Encapsulation of Lemongrass Extract (Cymbopogon citratus) Coated Alginate/Chitosan Using Gelation Method

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a medicinal plant with various biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. This study aimed to encapsulate lemongrass bioactive in alginate/chitosan complex by enhancing the properties of CaCl2 crosslinked incorporated tween 80 ionic gelation method. The hydrogel was prepared mixing alginate solution (2% w/v) chitosan (1% ratio (1:1 v/v). Tween v/v) added dissolution enhancer crosslinker agent. formulation varying concentration (0.1M 0.3M) extract 12%). Encapsulation alginate-chitosan beads characterized determine encapsulation efficiency, swelling study, morphology, functional groups, release study. results showed that efficiency ranged from 74.81% 83.07%. increased addition concentration. 27.29 37.81, it will decrease Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis shows polyhedral shape, porous, rough surface which indicates trapped on beads. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) show new peaks at 1734 cm-1 carbonyl stretch vibrations ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, indicating extract. Bioactive loaded successfully released much 87.12% pH 6.8. suggested strong potential an encapsulating agent for using method, has drug delivery system.Keywords: encapsulation; lemongrass; alginate; chitosan;