Abstract
Microencapsulation of fermented noni juice (FNJ) into powder format could protect bioactive compounds, reduce the unpleasant odour and improve the acceptability for consumers. Blends of maltodextrin (MD) and gum acacia (GA) were used to achieve spray-drying microencapsulation of noni juice at different blending ratios. The physicochemical properties including microstructure, moisture content, water activity, particle size, bulk/tapped density, dissolution rate, ATR-FTIR and the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in powders during in vitro digestion were examined. Results showed that blends produced with more GA produced microcapsules with lower moisture content, water activity and bulk/tapped density, but slower powder dissolution. The ATR-FTIR results suggested that there were no significant chemical interactions between the core material and carrier or between the MD and GA in the blend powders. The spray-dried noni juice powder produced using the blends with higher ratio of GA to MD showed a better protection on the bioactive compounds, resulting in a higher bioaccessibility of powders during in vitro digestion. This study provides insights into microencapsulation of noni juice using blends of MD and GA and examines the physicochemical properties and bioaccessibilities of spray-dried powders as affected by the selected carriers.