Comparative Evaluation of Spray-Drying Versus Freeze-Drying Techniques on the Encapsulation Efficiency and Biofunctional Performance of Chenpi Extract Microcapsules

Chenpi extracts (CPEs) are highly valued for their rich bioactive compounds and distinctive aromatic properties, but their environmental sensitivity poses stability challenges in food applications. In this study, CPE microcapsules were fabricated using corn peptide as the wall material, and the func...

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Main Authors: Jiawei Zhao, Xueling Qin, Ying Liu, Qingyun He, Junwei Qin, Fei Shen, Zhenqiang Wu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Foods
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/10/1825
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author Jiawei Zhao
Xueling Qin
Ying Liu
Qingyun He
Junwei Qin
Fei Shen
Zhenqiang Wu
author_facet Jiawei Zhao
Xueling Qin
Ying Liu
Qingyun He
Junwei Qin
Fei Shen
Zhenqiang Wu
author_sort Jiawei Zhao
collection DOAJ
description Chenpi extracts (CPEs) are highly valued for their rich bioactive compounds and distinctive aromatic properties, but their environmental sensitivity poses stability challenges in food applications. In this study, CPE microcapsules were fabricated using corn peptide as the wall material, and the functional properties of spray-dried microcapsules (SDMCs) and freeze-dried microcapsules (FDMCs) were systematically characterized and compared. The results demonstrate that SDMCs exhibit superior characteristics compared to FDMCs, including reduced moisture content, lower hygroscopicity, enhanced solubility, smaller particle size, and a more uniform microstructure. Both FDMCs and SDMCs showed excellent thermal stability. The SDMCs of CPE encapsulated 93.45% of flavonoids, 90.35% of polyphenols, and 81.32% of sugars from the CPE, while also demonstrating exceptional retention of key terpene volatile compounds, particularly D-limonene (44.63%), γ-terpinene (45.18%), and β-myrcene (40.17%). In contrast, FDMCs exhibited stronger retention of alcohol-based volatile compounds. Furthermore, SDMCs displayed higher antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities, along with improved storage stability. In vitro digestion results reveal that SDMCs provide enhanced protection for CPE flavonoids and polyphenols, achieving bioaccessibility rates of 95.64% and 94.57%, respectively. These findings offer a theoretical basis for optimizing the drying processes in CPE microencapsulation, striking a balance between functional properties and flavor preservation for advanced food applications.
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spelling doaj-art-d6408a132a2e4c87a369a60064cbbb4b2025-08-20T01:56:28ZengMDPI AGFoods2304-81582025-05-011410182510.3390/foods14101825Comparative Evaluation of Spray-Drying Versus Freeze-Drying Techniques on the Encapsulation Efficiency and Biofunctional Performance of Chenpi Extract MicrocapsulesJiawei Zhao0Xueling Qin1Ying Liu2Qingyun He3Junwei Qin4Fei Shen5Zhenqiang Wu6School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaSchool of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, ChinaChenpi extracts (CPEs) are highly valued for their rich bioactive compounds and distinctive aromatic properties, but their environmental sensitivity poses stability challenges in food applications. In this study, CPE microcapsules were fabricated using corn peptide as the wall material, and the functional properties of spray-dried microcapsules (SDMCs) and freeze-dried microcapsules (FDMCs) were systematically characterized and compared. The results demonstrate that SDMCs exhibit superior characteristics compared to FDMCs, including reduced moisture content, lower hygroscopicity, enhanced solubility, smaller particle size, and a more uniform microstructure. Both FDMCs and SDMCs showed excellent thermal stability. The SDMCs of CPE encapsulated 93.45% of flavonoids, 90.35% of polyphenols, and 81.32% of sugars from the CPE, while also demonstrating exceptional retention of key terpene volatile compounds, particularly D-limonene (44.63%), γ-terpinene (45.18%), and β-myrcene (40.17%). In contrast, FDMCs exhibited stronger retention of alcohol-based volatile compounds. Furthermore, SDMCs displayed higher antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities, along with improved storage stability. In vitro digestion results reveal that SDMCs provide enhanced protection for CPE flavonoids and polyphenols, achieving bioaccessibility rates of 95.64% and 94.57%, respectively. These findings offer a theoretical basis for optimizing the drying processes in CPE microencapsulation, striking a balance between functional properties and flavor preservation for advanced food applications.https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/10/1825Chenpi extracts microcapsulesspray dryingfreeze dryingstructural characterizationproperties evaluation
spellingShingle Jiawei Zhao
Xueling Qin
Ying Liu
Qingyun He
Junwei Qin
Fei Shen
Zhenqiang Wu
Comparative Evaluation of Spray-Drying Versus Freeze-Drying Techniques on the Encapsulation Efficiency and Biofunctional Performance of Chenpi Extract Microcapsules
Foods
Chenpi extracts microcapsules
spray drying
freeze drying
structural characterization
properties evaluation
title Comparative Evaluation of Spray-Drying Versus Freeze-Drying Techniques on the Encapsulation Efficiency and Biofunctional Performance of Chenpi Extract Microcapsules
title_full Comparative Evaluation of Spray-Drying Versus Freeze-Drying Techniques on the Encapsulation Efficiency and Biofunctional Performance of Chenpi Extract Microcapsules
title_fullStr Comparative Evaluation of Spray-Drying Versus Freeze-Drying Techniques on the Encapsulation Efficiency and Biofunctional Performance of Chenpi Extract Microcapsules
title_full_unstemmed Comparative Evaluation of Spray-Drying Versus Freeze-Drying Techniques on the Encapsulation Efficiency and Biofunctional Performance of Chenpi Extract Microcapsules
title_short Comparative Evaluation of Spray-Drying Versus Freeze-Drying Techniques on the Encapsulation Efficiency and Biofunctional Performance of Chenpi Extract Microcapsules
title_sort comparative evaluation of spray drying versus freeze drying techniques on the encapsulation efficiency and biofunctional performance of chenpi extract microcapsules
topic Chenpi extracts microcapsules
spray drying
freeze drying
structural characterization
properties evaluation
url https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/10/1825
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