Microencapsulation using spray-drying: The use of fine starch solution for the wall material

Abstract

A fine waxy rice starch solution was spray-dried as a wall material for microencapsulation. For this process, the primary solution of mixed core and wall materials needs a low viscosity. Low molecular weight polysaccharides have been commonly used as the wall material. In the present study, a starch solution prepared hydrothermal process at 100 °C and fine starch solutions prepared by compressed hot water process at 140, 160, and 180 °C were investigated. The compressed hot water process reduced the viscosity of the fine starch solution and its particle size to produce a uniformly fine spray-dried powder. Finally, inulin hydrolysate including difructose anhydrides (DFAs) were microencapsulated by spray-drying. Previously, preparing inulin hydrolysate powder through spray-drying and freeze-drying has been difficult because it adheres to the inside surface of the drying chamber. Microencapsulation of inulin hydrolysate using a 160 °C fine starch solution as the wall material produced powder efficiently and enhanced its handling properties.