Release of encapsulated bioactives influenced by alginate viscosity under in-vitro gastrointestinal model

The physicochemical properties of alginate can affect the release profile of encapsulated bioactives, but this is poorly understood. The influence of alginate viscosity (low- A1, medium- A2 and high- A3) and molecular weight (kDa) on the release of encapsulated bioactives (seaweed and spirulina powder) was investigated in an in-vitro gastrointestinal (GSI) model. Beads encapsulated with A2 at 1% (w/v) have overall higher release of bioactives (protein, phlorotannins and antioxidants) but A3 at 0.5% (w/v) was able to release and absorb similar amount of bioactives with ~10% difference with A2. The relative release of protein, phlorotannins and antioxidant was 96%, 111% and 43% respectively from A2 in gastric digestion. In contrast, protein (165%) and phlorotannins (234%) release was highest from A3 in intestinal phase. These results establish the importance of physicochemical properties of the encapsulating matrix on water retention capacity and their interaction with bioactive material to release into the system.