Microencapsulation of flexirubin-type pigment by spray drying: Characterization and antioxidant activity

• Published in: International biodeterioration & biodegradation Vol. 113; pp. 350 - 356
• Main Authors: Venil, Chidambaram Kulandaisamy, Khasim, Ali Reza, Aruldass, Claira Arul, Ahmad, Wan Azlina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2016
• Subjects: Antioxidant activity; Characterization; Flexirubin; Spray drying; Stability; Characterization; Spray drying; Stability; Flexirubin; Antioxidant activity
• ISSN: 0964-8305; 1879-0208
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ibiod.2016.01.014

In this work we directed our inquiries to develop a stable flexirubin powder and to evaluate its properties and antioxidant activity. Flexirubin powders were produced by spray drying using two types of carrier agents: gum arabic (GA) and қ-carrageenan (KC) at different inlet air temperatures (140–220 °C). The effect of encapsulation yield, moisture content, hygroscopicity, bulk density, solubility, particle morphology, storage stability and antioxidant activities were determined for both carrier agents. Encapsulation yield, moisture content and bulk densities were greatly influenced by the drying inlet air temperature. The stability test revealed that microencapsulation offered greater protection to flexirubin compared to its free form. Antioxidant activity is higher for microcapsules (687.5 g/kg wet basis) and the boosted properties of microcapsules with high colour stability indicate that this product, which currently has no commercial value, may be used as a natural pigment. [Display omitted] •Flexirubin rich microcapsules obtained using spray drying.•Inlet temperatures have significant effect on properties.•Microcapsules showed enhanced properties with high color stability.•Antioxidant activity higher for microcapsules.•First report on spray drying of flexirubin pigment.