A Comparison of Microfluidic-Jet Spray Drying, Two-Fluid Nozzle Spray Drying, and Freeze-Drying for Co-Encapsulating β-Carotene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Fish Oil

New perspective on protein-based microcapsules as delivery vehicles for sensitive substances: A review

Sensitive substances have attracted wide attention due to their rich functional activities, such as antibiosis activities, antioxidant activities and prevent disease, etc. However, the low stability of sensitive substances limits their bioavailability and functional activities. Protein-based microcapsules can encapsulate sensitive substances to improve their adverse properties due to their good stability, strong emulsifying ability and wide source. Therefore, it is necessary to fully elaborate and summarize protein-based microcapsules to maximize their potential benefits in nutritional interventions. The focus of this review is to highlight the classification of protein-based microcapsules. In addition, the principles, advantages and disadvantages of preparation methods for protein-based microcapsules are summarized. Some novel preparation methods for protein-based microcapsules are also emphasized. Moreover, the mechanism of protein-based microcapsules that release sensitive substances in vitro is elucidated and summarized. Furthermore, the applications of protein-based microcapsules are outlined. Protein-based microcapsules can effectively encapsulate sensitive substances, which improve their bioavailability, and provide protective effects during storage and gastrointestinal digestion. In addition, microcapsules can improve the sensory quality of food and enhance its stability. The performance of protein-based microcapsules for delivering sensitive substances is influenced by factors such as protein type, the ratio between protein ratio and the other wall material, the preparation process, etc. Future research should focus on the new composite protein-based microcapsule delivery system, which can be applied to in vivo research and have synergistic effects and precise nutritional functions. In summary, protein-based microcapsules have broader research prospects in the functional foods and nutrition field.

Microencapsulation of fish oil by spray drying, spray freeze-drying, freeze-drying, and microwave freeze-drying: Microcapsule characterization and storage stability

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effect of spray drying (SD), spray freeze-drying (SFD), freeze-drying (FD), and microwave freeze-drying (MFD) on the characteristics of fish oil (FO) microcapsules. The physicochemical properties, morphology, fatty acid composition, and stability of the microcapsules were analyzed. The encapsulation efficiencies of microcapsules dried by SD, SFD, FD, and MFD were 86.98%, 77.79%, 63.29%, and 57.89%, respectively. SD microcapsules exhibited superior properties in terms of effective loading capacity, color, and flowability. Conversely, SFD microcapsules demonstrated improved solubility. Microencapsulation positively affected the thermal stability of FO, but the content of unsaturated fatty acids decreased. The findings from the storage experiment indicated that the oxidative stability of SD fish oil microcapsules was marginally lower compared to microcapsules produced through three alternative drying techniques, all of which were based on the FD concept. The comparison of various drying methods and their effects on the quality of FO microcapsules offers valuable insights that can serve as a foundation for the industrial production of high-quality microcapsules.

The application of encapsulation technology in the food Industry: Classifications, recent Advances, and perspectives

Encapsulation technology has been extensively used to enhance the stability, specificity, and bioavailability of essential food ingredients. Additionally, it plays a vital role in improving product quality and reducing production costs. This study presents a comprehensive classification of encapsulation techniques based on the state of different cores (solid, liquid, and gaseous) and offers a detailed description and analysis of these encapsulation methods. Specifically, it introduces the diverse applications of encapsulation technology in food, encompassing areas such as antioxidant, protein activity, physical stability, controlled release, delivery, antibacterial, and probiotics. The potential impact of encapsulation technology is expected to make encapsulation technology a major process and research hotspot in the food industry. Future research directions include applications of encapsulation for enzymes, microencapsulation of biosensors, and novel technologies such as self-assembly. This study provides a valuable theoretical reference for the in-depth research and wide application of encapsulation technology in the food industry.

Research progress of starch as microencapsulated wall material

Starch is non-toxic, low cost, and possesses good biocompatibility and biodegradability. As a natural polymer material, starch is an ideal choice for microcapsule wall materials. Starch-based microcapsules have a wide range of applications and application prospects in fields such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and others. This paper firstly reviews the commonly used wall materials and preparation methods of starch-based microcapsules. Then the effect of starch wall materials on microcapsule properties is introduced in detail. It is expected to provide researchers with design inspiration and ideas for the development of starch-based microcapsules. Next the applications of starch-based microcapsules in various fields are presented. Finally, the future trends of starch-based microcapsules are discussed. Molecular simulation, green chemistry, and solutions to the main problems faced by resistant starch microcapsules may be the future research trends of starch-based microcapsules.

Recent Advances in the Microencapsulation of Essential Oils, Lipids, and Compound Lipids through Spray Drying: A Review

In recent decades, the microcapsules of lipids, compound lipids, and essential oils, have found numerous potential practical applications in food, textiles, agricultural products, as well as pharmaceuticals. This article discusses the encapsulation of fat-soluble vitamins, essential oils, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and structured lipids. Consequently, the compiled information establishes the criteria to better select encapsulating agents as well as combinations of encapsulating agents best suited to the types of active ingredient to be encapsulated. This review shows a trend towards applications in food and pharmacology as well as the increase in research related to microencapsulation by the spray drying of vitamins A and E, as well as fish oil, thanks to its contribution of omega 3 and omega 6. There is also an increase in articles in which spray drying is combined with other encapsulation techniques, or modifications to the conventional spray drying system.

Effects of citrus essential oils on the oxidative stability of microencapsulated fish oil by spray-drying

The effects of citrus essential oils (orange, lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit) on the oxidative stability of microencapsulated fish oil by spray-drying were evaluated. The encapsulation efficiency of microcapsules was in the range of 42.25 and 62.43%. Twelve active substances were determined as major volatile components of citrus essential oils. The highest phenolic content was obtained from grapefruit essential oil (44.32 mg GAE/g). Lower values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) were obtained for microencapsulated fish oils with essential oils compared to control. At the end of storage, the highest peroxide value (PV) was observed in the control group (25.30 meq O₂/kg oil) while the lowest value was in the lemon (13.40 meq O₂/kg oil) and orange group (13.91 meq O₂/kg oil). The results of this study showed that citrus essential oils can be used to improve the oxidative stability of fish oil microcapsules.

Influence of emulsifier type and encapsulating agent on the in vitro digestion of fish oil-loaded microcapsules produced by spray-drying

The influence of the emulsifier type and the encapsulating agent on the bioaccessibility of microencapsulated fish oil was investigated. Fish oil-loaded microcapsules were produced by spray-drying using carbohydrate-based encapsulating agents (glucose syrup or maltodextrin). Whey protein concentrate hydrolysate (WPCH) or Tween 20 (TW20) were used as the emulsifiers. The microcapsules were subjected to a three-phase in vitro digestion (oral, gastric, and intestinal phase) and the changes in the physicochemical properties of the samples were monitored throughout the simulated gastrointestinal tract (oil droplet size, ζ-potential, and microstructure). The lipolysis rate and extent were evaluated at the intestinal digestion phase. Contrary to the encapsulating agent, the emulsifier used in the infeed emulsion formulation significantly influenced lipid digestion. WPCH-based interfacial layer prevented oil droplets coalescence during and after processing more efficiently than TW20, which resulted in an increased specific surface area for lipases to adsorb and thus a higher bioaccessibility of the microencapsulated oil.

Spray-dried and freeze-dried protein-spinach particles; effect of drying technique and protein type on the bioaccessibility of carotenoids, chlorophylls, and phenolics

The effects of protein carrier and drying technique on the concentration and bioaccessibility of lipophilic compounds (lutein, β-carotene, chlorophylls a and b) and hydrophilic flavonoids in freeze-dried (FD) or spray-dried (SD) spinach juice and protein-spinach particles were investigated. Carotenoid and chlorophyll contents were highest in FD spinach juice without protein (147 and 1355 mg/100 g, respectively). For both SD and FD protein-spinach particles, SPI best protected carotenoids and chlorophylls (123 and 1160 mg/g, respectively), although the bioaccessibility of lipophilic compounds in WPI particles was higher than SPI particles (p < 0.05). For flavonoids, the drying technique was more important than the type of carrier, since FD particles had higher total flavonoids than SD. However, SD particles had higher bioaccessibility for most flavonoids (40-90 %) compared to FD (<20 %). The drying method and protein carrier can be designed to produce protein-spinach ingredients with desired concentration of compounds and bioaccessibility.

Mixed Biopolymer Systems Based on Bovine and Caprine Caseins, Yeast β-Glucan, and Maltodextrin for Microencapsulating Lutein Dispersed in Emulsified Lipid Carriers

Lutein is an important antioxidant that quenches free radicals. The stability of lutein and hence compatibility for food fortification is a big challenge to the food industry. Encapsulation can be designed to protect lutein from the adverse environment (air, heat, light, pH). In this study, we determined the impact of mixed biopolymer systems based on bovine and caprine caseins, yeast β-glucan, and maltodextrin as wall systems for microencapsulating lutein dispersed in emulsified lipid carriers by spray drying. The performance of these wall systems at oil/water interfaces is a key factor affecting the encapsulation of lutein. The highest encapsulation efficiency (97.7%) was achieved from the lutein microcapsules prepared with the mixed biopolymer system of caprine α_s1-II casein, yeast β-glucan, and maltodextrin. Casein type and storage time affected the stability of lutein. The stability of lutein was the highest (64.57%) in lutein microcapsules prepared with the mixed biopolymer system of caprine α_s1-II casein, yeast β-glucan, and maltodextrin, whereas lutein microcapsules prepared with the biopolymer system of bovine casein, yeast β-glucan, and maltodextrin had the lowest (56.01%). The stability of lutein in the lutein microcapsules dramatically decreased during storage time. The antioxidant activity of lutein in the lutein microcapsules was closely associated with the lutein concentration.

Sodium Caseinate and Acetylated Mung Bean Starch for the Encapsulation of Lutein: Enhanced Solubility and Stability of Lutein

Lutein is a kind of vital carotenoid with high safety and significant advantages in biological functions. However, poor water solubility and stability of lutein have limited its application. This study selected different weight ratios of sodium caseinate to acetylated mung bean starch (10:0, 9:1, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, 1:9, and 0:10) to prepare lutein emulsions, and the microcapsules were produced by spray drying technology. The microstructure, physicochemical properties, and storage stability of microcapsules were investigated. The results show that the emulsion systems were typical non-Newtonian fluids. Lutein microcapsules were light yellow fine powder with smooth and relatively complete particle surface. The increase of sodium caseinate content led to the enhanced emulsion effect of the emulsion and the yield and solubility of microcapsules increased, and wettability and the average particle size became smaller. The encapsulation efficiency of lutein microcapsules ranged from 69.72% to 89.44%. The thermal characteristics analysis showed that the endothermic transition of lutein microcapsules occurred at about 125 °C. The microcapsules with sodium caseinate as single wall material had the worst stability. Thus, it provides a reference for expanding the application of lutein in food, biological, pharmaceutical, and other industries and improving the stability and water dispersion of other lipid-soluble active ingredients.