Microencapsulation of Jucara (Euterpe edulis M.) Pulp by Spray Drying Using Different Carriers and Drying Temperatures

Jucara pulp was microencapsulated using three different carrier agentsgelatin, gum arabic, and maltodextrinby spray drying. Response surface methodology based on a two-factor-five-level central composite design was applied to determine the effect of inlet temperature (140-190 degrees C) and carrier agent concentration (5-55%) on anthocyanin retention. Significant retention of anthocyanin content (>83%) was observed at the treatment conditions of 165 degrees C inlet temperature and 5% of carrier agent. Anthocyanin retention was affected by temperature, due to its high sensitivity, and by carrier agent concentration, which is related to the interaction between the jucara pulp compounds and the carrier agent.