Spray Drying of Açai (Euterpe Oleracea Mart) Juice: Effect of Process Variables and Type of Carrier Agent on Product's Quality and Stability

This book describes and discusses some results obtained through the study of the microencapsulation of açai juice by spray drying using different carrier agents. Initially, the influence of process conditions on the moisture content, process yield and anthocyanin retention was evaluated using a central composite design. From the conditions selected in this first section (inlet air temperature of 140ºC, feed flow rate of 15 g/min and 6% of carrier agent), particles were produced using four types of carrier agents: maltodextrin 10DE, maltodextrin 20DE, gum Arabic and tapioca starch. These particles were then characterized with respect to water activity, bulk and absolute density, porosity, particle size distribution and morphology.