(Figs. 2 and 3) indicated high agglomeration,
leading to a loss of spherical shape and producing a variety of sizes
regardless of the treatments.
However, at a higher magnification (1000), some fragments
were detected, with slightly more spherical shape, besides the
presence of microorganisms.
Veelken and Pape (1984) have reported that the sharp dehydration
of freeze-dried polysaccharide gels may contribute to the
formation of a porous matrix, similar to a sponge. In freeze drying
process, the microcapsules are subjected to low temperatures,
leading to the formation of ice crystals and ice crystal sublimation
under reduced pressure, resulting in a porous dry product (Dolly,
Anishaparvin, Joseph, & Anandharamakrishnan, 2011).
3.2. Mean diameter and size distribution of the microparticles