Comparative analysis of bio-polymers addition on structural and physical properties of spray dried beetroot juice concentrate

Abstract

Present work investigated the comparative effect of adding biopolymers [maltodextrin (MD), gum Arabic (GA), and whey protein concentrate (WPC)] as drying carriers on physical and structural properties of spray dried beetroot juice concentrate (BJC). Powder yield, hygroscopicity, bulk density, a* value, morphology, crystallography, and glass transition temperature (Tg) were studied as responses. The highest product yield of 77.46% was obtained from whey protein concentrate. The bulk density of the powders were decreased significantly (p ˂.05) with WPC < GA < MD as drying carrier. A higher value of betalain content was obtained with WPC (249.41 mg/100 g d.m) as compared to the MD and GA as the drying carrier. Powder sample with WPC as drying carrier possessed a higher value of hygroscopicity. Inversely, WPC kept better retention of redness (47.32) during drying of BJC concerning its encapsulation of pigments. The morphological analysis displayed the formation of spherical powder particles with MD and GA whereas and irregular structure (without cracks or disruptions) was seen with the addition of WPC. Practical applications Characterization of engineered powders after optimization is essential to select appropriate method and machine, optimize processes, functionality, and the formulation. Hence, characterized powders articulated with beetroot (Beta vulgaris) juice concentrate will be helpful in the attainment of a product, which will be containing all functional health benefits that are associated with this vegetable. In addition, studied physical parameters of powders will help in preserving the powder particle state during transportation. Additionally, among drying carrier viz. MD, GA, and WPC, microencapsulation with WPC comes out with better values for product recovery, which will prove its commercial viability in industrial space. Moreover, apart from using traditional drying carrier i.e. MD and GA, using WPC as drying carrier may exploit cause fully the dairy waste-whey.