Microencapsulation of anthocyanins from Hibiscus sabdariffa and the association of stability and phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities

Objective: To design an extraction, characterization, and microencapsulation process for two Hibiscus (Sudan and Tecoanapa) cultivars. Design/Methodology/Approach: The plant material was collected. The samples were first crushed and then optimized with water and alcohol. Afterwards, the extract obtained in this process was microencapsulated. Anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity were evaluated, before and after the treatment. Finally, the efficiency of the preserved extract was determined. Results: The Sudan cultivar recorded a higher anthocyanin content (1,319.8 mg 100 g-1) than Tecoanapa (557.2 mg 100 g-1). Maltodextrin was the best microencapsulation process for the extracted and encapsulated matrix of Sudan. The matrix had phenols and anthocyanins. The size of the particles recorded a 11.50 ± 0.5 µm diameter. In addition, microencapsulation efficiency reached 85% ± 5%. Study Limitations/Implications: The preservation of extracted matrices can be profitable, because it keeps the color and health benefits of the flower; however, the equipment required for the microencapsulation process is very expensive. Findings/Conclusions: Maltodextrin was the best resin for this procedure, recording a higher percentage of matrix preservation than phenols and anthocyanins.