Optimization of spray drying process parameters of Piper betle L. (Sirih) leaves extract coated with maltodextrin

Piper betle L., more commonly known as betel or local name of Sirih, belongs to the family Piperaceae. Previous researches had shown that the leaves of P. betle possess tremendous beneficial effects including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, wound healing and gastro-protective properties. This is due to the present of the two bioactive component; propenylphenols; which is the Hydroxychavicol and Eugenol. In this study, betel leaves extract was dried by spray drying for easy handling and the preservation of bioactive compounds. The process parameters of spray drying were inlet hot air temperature, pump flow rate and aspirator rate. Maltodextrin acted as carrier in the spray drying process. The properties of dried powder were investigated in terms of bioactive compound, hydroxychavicol (HC) content, particle size distribution, moisture content, powder yield and hygroscopicity. The experimental run and optimization work were designed using Box-Behnken method of Response Surface Methodology. The optimum operation conditions for the highest HC content with the lowest moisture content; the smallest particle size; highest powder yield and lowest hygroscopicity were obtained at inlet drying temperature of 159.52 °C; feed flow rate of 10.5 ml/min and aspirator rate of 98.33 %. The optimal properties of spray-dried powder obtained from this study were 229.29 ppm of hydroxychavicol, 5.48 μm in size; 6.99% in moisture content; 10.53 g of powder yield and 28.88% of hygroscopicity.