The influence of gum arabic, modified starches (EMCAP® and SNOW-FLAKE® [SN]) and their combination (1:1) as wall materials in microencapsulation of paprika oleoresin (PO) by emulsification followed by spray drying and the stability of color and total carotenoids during particle storage were examined. Emulsions containing 20.5% (w/w) total solids were characterized by droplet size, droplet size distribution, and turbiscan stability index (TSI). Microparticles were evaluated with respect to physicochemical and morphology properties, and their carotenoids stability for 45 days at 25 and 35 °C. Small droplet size and TSI< 3% after 2 h of preparation for all emulsions were observed. Microparticles presented irregular surfaces with cavity formation and bimodal distribution with volume diameters ranging from 9.2 to 31.3 μm. Powders had low values of a_w and moisture, high solubility, and good encapsulation efficiency (> 90%). Color and carotenoids stability data showed the greatest protection was offered by SN as a wall material at 25 and 35 °C in relation to other wall materials and values found for free oleoresin. These results suggest the use of these microparticles as coloring agents in the foodstuff applications.

Essential oils (EOs) are volatile compounds that may have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Despite their potential application, low water solubili

Postharvest fungal diseases caused by Colletotrichum, Rhizopus, and Penicillium are major concerns, driving the search for sustainable antimicrobial alternatives to enhance food shelf life. This study examines the chemical composition of essential oils (EO) from Origanum vulgare, Syzygium aromaticum, Cymbopogon citratus, Cymbopogon martinii, Mentha piperita, and Mentha spicata, evaluating their in vitro effectiveness against Colletotrichum sp., Rhizopus stolonifer, and Penicillium expansum. Different EO concentrations were tested via volatile exposure and direct contact to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each fungus. The results indicate that there is no universal strategy for prevention and control, as the effectiveness of EO depends directly on the fungal species. Colletotrichum sp. and R. stolonifer were more susceptible to volatiles from O. vulgare (200 μL/L_air) and M. piperita (180 μL/L_air), respectively, whereas P. expansum was more sensitive to direct contact with O. vulgare (250 μL/L_medium). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that O. vulgare, rich in phenolic terpenes, and C. citratus, rich in aldehydic monoterpenes, induced hyphal breakage and twisting at varying intensities in these three common postharvest fungi. The results highlight the potential of EO via volatile exposure and direct contact as a promising alternative for postharvest fungal control.