Microencapsulation of Natural Pigments

The plants parts (flowers, fruits, and leaves), animals, and microorganisms appear in different colors due to the presence of different pigments. These colors are mainly occurred owing to the presence of different coloring compounds such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, anthocyanins, etc. The natural pigments are used as a colorant in food, pharma, and textile industry. Many of these pigments possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These colorants have been also accounted for many pharmacological properties as used for curing of cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). These pigments are vulnerable to degrade in the presence of high temperature, sunlight, and oxygen, which affect the utilization of these pigments in processed product. The microencapsulation is the technique where bioactive constituents are enclosed in the carrier material to extend its stability. The various techniques like freeze drying, spray drying, extrusion, emulsification, etc., may be used for microencapsulation of pigments. The encapsulation gives better stability of active components against sunlight, oxidation, and temperature.