Encapsulation of BSA/alginate water–in–water emulsions by polyelectrolyte complexation

Water-in-Water (W/W) emulsions were prepared in aqueous mixtures of an anionic polyelectrolyte (sodium alginate, NaAlg), with a globular protein (bovine serum albumin, BSA). This combination showed phase separation at two different intervals pH, and their behavior was studied. BSA-in-alginate obtained dropped into Ca2+, Fe3+ or chitosan solutions, forming capsules diameters around 2–4 mm, by ionic complexation sodium located the continuous emulsions. The results strong dependence on cation polycation. Capsules Ca2+ not robust collapsed during freeze-drying, while induced gelation interior capsules, even short (5 min) contact time. Better when encapsulating applying longer immersion times. In these liquid contained well-preserved droplets, identical to initial before encapsulating. Freeze-dried spherical alginate/Fe3+ alginate/chitosan shells had smooth surfaces, highly porous interior, templated presence W/W emulsion droplets.