Effects of carrier agents on powder properties, stability of carotenoids, and encapsulation efficiency of goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.) powder produced by co-current spray drying

Maltodextrin, modified starch, inulin, alginate, gum arabic, and combinations thereof were used as carrier agents for spray drying of carotenoid-rich goldenberry (Physalis peruviana L.) juice and compared to cellobiose as an alternative carrier. Powders were analyzed with respect to particle size and morphology, yield, moisture content, cold water solubility, suspension stability, hygroscopicity, carotenoid encapsulation efficiency, and carotenoid retention during storage. A high initial carotenoid concentration after spray drying, a high encapsulation efficiency of 77.2%, and a slow carotenoid degradation kinetics favored the high carotenoid content of the cellobiose powder at the end of the storage. Cellobiose might protect the carotenoids from degradation processes by light exposure, high temperature, and oxygen due to a tighter particle crust and larger particle sizes. Therefore, cellobiose may be considered a potential carrier agent for the encapsulation of carotenoid-rich fruit juices.