Autor(es):
Ribeiro, A. 
; Vieira, D. ; Fernandes, I.P. ; Amaral, J.S. ; Barreiro, M.F.
Data: 2012
Identificador Persistente: http://hdl.handle.net/10198/10454
Origem: Biblioteca Digital do IPB
Assunto(s): Microencapsulation;; Vitamin E; Chitosan; Alginate
Descrição
Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant activity, particularly for its effective protection against
lipid oxidation. Currently, the intake of this important class of bioactive compounds is
associated with health benefits. Moreover, due to its antioxidant capacity, vitamin E is
frequently added to several foods in order to extend shelf life, mainly by inhibiting lipid
oxidation. Vitamin E comprises a set of eight compounds (-, -, -, -tocopherols and
tocotrienols), of which -tocopherol is considered, in vitro, to present the highest capacity of
free radicals uptake. Due to -tocopherol instability and sensitivity towards temperature,
oxygen and light, vitamin E supplements are generally administered in its most stable form
(acetate or succinate derivatives). However, these forms are considered to have a lower
intestinal absorption. In this perspective, microencapsulation can be a viable alternative to
preserve -tocopherol thus maintaining its bioavailability in foods and other target products.
In this study, microencapsulation of -tocopherol was tested using two polymeric matrices
(chitosan and alginate). The obtained microspheres were submitted to acidic, neutral and basic
media in order to evaluate its behaviour under pH conditions similar to those of the
gastrointestinal tract (acid and basic for stomach and intestine, respectively) and under storage
conditions (neutral).
