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Problem statement: Literature on the production of nanoparticles using supercritical fluids is substantial, but comparatively much less for nanoencapsulation. Approach: In this study, a modified Supercritical Anti Solvent (SAS) apparatus was fabricated for use in the production of nanoparticles using carbon dioxide as the supercritical fluid (SCF). SAS technique involves precipitation of solids from liquid solution under supercritical antisolvent-induced condition. Production of nanoparticles using SAS was investigated using 2 types of model solutes: Fume silica and acetaminophen which represent a model of water insoluble (inorganic) material and water soluble material respectively. The morphology and characteristics of nanoparticles produced were assessed. Results: The fume silica had been coated and 50 nm diameter of nanoencapsulated acetaminophen had been produced. Conclusion: The results had revealed that both water insoluble and soluble substrates can be coated and encapsulated successfully in polymer by the SAS coating process. Key words: Coating, encapsulation, supercritical anti solvent, water insoluble material, water soluble material, INTRODUCTION The interest in preparation and application of nanometer size materials is increasing since they exhibit properties of great industrial interest. During the past 2 decades, a number of SCF [...]

Dragon fruit ( Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel is high in antioxidants and fiber; however, it is discarded during processing. In this study, changes in physico-chemical properties of dragon fruit peel after drum drying were determined. Ground dragon fruit peel was drum dried at 1 rpm with 2 bar steam pressure, then analyzed for physical, chemical and functional properties. The betacyanin content was twofold higher in drum-dried powder (41.55 mg/g dm) than in a fresh sample (80.21 mg/g dm), yet up to 98.62% of the total phenolic content was retained with a 3.328 mg trolox/g dm reduction in the radical scavenging activity. The density of the powder was 0.1315 g/mL with 51.44% soluble in water. The functional properties determined included water holding capacity (2.523 g water/g sample), oil holding capacity (3.565 g oil/g sample) and swelling capacity (6.233 mL/g). The results of this study indicate that drum-dried dragon fruit peel can be considered to contain potentially functional ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Typically, banana trees are cut once the fruit has been harvested; however, other parts of the banana tree, particularly the leaves, might have other potential uses. Nevertheless, few studies have focused on banana leaves. This work aims to provide information about the effects of different drying temperatures on the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and physical properties of banana leaves (Musa acuminata Colla (AAA Group)). Leaves were dried at different temperatures (40°C, 50°C or 60°C) using a cabinet dryer with an airflow of 2m/s. Dried and fresh leaves were analysed for their moisture content, water activity, pH, colour analysis and rehydration index. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Folin–Ciocalteau methods were used to determine the scavenging activity (IC50) and total phenolic content of the fresh and dried leaves extracts, respectively. The results reveal that the drying temperature significantly affects selected properties of banana leaves and 50°C is proposed as the appropriate drying temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been shown to have health-promoting effects due to its high medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) content and antioxidant properties, however, its taste and feeling of greasiness are not acceptable to many consumers. In this study, VCO was microencapsulated to develop a new and healthy consumable food product. Spray drying VCO with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO 2 ) at pressures from 12 to 16 MPa, temperatures from 40 to 60 °C was studied for an emulsion feed flow rate that was varied from 3 to 5 mL/min. The encapsulation efficiencies ranged from 73% to 80%, the microcapsules were spherical with diameters that ranged from 27 to 72 μm and the antioxidant activities of the retained microencapsulated oil ranged from 0.6 to 1.0 mmol butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) equivalent/ml oil and 0.8–1.3 mmol trolox equivalent/ml oil for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) tests and 2,2′-azino-bis (ABTS) tests, respectively. SC-CO 2 spray drying is an effective method to encapsulate VCO and other food oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]