Optimization of fluidized bed agglomeration process of a pineapple powder mixture using a binder solution of ginger extract and vitamin C

Abstract

The aim of this research was to optimize fluidized bed agglomeration process of a pineapple powder mixture using a binder solution of ginger extract and vitamin C. The process was evaluated using a central composite design and analyzed using the response surface methodology. The independent variables were considered: fluidization air inlet temperature (50–70 °C), process time (30–50 min), and atomization pressure of binder solution (1–2 bar). The experimental optimization of multiple responses (desirability 74%) defined the independent variables as fluidization air inlet temperature 70 °C, process time 43.7 min, and atomization pressure of binder solution 1.3 bar. The dependent variables were: moisture (4.7 ± 0.1%), solubility (80.2 ± 2.2%), hygroscopicity (20.3 ± 1.8%), wettability (17.8 ± 0.6 s), Carr Index (10.7 ± 1.9%), Hausner ratio (1.12 ± 0.02), total polyphenols (310.1 ± 4.3 mg GAE/100gdb), total flavonoids (202.9 ± 7,2 mg QE/100gdb), ABTS (198.8 ± 12.1 mg TE/100gdb), DPPH (239.25 ± 9,0 mg TE/100gdb), vitamin C (179.2 ± 4.3 mg AA/100gdb) and β-carotene (544.4 ± 8.9 μg/100gdb). The agglomerated pineapple powder mixture presented better flow and instantaneous properties than the pineapple powder mixture obtained by spray drying. In addition, the product retains levels of active components that guarantee an important source of antioxidants.