Delivery system of vitamin E using isolated lentil protein and lactoferrin as wall material through complex coacervation process
α-Tocopherol; Encapsulation; Coacervates; Edible films.
Vitamin E is a liposoluble bioactive compound with well-recognized antioxidant activity, acting in the neutralization of free radicals and in the interruption of lipid peroxidation, a process associated with the development of several diseases and with food deterioration. Despite its functional relevance, its instability under environmental and physiological conditions limits its direct application in food systems, making microencapsulation a promising strategy for its protection and controlled release. In this context, this study aimed to microencapsulate vitamin E by complex coacervation using lentil protein isolate (LPI) and lactoferrin (Lf) as wall materials, as well as to apply these microcapsules in the development of pectin-based edible films, aiming at sustainable packaging. The formation of LPI:Lf complexes was investigated through phase diagram analysis, zeta potential, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), electrophoresis, and rheological analyses. The films were characterized in terms of their physicochemical, mechanical, structural, barrier, and functional properties. The incorporation of 0.05%, 0.10%, and 0.20% of vitamin E microcapsules resulted in films with high water solubility and antioxidant activity, especially those containing crosslinked microcapsules. The presence of tannic acid reduced the tensile strength without compromising film flexibility, indicating an adequate balance between mechanical performance and functionality. The results demonstrate that vitamin E microencapsulation by LPI:Lf complex coacervation, combined with tannic acid crosslinking, is an efficient strategy to increase the bioaccessibility of the bioactive compound and enable its application in edible films.