Microencapsulation of natural products using spray drying; an overview.

Aims: This study examines microencapsulation as a method to enhance the stability of natural compounds, which typically suffer from inherent instability under environmental conditions, aiming to extend their application in the pharmaceutical industry.

Methods: We explore and compare various microencapsulation techniques, including spray drying, freeze drying, and coacervation, with a focus on spray drying due to its noted advantages.

Results: The analysis reveals that microencapsulation, especially via spray drying, significantly improves natural compounds' stability, offering varied morphologies, sizes, and efficiencies in encapsulation. These advancements facilitate controlled release, taste modification, protection from degradation, and extended shelf life of pharmaceutical products.

Conclusion: Microencapsulation, particularly through spray drying, presents a viable solution to the instability of natural compounds, broadening their application in pharmaceuticals by enhancing protection and shelf life.