Characterization of encapsulated γ-oryzanol powder by spray drying using whey protein and maltodextrin as wall materials.

Characterizations of encapsulated γ-oryzanol powder (EOP) using whey protein concentrate (WPC) and maltodextrin as wall materials were studied. Rice bran oil (RBO) with 2% γ-oryzanol was encapsulated using different concentrations of WPC (0.2-1.0%) combined with 10% of maltodextrin before spray drying. The physicochemical characteristics and reconstitution of EOP were investigated. The results found that different concentrations of WPC affected EOP characteristics. The EOP coated 1% WPC exhibited low moisture content and water activity (aw) containing high γ-oryzanol content and encapsulation efficiency. Morphology of EOP using SEM displayed spheroid shape with smooth and crack-free surface. However, EOP emulsion had relatively larger particle size and lower solubility index than the fresh emulsion after reconstitution, but a good creaming stability of reconstituted EOP was observed. Therefore, it can be concluded that using 1% WPC combined with 10% maltodextrin provided good performance of encapsulated RBO with 2% γ-oryzanol using spray drying. According to physicochemical characteristics, the EOP has good potential as a food ingredient for food industry and as an excipient for pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.