Effect of Foam Mat Drying on Extraction of Anthocyanins from <i>Syzygium cumini</i> (Jamun)

Abstract This study was conducted to analyze the effect of foam mat drying (FD) technology on the anthocyanin extraction from Syzygium cumini (Jamun) pulp. Jamun pulp was foamed using a hand mixer with the incorporation of egg albumin and methylcellulose. The drying process involved three different techniques: hot air foam drying, vacuum foam drying, and microwave foam drying. Microwave foam drying was selected as the preferred method based on the recovery of anthocyanin, with drying power options of 180, 360, and 540 W. For hot air foam drying and vacuum foam drying, temperatures of 50 °C, 70 °C, and 100 °C were employed. It was found that microwave drying with 180 W had maximum anthocyanin recovery, whereas vacuum and hot air drying showed lesser anthocyanin content. The anthocyanin content obtained at this power level was determined to be 491.42 ± 6.97 mg/100 g, indicating a significant increase compared to the initial content. Using lower power levels in microwave FD has proven advantageous by preventing the degradation of anthocyanins due to decreased exposure to heat. Subsequently, various analyses were conducted from the extracts obtained from microwave power 180 W, which included total phenolic content (TPC), 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and antimicrobial assay. Lower values of TPC were found because of the breakdown of bioactive compounds due to higher power levels. An increased quantity of % DPPH activity was observed. The extract exhibited notable antibacterial efficacy, although no significant antifungal impact was detected. These characterizations offer valuable information about the composition and potential uses of the anthocyanin extract obtained through microwave FD at 180 W power.