Production of carotenoid-rich powder pigments from residual sunflower petals: drying, extraction kinetics, carrier-dependent properties, and food system application

Rojas M.L.; Ramirez K.; Linares G. · Applied Food Research (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.afres.2026.102624

Resumen

This study evaluated carotenoid-rich powder pigment production from residual sunflower petals (Helianthus annuus var. Vincent's Choice), focusing on convective drying, extraction kinetics, carrier-dependent properties, and food applications. Petals dried at 40, 50, and 60 °C showed the highest carotenoid retention at 40 °C (843.64 mg β-carotene eq./100 g d.m.); drying at 60 °C reduced them by 20%. Conventional and ultrasound-assisted extraction yielded comparable final carotenoid recovery (795.566 ± 29.508 and 814.073 ± 50.410 mg β-carotene eq./100 g d.m.); however, ultrasound increased the initial extraction rate by 60.2%. The Peleg model adequately described both systems (R² ≥ 0.99). Carotenoid-rich powders were formulated with maltodextrin, arabic gum, and gelatin. Gelatin and arabic gum retained the highest carotenoid contents (19.623 ± 1.209 and 18.724 ± 0.920 mg β-carotene eq./100 g d.m.), maltodextrin and arabic gum showed high water solubility, and gelatin showed the best flow performance. The GAB model described moisture adsorption satisfactorily (R² ≥ 0.971). Instrumental color confirmed carrier-dependent hue differences among the powders and a perceptible color change (ΔE = 8.10–9.95 in yogurt; ΔE = 18.57 in marshmallow) relative to unpigmented controls. Drying temperature, extraction strategy, and carrier selection are key factors for developing sunflower petal-derived carotenoid powder pigments.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Trujillo; Universidad Privada del Norte