Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) as a Source of Bioactive Phenolics: Extraction and Microencapsulation by Spray Drying

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods
• Phytochemistry

Background:

• Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) is rich in bioactive phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.
• Instability and low bioavailability of these compounds limit their application.
• Extraction and microencapsulation are key strategies for preservation and enhanced functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the extraction of phenolic compounds from jabuticaba.
• To develop a spray-dried microencapsulated jabuticaba extract using maltodextrin.
• To enhance encapsulation efficiency and retention of bioactive compounds.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated freeze-dried jabuticaba peel for optimal phenolic recovery.
• Determined optimal extraction conditions using hydroethanolic solvents and short extraction times.
• Employed spray drying with maltodextrin for microencapsulation.

Main Results:

• Freeze-dried jabuticaba peel yielded higher phenolic recovery and antioxidant capacity.
• Optimized extraction used 50:50 hydroethanolic solution and 2-hour extraction time.
• Microencapsulated extract showed low water activity, spherical morphology, and retained phenolic compounds.

Conclusions:

• Optimized extraction and spray-drying microencapsulation effectively stabilize jabuticaba phenolics.
• Maltodextrin is an effective carrier for jabuticaba extract microencapsulation.
• This process enhances stability and potential for use as functional ingredients.