Physicochemical properties of tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) powders with different carbohydrate biopolymers

This work investigated the physico-chemical properties of tucumã pulp (Astrocaryum aculeatum) encapsulated with different biopolymers. Gum arabic, Maltodextrin, Dextrin (Capsul®) and Modified Starch (SnowFlake®) were used as wall material. The pulp/wall material solution was prepared in an 85:15 ratio. The microparticles were obtained from freeze-drying of the tucumã solutions. The pulp composition, physicochemical properties (moisture content, water activity, size and morphology) of the microparticles, sorption isotherms, water adsorption kinetics, thermogravimetrics (TGA) and content of different bioactive compounds (antioxidant, phenolic compounds, carotenoids and vitamin A) were all analyzed. The powders presented typical morphology of products dehydrated by freeze drying, with vacuoles and surface defects of the microparticles. The DX treatment showed lower hygroscopic behavior, favoring the stability of the tucumã powder. Better bioactive compound retention values were observed for microparticles with modified starches. GA and MD showed better thermal resistance compared to modified starches. In general, the biopolymers showed good maintenance of the bioactive compounds of the encapsulated tucumã.