Encapsulation of beetroot juice: a study on the application of pumpkin oil cake protein as new carrier agent

Recent advances in modification of plant-based proteins for improved encapsulation performance

Encapsulation is a useful technique for protection, stabilization and controlling the release of bioactive compounds and food ingredients particularly sensitive to environmental factors such as heat, light and temperature. A wide variety of biopolymers can be used as wall materials in encapsulation, among which proteins are an essential group. In recent years, with the increasing interest in concepts such as plant-based nutrition and sustainability, the use of plant proteins in encapsulation has also increased. Proteins obtained from plant sources are sustainable, easily accessible, and low cost compared to animal-based counterparts; additionally, they are biodegradable, renewable, and biocompatible. However, there are some limitations regarding their functional properties such as solubility, emulsifying, gelling, and film-forming abilities. Various physical, chemical and enzymatic modification methods are used to improve the functional properties of plant proteins and to expand their use in encapsulation technologies. In this review, plant-based proteins (PBPs) and their use in encapsulation are discussed. Different modification techniques can improve the encapsulation performance of plant proteins; however, process parameters should be optimized. The most commonly studied physical, chemical, enzymatic and combined modification methods are sonication, Maillard conjugation, enzymatic hydrolysis and pH-shifting combined ultrasonication, respectively. The use of combined modification methods is a promising approach for improvement of the encapsulation performance of PBPs.

Betalain-Chickpea Protein Particles Produced by Freeze Drying and Spray Drying: Physicochemical Aspects, Storage Stability, and In Vitro Digestion

Beetroots are one of the primary sources of betalains, nitrogenous pigments with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, due to their chemical instability, betalains have limited use in food applications. This work investigated whether betalains encapsulated in chickpea protein could be stabilized and delivered in a shelf-stable format. Freeze-dried (CB-FD) and spray-dried (CB-SD) protein-betalain particles encapsulated in chickpea protein isolate (6% w/v) were prepared. The encapsulation method affected particles' morphology, water activity, hygroscopicity, solubility, and color. Particles captured total betalains of 9.30 ± 0.61 and 4.40 ± 0.92 mg/g for CB-SD and CB-FD, respectively. LC-MS identified 12 betacyanins and 6 betaxanthins. The stability of betalains revealed that encapsulation efficiently preserved betalain integrity of over 6 weeks of storage at 4, 22, and 40 °C compared to dry beetroot extract. CB-SD particles were stable with no significant changes, while CB-FD showed slight degradation after 4 weeks due to increased Aw. Antioxidant activity correlated well with betalain concentration. In vitro digestion resulted in only 25% bioaccessibility of betacyanins, while betaxanthins were more stable with 100% recovery. Encapsulation with chickpea protein isolate is an efficient and straightforward strategy for expanding and diversifying applications of phytochemical-rich beetroot extracts for the food industry.

How do in vitro digestion and cell metabolism affect the biological activity and phenolic profile of grape juice and wine

Cabernet Sauvignon grape juice and wine underwent in vitro digestion, resulting in a reduction of most phenolic compounds (10%-100% decline), notably impacting anthocyanins (82%-100% decline) due to pH variations. However, specific phenolics, including p-hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, vanillic, p-coumaric, gallic and syringic acids, and coumarin esculetin, increased in concentration (10%-120%). Grape juice and wine samples showed comparable polyphenolic profile during all phases of digestion. Antioxidant activity persisted, and inhibition of angiotensin-I converting enzyme was improved after the digestion process, likely because of increased concentrations of listed phenolic acids and esculetin. Digested grape juice displayed comparable or superior bioactivity to red wine, indicating it as a promising source of accessible grape polyphenols for a broader audience. Nevertheless, Caco-2 cell model metabolization experiments revealed that only 3 of 42 analyzed compounds passed to the basolateral compartment, emphasizing the significant impact of digestion on polyphenol bioactivity, suggesting potential yet unmeasurable and overlooked implications for human health.

Sweet tea extract encapsulated by different wall material combinations with improved physicochemical properties and bioactivity stability

Aim: To prepare sweet tea extract microcapsules (STEMs) via a spray-drying by applying different wall material formulations with maltodextrin (MD), inulin (IN), and gum arabic (GA). Methods: The microcapsules were characterised by yield, encapsulation efficiency (EE), particle size, sensory evaluation, morphology, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and in vitro digestion studies. Results: The encapsulation improved the physicochemical properties and bioactivity stability of sweet tea extract (STE). MD5IN5 had the highest yield (56.33 ± 0.06% w/w) and the best EE (e.g. 88.84 ± 0.36% w/w of total flavonoids). MD9GA1 obtained the smallest particle size (642.13 ± 4.12 nm). MD9GA1 exhibited the highest retention of bioactive components, inhibition of α-glucosidase (96.85 ± 0.55%), α-amylase (57.58 ± 0.99%), angiotensin-converting enzyme (56.88 ± 2.20%), and the best antioxidant activity during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Conclusion: The encapsulation of STE can be an appropriate way for the valorisation of STE with improved properties.

Optimization of the Parameters Influencing the Antioxidant Activity and Concentration of Carotenoids Extracted from Pumpkin Peel Using a Central Composite Design

It has been discovered that the peel of a pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), regarded as a waste product of pumpkin processing, has significant amounts of carotenoids and other antioxidants. This study aims to identify the most effective extraction parameters for an ultrasonic-assisted extraction method to extract the total carotenoids (TCs) and assess the antioxidant activity (AA) of pumpkin peel. To determine the effects of the extraction time, temperature, and material-to-solvent ratio on the recovery of TCs and AA, a response surface methodology utilizing the central composite design (CCD) was used. The extraction temperature (6.25-98.75 °C), extraction duration (13.98-128.98 min), and solvent ratio (0.23-50.23 mL) were the variables studied in the coded form of the experimental plan. The carotenoid concentration varied from 0.53 to 1.06 mg/g DW, while the AA varied from 0.34 to 7.28 µM TE/g DW. The findings indicated that the optimal extraction parameters were an 80 °C temperature, a 10 mL solvent ratio, and a 100 min extraction time. The study confirmed that the optimum extraction conditions resulted in an experimental TC yield of 0.97 mg/g DW and an AA of 7.25 µM TE/g DW. Overall, it should be emphasized that the extraction process can be enhanced by setting the operating factors to maximize the model responses.

Spray dried acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC) juice particles to produce phytochemical-rich starch-based edible films

This study aimed to produce spray dried acerola juice microparticles with different protein carriers to be incorporated into edible starch films. The microparticles were evaluated for solids recovery, polyphenol retention, solubility, hygroscopicity, particle size distribution, X-ray diffraction, phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity. Acerola microparticles produced with WPI/hydrolysed collagen carriers (AWC) with higher solids recovery (53.5 ± 0.34% w/w), polyphenol retention (74.4 ± 0.44% w/w), high solubility in water (85.2 ± 0.4% w/w), total polyphenol content (128.45 ± 2.44 mg GAE/g) and good storage stability were selected to produce starch-based films by casting. As a result, cassava films with water vapour permeability of 0.29 ± 0.07 g mm/m2 h KPa, polyphenol content of 10.15 ± 0.22 mg GAE/g film and DPPH radical scavenging activity of 6.57 ± 0.13 μM TE/g film, with greater migration of polyphenol to water (6.30 ± 0.52 mg GAE/g film) were obtained. Our results show that the incorporation of phytochemical-rich fruit microparticles is a promising strategy to create biodegradable edible films.

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.

Carotenoid Content and Profiles of Pumpkin Products and By-Products

The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current findings on the major carotenoids and their content in pumpkin products and by-products. The content of total carotenoids and the composition of carotenoids in pumpkins depend mainly on the species and cultivar, pedoclimatic conditions, the part of the plant (pulp, peel or seed), extraction procedures and the type of solvent used for extraction. The major carotenoids identified in pumpkins were β-carotene, α-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. β-Carotene is the major carotenoid in most pumpkin species. The number and content of total carotenoids are higher when minor carotenoids and ester forms are considered. The use of carotenoids in the development of functional foods has been the topic of many versatile studies in recent years, as they add significant value to foods associated with numerous health benefits. In view of this, pumpkin and pumpkin by-products can serve as a valuable source of carotenoids.

Complexation of anthocyanins, betalains and carotenoids with biopolymers: An approach to complexation techniques and evaluation of binding parameters

Natural pigments are bioactive compounds that can present health-promoting bioactivities in the human body. Due to their strong coloring properties, these compounds have been widely used as color additives as an alternative to artificial colorants. However, since these pigments are unstable under certain conditions, such as the presence of light, oxygen, and heat, the use of complexation and encapsulation techniques with biopolymers is in demand. Moreover, some functional properties can be achieved by using natural pigments-biopolymers complexes in food matrices. The complexation and encapsulation of natural pigments with biopolymers consist of forming a complex with the aim to make these compounds less susceptible to oxidative and degrading agents, and can also be used to improve their solubility in different media. This review aims to discuss different techniques that have been used over the last years to create natural pigment-biopolymers complexes, as well as the recent advances, limitations, effects, and possible applications of these complexes in foods. Moreover, the understanding of thermodynamic parameters between natural pigments and biopolymers is very important regarding the complex formation and their use in food systems. In this sense, thermodynamic techniques that can be used to determine binding parameters between natural pigments and potential wall materials, as well as their applications, advantages, and limitations are presented in this work. Several studies have shown an improvement in many aspects regarding the use of these complexes, including increased thermal and storage stability. Nonetheless, data regarding the biological effects on the human body and the sensory acceptance of natural pigments-biopolymers complexes in food systems are scarce in the literature.

Bioactive Compounds in Rosehip (Rosa canina) Powder with Encapsulating Agents

Rosa canina pseudo-fruits contain interesting bioactive compounds. This work aims to evaluate the use of different biopolymers as encapsulating agents on the content of organic acids, minerals, fibers, phenols, carotenoids, and the antioxidant activity of the powdered product. Fruits were ground and freeze-dried with or without biopolymers (maltodextrin, resistant maltodextrin, cyclodextrin, and pea protein). Rosehip formulated purees with encapsulating agents are an interesting food ingredient rich in fiber and minerals that could be used in the food industry in order to obtain different functional foods. Results obtained in this study show that all formulated samples are a good source of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and manganese. Both rosehip without biopolymers and rosehip with pea protein formulations are also a good source of Zn. Formulation with pea protein can be claimed as a good source of Fe. All formulations are food ingredients with a very high content of ascorbic acid. Comparing the encapsulating agents, depending on the studied bioactive compound samples behaved differently. In conclusion, it can be indicated that pea protein is recommended as an encapsulating agent since the rosehip with pea protein sample has the highest content of fiber, minerals, organic acids, and carotenoids among the encapsulating agents studied.

Pea protein composition, functionality, modification, and food applications: A review

The demand for proteins continues to increase due to their nutritional benefits, the growing world population, and rising protein deficiency. Plant-based proteins represent a sustainable source to supplement costly animal proteins. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is one of the most produced plant legume crops in the world and contributes to 26% of the total pulse production. The average protein content of pea is about 20%-25%. The commercial utilization of pea proteins is limited, partially due to its less desirable functionalities and beany off-flavor. Protein modification may change these properties and broaden the application of pea proteins in the food industry. Functional properties such as protein solubility, water and oil holding capacity, emulsifying/foaming capacity and stability, and gelation can be altered and improved by enzymatic, chemical, and physical modifications. These modifications work by affecting protein chemical structures, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity balance, and interactions with other food constituents. Modifiers, reaction conditions, and degree of modifications are critical variables for protein modifications and can be controlled to achieve desirable functional attributes that may meet applications in meat analogs, baking products, dressings, beverages, dairy mimics, encapsulation, and emulsions. Understanding pea protein characteristics will allow us to design better functional ingredients for food applications.

Beetroot Microencapsulation with Pea Protein Using Spray Drying: Physicochemical, Structural and Functional Properties

Beetroot is a root vegetable with carotenoids, phenols, vitamins, minerals, and water-soluble betalain pigments such as betacyanins (red-violet color) and betaxanthins (yellow-orange color), which have many nutritional and health benefits. Its use in the food industry is mainly as a powdered natural dye. This study aims to investigate the effect of adding pea protein to beetroot juice as an encapsulating agent, and the spray-dried temperature on the physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of the powder. The spray drying was conducted at 125 and 150 °C with 3.5% and 7% pea protein used in the mixtures with the beetroot juice. The water content, bulk density, porosity, hygroscopicity, water solubility, water absorption index, color, and microstructure of the obtained powder were determined. In addition, betacyanin, total phenols, antioxidant capacity, and powder encapsulate efficiency were analyzed. Using pea protein in the spray drying of beetroot juice had shown high yields of spray drying and good characteristics of the powdered product. Beetroot powder with 7% of pea protein was more porous and luminous, and less hygroscopic than beetroot powder with 3.5% of pea protein. However, the use of 7% of pea protein increased the amount of water immobilized by the samples and reduced the soluble solids present in the product compared to beetroot powder with 3.5% of pea protein. The use of 7% of pea protein protected beetroot bioactive compound higher than the use of 3.5%. Higher spray-drying temperature (150 °C) significantly decreased phenols content and antioxidant capacity of the beetroot powders (p < 0.05). Results showed using 7% pea protein mixed with beetroot juice and a 125 °C spray-drying temperature gave the most content of the studied bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the proposal gives more stable powders from a functionality viewpoint because it showed the higher encapsulate efficiency.

Edible packaging: Sustainable solutions and novel trends in food packaging

Novel food packaging techniques are an important area of research to promote food quality and safety. There is a trend towards environmentally sustainable and edible forms of packaging. Edible packaging typically uses sustainable, biodegradable material that is applied as a consumable wrapping or coating around the food, which generates no waste. Numerous studies have recently investigated the importance of edible materials as an added value to packaged foods. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising method to provide use of bioactives, antimicrobials, vitamins, antioxidants and nutrients to potentially increase the functionality of edible packaging. It can act as edible dispensers of food ingredients as encapsulants, nanofibers, nanoparticles and nanoemulsions. In this way, edible packaging serves as an active form of packaging. It plays an important role in packaged foods by desirably interacting with the food and providing technological functions such as releasing scavenging compounds (antimicrobials and antioxidants), and removing harmful gasses such as oxygen and water vapour which all can decrease products quality and shelf life. Active packaging can also contribute to maintaining the nutritive profile of packaged foods. In this review, authors present the latest information on new technological advances in edible food packaging, their novel applications and provide examples of recent studies where edible packaging possesses also an active role.

Gum arabic and collagen hydrolysate extracted from hide fleshing wastes as novel wall materials for microencapsulation of Origanum onites L. essential oil through complex coacervation

Renewable resource-based biodegradable materials attract more attention than petroleum-based biodegradable materials to support the sustainable development of ecology. Obtaining collagen hydrolysate (CH) from hide fleshing wastes of leather industry is an environmentally friendly way to develop multifunctional materials that can contribute to technological advances in different industries. In this study, 2:1, 1:1, and 1 2 ratios of gum arabic (GA) and CH extracted from hide fleshing waste were used as wall materials to encapsulate Origanum onites L. essential oil (OOEO) using the complex coacervation method. The encapsulation yield and efficiency, functional group composition, particle size, morphology, and thermal stability of the obtained OOEO microcapsules were characterized. The results showed that the obtained microcapsules had high encapsulation yield and efficiency, as well as good functional properties such as uniform morphology and low water activity. The best mass ratio for the biopolymers (GA:CH) was 1:1. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that OOEO microcapsule samples had a spherical shape. FTIR analysis was performed on obtained microcapsules, confirming the molecular interactions between GA and CH. These findings can be useful in designing an ideal wall material using GA and CH for microencapsulation of essential oils by the complex coacervation method.

Effects of in vitro digestion-fermentation over global antioxidant response and short chain fatty acid production of beet waste extracts in Ca(ii)-alginate beads

The aim of the present work was to analyze the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion-fermentation on antioxidant capacity, total phenols and production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from biocompounds derived from beet waste (leaf and stem) encapsulated in different formulations of Ca(ii)-alginate beads. The encapsulated systems presented higher antioxidant capacity in different phases (digested and fermented) than the extracts without encapsulation, making Ca(ii)-alginate beads a suitable delivery vehicle. Levels of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of the fermented fraction were up to ten times higher than those of the digested fraction, boosted by the contribution of bioactive compounds from the by-product of beet as well as by sugars and biopolymers. Among the formulations used, those that had excipients (sugars and/or biopolymers) presented a better overall antioxidant response than the beads with just alginate. Guar gum and sucrose lead to a promising enhancement of Ca(ii)-alginate beads not only for preservation and protection but also in terms of stability under in vitro digestion-fermentation and production of SCFAs.

Red Beetroot Betalains: Perspectives on Extraction, Processing, and Potential Health Benefits

In recent years, red beetroot has received a growing interest due to its abundant source of bioactive compounds, particularly betalains. Red beetroot betalains have great potential as a functional food ingredient employed in the food and medical industry due to their diverse health-promoting effects. Betalains from red beetroot are natural pigments, which mainly include either yellow-orange betaxanthins or red-violet betacyanins. However, betalains are quite sensitive toward heat, pH, light, and oxygen, which leads to the poor stability during processing and storage. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehend the impacts of the processing approaches on betalains. In this review, the effective extraction and processing methods of betalains from red beetroot were emphatically reviewed. Furthermore, a variety of recently reported bioactivities of beetroot betalains were also summarized. The present work can provide a comprehensive review on both conventional and innovative extraction techniques, processing methods, and the stability of betalains.