Identification of the macrokinetic limiting stage of the oxidation rate of encapsulated green tea catechins

Abstract Green tea catechins are efficient absorbers of reactive oxygen species in vitro and can also act as in vivo antioxidants. However, low bioavailability and degradation of catechins during storage and digestion are the key limitations for their use, thus being a hindrance for getting the maximum benefit for one's health. To a certain extent, this problem can be solved using encapsulation. This paper focuses on stability of maltodextrin-encapsulated green tea catechins subjected to thermal treatment in air. A positive effect of encapsulation on the stability of green tea catechins during thermal treatment was shown. Catechi stabilisation is shown to occur due to catechin–polysaccharide interaction; diffusion hindrance has almost no effect on stability of the resulting particles.