Oregano essential oil (EO) enteric release powder was formulated by spray drying feed emulsions stabilized with polysaccharides (PSC) and Eudragit^® L100 (PLM). Different modified starches were used in the PSC component. Spray-dried powders were evaluated for particle size and morphology, dynamic packing, flowability, chemical interactions, reconstitution, and gastric protection. Feed emulsions were stable, indicating the good emulsification ability of the PLM/PSC combination. The presence of polymer in the encapsulating wall neutralized electrostatic charges indicating physical attraction, and FTIR spectra showed peaks of both PLM and PSC without significant shifting. Furthermore, the presence of polymer influenced spray drying, resulting in the elimination of surface cavities and the improvement of powder packing and flowability, which was best when the surface-active, low-viscosity sodium octenyl succinate starch was used (angle of repose 42°). When a PLM/PSC ratio of 80/20 was used in the encapsulating wall, the spray-dried product showed negligible re-emulsification and less than 15% release in pH 1.2 medium for 2 h, confirming gastric protection, whereas at pH 6.8, it provided complete re-emulsification and release. In conclusion, (1) polymer-PSC physical interaction promoted the formation of a smoother particle surface and product with improved technological properties, which is important for further processing, and (2) the gastro protective function of Eudragit^® L100 was not impaired due to the absence of significant chemical interactions.

Keywords: electrostatics; emulsion reconstitution; methacrylate polymer; microencapsulation; oral delivery; oregano essential oil; powder flow.