Microencapsulation Process Research Articles

Fermentation and Microencapsulation of Red Palm Oil as a Nutraceutical Source

Red palm oil (RPO) has various bioactive and nutritional components with high potential to be developed as a source of nutraceuticals in addition to its potential as a functional food. The fermentation technology is a processing process that affects metabolite activity, increasing the durability of a product. Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of the bacteria that is generally used in the sugar and oil fermentation process. RPO fermentation by Staphylococcus epidermidis is supposed to increase nutraceutical value by adding probiotic properties to RPO products. Moreover, the instability of bioactive compounds in RPO needs to be protected with coating technology microencapsulation. So, this study aims to formulate a microencapsulation procedure for fermented RPO using Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 as a potential nutraceutical. RPO was fermented using S. epidermidis with three variations of MRS media and RPO comparison, then microencapsulated using emulsification and extrusion methods. The physicochemical properties and bioactivity of the product, microcapsule, were then analyzed. Our data shows that RPO fermentation was able to increase the chemical components. RPO fermentation produced more 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid (2-Ethylhexyl) ester. Furthermore, microencapsulation of fermented RPO has better yield, efficiency, and solubility in water than non-fermented RPO microencapsulation. Moreover, our work also shows that the microencapsulation process increased RPO stability.

Extrusion and Co-extrusion: A Technology in Probiotic Encapsulation with Alternative Materials.

Encapsulation, in particular extrusion and co-extrusion, is a common practice to protect probiotics from the harsh conditions of the digestive tract as well as processing. Hydrocolloids, including proteins and carbohydrates, natural or modified, are a group of ingredients used as the wall material in extrusion. Hydrocolloids, due to their specific properties, can significantly improve the probiotic survivability of the final powder during the microencapsulation process and storage. The present article will discuss the different kinds of hydrocolloids used for microencapsulation of probiotics by extrusion and co-extrusion, along with new sources of novel gums and their potential as wall material.

Osteopontin associated Bifidobacterium bifidum microencapsulation modulates infant fecal fermentation and gut microbiota development

Probiotic supplementation is an effective method for improving infant gut health, and probiotic encapsulation can enhance probiotic viability under adverse environmental conditions while ensuring an adequate amount of probiotic is delivered to the target site to confer a health benefit for the host. In this study, Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 was microencapsulated using pectin or alginate, combined bovine milk osteopontin (OPN) as an excipient during the microencapsulation process. The microencapsulated probiotics were subjected to in vitro simulated infant gastrointestinal digestion and a fecal fermentation model to assess survival capacity and their impact on gas and organic acid production, as well as the development of gut microbiota. The results demonstrated that microencapsulation in the presence of osteopontin increased simulated gastrointestinal survival. During infant fecal fermentation, a significant increase in total gas production (5.5–9.1 mL) was observed for the microencapsulated probiotic with even higher level of gas production observed for osteopontin associated microencapsulated probiotic during the late stage of fermentation (8–24 h). Infant fecal fermentation of the microencapsulated probiotic also produced substantial amounts of acetate (8–17 mM) and lactate (12–35 mM), along with minor amounts of succinate (1–2 mM) and propionate (0.5–2 mM). A positive correlation was observed between metabolite production and the number of viable B. bifidum R0071 entering colon fermentation, which significantly increased with the use of OPN in the microencapsulation process. The osteopontin associated microencapsulated probiotic also significantly elevated the relative abundance of Veillonella, which, along with Bifidobacterium, influenced gas and metabolite production. Overall, our findings demonstrate that incorporating OPN as an excipient in the microencapsulation of Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 enhances probiotic viability and positively influences the development of infant gut microbiota, highlighting its potential application in promoting infant health.

Microencapsulated carotenoids from orange sweet potato: Degradation kinetics and physicochemical properties

AbstractThe use of natural pigments in the food industry has increased due to their health benefits. Carotenoids are natural pigments that carry the disadvantage of sensitivity to temperature, light and the presence of enzymes and oxygen. Microencapsulation technology is widely used to protect these compounds against degradation, preserving their physicochemical characteristics. The research objective was to obtain the kinetics of carotenoid degradation of a microencapsulated extract of orange‐fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) and to establish its physicochemical properties. The sweet potato extract was obtained using ultrasound and then microencapsulated by spray drying using maltodextrin as the wall material. The microencapsulate obtained was subjected to degradation kinetics at 30, 40 and 50°C. Carotenoid quantification analysis, colour, rehydration properties, antioxidant capacity, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and RAMAN spectroscopy and microstructural characterisation were performed on the microencapsulated carotenoids. From the kinetic analysis, the activation energy of the sweet potato extract was 16.31 kJ/mol while that of the microencapsulated sweet potato extract was 10.27 kJ/mol. Thus, it can be concluded that the microencapsulation process improved the stability of carotenoids subjected to thermal conditions. FTIR and RAMAN spectra confirmed the microencapsulation of the carotenoids. The microencapsulated powder showed a hygroscopicity of 0.22 g/100 g, wettability of 49 s and high solubility. The results obtained in the kinetics are a useful tool to predict losses during the process of heating the carotenoids from sweet potato, thus allowing improvement and selection of the products to which this powder can be applied, in either thermal or cold processes.

Microencapsulation of a Flaxseed and Avocado Oil Blend: Influence of Octenyl Succinic Anhydride (OSA)-Modified Starch and Rice and Pea Proteins on Powder Characterization and Oxidative Stability

This work investigated the influence of the OSA-modified starch, pea protein, and rice protein combination in the microencapsulation process of a blend of avocado and flaxseed oil (25–75%, w/w) by freeze-drying, focusing on emulsions and powders characteristics and oxidative stability. Four different ratios between the mixture of vegetable proteins (1:1) and the OSA-modified starch were analyzed, using a fixed ratio between the oils blend and the combined encapsulant agents of 1:3. Based on the creaming index, the separation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases was not observed. The results demonstrated a tendency to increase the droplet mean diameter with increased protein content (4.71–19.36 μm). An increase in the encapsulation efficiency was verified with the increase in the OSA-modified starch content (51.33–60.32%). Powders presented low moisture content and hygroscopicity, and an oxidative induction time value varying from 0.86 to 1.18 h. The increase in the vegetable protein content increased the powders’ oxidative stability, which could be associated with the antioxidant capacity of rice and pea proteins.

Physical, functional and bioactive properties of microencapsulated powders from banana pseudostem and inflorescence extracts

Application of agricultural by-products in the functional food and beverage industry is currently gaining prominence. Banana (Musa spp) is a popular tropical fruit with global production of 124.97 million tonnes. The banana production industry contributes to large amount of solid waste/ banana by-products, such as, pseudostem and inflorescence. Palayankodan (Musa × paradisiaca Mysore AAB group), Nendran (Musa × paradisiaca AAB group) and Njalipoovan (Musa × paradisiaca AB group) are three popular and common cultivars in Kerala, a state in South India. The present study was aimed to extract the potential bioactive compounds from the pseudostem and inflorescence of the above-mentioned cultivars and to standardise the process of microencapsulation using spray drying. Ultrasonication assisted extraction using ethanol as solvent was carried out. The extract and wall material parameters were standardised for microencapsulation. The encapsulated powders were analysed for encapsulation yield, retention efficiency, physical properties, phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential and anti-diabetic activity. The encapsulation yields and retention efficiencies of the encapsulated powders were found to be approximately 75 and 70.51%, respectively. Results revealed that the powders exhibited lower bulk density, good solubility and reconstitutability. Scanning electron microscopy was also conducted to reveal the particle morphology. All the powders exhibited smooth, spherical shape, with no pores. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of the encapsulated pseudostem and inflorescence extract powders ranged from 2.75 to 3.13 mg GAE/ g of powder and 34.83 to 46.67 mg QE/g of powder, respectively. The present study also reported the in vitro bioactive properties, in terms of antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities of the encapsulated powders. The HPLC analysis of the microencapsulated powders revealed the presence of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, trans cinnamic acid, trans ferulic acid, epicatechin and syringic acid. It is clear from the study that the encapsulated powders from banana by-products have a great potential to be utilised by the functional food industry.Graphical

Multi-loaded PLGA microspheres as neuroretinal therapy in a chronic glaucoma animal model.

This work focused on the co-encapsulation and simultaneous co-delivery of three different neuroprotective drugs in PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres for the treatment of glaucoma. For formulation optimization, dexamethasone (anti-inflammatory) and ursodeoxycholic acid (anti-apoptotic) were co-loaded by the solid-in-oil-in-water emulsion solvent extraction-evaporation technique as a first step. The incorporation of a water-soluble co-solvent (ethanol) and different amounts of dexamethasone resulted critical for the encapsulation of the neuroprotective agents and their initial release. The optimized formulation was obtained with 60mg of dexamethasone and using an 80:20 dichloromethane:ethanol ratio. In the second step in the microencapsulation process, the incorporation of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was performed. The final prototype showed encapsulation efficiencies for each component above 50% with suitable properties for long-term application for at least 3months. Physicochemical studies were performed by SEM, TEM, DSC, XRD, and gas chromatography. The evaluation of the kinetic release by the Gallagher-Corrigan analysis with Gorrasi correction helped to understand the influence of the co-microencapsulation on the delivery of the different actives from the optimized formulation. The final prototype was tested in a chronic glaucoma animal model. Rats received two intravitreal injections of the neuroprotective treatment within a 24-week follow-up study. The proposed formulation improved retinal ganglion cell (RGC) functionality examined by electroretinography. Also, it was able to maintain a neuroretinal thickness similar to that of healthy animals scanned by in vivo optical coherence tomography, and a higher RGC count on histology compared to glaucomatous animals at the end of the study.

Gastrointestinal-inert prebiotic micro-composites improve the growth and community diversity of mucosal-associated bacteria.

The process of microencapsulation and the development of microparticle-based drug formulations have gained increased pharmaceutical interest, particularly for drug delivery and bacterial-encapsulation purposes for probiotic delivery. Existing studies have examined microcomposite (MC) responses to gastrointestinal (GI) conditions with the aim of controlling disintegration, and thus release, across the small and large bowel. However, the delivery of MCs which remain intact, without degrading, could act as bacterial growth scaffolds or materials providing a prebiotic support, conferring potentially beneficial GI health properties. This present study employs prilling as a method to produce a portfolio of MCs using a variety of biopolymers (alginate, chitosan, pectin and gellan gum) with a range of MC diameters and density compositions. Fluorescent probes are co-encapsulated within each MC to enable flow-cytometry directed release profile assessments following exposure to chemical simulated gastric and intestinal digestion conditions. We observe that MC size, gel-strength, density, and biopolymer material all influence response to gastric and intestinal conditions. Gellan gum (GG) MCs demonstrated complete resistance to disintegration throughout GI-simulation in the stomach and small intestine. Considering these MCs could reach the colon intact, we then examined how such MCs, doped with prebiotic growth supporting carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) polymers, could impact microbial communities using a bioreactor model of the colonic microbiome. Following supplementation with GGCMC MCs, mucosal bacterial diversity (using 16 s rRNA sequencing and Shannon entropy and observed feature diversity metrics) and taxonomic composition changes were observed. Concentrations of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolites were also found to be altered. This is the first study to comprehensivelyexamine how MC physicochemistry can be manipulated to tailor MCs to have the desired GI release performance and subsequently, how GI-resistant MCs could have influential microbial altering properties and be adopted in novel prebiotic strategies.

Modeling Polymer Microencapsulation Processes Using CFD and Population Balance Models

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling has emerged as a valuable tool for investigating complex processes like microencapsulation. This paper aims to validate the ability of CFD simulations to predict particle size distribution in a polymer microencapsulation process. The CFD modeling approach employed a Eulerian multiphase framework, incorporating a discrete population balance model to track the evolution of the droplet population. A realizable k-ε turbulence model and a multiple reference frame strategy were utilized to capture the system’s flow dynamics. The results reveal that while the CFD simulations align well with experimental data at higher agitation speeds (>10,000 rpm), discrepancies arise at lower speeds (<7500 rpm), indicating a challenge in accurately capturing turbulent viscous regimes. Despite these challenges, the CFD model demonstrates robust predictive capabilities for droplet formation and distribution in microencapsulation processes, validated by error margins within the acceptable limits. The validated model can be used as a reliable tool to guide experimental efforts and optimize process parameters, contributing to an enhanced understanding and control of microencapsulation processes.

Advancing protein hydrolysis and phytosterol encapsulation: Emerging trends and innovations in protein-based microencapsulation techniques – A comprehensive review

Phytosterols represent a diverse and complex category of lipophilic bioactive compounds, exhibiting excellent pro-healthy properties. However, their consumption in daily diets is insufficient, and their application in food production is hindered by challenges such as low water solubility, high reactivity, and rapid degradation. The adoption of different protein or their structural modification as hydrolysates as wall material into microencapsulation techniques can be associated with improved solubility, enhanced bioaccessibility, increased bioavailability, and an extension of shelf life.This contribution provides an overview of advancements in modifying functional properties through various protein isolation methods and structural changes resulting from enzymatic hydrolysis. Additionally, the paper considers the state of the art in the utilization of various techniques and the composition of wall material in the encapsulation of phytosterols and other common lipophilic phytochemicals incorporated into delivery systems.Protein isolates obtained through novel methods of extraction may be characterized by an enhancement of their functional properties, which is crucial for the microencapsulation process. It entails not only recognizing their role as protective barriers for core materials against environmental conditions but also acknowledging their potential health-promoting attributes. These attributes encompass antioxidant properties and enhanced functional characteristics compared to native proteins. Moreover, the exploration of protein hydrolysates as versatile wall materials holds significant promise. These hydrolysates offer exceptional protective features for core materials, extending beyond mere environmental shielding. The envisioned impact extends beyond conventional delivery systems, offering transformative potential for the future of drug delivery and nutraceutical formulations.

OPTIMIZING ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL THROUGH MICROENCAPSULATION OF KAFFIR LIME LEAVES EXTRACT (CITRUS HYSTRIX DC) WITH MALTODEXTRIN AND GELATIN

Kaffir lime leaves (Citrus hystrix DC) are a natural antioxidant compound that can ward off free radicals due to the presence of flavonoid compounds. The flavonoids in this plant were extracted by extraction using a maceration method using 70% ethanol solvent with a soaking time of 24 hours. The ratio used between samples and solvent is 1:10. The microencapsulation process uses a drying method using an oven with maltodextrin coating combined with gelatin in the ratio (coating: kaffir lime leaf extract = 1: 2, 2: 2 and 4: 2) and dried using an oven at temperatures of 40℃, 45℃ and 50℃. Encapsulants with a variant ratio (coating: extract = 4:2) with a gelatin weight of 3 grams at a drying temperature of 50℃ showed the best results, namely 69.079%. Based on GC-MS testing, microencapsulated kaffir lime leaf extract contains compounds terpenoid, phenolic and fatty acid compounds. Antioxidant activity was tested using DPPH analysis and obtained an IC50 result of 48.5694 µg/ml. The morphological characteristics of the microencapsulation were tested using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. The microencapsulation dissolution test showed that all samples disintegrated within 12 minutes. Overall, it can be concluded that microencapsulation made from maltodextrin and gelatin can encapsulate antioxidants in kaffir lime leaf extract well and dissolve easily at room temperature.

Applying pH Modulation to Improve the Thermal Stability of Melamine-Formaldehyde Microcapsules Containing Butyl Stearate as a Phase-Change Material.

This paper presents a two-stage microencapsulation process that uses pH modulation to enhance the thermal stability of microcapsules that consist of a melamine-formaldehyde (MF) shell and a butyl stearate core. In the first stage, the pH value was modulated between 6.0 and 8.0. Rising the pH value to 8.0 slowed the polycondensation rate, allowing the MF resin with a lower degree of polymerization to migrate to the capsule surface and form a smooth shell. Lowering the pH value to 6.0 accelerated polycondensation. In the second stage, a relatively fast, continuous reduction in the pH value to 5.0 led to further MF polycondensation, hardening the shell. Post-curing at 100 °C prevented shell damage caused by the liquid-gas phase transition of the core material during the process. The microcapsules produced by increasing the pH value to 8.0 twice demonstrated improved thermal stability, with only a minimal overall weight loss of 5% at 300 °C. Significant weight loss was observed between 350 and 400 °C, temperatures at which the methylene bridges in the MF shell undergo thermal degradation. The results from differential scanning calorimetry, electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry analyses confirmed a successful optimization of the microencapsulation, showing that these microcapsules are promising for thermal energy storage and other applications that require high thermal stability.

Chia seed oil microencapsulated by spray-drying: optimization and microcapsules characteristics

A current trend in food research is the development of beneficial health products that could help to decrease certain risks of diseases. The chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) oil is a proven source of essential fatty acids (omega-3), which can help to prevent cardiovascular diseases. In this study, chia seed oil was characterized and fatty acids were identified before and after the spray-drying process. A 32 factorial design with response surface methodology was utilized for chia seed oil spray drying experiments. Statistic design factors and levels were as follows: gum arabic: maltodextrin mixture (GA:MD) (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 w/w) and drying temperatures (DT) (140, 160, and 180°C). A total of 67.9% of unsaturated fatty acids were found in raw chia seed oil and 65.7% in microencapsulated oil. The optimal parameters for the spray drying process were as follows: GA:MD 51:1 and DT, 180°C; powder yield rate, 49.5% (w/w), mean size of particles 129 µm, and sphericity coefficient of 0.11. Microcapsules tended to demean over time, changing their color, and producing agglomerate, which decreased their flowing capacity. On the other hand, the product was easier to handle, the oil was protected from heat and moisture conditions, and the microencapsulation process provided stability to the oil's active substances, such as omega-type fatty acids.

Current Challenges in Microcapsule Designs and Microencapsulation Processes: A Review.

Microencapsulation is an advanced methodology for the protection, preservation, and/or delivery of active materials in a wide range of industrial sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, fragrances, paints, coatings, detergents, food products, and agrochemicals. Polymeric materials have been extensively used as microcapsule shells to provide appropriate barrier properties to achieve controlled release of the encapsulated active ingredient. However, significant limitations are associated with such capsules, including undesired leaching and the nonbiodegradable nature of the typically used polymers. In addition, the energy cost of manufacturing microcapsules is an important factor to be considered when designing microcapsule systems and the corresponding production processes. Recent factors linked to UN sustainability goals are modifying how such microencapsulation systems should be designed in pursuit of "ideal" microcapsules that are efficient, safe, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. This review provides an overview of advances in microencapsulation, with emphasis on sustainable microcapsule designs. The key evaluation techniques to assess the biodegradability of microcapsules, in compliance with recently evolving European Union requirements, are also described. Moreover, the most common methodologies for the fabrication of microcapsules are presented within the framework of their energy demand. Recent promising microcapsule designs are also highlighted for their suitability toward meeting current design requirements and stringent regulations, tackling the ongoing challenges, limitations, and opportunities.

Advanced microfluidic techniques for in situ PLGA microparticle formation: A dynamic solvent extraction approach

Microencapsulation processes often use the "solvent extraction/evaporation" technique, which involves (i) dissolving a polymer in an organic solvent (optionally with a bioactive component), (ii) forming microdroplets, (iii) removing the solvent, and finally (iv) harvesting and drying the particles ex situ. These last two steps lack control over the solidification processes, which adversely affects the morphology and size distribution of the final microparticles. In this study, we present a continuous production process for solid PLGA microparticles within a microfluidic chip, covering droplet formation, solvent extraction, and solidification. This method offers the advantage of enhanced control over the solidification process within a closed system, leading to morphologically uniform particles. The setup includes a co-axial junction integrated into a chip with an 80 cm long serpentine channel. We generated droplets with various PLGA/ethyl acetate concentrations and tracked their shrinkage until solidification. Results showed that all droplets underwent identical shrinkage processes with consistent rates, velocity profiles, and sizes. The shrinkage rate was linear and unaffected by PLGA concentration, which only influenced final particle size.To demonstrate our setup's advantages, we compared it with the conventional off-chip method, where droplets shrink in a beaker. Off-chip shrinkage was non-linear and inconsistent, influenced by factors such as the number of surrounding droplets and production time. Droplets produced within a 10-s difference had solidification delays up to 250 s. In contrast, on-chip production was uniform, predictable, and 4–10 times faster. SEM imaging confirmed that on-chip particles were consistently spherical with a rough, wrinkled surface, unlike the irregular, bumpy off-chip particles.In summary, on-chip production and shrinkage of PLGA particles is faster and produces more uniformly shaped particles compared to off-chip methods. This study suggests that on-chip production could significantly enhance the efficiency and quality of drug-loaded microparticles, particularly for drug delivery applications.

Simulation of non‐Newtonian biopolymer extrusion and fall in the centrifugal microencapsulation process

AbstractWe present high‐fidelity numerical simulations of the centrifugal microencapsulation process, that is of interest for biomedical applications as cell therapy. We provide first a comprehensive rheological characterization of high‐molecular‐weight calcium alginate, a commonly used material in microencapsulation. Building upon this, we employ a fluid model that accurately replicates the relevant non‐Newtonian properties of the fluid. This model is applied to numerical simulations of the first three stages of the centrifugal microencapsulation process: capillary flow, ejection from the capillary, and fall through the air. The results are successfully compared with experiments. Furthermore, this model, which can be adapted to various centrifugal microencapsulation devices, effectively elucidates the physical factors contributing to different capsule shapes that can be achieved at the end of the process. This breakthrough opens the door to precise control of capsule shapes and production rates.

Active Biodegradable Starch/PBAT-poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Film with Eucalyptus citriodora Essential Oil Incorporation.

Plastic pollution and the reduction in synthetic food additives are demands that emerge from consumers, leading to the development of biodegradable plastic materials. The use of essential oils-EOs-has been researched because it is a natural product with antioxidant properties. Due to its nature, EO is composed of volatile compounds that can be lost during extrusion. The aim of this work was to produce active biodegradable starch/PBAT films with the incorporation of neat Eucalyptus citriodora EO (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%) or EO microencapsulated by spray drying (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5%), aiming at the protection of the EO. The produced films showed adequate mechanical properties (tensile strength ranged from 5.72 to 7.54 MPa and the elongation at break ranged from 319 to 563%). Testing in food simulants showed that the films retained antioxidant activity, being more suitable for use in fatty or non-acid foods, with the microencapsulation process offering protection to the EO during the process.

Yacon powder mix: Effects of the composition and the process of microencapsulation by spray drying

Yacon is a tuber known as a healthy food due to its effects as an antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and prebiotic agent; it is rich in fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and antioxidants, and due to its sweet taste and low-calorie content, it is used as a substitute for ordinary sugar. This research aimed to evaluate the influence of the composition of the feed and the microencapsulation process by spray drying (SD) on the properties of a yacon powder mixture (YP). Response surface methodology with a central composite design with a face-centered composition (α = 1) was used, considering the independent variables: inulin (IN) (3–5% w/w), maltodextrin (MD) (3–5% w/w), air inlet temperature (AIT) (140–160 °C), air outlet temperature (AOT) (75–85 °C) and atomizer disc speed (ADS) (18000–22000 rpm), and the dependent variables: moisture (Xw), water activity (aw), hygroscopicity (Hy), solubility (S), particle size (percentile D10, D50, and D90), total phenols (TP), antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH), color (CIE-Lab*) and yield (Yi). The suspension formulation contained xanthan gum (0.167 %) and a mixture of ascorbic and citric acids (0.3 %). The aw and Xw values of the YP guarantee its microbiological stability; however, the process formulation produces a complex matrix (FOS- sugars- MD - IN) with high affinity for water, which favors adsorption phenomena (hygroscopic material) and high reconstitution (high solubility). The independent variables that best fit the experimental optimization criteria were: IN = 3.0 %, MD = 5.0 %, AIT = 143.7 °C, AOT = 80.1 °C, ADS = 22000 rpm, where Yi = 84.2 %, and the quality of the YP: Xw = 2.4 %, aw = 0.220, Hy = 23.0 %, S = 96.9 %, D10 = 10.6 μm, D50 = 23.4 μm and D90 = 169.3 μm, TP = 1228.2 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g, ABTS = 2295.9 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/100 g, DPPH = 5192.3 mg TE/100 g, L* = 80.5, a* = 5.1 and b* = 17.4. SD is an effective technology that positively impacts the development of new food products. In addition, the YP could have multipurpose applications for the industry, generating value in this agri-chain.

Microencapsulation of Yeast Cells and Its Potential Usage as a Post-Harvest Biocontrol Agent for Citrus Storage

In this study, yeasts isolated from citrus groves, trees and leaves were identified, phylogenetic analyzes were performed and their antifungal effects were determined. Wickerhamomyces anamolus (M72), Meyerozyma guilliermondii (M77), and Pichia kudriavzevii (M74) species were identified and were found to have antifungal effects against P. digitatum and P. italicum. Pichia kudriavzevii (M74), which has the highest antifungal effect, showed 67% and 62% inhibition rates against P. digitatum and P. italicum, respectively. An encapsulation study was carried out using a microencapsulation process to ensure that the M74 strain, which has the most antifungal effect, is long-lived enough to be a biopesticide. The optimum spray drying process parameters as well as the optimum concentration values of wall materials were investigated in the spray drying process for the microencapsulation of Pichia kudriavzevii (M74) through the Taguchi methodology. The formulation containing 0.1% sodium alginate (SA) and 10% corn starch (CS) showed a good performance in the inhibition of P. digitatum, a mold that causes losses in orange, thanks to its high percentage of viability (73%). The inhibition percentages may indicate that this formulation may be a candidate to be considered as a potential alternative application to synthetic fungicides on orange fruits for the effective control of P. digitatum mold.

Elucidating the Influence of Coating Materials in the Microencapsulation Process of Hempseed Oil Via Spray Drying: A Comprehensive Analysis of Physicochemical Attributes, Oxidation Stability, and Thermal Properties

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of different coating materials on the microencapsulation of hempseed oil by spray drying. For this purpose, hempseed oil emulsions were prepared with skimmed milk powder (SMP), maltodextrin (MD), and whey protein concentrate (WPC). The properties of these emulsions including rheological, zeta potential, and physicochemical properties were analyzed. Then, hempseed oil microcapsules were produced using spray drying. The effect of the different coating materials on spray-dried hempseed oil capsules was evaluated in terms of microencapsulation yield, surface oil, microencapsulation efficiency, oxidation stability, and physicochemical properties. The combinations of SMP (50.58%) or WPC (56.21%) with MD significantly enhanced the microencapsulation yield. The highest microencapsulation efficiency (92.16%) was obtained in the microcapsule with SMP: MD. This microcapsule with SMP: MD also showed higher oxidative stability compared to other microcapsules. Besides, this combination (SMP: MD) effectively protected the hempseed oil against oxidation during the Schaal oven test. Additionally, spray-dried hempseed oil microcapsules were characterized using FT-IR, TGA, and SEM. It was determined that using MD as a coating material improved the thermal stability of the microcapsules. As a result, it was concluded that the SMP: MD as a coating material was suitable for the microencapsulation of hempseed oil.