Spray drying showcases viable process for flavonoid microencapsulation

Mohamad Shazeli Che Zain
Apr 20
2 min read

Proudly present to you our another publication from #PhytoRG. We are excited to announce that we have successfully disseminated this significant research output in the esteemed Journal of Food Process Engineering. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team members, whose contributions, insights, and unwavering support have been invaluable throughout this project. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each member of our team, and a special shout-out goes to Chan Wen Shan, Teoh Khe Xin and Natalie Leong for your amazing collaborative research work. Your collective efforts have not only enriched this study but have also underscored our commitment to producing high-impact research in the vital field of herbal medicine, which continues to gain traction in both academic and commercial spheres.

This paper is a comprehensive review that focuses on the application of spray drying technology in the microencapsulation of antioxidant bioflavonoids, a process that is increasingly recognized for its cost-effectiveness and suitability for large-scale commercial nutraceutical production. Despite the promising advantages, our research highlights that challenges persist, particularly regarding powder instability, which often arises from material compatibility issues and suboptimal operating conditions during the spray drying process. To address these challenges, we conducted an extensive bibliometric analysis covering the period from 2013 to 2023, which explored the dynamics of this research domain. The analysis revealed a burgeoning global interest in this area, with notable contributions emerging from countries such as China, India, and Brazil, indicating a strong international focus on enhancing nutraceutical formulations.

Furthermore, our keyword analysis illuminated several prevalent themes within the literature, including response surface methodology and process optimization, which are critical for improving the efficiency of spray drying techniques. A significant finding of our research is the frequent use of maltodextrin as a wall material in encapsulation processes, which is preferred due to its favorable properties that enhance the stability and bioavailability of encapsulated compounds. We delved deeply into critical parameters that influence the success of spray drying, such as the selection of wall materials, the compound-to-wall ratio, and the optimization of operational conditions, including flow rate and inlet temperature. These insights are essential as they drive advancements in spray drying technology, enabling the production of high-quality nutraceutical ingredients that are not only effective but also commercially viable.

This research underscores the paramount significance of optimizing spray drying processes to enhance both the efficacy and shelf life of bioflavonoid-based nutraceuticals. By addressing stability concerns and refining production techniques, we aim to contribute to the development of nutraceuticals that can meet the growing consumer demand for health-promoting products derived from natural sources. Our findings are intended to serve as a valuable resource for researchers and industry professionals alike, paving the way for further innovations in the field of herbal medicine and nutraceutical production.

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#phytochemistry #highimpactresearch #spraydryingtechnology #activeingredient #nutraceutical #herbalmedicine #publication