Optimization of Spray-Drying Conditions of Microencapsulated Habanero Pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) Extracts and Physicochemical Characterization of the Microcapsules

Abstract

The Habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) is recognized worldwide for its unique organoleptic characteristics, as well as for its capsaicin content; however, other bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds with bioactive properties (mainly antioxidant capacity), have been extracted (ultrasound) and identified in this fruit. Moreover, the extracts obtained by ultrasound present a high sensitivity to environmental conditions, making spray drying a viable option to avoid the degradation of bioactive compounds while maintaining their properties after microencapsulation. Response surface methodology (RSM) has been used to optimize spray-drying conditions such as the inlet temperature (IT) and maltodextrin:extract (M:E) ratio. Thus, the objective of this work was to establish the optimal spray-drying conditions (IT and M:E) of a Habanero pepper extract with a final characterization of the spray-dried product. Results showed that the optimal spray-drying conditions included an IT = 148 °C with an M:E = 0.8:1 w/w, where the antioxidant capacity (38.84 ± 0.22% inhibition), total polyphenol content (6.64 ± 0.08 mg Gallic acid equivalent/100 g powder), and several individual polyphenols, such as Protocatechuic acid (26.97 mg/100 g powder), Coumaric acid (2.68 mg/100 g powder), Rutin (18.01 mg/100 g powder), Diosmetin (1.74 mg/100 g powder), and Naringenin (0.98 mg/100 g powder), were evaluated. The microcapsules showed a spherical shape with concavities and moisture less than 5%, and the inclusion of bioactive compounds was confirmed using UPLC and FTIR. The final dried product has the potential to be used as an ingredient for functional food development.

Metabolomic Profiling (LC–MS2) of Flowers and Bee Honey of Dzidzilche (Gymnopodium floribundum Rolfe) and Jabin (Piscidia piscipula L. Sarg.) from Yucatán, México

“…The fresh flowers selected were subjected to moisture determination prior to the drying process (freeze-drying or oven-drying) according to the methodology reported by Avilés-Betanzos et al, 2023 with some modifications [34]. With an OHAUS ® thermobalance (model MB90, NJ, USA), the moisture content of the samples was determined by placing 0.5 g of sample in an aluminum plate; the samples were kept in the equipment at a constant temperature of 105 • C until a constant weight was reached (weight loss < 1 mg in 60 s).…”

“…Moisture was the difference between the initial and final weights of the sample and was reported in percentage and in triplicate. The extraction process was carried out according to the methodology reported by Avilés-Betanzos et al [34] with some modifications. A sample of flower flour was weighed (0.5 g); then, 2.5 mL of a methanol: water solution (80:20) was added.…”