation; functional bioactives; monodisperse emulsion droplets; spontaneous transformation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Emulsions
  • Food Handling / methods*
  • Food Technology / methods*
  • Functional Food*
  • Particle Size

Substances

  • Emulsions