Preparation of genipin cross-linked chitosan-gelatin microcapsules for encapsulation of Zanthoxylum limonella oil (ZLO) using salting-out method.

Zanthoxylum limonella oil (ZLO) containing chitosan-gelatin complex microcapsules cross-linked with genipin, a cross-linker of natural origin, have been prepared by a complex coacervation process using the salting-out method. The effects of various parameters such as oil loading, degree of cross-linking, ratio of chitosan to gelatin, etc. on oil content, encapsulation efficiency and the release rate of ZLO have been studied. FT-IR spectroscopy has been used to understand the interaction between the polymers and oil. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been employed to study the morphology of the prepared microcapsules.