Encapsulation of red cabbage (Brassica oleracea l. Var. capitata l. f. rubra) anthocyanins by spray drying using different encapsulating agents

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the drying air temperature (140 and 160°C) and the concentration of encapsulating agents gum Arabic and polydextrose (10 and 15%) on the physicochemical characteristics of the red cabbage extract obtained through extraction in acidulated water and drying using a spray dryer. The anthocyanin retention, antioxidant activity, water activity, solubility, color and microstructure of the final product were analyzed. Results showed that increase in the temperature did not cause significant changes in the anthocyanin quantity and antioxidant activity. The microscopic analysis revealed that for both the encapsulating agents, the absence of fissures and porosity in the particle surfaces produced powder with high solubility in water. The principal component analyses showed a strong correlation between the anthocyanin content and the antioxidant activity (r=0.82) and luminosity (r=0.81).