These microsystems may contain a large variety of substances, active principles or microorganisms of industrial interest; additionally, internal ionic gelation is a simple, fast and low cost technique that also allows for the use of natural and inert ∗ Corresponding author. Tel.: +52 55 57473800x4364; fax: +52 55 57473315. E-mail address: jsalazar@cinvestav.mx (J.A. Salazar-Montoya). Polysaccharides as the core material (Ibarguren, Grosso, Apella, & Audisio, 2012).