Optimization of Lycopene Microencapsulation by Spray Drying

The objectives of this work were to develop a new technique for lycopene microencapsulation by spray drying using dehumidified air as drying medium and to determine optimum operating conditions. A two-step optimization procedure was used. The encapsulation variables were selected in accordance with the PlackettBurman experimental design and were further optimized via response surface methodology. Maltodextrinwall material DE, ratio of core to wall material, feed temperature, inlet air temperature, drying air flow rate and compressed air flow rate were the variables selected for the optimization study. The statistical model was constructed using the Central Composite Design with three screened variables. A maximum encapsulation efficiency of 93.19% was achieved with a ratio of core to wall material 1/3.3, feed temperature 52C and inlet air temperature 147C.