However, oil encapsulation using the gel-bead system still has
its distinct advantages. For example, its high process yield could
be an advantage for encapsulating expensive oil. Also, the process
could preserve volatile or easily oxidized compounds because the
encapsulation process is normally carried out at room temperature
without the use of air. The subsequent drying process can then
be customized to avoid product loss or degradation. Other advantages
of the process include the possibility of producing highly
concentrated oil powders or beads or of controlling the release
of oil because Ca-alginate hydrogel is a well known material for
controlled-delivery applications. The wet Ca-alginate beads can
also be easily coated with biopolymers, such as chitosan, alginate
and pectin, under gentle conditions to create single or multiple
shells. These flexibilities open up many opportunities for the development
of new products.