Abstract:

The microencapsulation formulation of refined oil from jade perch viscera was optimized to attain the maximum microencapsulation efficiency (MEE) by orthogonal array design, and the microstructure of microcapsules were observed under SEM and their fatty acid composition was analyzed by GC-MS. The optimum formula for microencapsulating jade perch oil was as follows: modified starch 50%, jade perch oil 35% and lecithin used as an emulsifier 0.75% and an MEE of 94.1% was achieved by the microencapsulation with this formula. The sensory and physical-chemical indexes of microcapsule products both met the fish oil microcapsule standard stipulated by the Chinese aquatic industry. The ultrastructure observation revealed hat the microcapsules had particle sizes ranging from 6 to 8 μm, and the surface and inside structures of the microcapsules both were good. Little differences of fatty acid composition were found among crude oil, refined oil and microencapsulated oil from jade perch viscera, suggesting that the processes of fish oil extraction, refinement and spray-drying microencapsulation all are designed soundly. As a result, jade perch oil with high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids vulnerable to the influence of environmental exposure is well protected by microencapsulation.

Key words: jade perch oil, microencapsulation, formulation, fatty acid compositions