Microencapsulation

It is well-known that bioactive compounds have many positive advantages for human health. The extension of their shelf life and their applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors are important issues. Microencapsulation is one of the proven methods to protect bioactive compounds and enable various applications. In this chapter, microencapsulation technology, including the important steps of understanding the physicochemical properties of the bioactive compounds, selection of suitable encapsulation, and microencapsulation methods, is presented. Understanding of physicochemical properties of bioactive compounds and wall materials is the first important step. There are a variety of microencapsulation methods that can be selected to encapsulate the bioactive compounds, depending on the application purpose of the resultant microencapsulated product. In addition, the release rate and release mechanism of microencapsulated particles also play an important role, determined by the selection of wall materials and microencapsulation methods. Finally, methods to evaluate the physicochemical stability of the solution before microencapsulation and the characterization of the microencapsulated particles are also presented. Several examples of successful encapsulation technology and recommendations for further studies of the bioactive compounds are also reported throughout the chapter.