Blackberry pomace microspheres: An approach on anthocyanin degradation

Blackberry pomace is a rich source of antioxidant compounds, including anthocyanins, but these compounds degrade easily in the presence of high temperatures. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of temperature on anthocyanin degradation in spray-dried blackberry pomace extract. Maltodextrin was used as a drying aid agent in a spray drying process to produce microspheres. The experiment was set up at Maringa-PR, Brazil (23 degrees 25' 31" S, 51 degrees 56' 19' W, 596 m altitude). The thermal stability of anthocyanins was evaluated in the presence and absence of copigments at different temperatures ranging from 70 degrees C to 100 degrees C using degradation kinetics. The role of maltodextrin in protecting anthocyanins during the spray drying process was studied at high temperatures. The highest anthocyanin stability was found at 70 degrees C. We also studied the effect of copigment phytic acid on the stability of anthocyanin and found that the copigment plays an important role in anthocyanin protection at high temperatures. The spray drying process with maltodextrin is a feasible technique for the preservation of food products and can improve anthocyanin's thermal stability. The reuse of industrial wastes, such as blackberry pomace along with preservation techniques, can be a good strategy to reduce their negative impact on the environment.