Microencapsulation of canola oil by lentil protein isolate-based wall materials

Preparation and characterization of microcapsules for tuna oil by maillard reaction products of whey protein isolate and Arabic gum via complex coacervation

This study aimed to prepare Maillard reaction products (MRPs) from whey protein isolate (WPI) and different reducing sugars (glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose), and utilize the optimal MRPs to fabricate tuna oil (TO) microcapsules for enhancing TO's storage stability. The results showed that the optimal wet heat reaction duration of WPI and reducing sugar was 8 h at 75 °C. Glycosylation improves the functional properties of WPI. WPI-maltose coupling (WPI-M) and Arabic gum were selected as the wall material to prepare TO microcapsules by complex coacervation, and the encapsulation efficiency of microcapsules reached 87.41 %. Compared to WPI, WPI-M microcapsules have a more homogeneous emulsion morphology. The peroxide value of microencapsulated protected TO was 35.78 % lower than that of free TO after accelerated oxidation at 55 °C for 16 days. Microcapsules prepared with MRPs wall materials by complex coacervation offer a promising approach for the preservation of compounds.

Development of low-allergenicity algal oil microcapsules with high encapsulation efficiency using extensively hydrolyzed whey protein

Algal oil is rich in docosahexaenoic acid, which is beneficial for infant development, but its susceptibility to oxidation necessitates microencapsulation. This study investigated the effects of incorporating varying ratios of octenyl succinic anhydride-modified starch (OSA-MS) into a base wall system comprising extensively hydrolyzed whey protein (eWPH) and maltodextrin (MD) to produce algal oil microcapsules with reduced allergenicity and high nutritional value, replacing whey protein isolate (WPI). The residual antigenicity of α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin in eWPH was 3.60 % and 3.88 %, respectively. The addition of OSA-MS significantly enhanced emulsion stability in the eWPH/MD system for algal oil encapsulation. The highest microencapsulation efficiency (98.35 %) was achieved with 21 % OSA-MS, showing no significant difference from that of WPI/MD-based microcapsules. Furthermore, microcapsules prepared with eWPH/MD/OSA-MS (21 %) exhibited smooth surfaces, good dispersibility, and high solubility (91.79 %). These microcapsules also demonstrated superior oxidative stability after 18 days of storage at 60 °C compared to those with other OSA-MS ratios. Overall, incorporating OSA-MS into the eWPH/MD wall system achieved encapsulation performance comparable to WPI/MD, thereby broadening the application potential of eWPH in microencapsulation.

Use of pennisetin-casein complex microparticles for Curcuma longa L. extract microencapsulation: Improvement of antioxidant and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities

This study aimed to use a new protein complex of Pennisetin (Pen) a non gluten protein of pearl millet and casein (Cas), for curcumin (Cur) extract encapsulation using simple or complex coacervation. The potential improvement of Cur antioxidant activities and α-amylase inhibition after encapsulation was explored. Complex microparticles of Pen and Cas with various ratios exhibited average diameters ranging from 1.95 ± 0.32 to 4.66 ± 0.99 μm, whereas the Cur loaded microparticles had average diameters ranging from 2.50 ± 0.89 to 5.27 ± 1.17 μm. FTIR analysis of Cur loaded microparticles showed the presence of specific peaks at 3757, 1754, 1157 and 856 cm-1 related to characteristic functional groups of Cur. This confirms the successful encapsulation of Cur. The major forces involved in microparticles formation were hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding. The best encapsulation efficiency 68 % and loading capacity 17 % were obtained for the complex microparticles Pen:Cas (ratio 1:1.5). Encapsulating Cur within microparticles of Pen, Cas or their complexes significantly (p˂0.05) enhances their DPPH and ABTS.+ antioxidant activities and their pancreatic α-amylase inhibition percentage. These findings shed light on the potential use of Pen a non gluten protein, in its native form or complexed with Cas, as wall material for hydrophobic or hydrophilic bioactive compounds encapsulation.

Fabrication of ultrafine Himalayan walnut oil Pickering emulsions by ultrasonic emulsification: Techno-functional properties of emulsions and microcapsules

In present scenario, much of the attention has been put on the production and utilization of Pickering emulsions deciphering enhanced stability and applicability over wide environmental conditions. In this context the present study was carried out to elaborate effect of different wall materials and pH systems on the physicochemical, structural and morphological properties of Himalayan walnut oil Pickering emulsions by ultrasonic emulsification. In this study, concentrated Pickering emulsion of Himalayan walnut oil (HWO) was prepared utilizing soy protein isolate (SPI), maltodextrin (MD) stabilized by pectin at varying concentrations and pH systems (4.0, 7.0). With increase in pectin and SPI concentration and lowering MD, stable emulsions were obtained as deciphered by an Emulsion stability index (ESI) of 100 for 7 days at ambient storage. HWO Pickering emulsions were analysed for particle size measurements (2.13-13.64 µm) and depicted negative zeta potential values (-3.70 to -18.58). Lyophilized HWO microcapsules depicted moderate encapsulation efficiency (44.69-57.63 %) whereas the hygroscopicity values of the microcapsule ranged from (0.21-12.10 %). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the samples depicted the temperature of maximum degradation rate up to 550 °C whereas XRD spectra depicted amorphous nature of oil microcapsules. FTIR spectra revealed a close association between the SPI-MD-Pectin matrix. SEM analysis revealed stable oil globules entrapped in protein-polysaccharide matrix with no visible cracks and fissures.

A comprehensive review of processing, functionality, and potential applications of lentil proteins in the food industry

There is a pressing need for sustainable sources of proteins to address the escalating food demands of the expanding global population, without damaging the environment. Lentil proteins offer a more sustainable alternative to animal-derived proteins (such as those from meat, fish, eggs, or milk). They are abundant, affordable, protein rich, nutritious, and functional, which makes them highly appealing as ingredients in the food, personal care, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and other industries. In this article, the chemical composition, nutritional value, and techno-functional properties of lentil proteins are reviewed. Then, recent advances on the extraction, purification, and modification of lentil proteins are summarized. Hurdles to the widespread utilization of lentil proteins in the food industry are highlighted, along with potential strategies to surmount these challenges. Finally, the potential applications of lentil protein in foods and beverages are discussed. The intention of this article is to offer an up-to-date overview of research on lentil proteins, addressing gaps in the knowledge related to their potential nutritional benefits and functional advantages for application within the food industry. This includes exploring the utilization of lentil proteins as nanocarriers for bioactive compounds, emulsifiers, edible inks for 3D food printing, meat analogs, and components of biodegradable packaging.

Characterization of O/W emulgels based on whey protein-alginate-inulin coacervates: Influence of temperature and ultrasound as protein preconditioning process

Preconditioning processes in proteins play a crucial role in enhancing their functional properties as surface active agents. Whey protein isolate (WPI, 20 wt%) was preconditioned via temperature (WPIT, 90 °C) or ultrasound (WPIUS, 20 kHz, 80 % amplitude). FTIR and zeta potential analysis demonstrated the effect of the preconditioning process on the secondary structure and surface properties of WPI. WPI-Alginate:Inulin (AI) complex coacervates (CCWPI:AI) were formed at pH 3.0 using WPIT and WPIUS, and the associative electrostatic interactions between WPI-AI led to coacervation yields >90 %, influenced by the preconditioning process employed. Viscoelastic properties outlined a predominantly solid-like behavior (G´ > G"). The CCWPI:AI system based on WPIT showed enhanced strength and gel-like structure compared to the WPIUS-based system. Oil-in-water (O/W) emulgels were formed and stabilized with the CCWPI:AI complexes, exhibiting spherical droplets (93.3-292.8 μm), whereas texture and rheological properties highlighted the formation of gel-like systems. The centrifugation STEP technology was used to evaluate the physical stability of emulgels, WPIT-based emulgels displayed superior stability against creaming than untreated WPI and WPIUS-based emulgels. These findings provide a basis for developing emulgels with prolonged stability and tunable functional properties, tailoring enhanced viscoelastic and texture attributes to meet specific needs for industrial applications where gel-like properties are pursued.

Augmenting Functional and Sensorial Quality Attributes of Kefir through Fortification with Encapsulated Blackberry Juice

Kefir is a fermented dairy product claimed to confer many health-promoting effects, but its acidic taste is not appealing to some consumers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to enhance the functional and sensorial quality attributes of kefir through fortification with encapsulated blackberry juice (EBJ). The blackberry juice was successfully encapsulated via freeze-drying using lentil protein isolate (LPI) as the carrier. The encapsulated blackberry juice showed good physicochemical, functional, and morphological properties, as well as microbiological safety for use as a food additive. The kefir was fortified with EBJ in concentrations of 1, 2.5, 5, and 7.5% (w/w), stored for up to 28 days under refrigeration, and periodically evaluated. Parameters such as the viscosity, titrable acidity, and pH indicate that the kefir fortification did not affect its stability during storage. EBJ significantly increased the antioxidant properties of the kefir, depending on the fortification level. Additionally, all the fortified samples provided more anthocyanins than the daily recommended intake. Microbiological profiling demonstrated that good laboratory practice and hygiene were implemented during the experiments. Finally, the panelists showed that higher EBJ concentrations in the kefir resulted in greater overall acceptability, indicating that this encapsulate has the potential to be a substitute synthetic color additive in the dairy industry.

Strategies for improving loading of emulsion-based functional oil powder

Functional oil is type of oil that is beneficial to human health and has nutritional value, however, functional oils are rich in bioactive substances such as polyunsaturated fatty acids which are sensitive to environmental factors and are susceptible to oxidation or decomposition. Construction of emulsion-based oil powder is a promising approach for improving the stability and solubility of functional oils. However, the low effective loading of oil in powder is the main challenge limiting encapsulation technology. This manuscript focuses on reviewing the current research progress of emulsion-based functional oil powder construction and systematically summarizes the processing characteristics of emulsion-based oil powder with high payload and summarizing the strategies to enhance the payload of powder in term of emulsification and drying, respectively. The impact of emulsion formation on oil powder production is discussed from different characteristics of emulsions, including emulsion composition, emulsification methods and emulsion types. In addition, the current status of improving material loading performance by various modifications to the drying technology is discussed, including the addition of drying processing additives, changes in drying parameters and the effect of innovative technological means.

Emerging plant proteins as nanocarriers of bioactive compounds

The high prevalence of chronic illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases has become a growing concern for modern society. Recently, various bioactive compounds (bioactives) are shown to have a diversity of health-beneficial impacts on a wide range of disorders. But the application of these bioactives in food and pharmaceutical formulations is limited due to their poor water solubility and low bioaccessibility/bioavailability. Plant proteins are green alternatives for designing biopolymeric nanoparticles as appropriate nanocarriers thanks to their amphiphilic nature compatible with many bioactives and unique functional properties. Recently, emerging plant proteins (EPPs) are employed as nanocarriers for protection and targeted delivery of bioactives and also improving their stability and shelf-life. EPPs could enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of bioactives by different types of delivery systems. In addition, the use of EPPs in combination with other biopolymers like polysaccharides was found to make a favorable wall material for food bioactives. This review article covers the various sources and importance of EPPs along with different encapsulation techniques of bioactives. Characterization of EPPs for encapsulation is also investigated. Furthermore, the focus is on the application of EPPs as nanocarriers for food bioactives.

Microencapsulation of tomato seed oil using phlorotannins-adducted pea protein isolate-chitosan and pea protein isolate-chitosan complex coacervates

Pea protein isolates (PPI)/phlorotannins (PT)/chitosan (CS) ternary complex and PPI/CS binary complex were synthesized to prepare tomato seed oil (TSO) microcapsules. The concentration of PT was determined to be 0.025% (w/w) based on the solubility, emulsification, and UV-visible spectrum of PPI-PT complex. Subsequently, the optimal pHs associated with the formation of PPI/CS and PPI-PT/CS complex coacervates were determined to be pH 6.6 and 6.1, while the optimal ratios were 9:1 and 6:1, respectively. The coacervate microcapsules were successfully produced by freeze-dried method and those formulated with PPI-PT/CS displayed significantly lower surface oil content (14.57 ± 0.22%), higher encapsulation efficiency (70.54 ± 0.13%), lower particle size (5.97 ± 0.16 μm), and PDI (0.25 ± 0.02) than PPI/CS. The microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the encapsulated TSO exhibited enhanced thermal and oxidative stability than that of free oil, along with microcapsules fabricated with PPI-PT/CS ternary complex showed better protection than that of free PT. Overall, PPI-PT/CS complex as an effective wall material in delivery system presented great potential.

Microencapsulation of Flaxseed Oil by Lentil Protein Isolate-κ-Carrageenan and -ι-Carrageenan Based Wall Materials through Spray and Freeze Drying

Lentil protein isolate (LPI)-κ-carrageenan (κ-C) and -ι-carrageenan (ι-C) based microcapsules were prepared through spray-drying and freeze-drying to encapsulate flaxseed oil in order to reach final oil levels of 20% and 30%. Characteristics of the corresponding emulsions and their dried microcapsules were determined. For emulsion properties, all LPI-κ-C and LPI-ι-C emulsions remained 100% stable after 48 h, while the LPI emulsions destabilized quickly (p < 0.05) after homogenization mainly due to low emulsion viscosity. For spray-dried microcapsules, the highest yield was attributed to LPI-ι-C with 20% oil, followed by LPI-κ-C 20% and LPI-ι-C 30% (p < 0.05). Flaxseed oil was oxidized more significantly among the spray-dried capsules compared to untreated oil (p < 0.05) due to the effect of heat. Flaxseed oil was more stable in all the freeze-dried capsules and showed significantly lower oil oxidation than the untreated oil after 8 weeks of storage (p < 0.05). As for in vitro oil release profile, a higher amount of oil was released for LPI-κ-C powders under simulated gastric fluid (SGF), while more oil was released for LPI-ι-C powders under simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid (SGF + SIF) regardless of drying method and oil content. This study enhanced the emulsion stability by applying carrageenan to LPI and showed the potential to make plant-based microcapsules to deliver omega-3 oils.

Physicochemical properties and functional characteristics of ultrasound-assisted legume-protein isolates: a comparative study

Sonicated protein isolates were recovered from Chenopodium quinua, Phaseoulus vulgaris and Lens culinaris to develop a functional matrix by assessing the physicochemical and functional properties. The plant protein isolates were prepared from powdered materials followed by sonication in alkaline medium using a Box-Behnken design. pH (6-10), a buffer-to-material ratio (5:1 to 15:1) and sonication time (0-20 min) were taken as independent variables, whereas protein yield was taken as the dependent variable. A pH of 9, 20 min treatment, and a buffer-to-material ratio of 5:1 were the optimal extraction conditions for quinoa and black beans, whereas a 1:10 ratio was suitable for lentils. Sonication in alkaline medium caused partial protein unfolding and these isolates; in turn, the molecular weight affected the emulsifying activity and stability. Moreover, sonication had a strong effect on the gelation temperature, emulsifying activity, the water, and oil sorption. Sonication improved protein yield and exposed amino acids such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine and glycine. In turn, thiol groups were responsible for the increased in gelation temperature. The better gelling property coupled with high emulsifying property of these proteins show potential application as protein emulsifiers in the production of gels, sausages, and pet foods.

Potato protein: current review of structure, technological properties, and potential application on spray drying microencapsulation

Studies regarding spray drying microencapsulation are aplenty available; especially focusing on processing parameters, microparticle characteristics and encapsulation efficiency. Hence, there is a rising interest in tailoring wall materials aiming to improve the process's effectiveness. Reflecting a market trend in the food industry, plant-based proteins are emerging as alternative protein sources, and their application adaptability is an increasing research of interest related to consumers' demand for healthy food, product innovation, and sustainability. This review presents a perspective on the investigation of potato protein as a technological ingredient, considering it a nonconventional source obtained as by-product from starch industry. Furthermore, this piece emphasizes the potential application of potato protein as wall material in spray drying encapsulation, considering that this purpose is still limited for this ingredient. The literature reports that vegetal-based proteins might present compromised functionality due to processing conditions, impairing its technological application. Structural modification can offer a potential approach to modify potato protein configuration aiming to improve its utilization. Studies reported that modified proteins can perform as better emulsifiers and antioxidant agents compared to intact proteins. Hence, it is expected that their use in microencapsulation would improve process efficiency and protection of the core material, consequently delivering superior encapsulation performance.

Microencapsulation of algae oil by complex coacervation of chitosan and modified starch: Characterization and oxidative stability

The formation of complex coacervation using chitosan and octenyl succinic anhydride modified starch (OSA starch) and microencapsulation of algae oil were investigated in this study. The zeta-potential, turbidity and coacervate yield were evaluated as a function of pH and the chitosan- OSA starch mass ratio. The highest coacervate yield was achieved at pH 6.0 with a chitosan to OSA starch ratio of 1:3 (w/w). Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) indicated favorable affinity (Ka = 1.51 × 10⁵ M^-1) between chitosan and OSA starch. The microcapsules yielded an encapsulation efficiency (EE) in the range of 42.8 ± 0.8%- 93.1 ± 1.2%, the loading capacity ranged between 30.4 ± 2.7% and 58.3 ± 1.3%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further confirmed the microencapsulation. In comparison with the bulk oil, the microencapsulated algae oil exhibited improved oxidative stability during storage.

Prospective Study on Microencapsulation of Oils and Its Application in Foodstuffs

BACKGROUND

Edible oils have gained the interest of several industrial sectors for the different health benefits they offer, such as the supply of bioactive compounds and essential fatty acids. Microencapsulation is one of the techniques that has been adopted by industries to minimize the degradation of oils, facilitating their processing.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the intellectual property related to patent documents referring to microencapsulated oils used in foods.

METHODS

This prospective study investigated the dynamics of patents filed in the Espacenet and National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) databases, and it mapped technological developments in microencapsulation in comparison with scientific literature.

RESULTS

The years 2015 and 2018 showed the greatest growth in the number of patents filed in the Espacenet and INPI databases, respectively, with China leading the domains of origin, inventors, and owners of microencapsulation technology. The largest number of applications of microcapsules were observed in the food industry, and the foods containing microencapsulated oils were powdered seasonings, dairy products, rice flour, nutritional formulae, pasta, nutritional supplements, and bread. The increase in oxidative stabilities of oils was the most cited objective to microencapsulate oils. Spray drying was the most widely used microencapsulation technique, and maltodextrin, gum arabic, and modified starch were the most widely used wall materials.

CONCLUSION

Microencapsulation of oils has been expanding over the years and increasing the possibilities of the use of microcapsules, but further investments and development of policies and incentive programs to boost this technology need to be made in less developed countries. For future perspectives, the microencapsulation technique is already a worldwide trend in the food industry, enabling the development of new products to facilitate their insertion in the consumer market.

Fabrication and characterization of gum arabic- and maltodextrin-based microcapsules containing polyunsaturated oils

BACKGROUND

Polyunsaturated oils have various health-promoting effects, however, they are highly prone to oxidation. Encapsulation using biopolymers is one of the most effective strategies to enhance oil stability. This research examined the potential of gum arabic and maltodextrin for microencapsulation of omega-3 rich oils, aiming to enhance encapsulation efficiency and stability of encapsulated oil.

RESULTS

We encapsulated fish and flaxseed oils by emulsification-spray drying. Spray-dried microcapsules were prepared by oil-in-water emulsions consisting of 10 wt% oil and 30 wt% biopolymer (gum arabic, maltodextrin, or their mixture). Results showed that both microcapsules were spherical in shape with surface shrinkage, and exhibited amorphous structures. Gum arabic-based microcapsules had higher encapsulation efficiency as well as better storage stability for both types of oil. Flaxseed oil microcapsules generally had higher oxidative stability regardless of the type of wall material.

CONCLUSIONS

Through a comprehensive characterization of the physical and chemical properties of the emulsions and resulting microcapsules, we proved gum arabic to be a more effective wall material for polyunsaturated oil microencapsulation, especially flaxseed oil. This study provides a promising approach to stabilize oils which are susceptible to deterioration, and facilitates their wider uses as food and nutraceutical products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Amelioration of the stability of polyunsaturated fatty acids and bioactive enriched vegetable oil: blending, encapsulation, and its application

Lipid oxidation in vegetable oils is the primary concern for food technologists. Modification of oils like hydrogenation, fractionation, inter-esterification, and blending are followed to improve nutritional quality. Blending non-conventional/conventional vegetable oils to obtain a synergistic oil mixture is commonly practiced in the food industry to enhance the nutritional characteristics and stability of oil at an affordable price. Microencapsulation of these oils provides a functional barrier of core and coating material from the adverse environmental conditions, thereby enhancing the oxidative stability, thermo-stability, shelf-life, and biological activity of oils. Microencapsulation of oils has been conducted and commercialized by employing different conventional methods including emulsification, spray-drying, freeze-drying, coacervation, and melt-extrusion compared with new, improved methods like microwave drying, spray chilling, and co-extrusion. The microencapsulated oil emulsion can be either dried to easy-to-handle solids/microcapsules, converted into soft solids, or enclosed in a gel-like matrix, increasing the shelf-life of the liquid oil. The omega-rich microcapsules have a wide application in confectionery, dairy, ice-cream, and pharmaceutical industries. This review summarizes recent developments in blending and microencapsulation technologies in improving the stability and nutritional value of edible oils.

Proteins from leguminous plants: from structure, property to the function in encapsulation/binding and delivery of bioactive compounds

Leguminous proteins are important nutritional components in leguminous plants, and they have different structures and functions depending on their sources. Due to their specific structures and physicochemical properties, leguminous proteins have received much attention in food and nutritional applications, and they can be applied as various carriers for binding/encapsulation and delivery of food bioactive compounds. In this review, we systematically summarize the different structures and functional properties of several leguminous proteins which can be classified as ferritin, trypsin inhibitor, β-conglycinin, glycinin, and various leguminous proteins isolates. Moreover, we review the development of leguminous proteins as carriers of food bioactive compounds, and emphasize the functions of leguminous protein-based binding/encapsulation and delivery in overcoming the low bioavailability, instability and low absorption efficiency of food bioactive compounds. The limitations and challenges of the utilization of leguminous proteins as carriers of food bioactive compounds are also discussed. Possible approaches to resolve the limitations of applying leguminous proteins such as instability of proteins and poor absorption of bioactive compounds are recommended.

Legume proteins are smart carriers to encapsulate hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactive compounds and probiotic bacteria: A review

Encapsulation is a promising technological process enabling the protection of bioactive compounds against harsh storage, processing, and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions. Legume proteins (LPs) are unique carriers that can efficiently encapsulate these unstable and highly reactive ingredients. Stable LPs-based microcapsules loaded with active ingredients can thus develop to be embedded into processed functional foods. The recent advances in micro- and nanoencapsulation process of an extensive span of bioactive health-promoting probiotics and chemical compounds such as marine and plant fatty acid-rich oils, carotenoid pigments, vitamins, flavors, essential oils, phenolic and anthocyanin-rich extracts, iron, and phytase by LPs as single wall materials were highlighted. A technical summary of the use of single LP-based carriers in designing innovative delivery systems for natural bioactive molecules and probiotics was made. The encapsulation mechanisms, encapsulation efficiency, physicochemical and thermal stability, as well as the release and absorption behavior of bioactives were comprehensively discussed. Protein isolates and concentrates of soy and pea were the most common LPs to encapsulate nutraceuticals and probiotics. The microencapsulation of probiotics using LPs improved bacteria survivability, storage stability, and tolerance in the in vitro GIT conditions. Moreover, homogenization and high-pressure pretreatments as well as enzymatic cross-linking of LPs significantly modify their structure and functionality to better encapsulate the bioactive core materials. LPs can be attractive delivery devices for the controlled release and increased bioaccessibility of the main food-grade bioactives.

Preparation of functional rice cake by using β-carotene-loaded emulsion powder

The purpose of this study was to apply a powdered β-carotene-loaded emulsion to a real food product, Korean traditional rice cakes (Garaedduk). β-Carotene was incorporated into the oil phase of a sodium caseinate-stabilized emulsion. Emulsion powder containing β-carotene was prepared using freeze-drying, and maltodextrin and gum arabic were used as wall materials. Oil/protein/maltodextrin weight ratios of 3:1:2 and 3:1:5 (core-to-wall ratios of 1:1 and 1:2) were used, and gum arabic was added by replacing the amount of maltodextrin for 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.5% w/w. Manufactured emulsion powders prepared with wall material at a core-to-wall ratio of 1:2 remained stable after reconstitution in terms of particle diameter and ζ-potential. The encapsulation efficiency of the emulsion powder increased by 90% in the presence of maltodextrin at a core-to-wall ratio of 1:2. Garaedduk containing the emulsion powder was then manufactured and it was confirmed that β-carotene was not degraded during the manufacturing process of Garaedduk by using HPLC. The results from this study may be useful for rational designing of functional foods with lipophilic bioactive materials.

Design of biopolymer carriers enriched with natural emulsifiers for improved controlled release of thyme essential oil

This work aims to characterize a novel system for thyme essential oil delivery based on the combination of natural emulsifiers (soy protein and soy lecithin) and alginate, produced using the extrusion technique. The formulations are optimized concerning alginate and soy protein concentrations (both 1 to 1.5 wt.%), and consequently lecithin amount, in order to achieve spherical beads in the range 2.0 to 2.3 mm and 1.2 to 1.4 mm, wet and dry, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared analysis was performed, proving that there are interactions between all components. Lecithin-soy protein synergistic combination improved entrapment efficiency of total polyphenols (for nearly 12%) and decreased thymol release in a simulated gastric solution for nearly 35%, in comparison with beads without lecithin. The addition of lecithin enhances the thermal properties of the polysaccharide-protein systems at 50 °C after 3 hr of heating. The mechanical stability of the biopolymer carriers is improved with lecithin addition and the elastic modulus varied from 80.06 to 123.7 kPa, depending on the formulation. Alginate/soy protein/lecithin are effective carriers for the encapsulation, protection, and controlled release of thyme essential oil. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: There is unfortunately growing human resistance to antibiotics. This work offers a novel system for effective protection and controlled release of thyme essential oil in the small intestine. The mechanical and thermal properties of the carrier were estimated as they indicate how the beads will be able to resist stress during their incorporation into food (i.e. cookies-mixing, baking). The proposed approach offers ''green advantage'' as arises from all-natural materials.

Seed Protein of Lentils: Current Status, Progress, and Food Applications

Grain legumes are widely recognized as staple sources of dietary protein worldwide. Lentil seeds are an excellent source of plant-based proteins and represent a viable alternative to animal and soybean proteins for food processing formulations. Lentil proteins provide not only dietary amino acids but are also a source of bioactive peptides that provide health benefits. This review focuses on the current knowledge of seed protein, extraction and isolation methods, bioactive peptides, and food applications of lentil protein. Lentil is the most rapidly expanding crop for direct human consumption, and has potential for greater impact as a protein source for food processing applications. Improvements in lentil protein quality, amino acid composition, and processing fractions will enhance the nutritional quality of this rapidly expanding crop globally.

SPI microgels applied to Pickering stabilization of O/W emulsions by ultrasound and high-pressure homogenization: rheology and spray drying

Soybean Protein Isolate (SPI) is a by-product from soybean oil industries with good nutritional and functional properties. Denaturation of hydrated SPI can change its properties, allowing the formation of gel-like particles, which can be used to stabilize emulsions without addition of surfactants. SPI microgel particles were produced by denaturation of hydrated SPI, followed by high pressure homogenization or sonication, with different NaCl or NaF contents, aiming the formation of small particles capable to stabilize O/W emulsions and acting as wall material for microencapsulation of soybean oil by spray drying. The presence of NaF in the suspensions decreased the charge intensity of SPI microgels, leading to formation of significantly bigger SPI microgel particles. Based on Creaming Index (CI), all the emulsions were stable for, at least, 21 days at room temperature. The presence of salt affected minimally the droplet size of the emulsions, though there has been an increase in flocculation. All the emulsions presented shear-thinning behavior and a strong shear rate dependence when salt was present in the system. The microspheres produced by spray drying of the emulsions were spherical and showed few aggregate formation. In addition, they presented high values of oil retention (> 80 wt%) and acceptable values of moisture content (< 4 wt%). SPI microgel particles produced by high-pressure homogenization or sonication may be used to stabilize emulsions with low oil contents. These emulsions can be further spray dried to microencapsulate lipophilic compounds using SPI microgels as wall material.

Advances in the Application of Microcapsules as Carriers of Functional Compounds for Food Products

Natural bioactive compounds and living cells have been reported as promising products with beneficial properties to human health. The constant challenge regarding the use of these components is their easy degradation during processing and storage. However, their stability can be improved with the microencapsulation process, in which a compound sensitive to adverse environmental conditions is retained within a protective polymeric material. Microencapsulation is a widely used methodology for the preservation and stabilization of functional compounds for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. The present review discusses advances in the production and application of microcapsules loaded with functional compounds in food products. The main methods for producing microcapsules, as well as the classes of functional compounds and wall materials used, are presented. Additionally, the release of compounds from loaded microcapsules in food matrices and in simulated gastrointestinal conditions is also assessed.

Encapsulation of omega 3-6-9 fatty acids-rich oils using protein-based emulsions with spray drying

With an increased awareness of the link between the consumption of omega 3-6-9 fatty acid-rich oils and health, the food industry has been developing innovative strategies for raising their levels within the diet. Microencapsulation is one approach used to protect those oils from oxidative deterioration and to improve their ingredient properties (e.g., handling and sensory). Spray drying is the most commonly used technique to develop microcapsules. The preparation of protein-stabilized emulsions is a fundamental step in the process in order to produce microcapsules with good physical properties, effective protection and controlled release behaviors. This review describes types of emulsions prepared by animal and plant proteins, discusses the relationship between emulsion properties and microcapsule properties, and identifies key parameters to evaluate physical properties (e.g., moisture content, water activity, particle size, surface oil and entrapment efficiency), oxidative stability and release behavior of spray-dried microcapsules for industrial application.

Stability and in vitro release behaviour of encapsulated omega fatty acid-rich oils in lentil protein isolate-based microcapsules

The objective of this study was to investigate the use of a lentil protein isolate-based microcapsule design as a platform for entrapping different types of omega fatty acid-rich oil (e.g. canola, fish and flaxseed oils) and to characterise differences in the physical properties (e.g. moisture content, water activity, colour, wettability, particle size, surface oil and entrapment efficiency), storage stability and in vitro release behaviour of the entrapped oils. All microcapsules displayed similar physical properties regardless of the core material. Free fatty acid content, peroxide value, 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and accelerated oxidation test were investigated between the free and encapsulated oils to determine protective effects from microencapsulation and found the wall material provided the greatest protective effect to the fish oils relative to the others. Based on an in vitro release assay, it was proposed that different intrinsic properties of fatty acids (e.g. polarity, conformation, chain length and number of double bonds) led to different release properties under simulated conditions. For instance, more encapsulated canola oil (∼8.9%) was released within simulated gastric fluid, whereas more encapsulated fish oil (∼73.4%) was released within simulated gastrointestinal fluids. Overall, the capsule design used in this study could be potentially used as a universal platform to deliver more healthy oils.