Recent updates of carotenoid encapsulation by spray-drying technique

Carotenoids are compounds sensitive to environmental factors such as light, heat, and oxygen, which can result in the loss of their properties due to isomerisation and oxidation. To overcome this problem, spray drying encapsulation has been widely used as a method to protect and stabilise carotenoids in different wall materials. This article summarises the findings and research on spray drying encapsulation of carotenoids over the past 15 years, with an emphasis on the importance of controlling the operational conditions of the drying process and the association of different wall materials (proteins and polysaccharides), promising to increase encapsulation efficiency and stabilise carotenoids, with perspectives and trends in applications. The use of spray drying for carotenoid microencapsulation can open up new opportunities for controlled delivery of beneficial compounds. Based on the study, it is expected to provide information for researchers, professionals, and companies interested in the development of functional food products.