This study aimed to manufacture double coated calcium powder by applying microencapsulation and fluidized bed coating technologies and to evaluate its applicability as an acid resistant calcium material. Maltodextrin and β-cyclodextrin were added at ...
This study aimed to manufacture double coated calcium powder by applying microencapsulation and fluidized bed coating technologies and to evaluate its applicability as an acid resistant calcium material. Maltodextrin and β-cyclodextrin were added at concentrations of 10% each, followed by spray drying, and the resulting powder was coated with Alkapro and HPMCP at a concentration of 4% using a fluidized bed coating process. The quality characteristics of the double coated calcium powder showed that all samples maintained moisture contents below 5%, indicating stable powder characteristics. Fluidized bed coating decreased the L value, bulk density, tapped density, and angle of repose, resulting in improved powder flowability. Particle size increased after microencapsulation and coating due to the formation of coating layers. The water absorption index was higher in Alkapro-coated samples, whereas the water solubility index was higher in HPMCP-coated samples. DSC analysis showed higher enthalpy values in Alkapro-coated samples, indicating improved thermal properties. In addition, hygroscopicity increased over time in all samples, and Alkapro-coated samples showed relatively higher moisture absorption. The acid resistance test showed that bioavailability remained high after microencapsulation and coating, ranging from 37.43% to 39.20%. Alkapro-coated samples showed calcium release values ranging from 4.54% to 5.12%, and HPMCP-coated samples showed values ranging from 4.52% to 5.28% at pH 2.0 and pH 4.0, indicating effective suppression of calcium release under acidic conditions due to the coating layer. Calcium release increased at pH 7.0 due to coating layer disintegration, showing pH dependent release behavior. Alkapro exhibited acid resistance and release characteristics comparable to HPMCP. Morphological analysis using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the formation of coating layers on the surface of calcium particles. The formation of coating layers resulted in an increase in particle size, and the coated layer was considered to provide acid resistance by suppressing calcium release under acidic conditions. Therefore, the double coated calcium powder exhibited improved physical stability and pH dependent release behavior, suggesting its potential application as a functional calcium material with acid resistant properties.