Spray drying microencapsulation of Lippia sidoides extracts in carbohydrate blends

The microencapsulation of Lippia sidoides extracts in blends of carbohydrates was investigated. The extraction conditions were determined through a 22 factorial design. The effects of the plant:solvent ratio (A – 7.5:100 and 15:100 m/m) and the extraction time (B – 30 and 90 min) on thymol content of extractive solutions were evaluated, using a 2:1 (v/v) of ethanol:water at a temperature of 50 °C, as a solvent system. The selected extract was subjected to spray drying. Blends of maltodextrin and gum arabic at different proportions (4:1; 3:2; 2:3; 0:1) (m/m) were used as encapsulating material. The protective effects of the maltodextrin and gum arabic blends were evaluated by determination of the thymol retention in the dried product, which ranged from 70.2 to 84.2% (related to the content in the extractive solution). An increase in the gum arabic to maltodextrin (DE10) ratio has positive effect on thymol retention. L. sidoides extracts and spray-dried products showed antifungal activity against tested fungal strains (Candida albicans – ATCC 64548, Candida glabrata – ATCC 90030, Candida krusei – ATCC 6258, and Candida parapsilosis – ATCC 22019), evidencing their potential as a natural antifungal agent for medicinal, food, and cosmeceutical purposes.

► Optimization of the extraction of bioactive compounds from Lippia sidoides leaves.
► Spray drying encapsulation of plant extracts in carbohydrate blends.
► Higher gum Arabic to maltodextrin ratio increases thymol retention.
► Lippia sidoides extractive solutions and spray dried extracts show antifungal activity.