Royal jelly encapsulation in asafoetida gum modified vaterite structures for controlled delivery in salivary conditions

This research introduces a biocompatible oral delivery system based on edible, flower like vaterite (CaCO₃) microparticles, engineered for royal jelly (RJ) encapsulation and controlled release. The microparticles were fabricated under gentle aqueous conditions to preserve porosity and bioactivity. RJ loading was accomplished via low temperature vacuum assisted infusion, followed by the stepwise assembly of asafoetida gum (AG) and gelatin as internal and external coating layers, respectively. A final crosslinking step using genipin further reinforced structural durability. Microscopic analysis verified the microspheres’ dandelion like texture and consistent polymer layering. Thermoanalytical (DSC) and spectroscopic (FTIR) evaluations confirmed the physical entrapment of RJ within both the mineral matrix and polymeric shells, with no detectable chemical alteration. The modified particles achieved encapsulation efficiencies as high as 88 %, outperforming the uncoated cores. In vitro release assessments in simulated oral and digestive environments revealed that AG and gelatin coatings effectively minimized the initial release burst and enabled a prolonged, diffusion governed release profile, aligned with the Korsmeyer Peppas kinetic model. Moreover, the functionalized carriers retained antioxidant capacity and microbial integrity throughout storage, supporting their utility as a stable platform for sensitive nutraceuticals. This study validates the potential of natural polymer modified mineral carriers as a novel approach for the oral administration of bioactives like royal jelly in food or pharmaceutical matrices. • CaCO₃ vaterite microspheres with dandelion like morphology were synthesized as carriers for royal jelly. • Sequential coating with asafoetida gum (AG) and gelatin produced uniform multilayer microspheres with enhanced structural stability. • Encapsulation efficiency of royal jelly significantly improved in multilayer coated systems compared to uncoated microspheres. • Multilayer microspheres exhibited pH responsive release, protecting RJ in gastric conditions and enabling controlled intestinal delivery. • The developed system preserved antioxidant activity and microbial stability of royal jelly, demonstrating strong potential for functional food and oral delivery applications.