The interfacial, emulsification and encapsulation properties of hydrophobically modified inulin

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers Vol. 194; pp. 18 - 23
• Main Authors: Kokubun, S., Ratcliffe, I., Williams, P.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 15-08-2018
• Subjects: Alkenyl succinic anhydrides; Critical aggregation concentration; Emulsion stabilisation; Encapsulation; Interfacial properties; Inulin; Encapsulation; Interfacial properties; Emulsion stabilisation; Critical aggregation concentration; Inulin; Alkenyl succinic anhydrides
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.04.018

•Succinylated derivatives of inulin have been synthesised.•They are able to form micellar aggregates in solution.•The micelles can dissolve hydrophobic compounds.•They have application in encapsulation and controlled release of active compounds.
Octenyl- and dodecenyl succinic anhydride derivatives (OSA- and DDSA-) of inulin have been synthesised and their solution and interfacial properties have been determined and compared to a commercially available alkylated inulin, Inutec SP1. All samples formed micellar aggregates in solution above a critical concentration (critical aggregation concentration) and were able to ‘dissolve’ a hydrophobic dye. They were also able to form stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions as assessed by measurements of their droplet size as a function of time. DDSA-inulin with a high degree of substitution was found to be effective at encapsulating beta carotene using the solvent evaporation method which yielded a solid which dissolved readily in simulated gastric fluid. The results confirm the potential application of these materials in a number of areas including, drug delivery, pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals, cosmetics and personal care.