Microencapsulation of Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) DC . extract using spray drying: Effects of wall materials on physicochemical characteristics and biological activities of the microcapsules

Abstract

Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) is a common medicinal herb distributed in Asian countries and has been reported to possess significant antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. In this study, ethanolic extract from this plant was encapsulated by spray drying using resistant maltodextrin and its blends with gum Arabic, α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, and γ-cyclodextrin coating materials. The physical characteristics, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, and phenolic release kinetics of the obtained microcapsules were evaluated. All coating formulations used for spray drying resulted in spherical microcapsules with high encapsulation efficiency and water solubility index. The single use of resistant maltodextrin showed the greatest release of phenolic compounds from microcapsules as well as antioxidant and antidiabetic capacities compared to the other blending formulations. Thus, resistant maltodextrin is suggested to be used as the coating agent to produce encapsulated powder containing Syzygium zeylanicum L extract which will be further supplemented into food and pharmaceutical products. Novelty impact statement Bioactive ingredients extracted from Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) were successfully encapsulated with resistant maltodextrin by spray drying for the first time. The obtained phenolic-rich microcapsules with high water solubility index and significant antioxidant and antidiabetic activities may be applied as a functional supplement for foods and pharmaceutical products.