Development of alginate/inulin carrier systems containing non-conventional Amazonian berry extracts

Different carriers, such as the combination of sodium alginate and inulin, have been employed to protect foods against environmental effects. The goal of this work was to use the ionic gelation encapsulation process to produce microparticles containing Clidemia rubra extract, ranging the concentration of inulin from 1.5 to 3.5 g inulin.100 g^-1 of solution. Characteristic signals of sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds were identified in the extract using the ¹H NMR technique. The carriers containing inulin presented significant difference in the moisture content when compared to the pure sodium alginate beads. The produced beads were found in the range of 0.81-1.06 mm. The addition of inulin to sodium alginate was significant for the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the antioxidant compounds when compared to the beads formed only using pure sodium alginate. The microspheres presenting inulin and sodium alginate presented higher content of spherical particles. The addition of 2.5 g inulin.100 g^-1 of solution allowed its incorporation into the pores of the beads, favoring a possible chemical interaction between inulin and sodium alginate. This interaction resulted in a different crystal structure and better EE. Furthermore, beads containing inulin presented higher protection of the encapsulated bioactive compounds during the gastric phase.