Comparative Analysis of Different Natural Polymers as Coating Agents for Freeze-Dried Microencapsulation of Cosmos caudatus Kunth Compounds

The flavonoid compounds in C. caudatus K., known for their various benefits, are prone to quick degradation, leading to reduced biological activity. This research aimed to evaluate the types of coatings: gum Arabic (GA), maltodextrin (MD), and a combination of both (MDGA) in C. caudatus K. extract microcapsules. The extract of C. caudatus K. was encapsulated by different coating materials, GA, MD, and MDGA, and then dried using a freeze-drying technique. The evaluation was carried out by comparing the encapsulation efficiency values, biological activity, and release tests of each type of microcapsule coating. The research results indicate that coating agents have impacts significantly at p < 0.05 on efficiency encapsulation. Flavonoids were retained up to 79.67% by the MDGA coating, compared with 72.8% and 47.66%a retained by single GA and MD coatings, respectively. The results of the encapsulation efficiency are supported by the results of characterization using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), where MDGA has rounder shapes with smoother surfaces compared with a single coating alone, like GA or MD. In addition, by particle size analysis using a particle size analyzer (PSA), the average sizes of MDGA, GA, and MD microcapsules were shown at 154.13 µm, 152 µm, and 166.81 µm, respectively. The three microcapsules showed an order of activities as MDGA > GA > MD coatings in alpha-amylase inhibition assay. Similar results were also shown in the antioxidant assay, which demonstrated that the three microcapsules had moderate antioxidant activities, again in the order of MDGA > GA > MD. The three different coating types showed greater release at pH 7.4 compared to those at pH 2.2 in the controlled release test, which ran from 30 to 120 min. In summary, freeze-drying microencapsulation using biodegradable polymers was identified as a viable method for harnessing the health benefits of C. caudatus K. extracts. This process produced a convenient powder form that could be used in drug delivery systems. The use of MDGA mixed coating resulted in better impact based on %EE value and biological activity, as well as improved characteristics of microcapsules compared with single coating.


Introduction
Research focusing on the use of herbal plants as healing alternatives to synthetic drugs has received signifcant attention for some time.Herbal plants are considered easier to fnd and have lower side efects compared to synthetic drugs.Te bioactive compounds contained in herbal plants are supposed to be able to cure and prevent disease [1].One herbal plant with this potential is the C. caudatus K. plant, which has various benefts, including antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiosteoporosis, antifungal, and antibacterial properties [2].Te high content of favonoid compounds in C. caudatus K. can be used as an antidiabetic agent to inhibit the action of the alpha-amylase enzyme [3].Additionally, its antioxidant activity is equivalent to 100 grams of ascorbic acid, categorizing it as a potent antioxidant [4].A weakness of using favonoid compounds in the C. caudatus K. plant is their sensitivity to external factors such as temperature, light, oxidation, and pH.In addition, favonoids are difcult to dissolve in water and have low bioavailability when consumed in the body, leading to suboptimal use [5].Terefore, special techniques are needed to protect the favonoid compounds in C. caudatus K. plants, one of which is microencapsulation.
Microencapsulation is a technique used to protect bioactive compounds by encapsulating them using a coating, resulting in microsized particles ranging from 5 to 5000 µm [4].Te goal of microencapsulation is to shield active compounds from environmental factors, enhance absorption, and control the release of these compounds in the body [6].Te choice of coating materials is crucial for the success of microcapsules, with maltodextrin (MD) being a commonly used polysaccharide-based biopolymer due to its low viscosity, oxidation protection, and water solubility [5].However, MD's limited active surface may reduce its emulsifying ability, leading to lower core material stability and encapsulation efciency [7].To address this, MD is often combined with gum Arabic (GA), which ofers good emulsifying properties and forms protective layers around the core compounds [8,9].Gum Arabic's emulsifying ability is attributed to the covalent bonds between heteropolymer sugar-containing protein and carbohydrate chains, enhancing encapsulation efciency [10].To preserve volatile favonoid compounds that are prone to degradation at high temperatures, the freeze-drying method is preferred due to its low-temperature, oxygen-free environment that minimized oxidation [11,12].
Biological activity testing is essential to determine the biological activity of core compounds after microencapsulation.Some of them are tested for antidiabetic and antioxidant activity.Biological activity tests, such as an antidiabetic test, can be conducted by examining the inhibitory efect of microcapsules on the activity of the alphaamylase enzyme to assess the biological activity of the core compounds in the microcapsules.Te alpha-amylase enzyme converts carbohydrates into glucose.Inhibiting this process can help decrease blood sugar levels.Another biological activity test that can be carried out to determine the potential antioxidant activity of microcapsules is the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, which is considered practical, efective, fast, and sensitive [13].In this research, we also want to investigate the release test of the active ingredients in microcapsules, which were carried out in acidic conditions (pH 1-3), representing the condition of the stomach or simulated gastric fuid (SGF), as well as at physiological pH (pH 7.4), representing resistance in the intestine or simulated intestinal fuid (SIF) [14].Te purpose of this study is to determine the diferences between three types of coating materials, MD, GA, and MDGA, in microencapsulation processes on C. caudatus K. Te provision of information on the optimal coating selection strategy to protect the core compounds in the extract of C. caudatus K. was deemed very important by this research.Diferent types of coatings afect the characteristics, morphologies, shapes, and sizes of the microcapsules.Te biological activities of the microcapsules in the extract, such as antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, were also afected by the diferent types of coatings.Terefore, determining the impact of diferent coatings on the microcapsules of the C. caudatus K. extract helped identify the optimal formulation for delivering core compounds in the extract.Te aim of this research was to determine the most optimal encapsulation for protecting the core compounds in the extract of C. caudatus K., as indicated from encapsulation efciency calculation, the biological activities of microcapsules, and controlled release tests.Characterization of the microcapsules was performed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), particle size analysis (PSA) techniques, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of the microcapsules produced.

Extraction Process.
A 250 g of powdered C. caudatus K. plant was mixed with 1 L of 96% ethanol.Te mixture was stirred until dissolved, covered with aluminum foil and a lid, and left to macerate for 3 × 24 h.Te fltrate was fltered and evaporated using a rotary evaporator at 68 °C and 110 rpm.Te extract was further stored at 4 °C [15].

Microencapsulation Process.
Te microencapsulation process of C. caudatus K. extracts was performed using three diferent coating materials, GA, MD, and a combination of GA and MD (MDGA).Te microencapsulation process using GA was prepared by dissolving 0.1 g of the extract in 5 mL of ethanol, followed by adding 50 mL of a 4% (w/v) GA solution at pH 5. Te extract solution was mixed with the 2 Te Scientifc World Journal coating solution in 200 mL of distilled water and stirred for 90 min.Te colloidal microcapsules were then dried using freeze-drying to obtain microcapsule powder [16].For microcapsule production using MD as a coating material, 0.1 g of ethanol extract from C. caudatus K. was dissolved in 5 mL of methanol.Te solution was added to the MD solution prepared by dissolving 0.8 g of MD in 100 mL of acetic acid bufer at pH 5. Te mixture was stirred for 90 min until homogenized, and the resulting colloid was dried through freeze-drying to obtain microcapsules.
Te use of MDGA as a combination coating for microcapsules of C. caudatus K. extract involves weighing 0.1 g of the extract and mixing the extract with 5 mL of ethanol.Te coating solution was prepared by dissolving 0.8 g of MD and 1.2 g of GA in 50 mL of acetic acid bufer at pH 5 with a ratio of 2 : 3 (w/v).Te extract was combined with the coating solution and added to 200 mL of distilled water.Te mixture was homogenized with a magnetic stirrer for 90 min, and the resulting colloid was freeze-dried to obtain microcapsules.

Determination of Total Flavonoid
Compound.Te determination of favonoid content began with the preparation of a standard curve of quercetin (at concentrations of 5-20 µg/mL) resulting in the equation (y � 0.0392x, R � 0.9648).Subsequently, 0.1 g of the sample (extract and microcapsules) was dissolved in 2 mL of methanol and incubated at 40 °C for 45 min.After incubation, the solution was centrifuged for 10 min.An aliquot of 1.2 mL of the solution was taken and mixed with 1.2 mL of 2% aluminum chloride.Te solutions were then mixed and incubated again for 60 min at room temperature.After incubation, the solution was measured for absorbance at the maximum wavelength (420 nm) using a UV-vis spectrophotometer.Te absorption value calculated the total favonoid content in the sample using the following formula [17]: total flavonoid content (TFC) � sample concentration(mg/mL) x volume (mL) Sample weight (g) . (1)

Calculation of Encapsulation
Efciency.Encapsulation efciency (EE) indicates the efectiveness of the coating used to protect the core material (favonoid compounds).Encapsulation efciency was calculated by comparing the TFC value obtained from the microcapsules with the extract as shown in the following formula [17]: 2.7.Microcapsule Viscosity Test.Microcapsule viscosity was measured using a Brookfeld viscometer (type DV2T) with a cylindrical spindle RV-2 at 25 °C.Te viscosity value was recorded at a rotation speed of 100 rpm in 500 mL microcapsule solution.
2.8.Alpha-Amylase Inhibition Assay.In the alpha-amylase enzyme inhibition test, samples of extract, microcapsules, and acarbose were used.Each sample was prepared at concentrations of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µg/mL.250 µL of each prepared sample was taken at each concentration and mixed with 250 µL of alpha-amylase enzyme (at a concentration of 50 µg/mL).Te samples were homogenized and incubated at 37 °C for 30 min.After incubation, 250 ml of starch solution (1% w/v) was added to the samples and incubated again at 25 °C for 10 min.500 µL of 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) reagent was added and incubated at 100 °C for 5 min until the solution turned brick red.Te color-changed solution was then mixed with 5 mL of distilled water and homogenized.Te samples were measured using a UV-vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 490 nm, and the inhibition was determined using the following formula [18]: Te IC 50 value was determined by creating a linear regression equation where the sample concentration was plotted on the x-axis and the percentage of enzyme inhibition on the y-axis.Each sample's IC 50 value was represented by the y-value of 50, with the corresponding x-value being the IC 50 .
Te Scientifc World Journal 2.9.Antioxidant Activity Assay.Te samples tested included C. caudatus K. extract, microcapsules, and ascorbic acid at diferent concentrations (extracts: 40-120 µg/mL, microcapsules: 120-200 µg/mL, and ascorbic acid: 2-12 µg/mL).Each sample concentration (3 mL) was mixed with DPPH (50 µg/mL, 2 mL) in a dark room for 20 min.Te absorbance was measured at 516 nm using a UV-vis spectrophotometer to calculate the antioxidant activity with the following formula [4]: Te IC 50 value was calculated using a method similar to that of the alpha-amylase inhibition assay, with the percentage of antioxidant activity plotted on the x-axis and the sample concentration on the y-axis.
2.10.In Vitro Release Assay.Tests were conducted on two types of media: simulated gastric fuid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fuid (SIF).Simulated gastric fuid with a pH of 2.2 was prepared by mixing phosphate-bufered saline with HCl, while SIF with a pH of 7.4 was prepared by adding 5 mL of preconditioned medium at 37 °C.Te solutions were homogenized using a magnetic stirrer at 100 rpm.Samples were collected at diferent time intervals of 30, 60, 90, and 120 min.Te samples were analyzed using a UV-vis spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 420 nm.Te concentration of the released extract was determined as favonoid content and expressed as a release percentage using the following equation [18]: percentage of release (%) � TFC released from microcapsules TFC in microcapsules × 100%. (5) 2.11.Moisture Content.Te powder's moisture content was determined gravimetrically by heating 2 g of microcapsules at 105 °C until a constant weight had been achieved [19].
2.12.Characterization of Microcapsules.Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the morphology of C. caudatus K. extract and microcapsules at magnifcations ranging from 9,000 to 15,000x.Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was employed to identify functional groups in the samples within a wavelength range of 4000-400 cm −1 .Te size distribution of microcapsules was assessed using a particle size analyzer (PSA).
2.13.Data Analysis.Data analysis was conducted using SPSS v.26 software.Normality and homogeneity tests were performed on the samples.A one-way ANOVA was conducted with a 95% confdence level (alpha � 0.05).Post hoc Tukey's test was used to determine signifcant diferences, with p < 0.05 considered statistically signifcant [4].

Results and Discussion
3.1.Microencapsulation Process. Figure 1 shows the encapsulation efciency using three diferent coating materials.
From Figure 1, the EE values using GA and MD coatings only were 72.8% and 47.66%, respectively.Te main advantage of GA coating over MD is its ability to form a thick protective layer that shields the core compounds from environmental factors [20].Gum Arabic is a polysaccharide polymer consisting of three components: arabinogalactan protein, arabinogalactan, and glycoprotein, all of which can act as emulsifers [21].Te bond between polysaccharides and proteins efectively prevents the decline in favonoid levels by protecting the compounds due to the complex nature of polyphenols in proteins [22].However, MD can protect the core compound from oxidation and prevent the protective matrix from cracking, as MD lacks emulsifying properties and cannot be used to protect the base material [7].Te emulsifer properties play a crucial role in determining the viscosity and stability of microcapsules, infuencing their encapsulation efciency (EE).Maltodextrin, with a high saccharide content and low degree of polymerization, contributes to the low EE value [23].
Te encapsulation efciency of the MDGA coating material was shown to be highest at 79.67%.Te combination of GA and MD produces superior results due to their complementary properties, which are not present in a single layer.Te high viscosity of GA contributes to a high percentage of encapsulation efciency in the combined coating.Tis is attributed to GA branched structure with long chains, enabling the formation of a robust coating layer during the drying process.Additionally, the addition of MD enhances the encapsulation quality by preventing matrix cracking [24,25].Similar results were observed in the microencapsulation of red chili extract, where the combination of MD and GA exhibited a higher efciency value of 93.28% compared to a single-layer coating of MD or GA only [19].
Viscosity measurements were conducted as shown in Table 1, indicating that the GA layer exhibited a maximum viscosity of 30.8 cP, while MD had a low viscosity of 13.2 cP.Viscosity plays a crucial role in the emulsifcation properties 4 Te Scientifc World Journal of a layer, as viscosity can be adsorbed on the layer surface to protect droplets from focculation and coalescence [26].Low viscosity can result in inadequate protection of the core material, leading to less efective layers and the formation of larger droplets, which, in turn, reduces the surface area [27].However, high viscosity creates a strong protective layer that slows down the difusion rate of core compounds through the polymer membrane during drying, enhancing core material protection and ultimately increasing encapsulation efciency [28].

Characterization of Microcapsules with FTIR, SEM, and PSA.
Te FTIR spectroscopy is needed to gather information about the structure and chemical bond characteristics of each substance.Te FTIR spectra results determine the efectiveness of the coating in protecting the core material and identify the formation of functional groups in the microcapsules.Te analysis was conducted on three types of polymers, revealing characteristic bands as shown in Figure 2 and Table 2. Band 1 indicates the presence of hydrogen molecular bonds from both the coating and the core compound.Additionally, the presence of the OH group is attributed to carboxylic acid and residual water [29].Te characteristic bands for MD and GA production are observed in band 4, within the range of 1639-1737 cm −1 , indicating vibrations from asymmetric C�O stretching.Bands at 1540-1639 cm −1 (band 6) provide information about asymmetric COO stretching of the coating, while COO symmetry is indicated in the absorption band at 1400-1421 cm −1 .Bands below 1000 cm −1 suggest the presence of C-O-C bonds [19].Upon further examination of the three types of coatings in the spectrum related to hydroxyl O-H, it is apparent that each layer exhibits distinct absorption band values.Te spectrum indicates hydrogen bonds formed by the GA and MD layers reacting during the drying process [41].Absorption in C-O-C bonds provides insights into the characteristics of the bonds present in polysaccharides and core compounds.A comparison of the absorption in the extract reveals that the core material has been coated with a coating material.Te emergence of new absorptions from the three types of coatings will result in new spectra [42].Te microcapsules with three coatings (MD, GA, and MDGA) displayed similar absorption behavior, suggesting that all three coatings efectively preserved the chemical structure during freeze-drying.Tese fndings suggest that microcapsules with three diferent types of polymers can efectively protect the core material [19].
Te SEM analysis was used to examine the shape and surface of microcapsules for any cracks or fractures that could cause degradation and oxidation [43].Ideally, microcapsules should be uniform, spherical, and have a smooth surface [44].Te morphology of microcapsules in the three types of coatings varied, as shown in Figure 3. Te combination of GA and MD resulted in a more rounded shape with a smooth surface and distinct curves.Maltodextrin coating produced microcapsules resembling large, regular chunks with a smooth surface, while GA coating led to fat, irregular lumps with an uneven surface and depressions.Te absence of cracks or fragments on the microcapsules' surface indicated efective coating with one of the three types of coatings.Previous studies have shown that MD coating results in a smoother surface due to MD higher molecular weight, leading to a softer surface compared with other coatings [38].Te combined coating of MD and GA resulted in a wrinkled surface due to moisture loss during drying.Te hydrophilic nature of the coated core compound can cause the formation of irregular microcapsules that expand and stick together to form a flm [19].Freeze-drying was found to produce microcapsules with a shape resembling broken glass [42].Te chosen drying technique signifcantly infuenced the microencapsulation results.Finer and rounder particles were produced by spray drying, though surface cracks potentially resulted.Conversely, freeze-drying afected the morphology, producing uneven or dented surfaces and more hygroscopic powder due to the low temperature, increasing moisture content [19].Te water content in microcapsules with three diferent coatings is illustrated in Table 1.Higher moisture content was observed with the addition of gum Arabic, measured at 4.28 ± 0.35%, compared with maltodextrin at 2.14 ± 0.09%.Tis increase in water content with gum Arabic was attributed to its water-binding capacity within the coating carrier structure.Te hydroxyl groups of each coating bound water molecules, resulting in elevated water activity.Increased moisture content in the microcapsules was further contributed to by enhanced adsorption and the higher molecular weight of the coating carrier [45].A similar profle was observed in the microencapsulation of blackberry powder, where increased water content was shown by the MDGA coating compared with single maltodextrin coating [46].Higher water content with the addition of gum Arabic was due to its ability to bind water molecules through larger hydrogen bonds formed within the complex heteropolysaccharide structure.Additionally, protein concentration in gum Arabic was increased during the drying process, leading to aggregation during freezing [47].Consequently, higher water content was exhibited by the GA and MDGA coatings compared to MD, resulting in microcapsules with wrinkles and dents compared to the smooth surface observed with MD.
Characterization of PSA is important to ensure that the microcapsule size is within the range of 1 to 1000 µm.Results in Table 1 show the particle size distribution for the three Te Scientifc World Journal

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Te Scientifc World Journal types of coatings (MD, GA, and MDGA).Microcapsules with maltodextrin coating are larger compared to MDGA and GA coatings, potentially afecting the stability of microcapsule emulsions.Tis size diference is due to the droplet size and solution distribution process in the dispersed phase of the maltodextrin coating.A higher maltodextrin ratio results in larger droplet size, leading to decreased microcapsule stability.Te weak emulsifying properties of maltodextrin can be improved by incorporating GA, which contains proteins that stabilize emulsions and reduce droplet size, making the microcapsules smaller [48].Based on Figure 4, peaks are formed in the three types of microcapsules, indicating heterogeneous sizes.Strong peaks are observed in the range of 100-500 µm with intensities >60%, suggesting that the microcapsules are predominantly sized between 100 and 500 µm.
3.3.Alpha-Amylase Inhibition Assay.Table 3 presents the results of the alpha-amylase enzyme inhibitory activity test using microcapsules coated with diferent materials.Microcapsules showed IC 50 values of 66.50 ± 1.02, 70.27 ± 0.31, and 86.30 ± 1.06 μg/mL when coated with MDGA, GA, and MD, respectively.Te addition of GA resulted in a lower IC 50 value, indicating enhanced alpha-amylase inhibition compared to coatings without GA.Gum Arabic, a polysaccharide composed of arabinose and galactose sugars, is known for its efective inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes [49].Tis low molecular weight polysaccharide exhibits improved enzyme inhibition due to its structure and reduced transmembrane resistance [50].
In this study, the IC 50 values of nonmicroencapsulated favonoid samples and acarbose were calculated as 51.69 and 29.30 μg/mL, respectively.Te IC 50 value of nonmicroencapsulated samples was found to be similar to the inhibition value of favonoids in microcapsules.Te difference in inhibition values can be attributed to the function of acarbose, an oral medication for diabetes mellitus, which may have various side efects when consumed [15].Te decrease in the inhibitory efect of the alpha-amylase enzyme from microcapsules compared to nonencapsulated samples may be due to the slow release and retention of favonoid compounds in the encapsulation layer.Microencapsulation aims to control the release of compounds in the body rather than increasing inhibitory activity [15,51].4, where the highest antioxidant activity was observed in ascorbic acid and its extract, both recognized for their potent antioxidant properties.Te primary focus of coating materials was not to enhance antioxidant activity within the core material but to shield the core material from environmental factors.Te combination of MDGA coating was found to produce the best IC 50 results, which was attributable to the protective value of favonoid compounds within the microcapsules.Te high %EE value provided by the combination of coatings indicated enhanced protection for the core compounds.Te higher the protective value, the better the favonoid compounds were preserved within the microcapsules, leading to increased antioxidant activity in neutralizing free radicals and thus preventing damage to the body.
Te inclusion of GA enhanced the antioxidant activity of the extract due to its compounds that can combat free radicals and shield against oxidative damage.Te use of GA proves to be more advantageous than its absence [34].Te addition of GA enhances antioxidant activity by increasing viscosity and forming a more efective coating layer.Te polysaccharide and protein bonds in the GA layer provide better protection against the negative efects of the drying process, stabilizing physical and oxidative impacts to preserve microencapsulated favonoid compounds [35].Tis preservation process aims to improve the ability of favonoids in microcapsules to capture free radicals [39].Te IC 50 value profle of this study aligns with other research on microencapsulation of pink peppercorns using GA and MD coatings, showing a 31% increase in DPPH radical inhibition with GA, highlighting its enhanced antioxidant properties [19].Microencapsulation of eggplant skin with GA and MD layers also demonstrates increased inhibition with the addition of GA, ofering superior core material protection compared to a single MD coating due to the unique structure of the coating material wall [29].However, the resulting microcapsules were adversely impacted by excessively high Te Scientifc World Journal ) Assignment Extracts [30][31][32][33] GA [34][35][36][37] MD [38][39][40] GA microcapsules Te Scientifc World Journal viscosity, leading to suboptimal antioxidant activity.In this research, optimal protection for the core compounds was provided by employing combined layers, resulting in enhanced antioxidant activity compared with single layers.

3.5.
In Vitro Release Assay. Figure 5 demonstrates the release of microcapsules over 30 to 120 min at pH 2.2 and 7.4.In the MDGA coating, 2-8% of favonoids were released at pH 2.2, while at pH 7.4, the release ranged from 65 to 71%.For the GA coating, the release at pH 2.2 was 1-7% and at pH 7.4 was 69-77%.In the single MD coating, the release at pH 2.2 was 0.9-2% and at pH 7.4 was 18-46%.Te release profles in simulated gastric fuid (SGF) for GA and MD coatings show efective protection during the gastric phase.Combining the coating with freeze-drying techniques can enhance encapsulation efciency and improve protection against active compound release [52].Te maltodextrin coating limits favonoid release in the stomach at pH 2.2, while the gum Arabic coating allows faster release at pH 7.4, possibly due to interactions between the coating, active compound, and environment.Coating solubility infuences the disintegration of the coating material, afecting the release rate of microcapsules.Another study on microcapsules containing vitamin A found that GA exhibited faster release compared with MD or MDGA coatings [53].SEM analysis of the released images revealed the shapes of the three coatings (MDGA, GA, and MD) postrelease (Figure 6).Te maltodextrin coating formed microcapsules with a smooth surface at pH 2.2, indicating resistance to gastric digestion.However, the surface of MD microcapsules at pH 7.4 showed signs of degradation.Both MDGA and GA coatings exhibited surface degradation at pH 2.2, while cracks in GA and MDGA coatings led to core compound release at pH 7.4.Te presence of favonoids in the intestinal environment compromised the stability of the coatings, resulting in increased release.Tis highlights the protective efcacy of GA or MDGA coatings for favonoids, especially during the gastric phase.
Gum Arabic has a protein structure with fewer polar hydroxyl groups, providing protection against acids [54].MD ofers better stability for polyphenolic compounds than GA [55].Te prolonged-release efect is due to bioactive difusion and swelling of the coating material, enhancing protection during the gastric phase [19].Te properties of Te Scientifc World Journal the coating material, such as solubility, signifcantly impact the release environment, afecting the release rate from microcapsules [56].Maltodextrin coating provides better protection in the intestine, while MDGA is more efective in the gastric phase.Microencapsulation aims to protect favonoids from degradation in the gastric phase, ensuring intact delivery to the intestine.Coating composition can infuence the damage to the coating material under gastrointestinal conditions [19].In this study, the stability and protection of core compounds were more efectively infuenced in the acidic phase, such as in the stomach, by the inclusion of GA.Meanwhile, superior protection for core compounds in the intestines was provided by MD coating compared with GA or MDGA coatings.Te Scientifc World Journal

Conclusion
Flavonoid compounds in C. caudatus K. were efectively protected using microencapsulation with gum Arabic, maltodextrin, and a combination of gum Arabic and maltodextrin.Optimal protection was achieved with the combined coating, yielding the highest encapsulation efciency (79.67%).FTIR analysis showed that all three microcapsules produced new peaks resembling the absorption spectra of the coatings, indicating efective protection of the core compounds.Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that uniform, smooth-surfaced microcapsules resulted from maltodextrin coating, while the addition of gum Arabic caused a dented surface due to moisture loss during drying.PSA results showed an average microcapsule diameter of 152-167 µm.Biological activity as alpha-amylase inhibitors and antioxidants was maintained by the MDGA-coated microcapsules, with IC 50 values of 66.50 and 129.68 µg/ mL, respectively.In the release test, better protection in the stomach phase (pH 2.

Figure 1 :
Figure 1: Encapsulation efciency percent value.Te diferent notations a, b, and c indicate a signifcant diference at the α � 0.05 level.

3. 4 .
Antioxidant Activity Assay.Flavonoid compounds found in C. caudatus K. extract act as inhibitors of the alphaamylase enzyme and antioxidants.Tis study investigated the infuence of polymers such as GA and MD on the antioxidant activity of freeze-dried microcapsules.Table 4 presents the antioxidant activity assessed by the IC 50 value.Te IC 50 values for microcapsules containing MDGA, GA, and MD were 129.68 μg/mL, 134.54 μg/mL, and 140.67 μg/ mL, respectively, indicating a moderate antioxidant activity level (100-150 ppm).Superior antioxidant activity was indicated by lower IC 50 values.Te antioxidant activity values are shown in Table

Figure 2 :
Figure 2: FTIR spectra of C. caudatus K. extract, coating materials (MD and GA), and microcapsules prepared in diferent coating materials.
2) was provided by gum Arabic coating, while more efective protection in the intestinal phase (pH 7.4) was shown by maltodextrin coating.Te research highlighted the importance of selecting the right coating material for microencapsulation to preserve core compounds in plant extracts susceptible to environmental degradation.Te combination of maltodextrin and gum Arabic achieved a better efect than a single coating.However, this study only compared polysaccharide polymers, indicating that other coating materials and drying techniques beyond freeze-drying should be explored in future research to achieve optimal microcapsules.

Table 1 :
Viscosity, moisture content, and particle size distribution of microcapsules prepared in diferent coating materials.

Table 3 :
IC 50 value of C. caudatus K. ethanol extract, microcapsules prepared with diferent coating materials, and acarbose on the inhibition of alpha-amylase activity.

Table 4 :
IC 50 value of C. caudatus K. ethanol extract, microcapsules prepared with diferent coating materials, and ascorbic acid of antioxidant activity assay.Te diferent notations a, b, c, d, and e indicate signifcant diferences at the α � 0.05 level.