Encapsulation of antioxidants extracted from turmeric (Cúrcuma longa L) by the electrospinning method

Abstract

Antioxidant compounds (curcuminoids)
extracted from Curcuma longa L. were
encapsulated by electrospinning, using
aluminum foil and glass slides as collectors.
Curcuminoids were extracted with ethanol
and incorporated into two emulsions: a 10%
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) emulsion with
curcumin (E1), and a 10% PVA emulsion with
curcumin and 2% glacial acetic acid (GAA)
(E2). Scanning electron microscopy revealed
that the E1 emulsion microfibers exhibited
better encapsulation and smaller diameters
(0.485 μm) compared to those made with the
E2 emulsion (0.897 μm), which showed
structural defects. Confocal microscopy
analysis confirmed the fluorescence of E1
microfibers at 405, 488, and 561 nm,
indicating a homogeneous distribution of
curcumin and improved encapsulation of
antioxidants. The antioxidant activity of the E1
microfibers showed a 50% reduction in
peroxide formation compared to traditional
packaging. These findings contribute to the
development of active packaging based on
natural antioxidant compounds as an
alternative to conventional materials.