Use of prebiotic carbohydrate as wall material on lime essential oil microparticles

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the use of different prebiotic biopolymers in lime essential oil microencapsulation. Whey protein isolate, inulin and oligofructose biopolymers were used. The addition of prebiotic biopolymers reduced emulsion viscosity, although it produced larger droplet sizes (0.31–0.32 µm). Moisture values (2.94–3.13 g/100 g dry solids) and water activity (0.152–0.185) were satisfactory, being within the appropriate range for powdered food quality. Total oil content, limonene retention values and antioxidant activity of the microparticles containing essential oil decreased in the presence of the carbohydrates. The addition of prebiotic biopolymers reduced the microparticle thermal stability. X-ray diffraction confirmed the amorphous characteristic of the microparticles and the interaction of the essential oil with the wall material. The presence of prebiotic biopolymers can be a good alternative for lime essential oil microparticles, mainly using fibre that has a functional food appeal and can improve consumer health.

Keywords:

• Ultrasound-assisted emulsification
• encapsulation efficiency
• antioxidant activity
• prebiotic
• inulin
• degree of polymerisation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

FAPEMIGCAG-PPM-00318–11

CNPq10.13039/501100003593448530/2014–7Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico10.13039/501100003593448530/2014-7Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais10.13039/501100004901CAG-PPM-00318-11The authors thank FAPEMIG (Minas Gerais State Foundation for Research Development, Brazil) (CAG-PPM-00318–11) and CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, Brazil) (Grant number: 448530/2014–7) for the financial support.