Host–guest stoichiometry affects the physicochemical properties of beta-cyclodextrin/ferulic acid inclusion complexes and films

An inclusion system of embedding ferulic acid into β-cyclodextrin (FACD) with different host–guest stoichiometries was prepared by a co-precipitation method. Then, the physicochemical properties and release kinetics of the FACD were evaluated. The results of thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) proved the successful embedding of FA into the β-cyclodextrin matrix. Four mathematical models were applied to adjust the ferulic acid release profile and identify preferential kinetics. The results of physicochemical properties confirmed the successful formation of the complexes. The loading capacity (LC) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the inclusion complex (1 : 0.5) were 41.0 ± 3.28 mg g−1 and 52.1 ± 2.31%, respectively, which were significantly higher than other molar ratios. The release behaviour revealed that loaded FA molecules under various host–guest stoichiometries obey different release models. While lower host–guest stoichiometry (1 : 0.5) provided desirable EE, the moderate host–guest stoichiometry (1 : 1) exhibited faster release behaviour. The FACD inclusion complex could be a promising bioactive material for food preservation.