Microencapsulation of omega-3 rich oils with the PGSS process

Oils are used in countless products in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. If oils are encapsulated in a carrier material and are thus present as powdery microcapsules instead of as liquids, this has a number of advantages. On the one hand, sensitive substances are protected against environmental influences and their targeted release is possible. On the other hand, the free-flowing powder is easy to dose.

Free-flowing powders of palm, sunflower and rapeseed fat and PEG 6000

Within the scope of the project, the PGSS process (Particles from Gas Saturated Solutions) was used to produce powdered composites. By adjusting the process parameters, particle properties such as morphology or size could be specifically controlled and customised products could be produced.

Free-flowing powders with a linseed oil content of up to 20% were produced from palm fat, sunflower fat, rapeseed fat and PEG 6000. By adjusting the optimal spraying conditions, a matrix encapsulation of the linseed oil in the respective coating materials was achieved. Modifications to the test plant and changes in the test procedure resulted in significant improvements in oxidation stability.

While a very good protective function was achieved with palm fat and PEG 6000, the encapsulation materials rapeseed fat and sunflower fat had a rather prooxidative effect. By adding rosemary extract, significant improvements in storage stability could be achieved in test series with palm fat and rapeseed fat.

Ruhr University Bochum, Chair of Solids Process Engineering
Project leader:
Dr Marcus Petermann

Weihnstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Bioengineering
Project leader:
Dr Sabine Grüner-Lempart

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Results of the project:

Final report: Microencapsulation of omega-3 rich oils with the PGSS process

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