Development of Core-Shell Alginate-Gelatin Capsules for Stabilization of Kratom Alkaloids via Coaxial Electrospray

Chutatip Tongped, Apisittipong Srinusud, Lida Simasatitkul, Samitthichai Seeyangnok, Nisalak Trongsiriwat, Itthipol Sungwienwong

Abstract

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) contains bioactive alkaloids, particularly mitragynine, which exhibit poor aqueous solubility and instability under light and thermal conditions, limiting their practical applications. This study presents a process-oriented approach for stabilizing kratom extract via core–shell encapsulation using a coaxial electrospray technique. Gelatin and sodium alginate were employed as core and shell materials, respectively. The effects of sodium alginate concentration (1.0–2.0 % w/v) and applied voltage (0–2,500 V) on capsule morphology and size distribution were systematically investigated. Optimal conditions (2.0 % w/v alginate, 1,500 V) yielded uniform spherical capsules with an average diameter of 4.29 ± 0.07 mm. Structural characterization using FT-IR confirmed successful encapsulation, while UV–Vis and GC–MS analyses verified the presence and quantified the content of mitragynine. Stability studies demonstrated that capsules maintained structural integrity under neutral pH and varied temperature conditions over 14 days. Cytotoxicity evaluation using Vero cells indicated high cell viability (> 80 %), confirming biocompatibility. The results highlight the feasibility of coaxial electrospray as a scalable and controllable encapsulation process for bioactive compounds in food and pharmaceutical engineering applications.

Keywords

References

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DOI: 10.14416/j.asep.2026.08.005

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