Microparticles of poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) loaded with andiroba oil: Preparation and characterization

Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), a biodegradable polyester, was used in the preparation of polymeric microparticles containing andiroba oil. Andiroba oil, extracted from the seeds of Carapa guianensis, has insecticide and medicinal properties. Microparticles of PHBV were prepared using o/w simple emulsion followed by solvent evaporation. The properties of these microparticles, such as encapsulation efficiency, and morphological aspects were investigated. Several characterization techniques were used: FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA-DTA, SEM, and particle-size analysis. The efficiency of encapsulation of andiroba oil was determined by UV-spectroscopy. The results confirmed that PHBV microspheres containing andiroba oil were obtained. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.