Abstract Microencapsulation was performed by complex coacervation of fig’s extracts in three stages of maturity, using two complexes: isolated soy protein with arabic gum (ISP / AG) and gelatin with arabic gum (G / AG) as wall material. The stability of the capsules was evaluated in terms of the presence of phenolic compounds, the antioxidant activity using the techniques by ABTS and hemolysis bioassay. In addition, we obtained the yield percentage and morphology of the microcapsules. The yield was higher in the G/AG complex, with values greater than 60 %. This complex also has a better pearl formation according to its morphology. Both complexes (G/ AG. ISP/AG and G/AG) have stability in terms of antioxidant capacity; therefore, the complex coacervation process is a technique capable to retain phenolic compounds present in fig.

Resumen Se realizó la microencapsulación por coacervación compleja de extractos de higo en tres etapas de madurez, utilizando dos complejos: Proteína de Soya Aislada con Goma Arábiga (SPI/GA) y Gelatina con Goma Arábiga (G/GA) como material de pared. La estabilidad de las cápsulas se evalúo en términos de la presencia de compuestos fenólicos, la actividad antioxidante mediante las técnicas de ABTS y bioensayo de hemólisis. El rendimiento fue mayor en el complejo de G/GA, con valores superiores al 60 %. Este complejo también logró una mejor formación de perlas de acuerdo a su morfología. Ambos complejos (SPI/GA y G/GA) mostraron estabilidad en términos de capacidad antioxidante, por lo tanto, el proceso de coacervación compleja es una técnica capaz de retener los compuestos fenólicos presentes en el higo.

Abstract Fish consumption has increased in recent years. However, fish meat is highly perishable, which demonstrates the need for technologies to preserve its quality. Edible coatings (EC) might provide an alternative to extend the shelf life of fish. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of EC of chitosan (C) in combination with carvacrol (CAR) on the physical and microbiological changes of tilapia fillets. Fillets were submerged for two minutes in different treatments (T1: control; T2: C 2%; T3: C 2% + 0.125% CAR; T 4: C 2% + 0.25% CAR). At the end of storage, T1 and T2 showed the lowest values of total volatile bases (TVB). The color parameters L*, a* and b* varied from each treatment. The texture decreased and the different treatments reduced the microbial population in relation to the control; T3 and T4 were the most effective. These results show that the use of C with CAR might be an alternative method to preserve the quality and safety of tilapia fillets.