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The objective of this study was to develop with thermoplastic extrusion amaranth starch derivatives and to characterize and evaluate their functionality as encapsulating agents of Bifidobacterium breve ATCC 15700 and Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334 during spray drying. The survival of both probiotics during storage at different water activities and at two storage temperatures, their viability in a food model system, and their tolerance to a simulated gastrointestinal tract were determined. Native amaranth starch was chemically modified to obtain phosphorylated, acetylated, and succinylated starch. Starch derivatives were reduced in viscosity, and the solubility in water was increased. In general, the modified amaranth starches and control corn starch did not provide good protection to both probiotics during storage at 25°C. However, there was excellent viability during storage at 4°C for both probiotics. Microcapsules showed a uniform coverage of the cells. Storage for 35 days at 25°C of blends of oat with succinylated amaranth microcapsules with probiotics had a lower reduction. Also, this succinylated amaranth starch containing probiotics showed a higher resistance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The results with food model systems supported the applicability of the modified starches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orange pulp was extruded using a Brabender laboratory single screw extruder (20:1 L/D). The independent variables evaluated were barrel temperature (83, 100, 125, 150, and 167 °C), feed moisture content (22, 25, 30, 35, and 38/100 g), and screw speed (126, 140, 160, 180, and 194 rpm). The apparent density and apparent viscosity values of the extruded orange pulp increased during extrusion, while the oil absorption index decreased, in comparison with the values for raw orange pulp. In vitro studies showed that at the end of the incubation time, 90.68% of the starch was hydrolyzed in the control sample, while only 77.82% and 69.40% pulp of the starch experienced hydrolysis in the presence of raw fiber and extruded orange pulp, respectively. Extruded orange pulp showed a higher glucose retradation index (16.04–25.92%) after 30 min of dialysis and after 60 min (11.66% and 18.33%) than raw orange pulp (8.33%). These results indicated that glucose could be bound with compacted fiber matrices and inhibit alpha-amylase activity. These mechanisms may create a definite benefit by decreasing the rate of glucose absorption and eventually lowering the concentration of postprandial serum glucose. The potential hypoglycemic effects of extruded orange pulp suggest that orange pulp is a good and abundant dietary fiber resource that could be of great benefit in controlling glucose levels in the blood. It could also be added to high-fiber foods as a low-calorie bulk ingredient to reduce the calorie level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]