Encapsulation of Zataria multiflora essential oil in electrosprayed zein microcapsules: Characterization and antimicrobial properties

This research was carried out to make zein microcapsules containing Zataria multiflora essential oil (Z. multiflora EO) by the electrospraying method to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the microcapsules on Z. tritici and F. graminearum fungi, as well as X. translucens and R. tritici bacteria. To achieve this aim, Z. multiflora EO was encapsulated at different concentrations (0, 5,10%, and 15% v/v) in electrosprayed zein microcapsules and the characteristics of the electrosprayed zein microcapsules were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Porosity and specific surface values were measured by the BET method. Then, the amount of loaded Z. multiflora EO was determined for efficiency. The antifungal and antibacterial activities of the electrosprayed zein microcapsules were measured using the agar well diffusion method. The results of SEM showed that the morphology of the electrosprayed zein microcapsule was influenced by the concentration of Z. multiflora EO (p