Effect of emulsification techniques on the distribution of components on the surface of microparticles obtained by spray drying

The number of studies on the surface composition of microparticles obtained by spray drying has increased due to the interest in understanding the relationship between the characteristics of these microparticles and the oxidation stability of encapsulated bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of emulsification techniques on the distribution of components on the surface, microstructure, and physicochemical properties of encapsulated 13-carotene microparticles obtained by spray drying. Emulsions created by microfluidization and observed by XPS showed a greater presence (11.35-16.82%) of hydrophilic amino acids (histidine, glycine, serine, threonine) on the surface. Emulsions obtained by rotor/stator system exhibited low encapsulation efficiency (9.1-46.0%), and the microparticles presented a high number of surface irregularities (shrinkage and dents) compared to the microfluidization samples. In contrast, emulsions obtained by microfluidization showed shorter wetting (12.37-14.47 min) and solubility times (25.66-30.22 min), attributed to the percentage of protein on the surface of microparticles. The characteristics of the microparticles provided by the microfluidizer could help in the design of fast-hydration and dispersion powder products by spray drying. (c) 2021 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the effect of different emulsification techniques on the surface distribution, microstructure, and physicochemical properties of encapsulated β-carotene microparticles. Emulsions created by microfluidization showed a higher presence of hydrophilic amino acids on the surface, while emulsions obtained by rotor/stator system exhibited lower encapsulation efficiency and more irregular surface structures. Microparticles provided by the microfluidizer could help in designing fast-hydration and dispersion powder products by spray drying.