Using Modified Starch/Maltodextrin Microparticles for Enhancing the Shelf Life of Ascorbic Acid by the Spray‐Drying Method

Chayotextle (Sechiumedule Sw.) starch is modified by acid hydrolysis for 3 h (MChS‐3h) or 6 h (MChS‐6h) and blended with 50 or 25% gum Arabic (GA). MChS‐3h, MChS‐6h, MChs‐3h‐GA, MChS‐6h‐GA, and GA formulations are used for microencapsulation of ascorbic acid (AA) by the spray‐drying method. The particle size, surface AA%, AA% retention, AA stability, X‐ray diffraction, and morphology of the microcapsules are considered to characterize the different microcapsule formulations. The amylose content decreases with hydrolysis time. Microcapsules made with MChS‐6h and MChS‐6h‐GA (75:25) show reduced values of median diameter (D [v, 0.5]) compared with microcapsules made with MChS‐3h and MChS‐3h‐GA (75:25). The concentration of GA has a positive effect on the particle size of microcapsules, a characteristic that is also observed in microscopy images. The percentage of retained AA is slightly greater for microcapsules made with MChS‐6h and MChS‐6h‐GA. The surface AA% shows similar values for all of the microcapsule formulations. However, the stability of AA over 12 weeks of storage exhibits some differences among the examined microcapsule formulations. Microcapsules made with MChS‐3h and MChS‐3h‐GA show a lower percentage of AA loss than microcapsules made with MChS‐6h and MChS‐6h‐GA. X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that AA is dispersed at the molecular level in the MChS and GA matrices of microcapsules. These results indicate that hydrolysis time plays a central role in the retention percentage and stability of AA. Chayotextle starch modified by acid hydrolysis and blended with gum Arabic is a viable means for micro‐encapsulation of ascorbic acid, providing long‐term protection against storage conditions and acceptable release kinetics. The system finds potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, the use of starch from alternative botanical sources can promote the economy in developing regions.