Microencapsulation of Juçara (<i>Euterpe edulis</i>M.) Pulp by Spray Drying Using Different Carriers and Drying Temperatures

Abstract

Juçara pulp was microencapsulated using three different carrier agents—gelatin, gum arabic, and maltodextrin—by spray drying. Response surface methodology based on a two-factor-five-level central composite design was applied to determine the effect of inlet temperature (140–190°C) and carrier agent concentration (5–55%) on anthocyanin retention. Significant retention of anthocyanin content (>83%) was observed at the treatment conditions of 165°C inlet temperature and 5% of carrier agent. Anthocyanin retention was affected by temperature, due to its high sensitivity, and by carrier agent concentration, which is related to the interaction between the juçara pulp compounds and the carrier agent.