Physical properties and morphology of spray dried microparticles containing anthocyanins of jussara (Euterpe edulis Martius) extract

• Maltodextrin 10, 20 and 30 DE formed particles with smoother surface than gum Arabic.
• Microparticles presented high anthocyanin retention and antioxidant capacity.
• Maltodextrin 30 DE showed high moisture content and low glass transition temperature.
• Homogeneous distribution of anthocyanins was noted by particles confocal microscopy.

Anthocyanins are sensitive compounds and easily degradable when exposed to light, oxygen and pH values higher than 7. In this context, to better take advantage of the functional properties and to increase the stability of these pigments, this work aimed to obtain extracts from jussara (Euterpe edulis Martius) pulp and to produce spray dried microparticles. Maltodextrin with different dextrose equivalent values (10, 20 and 30 DE), gum Arabic and the combination of the maltodextrin 10 DE with gum Arabic (proportions 25:75; 50:50 and 75:25) were evaluated as carrier agents. Microparticles were characterized in relation to the moisture content, water activity, hygroscopicity, glass transition temperature, particle size distribution, color, anthocyanin content and profile, antioxidant capacity and microstructure. Microparticles showed high anthocyanin retention, above 88%. Anthocyanin profiles were similar to the microparticles and jussara extract and two anthocyanins identified were cyanidin 3-rutinoside and cyanidin 3-glucoside. Carrier agents influenced on the microparticles characteristics; maltodextrin 30 DE presented higher hygroscopicity and the lowest glass transition temperature. Microparticles produced with maltodextrin 10, 20 and 30 DE have shown smoother spherical surface than particles constituted with gum Arabic. Homogeneous distribution of anthocyanin in the particle structure was observed by confocal microscopy analysis.

Maltodextrin with different dextrose equivalent values (10, 20 and 30 DE), gum Arabic and the combination of the maltodextrin 10 DE with gum Arabic (25:75; 50:50 and 75:25) were evaluated to produce spray dried microparticles from jussara (Euterpe edulis Martius) extract.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide