Characteristics of microencapsulated β-carotene formed by spray drying with modified tapioca starch, native tapioca starch and maltodextrin

Acid-modified tapioca starch, native tapioca starch, and maltodextrin were tested for their ability to serve as wall materials for encapsulating beta-carotene. The modified tapioca starch had wider particle size distribution, toward the smaller diameters, as compared to its native starch and maltodextrin. Moisture content and water activity of microcapsules were found to be dependent on type of wall materials. There were differences in total beta-carotene and surface beta-carotene contents among samples. The total beta-carotene was highest for modified tapioca starch while it was lowest for maltodextrin. The surface beta-carotene was lowest for modified tapioca starch while it was highest for native tapioca starch. The modified tapioca starch was more effective than its native starch in beta-carotene retention. Results obtained suggest that the modified tapioca starch can be considered as potential wall material for encapsulation of beta-carotene. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.