Extraction and encapsulation by complex coacervation of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) proanthocyanidins

Author(s)

Volnei Brito de Souza

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Pirassununga.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Zootecnica e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZE/BT)
• Defense date: 2016-08-19

Examining board members

Carmen Silvia Fávaro Trindade; Samantha Cristina de Pinho; Christianne Elisabete da Costa Rodrigues; Maria Inês Genovese Rodriguez; Ana Silvia Prata Soares

• Advisor: Carmen Silvia Fávaro Trindade

Abstract

Proanthocyanidins from cinnamon are phenolic compounds responsible for many beneficial health effects attributed to this plant. However, to take advantage of these effects, it would be necessary to consume large amount of the spice, which presents some undesirable sensory characteristics such as strong flavor and also cause sensation of astringency. Thinking of solving these problems, this study aimed to obtain a cinnamon extract rich in proanthocyanidins, its encapsulation by complex coacervation technique and application in ice cream. Initially, the conditions were optimized to obtain the extract with higher proanthocyanidins content. Using crushed cinnamon bark, 50% ethanol and varying temperature, solid to solvent ratio and time, the conditions were optimized in: temperature (60 °C) solid:solvente ratio (1:7.5), and time extraction (30 min). The main compound present in this extract were isolated on an HPLC system and identified as a mixture of proanthocyanidins with degrees of polymerisation of 2-4, cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid. The antioxidant capacity of these fractions was also determined showing that the proanthocyanidins are the main responsible for this potential. The extract was spray-dried and freeze-dried being evaluated the following properties: antioxidant capacity, inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase and antimicrobial activity. Dried extracts, particularly the atomized one, showed high antioxidant capacity and high potential to inhibit digestive enzymes, but lost antimicrobial capacity in relation to the liquid extract. The atomized extract was encapsulated by the complex coacervation technique using gelatin as a amphoteric polymer and different polysaccharides (gum arabic, pectin, cashew gum, carboxymethylcellulose and κ-carrageenan) as the anionic polymers. The microparticles were characterized in relation to: moisture content, water activity, hygroscopicity, solubility, morphology, size and distribution. There were differences between the samples in all of these parameters evaluated. Were studied the infrared spectra of ingredients and particles obtained by coacervation, where it was clearly observed interaction between the protein and the polysaccharide in particle formation. The microparticles were submitted to stress conditions in aqueous media and were resistant to various pH values, temperature, salt concentration and sucrose. During storage, the particles have lost part of phenolics and total proanthocyanidins, and in the sample produced with gelatin/κ-carrageenan, these compounds were more preserved. This sample also showed potential to be used as a system for controlled release of phenolic compounds in the intestine. Sensory analysis of free and encapsulated extract samples proved that the encapsulation process was effective at masking the strong taste and the sensation of astringency of the cinnamon extract. Samples of the encapsulated cinnamon extract, added in ice cream, obtained a greater global acceptance, were further evaluated for flavor and also had a higher purchase intent by the consumers compared to the ice cream containing free extract. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/09090-2 - Extraction and encapsulation by complex coacervation of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume)proanthocyanidins
• Grantee: Volnei Brito de Souza
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate