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This study aimed to produce and characterise microparticles produced from barley residue proteins (BRP) enriched with β-carotene. The microparticles were obtained by freeze-drying five emulsion formulations with 0.5% w/w whey protein concentrate and different concentrations of maltodextrin and BRP (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0% w/w), with the dispersed phase consisting of corn oil enriched with β-carotene. The mixtures were mechanically mixed and sonicated, the formed emulsions were freeze-drying. The microparticles obtained were tested for encapsulation efficiency, humidity, hygroscopicity, apparent density, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), accelerated stability and bioaccessibility. Microparticles produced with the emulsion containing 6% w/w BRP had lower moisture content (3.47 ± 0.05%), higher encapsulation efficiency (69.11 ± 3.36%), bioaccessibility value of 84.1% and greater β-carotene protection against thermal degradation. SEM analysis showed that microparticles had sizes ranging from 74.4 to 244.8 µm. These results show that BRP are viable for the microencapsulation of bioactive compounds by freeze-drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study sought to characterize the microparticles obtained from the co‐encapsulation of anthocyanins extracted from red grape skins and α‐tocopherol via spray drying. Briefly, grape skin extract was homogenized with gum arabic, Tween 80, and different concentrations of α‐tocopherol. Anthocyanin content, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, α‐tocopherol concentration, color, hygroscopicity, morphology, and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results of each treatment were analyzed. The highest concentration of α‐tocopherol led to the highest total phenolic content, and the lowest hygroscopicity and anthocyanin content. Intermediate concentrations of α‐tocopherol resulted in an increased incidence of microparticles with smooth surface and elevated antioxidant activity. The FTIR spectra verified the efficacy of the process, showing characteristic bands of the co‐encapsulated compounds. Overall, α‐tocopherol concentrations between 1.5% and 2.0% (w/w) led to good powder properties (hygroscopicity, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity), generating further research interest to evaluate the use of α‐tocopherol in foods. Practical applications: The development of products containing bioactive compounds that offer benefits to human health have gained a lot of attention. In this study, the co‐encapsulation of anthocyanins extracted from grape skin and α‐tocopherol by spray drying proved to be interesting as an interaction occurred between compounds, which enables the attainment of an added‐value natural product, representing an innovation in the food sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to study the use of different prebiotic biopolymers in lime essential oil microencapsulation. Whey protein isolate, inulin and oligofructose biopolymers were used. The addition of prebiotic biopolymers reduced emulsion viscosity, although it produced larger droplet sizes (0.31–0.32 µm). Moisture values (2.94–3.13 g/100 g dry solids) and water activity (0.152–0.185) were satisfactory, being within the appropriate range for powdered food quality. Total oil content, limonene retention values and antioxidant activity of the microparticles containing essential oil decreased in the presence of the carbohydrates. The addition of prebiotic biopolymers reduced the microparticle thermal stability. X-ray diffraction confirmed the amorphous characteristic of the microparticles and the interaction of the essential oil with the wall material. The presence of prebiotic biopolymers can be a good alternative for lime essential oil microparticles, mainly using fibre that has a functional food appeal and can improve consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Beetroot juice powders produced by spray drying under different temperatures and inulin:whey protein isolate (IN:WPI) ratios as carrier agents were evaluated. When it was used higher temperature, higher WPI concentration resulted in particles with higher betalains content (412.2 mg/100 g d.b.). For the antioxidant activity, values were found in a range of 61.5–90.8%. The color parameter values of the beetroot juice powders indicated intermediate lightness and saturation of coloring, which was closer to red. The mathematical model that best adjusted to the adsorption isotherms was the GAB and the monolayer moisture contents were between 5.1 and 6.5 g/100 g (d.b.). The higher concentration of IN resulted in lower stability of the powders when stored in environments with different water activities. Temperature of 170°C and IN:WPI proportion of 1:2 provided the best properties to the beetroot juice powder, which has the potential for the use and aggregation of functional properties in food matrices. Practical applications: The use of natural colorant in processed foods and beverages is important for increasing the consumer acceptability of these products and beetroots are an excellent source of betalains, quite used by the food industry as a natural colorant. The results of this study represent the possibility of the attainment of an extract powder rich in betalains, being formed of polymeric materials with innovation grade for the food industry by applying them in food matrices to create synergy between the functional properties of several products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]