Effect of processing parameters on preparation of carrageenan aerogel microparticles

Abstract

The aim of this work is to produce aerogel microparticles using a biocompatible polymer. Commercial available carrageenan suitable for gelation was used as a precursor for gel preparation. Microspherical carrageenan gel particles were obtained by applying emulsion technology. The gel was converted to an aerogel using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction process. Several process parameters were investigated for their effect on the final properties of the produced aerogel. The produced aerogel particles were characterized for their textural properties using gas sorption analysis. For complete understanding the following characterization techniques were employed: FTIR, PXD, TGA, SEM, Zeta sizer, particles density and particle size distribution. In conclusion, biodegradable aerogel micro-spherical particles based on three different commercial available carrageenan were produced. Depending on the process parameters the surface area of the produced aerogel ranged between 33 and 174m²/g, the average pore volume and pore sized were 0.35±0.11cm³/g and 12.34±3.24 respectively. The produced porous material shows potential characteristic for drug delivery application.

Keywords: Carrageenan aerogel; Microparticles; Supercritical CO(2)-extraction.