Spray-drying microencapsulation of black quinoa bioactive extracts: process optimization and physicochemical properties for functional ingredient applications

Choque Rivera T.J.; Ore Areche F.; Gutierrez Zegarra Rivera L.E.; Huaraccallo Huacasi Rivera C.D.; Salinas del Carpio A.A.; Luque Vilca O.M.; Quille-Quille L.; Hanco Cervantes C.R.; Hilasaca Zea C.Y.; Mamani Perales L.D.; Rivera Suaña J.A.; Ito Diaz R.R.; Malpartida Yapias R.J.; De los Ríos-Escalante P.R. · International Journal of Food Science and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.1093/ijfood/vvaf216

Resumen

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties, stability, and microencapsulation performance of hydroalcoholic extracts from Black Quinua Collana. The extracts exhibited low moisture and water activity, with high levels of soluble solids and bioactive compounds. Response surface analysis showed that temperature and pH strongly influenced stability, with optimal retention at 40 °C and pH 4.5. Betacyanins were highly pH-sensitive, whereas betaxanthins remained comparatively stable. Phenolic compounds responded differently to stress, with gallic acid showing the greatest thermal and pH degradation, while catechin remained largely unaffected. The optimized encapsulation matrix (3% gelatin:7% maltodextrin) and spray-drying at 160 °C produced >90% encapsulation efficiency and spherical microcapsules (~8.7 µm) with strong structural integrity. EDX analysis confirmed a polysaccharide–protein wall composition rich in carbon and oxygen. Colorimetry indicated better pigment retention at moderate temperatures. Overall, controlled extraction and microencapsulation significantly enhanced the stability and functional potential of quinoa-derived bioactives for nutraceutical applications. © The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Institute of Food Science and Technology. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica; Universidad Nacional de Juliaca