Anthocyanins: New techniques and challenges in microencapsulation

Author(s)

Tarone, Adriana Gadioli ^[1] ; Betim Cazarin, Cinthia Bau ^[1] ; Marostica Junior, Mario Roberto ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Sch Food Engn, BR-13083862 Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Review article
• Source: Food Research International; v. 133, JUL 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Anthocyanins are a bioactive compound belonging to the flavonoid classthatis present in human nutrition through plant-based foods. Due to their antioxidant properties, several health benefits related to their consumption are reported in the literature. The stability of the color and the properties of anthocyanins is strongly affected by pH, solvent, temperature, and other environmental conditions. In addition, the insufficient residence time of anthocyanins in the upper digestive tract causes apartialabsorption, which needs to be improved. These factshave led researchers to investigate new forms of processing that provide minimal degradation. Microencapsulation is a promising possibility to stabilize anthocyanin extracts and allow their addition to food products in a more stable form. The microcapsules can still provide a prolonged gastrointestinal retention time caused by the improvement of the bioadhesive properties in the mucus covering the intestinal epithelium. Although there are efficient and emerging techniques, anthocyanins microencapsulation is still a challenge for the food industry. The purpose of this work is to provide an overview of anthocyanins structure, absorptionand protection, and to show the main conventional and emerging microencapsulation methods and their pros and cons. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/50333-1 - COBRA: a novel compound discovery pipeline for rapid and cost-effective identification of bioactives with health beneficial effects in Brazilian crops
• Grantee: Glaucia Maria Pastore
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants