The study aimed to microencapsulate jaboticaba byproduct extract by lyophilization, followed by the characterization, pH stability and food application of the prepared microcapsules. The products were visualized by scanning electron microscopy and the yield, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), and bioactive compounds (high‐performance liquid chromatography) were determined. The major compounds found (in all samples) were cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, acids ellagic and gallic, and quercetin. The EE% was 80.0% and yield 67.2%. The capsules presented smooth surfaces and varied morphologies, such as broken glass of irregular sizes. The extracts revealed brighter and lighter‐colored solutions in low pH buffers, while microencapsulation protected the monomeric anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, particularly at pH 6.5. At 4 °C, maria‐mole desserts produced with the extract, showed a higher color variation (ΔE) than the product prepared with the microcapsules. Thus, microencapsulation may be an alternative to maintain the stability of the jaboticaba extract, as a way to reuse the agroindustrial byproduct.
Practical applications
The nutritional and functional properties of a vast biodiversity of plants (and their byproducts) have not yet been fully studied. Jaboticaba byproduct has great potential for economic exploitation and could be a valuable source of natural antioxidants, however, more studies of this byproduct, are required. Moreover, protecting the antioxidants during the fruit extraction process and storage, can improve the utilization and application of bioactives in food products. In this study, the extraction and microencapsulation of jaboticaba byproduct were realized. The results showed microencapsulation may be a feasible alternative to maintain the stability of the jaboticaba extract and provide a way to reuse the agroindustrial byproduct, as an ingredient in the food and, potentially, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.