Technical feasibility of producing spray-dried Bacuri ( <i>Platonia insignis</i> Mart.) pulp powder: A strategy for value addition and industrial application of an Amazonian matrix

Abstract Bacuri (Platonia insignis Mart.) is a bioactive-rich Amazonian fruit that faces significant industrial barriers due to its high perishability and logistical constraints, limiting its distribution beyond Northern Brazil. This study evaluated the technical feasibility of producing spray-dried bacuri pulp powder as a strategy for value addition and market expansion. A 23 factorial design was employed to assess the effects of inlet air temperature (120–160 °C), carrier type (maltodextrins), and concentration (10–20%) on powder yield, physicochemical stability, and bioactive retention. Unlike previous studies that rely on high carrier loads, this work achieved competitive results using reduced maltodextrin concentrations (15%), resulting in a high-pulp powder (~82% fruit solids on a dry basis) with preserved antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP) and phenolic content. A representative processing condition (140 °C, 15% Amisol® 4,800) was identified, balancing powder yield (67.3%) and functional quality. Although challenges related to flowability and hygroscopicity remain, the process proved technically feasible for producing a functional ingredient with potential for large-scale application. These findings support the development of the Amazonian fruit value chain, indicating that spray drying can effectively overcome logistical bottlenecks. Future research should explore alternative carrier agents to further optimize the physical properties of this promising product.