Encapsulation of natural antioxidants

In theoretical part of this diploma thesis the basic properties of antioxidants, especially anthocyanins and phenolic compounds are described, as well as the basic features and principles of free radicals formation. The theoretical part also describes some possible ways of encapsulation of antioxidants into polysaccharide and lipid particles. In the experimental part basic characteristics of extracts from selected lyophilized fruits and vegetables (carrots, apples and mixed berries) are described. As group parameters of plant extracts the total antioxidant activity, content of flavonoids and phenolics, carotenoids, anthocyanins and ascorbic acid were determined. In experimental part also various encapsulation techniques were tested, encapsulation effectiveness of each technique was evaluated and the stability and size of the created particles were determined. As the best encapsulation method in terms of encapsulation efficiency in most of samples/parameters ethanol injection was found. On the other hand the particles prepared by ethanol injection are relatively unstable in terms of zeta potential, which is followed by their tendency to aggregate. As the most stable particles prepared by thin layer evaporation (TLE) and reverse phase thin layer evaporation (RP-TLE) were evaluated. Particles prepared by TLE, RP-TLE and chitosan-alginate particles exhibited a negative charge, while particles prepared by ethanol injection stayed uncharged and chitosan particles have a positive charge